yr 



HISTORY 



OF 



RANDOLPH ^^^ MACON COUNTIES, 



MISSOURI 



WRITTEN AND COMPILED 



FROM THE MOST AUTHENTIC OFFICIAL AND PRIVATE SOURCES, 



INCLUDING A HISTORY OF THKIR 



TOWNSHIPS, TOWNS AND VILLAGES, 



TOGETHER WITH 



A CONDENSED HISTORY OF MISSOURI; A RELIABLE AND DETAILED HISTORY OF 

RANDOLPH AND MACON COUNTIES — THEIR PIONEER RECORD, RESOURCES, 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF PROMINENT CITIZENS ; GENERAL 

AND LOCAL STATISTICS OF GREAT VALUE; 

INCIDENTS AND REMINISCENCES. 



ILLUSTRATED. 



ST. LOUIS: 
NATIONAL HISTORICAL COMPANY. 

1884. 




^7 2. 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1S&4, by 

O. P. WILLIAMS & CO., 
In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 






St. Louis Mo.: 
Press of Nixon -Jones Printing Co. 



St. Louis, Mo. : 
Becktold cf Co., Book-binders- 



CD 






PREFACE. 



The History of Randolph and Macon Counties, Missouri, has been 
written, in many respects, under trying circumstances. The publishers 
were somewhat embarrassed from lack of material, but not so much 
as overwhelmed by a superabundance of conflicting accounts of deeds 
done and events transpired. 

Such defects as may be apparent in the work as presented, can, to 
some extent, be attributed to lack of material, but not to any want of 
courtesy on the part of the public officials or private citizens, on whom 
the exigencies of the work forced the compilers to intrude, in their 
efforts to obtain desired information. 

In the history of these counties the greatest attention has been given 
to that dim, traditionary period, the record of which is fragmentary, 
and which, therefore, requires our efforts to preserve from that decay 
which follows all events inscribed only in the recollection of men. 

The records of the later history as counties, have been too fully and 
voluminously kept to run the risk of oblivion, and their elaboration is 
left to some future historian. Our aim has been to make this a relia- 
ble, accurate history of these two counties. We cannot say that the 
book is without errors, for, were such the case, it would be beyond the 
merits of any book written. 

To the kindly care of the reader who seeks the truth, this work is 
given with the full faith that he will defend it in full accord with its 
merits against the attacks of all who would prostitute the truth of 
history to the ephemeral uses of individual interest or prejudice. 

To name all to whom we are indebted for valuable information ren- 
dered in the compilation of this history, would be an undertaking of 
too great a magnitude. We are under obligations to the county officials 
(iii) 



♦*.-! 



IV PREFACE . 

of both counties, and especially indebted to the Huntsville Herald^ 
the Moberly Monitor, and the Headlight. The Times^ the True Dem- 
ocrat and Republican, of Macon, and the Home Press, of La Plata. 
Much help has been given by many of the public citizens of each 
county, and, in fact, by every one who has had an interest in the two 
counties. Thanking the citizens generally of Randolph and Macon 
counties for the courtesy and kindness shown to us and our representa- 
tives while in their midst, we submit this volume to their generous 
consideration, believing that whatever of credit is due us, will be ac- 
corded . 

The Publishers. 




CONTENTS. 



HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 



CHAPTER I. 

LOUISIANA PURCHASE. 
Brief Historical Sketch 1-7 

CHAPTER H. 

DESCRIPTIVE AND GEOGRAPHICAL. 

Name — Extent — Surface — Rivers — Timber — Climate — Prairies — Soils — Popula- 
tion by Counties 7-13 

CHAPTER III. 

GEOLOGY OF MISSOURI. 

Classification of Rocks — Quatenary Formation — Tertiary — Cretaceous — Carbonifer- 
ous — Devonian — Silurian — Azoic — Economic Geology — Coal — Iron — Lead — 
Copper — Zinc — Building Stone — Marble — Gypsum — Lime — Clays — Paints — 
Springs — Water Power 13-21 

CHAPTER IV. 

TITLE AND EARLY SETTLEMENTS. 

Title to Missouri Lands — Right of Discovery — Title of France and Spain^^ Cession 
to the United States — Territorial Changes — Treaties with Indians — First Settle- 
ment — Ste. Genevieve and New Bourbon — St. Louis — When Incorporated — 
Potosi — St. Charles — Portage des Sioux — New Madrid — St. Francois County — 
Perry — Mississippi — Loutre Island — "Boone's Lick" — Cote Sans Dessein — 
Howard County — Some First Things — Counties — When Organized . 21-27 

CHAPTER V. 

TERRITORIAL ORGANIZATION. 

Organization 1812 — Council — House of Representatives — William Clark First Terri- 
torial Governor — Edward Hempstead First Delegate — Spanish Grants — First 
General Assembly — Proceedings — Second Assembly — Proceedings — Population 
of Territory — Vote of Territory — Rufus Easton — Absent Members — Third 
Assembly — Proceedings — Application for Admission .... 27-31 

(V) 



VI CONTEiNTS. 

CHAPTER VI. 

Application of Missouri to be Admitted into the Union — Agitation of the Slavery 
Question — " Missouri Compromise " — Constitutional Convention of 1820 — Con- 
stitution Presented to Congress — Further resistance to Admission — Mr. Clay and 
his Committee make Report — Second Compromise — Missouri Admitted 31-37 

CHAPTER VH. 

MISSOURI AS A STATE. 

First Election for Governor and other State Officers — Senators and Representatives to 
General Assembly — Sheriffs and Coroners — U. S. Senators — Representatives in 
Congress — Supreme Court Judges — Counties Organized — Capital Moved to St. 
Charles — Official Record of Territorial and State Officers . . . 37-43 

CHAPTER VIH. 

CIVIL WAR IN MISSOURI. 

Fort Sumpter Fired upon — Call for 75,000 Men — Gov. Jackson Refuses to Furnish a 
Man — U. S. Arsenal at Liberty, Mo., seized — Proclamation of Gov. Jackson — 
General Order No. 7 — Legislature Convenes — Camp Jackson Organized — Sterling 
Price Appointed Major-General — Frost's Letter to Lyon — Lyon's Letter to Frost — 
Surrender of Camp Jackson — Proclamation of Gen. Harney — Conference between 
Price and Harney — Harney Superseded by Lyon — Second Conference — Gov. 
Jackson Burns the Bridges behind Him — Proclamation of Gov. Jackson — Gen. 
Blair Takes Possession of Jefferson City — Proclamation of Lyon — Lyon at 
Springfield — State Offices Declared Vacant — Gen. Fremont Assumes Command — 
Proclamation of Lieut. -Gov. Reynolds — Proclamation of Jeff. Thompson and Gov. 
Jackson — Death of Gen. Lyon — Succeeded by Sturgis — Pi'oclamation of McCul- 
loch and Gamble — Martial Law Declared — Second Proclamation of Jeff. Thomp- 
son — President Modifies Fremont's Order — Fremont Relieved by Hunter — Pro- 
clamation of Price — Hunter's Order of Assessment — Hunter Declares Martial 
Law — Order Relating to Newspapers — Halleck Succeeds Hunter — Halleck's 
Order 18 — Similar Order by Halleck — Boone County Standard Confiscated — 
Execution of Prisoners at Macon and Palmyra — Gen. Ewing's Order No. 11 — 
Gen. Rosecrans Takes Command — Massacre at Centralia — Death of Bill Ander- 
son — Gen. Dodge Succeeds Gen. Rosecrans — List of Battles . . 43-53 

CHAPTER IX. 

EARLY MILITARY RECORD. 
Black Hawk War — Mormon Difficulties — Florida War — Mexican War . 53-59 

CHAPTER X. 

AGRICULTURE AND MATERIAL WEALTH. 

Missouri as an Agricultural State — The Different Crops — Live Stock — Horses — 
Mules — Milch Cows — Oxen and Other Cattle — Sheep — Hogs — Comparisons — 
Missouri Adapted to Live Stock — Cotton — Broom Corn and Other Products — 
Fruits — Berries — Grapes — Railroads — First Neigh of the " Iron Horse " in Mis- 
souri — Names of Railroads — Manufactures — Great Bridge at St. Louis . 59-65 



CONTENTS. "^^^ 

CHAPTER XI. 

EDUCATION. 
Public School System -Public School System of Missouri -Lincoln Institute -Offi- 
cers of Public School System - Certificates of Teachers - University of Missouri - 
Schools - Colleges - Institutions of Learning - Location - Libraries - News- 
papers and Periodicals -No. of School Children - Amount Expended- Value of 
Grounds and Buildings — " The Press " 

CHAPTER XH. 

KELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS. 
Baptist Church -Its History - Congregational - When Founded -Its History - 
Christian Church - Its History - Cumberland Presbyterian Church - Its History - 
Methodist Episcopal Church - Its History - Presbyterian Church - Its History - 
Protestant Episcopal Church -Its History -United Presbyterian Church- Its 
History -Unitarian Church -Its History- Roman Catholic Church -Ks 
History 

CHAPTER XIH. 

FAD MINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR CRITTENDEN 
Nomination and Election of Thomas T. Crittenden- Personal Mention - Marmaduke's 
Candidacy — Stirring events — Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad — Death of Jesse 
James — The Eords— Pardon of the Gamblers . • . . • 79-85 



HISTORY OF KANDOLPH COUNTY, MISSOURI. 



CHAPTER I. 



Introductory -What time has done -Importance of Early Beginnings -First Set- 
tlements made in the Timber- Who the First Settlers were- Additional Names 
of Old Settlers -Postal and Mill Facilities -County Organized and Named-The 
Name — John Randolph 

CHAPTER II. 

PIONEER LIFE. 
The Pioneer's Peculiarities- Conveniences and Inconveniences -The Historical 
Lo- Cabin -Agricultural Implements - Household Furniture -Pioneer Corn- 
bre"ad-Hand Mills and Hominy Blocks -Going to Mill -Trading Points- 
Bee Trees— Shooting Matches and Quilting 100 112 



VIU CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER III. 

EAKLY RECORDS. 

First County Court — Its Proceedings — First Circuit Court — Early Marriages — 
First Recorded Will — Remarkable Deed — Public Buildings — First Court-House — 
Second-Court House — Third Court-House — County Seat Question — Jails — 
County Poor Farm — Blanderrain Smith 112-125 

CHAPTER IV. 

TOWNSHIP SYSTEM AND GOVERNMENT SURVEYS. 

Original and Present Townships — County and Township Systems — Government 
Surveys — Organization of Townships — Physical Features . . . 125-135 

CHAPTER V. 

CAIRO AND CLIFTON TOWNSHIPS. 

Cairo Township — Old Settlers — Cairo — Its History — Secret Orders — Business 
Directory — Clifton Township — Stock Report for 1880 — Early Settlers — A Few 
of their Trials — Mills — Churches — Clifton Hill — Secret Orders— Business 
Directory 135-143 

CHAPTER VI. 

CHARITON TOWNSHIP. 

Its Location — Its Agricultural Adaptability — Population — Darksville — Thomas 
Hill — Rolling Home — Old Settlers 143-152 

CHAPTER VII. 

JACKSON AND MONITEAU TOWNSHIPS. 

Jackson Township — Early Settlers — Jacksonville — Its early History — Business 
Directory — Secret Orders — Moniteau Township — Early Settlers — Mills — 
Schools — Farms and Stock — Higbee — Secret Orders — Business Directory — 
Stock Report for 1880 152-160 

CHAPTER VIII. 

PRAIRIE, SALT RIVER AND UNION TOWNSHIPS. 

Prairie Township — Old Settlers — Durett Bruce — Mill — Elliott — Shafton — Clark's 
Switch — Renick — Its History — Secret Orders — Business Directory — Stock Re- 
port for 1880 — First House Erected in Renick — Salt River Township — Physical 
Features — Early Settlers — Levick's Mill — Union Township — First Settlers — 
Milton 160-169 

CHAPTER IX. 

SILVER CREEK TOWNSHIP. 
History of the Township — Its Soil — Water Courses — Timber — Schools — Churches 
— Mt. Airy — Old Settlers — Crops 169-176 



CONTENTS. IX 

CHAPTER X. 

SUGAR CREEK TOWNSHIP. 
Its History — Earliest Settlers — Agriculture — Streams — Yield of Products — His- 
tory of Moberly — First Elections — Mayors and Present City Offlcers — Our 
Railroads — Machine Shops — Coal Mines — Grist Mills — Agricultural Imple- 
ments — Furniture — Foundries and Machine Shops — Cotton and Woolen Mills — 
Wagon and Carriage Factories — Tobacco and Cigars — Creamery — Potters 
Ware — Gas — Newspapers — Water and Water Works — Building and Loan Asso- 
ciations — Agricultural Society — Rake and Stacker Factory — Scroll and Fancy 
Work — Soda Bottling — Bricks — Minor Manufactories — Real Estate Agencies — 
Commercial — Schools — Churches — Hotels — Improvements — The Profes- 
sions — Miscellaneous — Banks — Membei's of the Board of Trade — Secret 
Orders — Court of Common Pleas 176-208 

CHAPTER XI. 

SALT SPRING TOWNSHIP. 

Its History — Salt Spring — Water — Coal — Agriculture — Industries — Old Settlers — 
Death of Dr. William Fort — Huntsville — Its History — Pioneer Business Men — 
Race Track — What Alphonso Whetmore said of Huntsville in 1837 — Huntsville 
in Other Days — Improvements — Destructive Fire- — Subscription to Yellow 
Fever Sufferers — Banks and Bankers — Statement — Secret Orders — Building 
and Loan Association — Pioneer Church and Sunday School — Semple's Opera 
House — Huntsville Brass Band — Home Dramatic Company — Huntsville Flem- 
ing Rake and Stacker Manufactory — Town Incorporated — First Mayor — Pres- 
ent Mayor and Councilmen — Public Schools — Mount Pleasant College — Female 
College — Agricultural Fair — Business and Professions . . . 208-232 

^ CHAPTER XII. 

EARLY BENCH AND BAR. 

Introductory Remarks — Judge David Todd — Judge John F. Ryland — Hon Joseph 
Davis — Gov. Thomas Reynolds — Gen. Robert Wilson — Gen. John B. Clark, Sr.— 
Robert W. Wells 232-239 

CHAPTER XIII. 

CRIMES, SUICIDES, INCIDENTS. 

First and Second Executions which occurred in the County under Sentence of Law — 
Melancholy Affair — A Man Shot and Killed near Moberly — The Murder — Peter 
Casper — Woman Shot and Man Hung — Railroad Collision — The last of Corlew, 
the Ravisher — James Hayden Brown Pays the Penalty of his Crime — Brown's 
Wife Commits Suicide — Murder most Foul — Distressing Fatal Accident — James 
A. Wright Commits Suicide 239-270 

CHAPTER XIV. 

War of 1812 — Indian War of 1832 — California Emigrants — Mexican War — Address 
of W. R. Samuel— The Civil War of 1861 — Officers Commanding Companies — 
Non-combatants Killed in the County 270-281 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER XV. 



Railroads 



281-342 



CHAPTER XVI. 

THE PRESS AND PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 

History of Printing and first Newspapers — Huntsville Becorder — Independent Mis- 
soiirian — Advertisements and Professional Men of that Day — Randolph Citizen — 
Randolph American — Randolph Vindicator — North Missouri Herald — Huntsville 
Herald — Higbee Enterprise — Moberly Herald and Seal Estate Index — The Moni- 
tor — Moberly Daily Enterprise — Enterprise-Monitor — The Headlight — The Chi'on- 
ic?e — The Moberly i^oresc/in« — Public Schools 342-350 



CHAPTER XVn. 



Ecclesiastical History 



350-360 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

Death of Jas. A. Garfield — Death of C. Wisdom — Death of Capt. Lowry — Death 
of Capt. Coates — Judge Thomas P. White — Sudden Death of Dr. J. C. Oliver — 
Death of an Old and Estimable Lady — Tornado — Tornado of 1831 —Randolph 
MedicalSprings — Official Record — Politics — Taxable Wealth. . . 360-381 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 



Sugar Creek Township 
Salt Spring Township 
Prairie Township 
Silver Creek Township 
Union Township 
Clifton Township 
Chariton Township . 
Cairo Township 
Moniteau Township . 
Salt River Township 
Jackson Township 



381-438 
438-536 
536-577 
577-606 
606-616 
616-629 
629-642 
642-669 
669-685 
685-691 
691-699 



CONTENTS. XI 



HISTORY OF MAC0:N^ COUNTY, MISSOURI. 



CHAPTEE I. 

The Pioneer — First Settlements — Names of Early Settlers — Organization of the 
County — Nathaniel Macon. 701-713 

CHAPTER II. 

PIONEER LIFE. 

"Times change and We change with Time " — The Customs of Early Days — The Man- 
ner of Building — Furniture, etc. — Pioneer Women — Their Dress — Table Sup- 
plies—Cloth, How Made — House-raisings — Log-rollings — Corn Shuckings — 
Dances — Shooting Matches — Settlement of Disputes — Pioneer Mills 713-723 

CHAPTER HI. 

EARLY RECORDS. 

County Court — Circuit Court — First Grand Jury — First Civil Case — First Indict- 
ment — Number of Civil and Criminal Cases Compared — Oliver Perry Magee 
Trial — First Deed Recorded — Early Marriages — Court-Houses — Jails — County 
Poor Farm 723-734 

CHAPTER IV. 

HISTORY OF THE TOWNSHIPS. 

Morrow Township — Chariton Township — Narrows Township — Middle Fork Town- 
ship 734-752 

CHAPTER V. 

Lingo Township — Callao Township — Bevier Township — Round Grove Town- 
ship 752-762 

CHAPTER VI. 

HUDSON TOWNSHIP. 

Its Location — Water Courses and Railroads — Early Settlers — Macon — Macon City 
the Original Town — The Town of Hudson — Early Business Men — Additions to 
Macon — City Officials — City Indebtedness — Banks and Bankers — Moot Legis- 
lature — Secret Orders — Band of Hope — Macon Fire Company No. 1 — Macon 
County Medical Society — Strong's Cornet Band — Macon Foundry and Machine 
Works — The Massey Wagon Company — Public School — School Boards — St. 
James' Academy — Johnson College — Hotels — Macon Association for the Distri- 
bution of Real Estate — Macon Elevator Company — The Macon Creamery — 
Wright's Opera House — The Old Harris House — Improvements in 1883 — Business 
Directory 762-783 



Xll CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER VII. 

Teu Mile Township — Eagle Township — Liberty Township — Valley Township — 
Russell Township • . . . . 783-801 

CHAPTER Vni. 

Jackson Township —Lyda Township — Independence Township — Walnut Creek 
Township — White Township 801-809 

CHAPTER IX. 

Johnston Township — La Plata Township — Richland Township — Easley Township — 
Drake Township 809-823 

CHAPTER X. 

EARLY BENCH AND BAR — CRIMES AND INCIDENTS. 

Thomas Reynolds — Robert T. Pruitt — William H. Davis — Alexander L. Slayback — 
John V.Turner — James M. Gordon — J. R. Abernathy — Amusing Incidents — 
Suing a Bull — Drinkard Case — Harris Case — Keller Case — Walter Tracy Shot 
and Killed by Charles Stewart 823-843 

CHAPTER XI. 

Newspapers, Public Schools and Post-offlces 843-850 

CHAPTER XII. 

DIFFERENT WARS. 

Mormon Diflficulty — Mexican War — California Emigrants — The Civil War of 1861 — 
Resolutions — Extracts from the Macon Legion — Companies and Captains — Occu- 
pation of Macon City by Union Troops — Military Execution at Macon — Confeder- 
ate Soldiers Review of Macon County Men — Confederate OflScers Hanged 850-866 

CHAPTER XIII. 

Reunions 866-873 

CHAPTER XIV. 

RAILROADS AND BONDED DEBT. 

Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad — North Missouri Road — Alexander and Bloom- 
ington Road — Mississippi and Missouri Road — St. Louis, Macon and Omaha Air 
Line Road — M. and M. Bonds — Bonded Debt of Macon County . 873-887 

CHAPTER XV. 

Cyclone and Hurricane 887-897 



CONTENTS, 



Xlll 



CHAPTER XVI. 

Agricultural Societies — Granges — Coal and Fruit Interests — Official Record. 897-903 

CHAPTER XVH. 

Ecclesiastical History 903-920 

CHAPTER XVHI. 



Macon County of 1884 



920-938 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 



La Plata Township . 
Lingo Township 
Independence Township 
Round Grove Township 
Narrows Township . 
Jackson Township 
Middle Fork Township 
Richland Township . 
Johnston Township . 
Eagle Township 
Lyda Township . 
Valley Township 
Morrow Township 
Bevier Township 
Callao Township 
Chariton Township . 
Russell Township 
Ten Mile Township . 
Liberty Township 
Hudson Township 



938-989 
989-1005 
1005-1006 
1006-1009 
1009-1016 
1016-1021 
1021-1025 
1025-1031 
1031-1041 
1041-1057 
1057-1080 
1080-1085 
1085-1089 
1089-1099 
1099-1108 
1108-1115 
1115-1117 
1117-1133 
1133-1141 
1141-1223 




HISTORY OP MISSOURI. 



CHAPTEK I. 

LOUISIANA PURCHASE. 

BRIEF HISTOKICAL SKETCH. 



The purchase in 1803 of the vast territory west of the Mississippi 
River, by the United States, extending through Oregon to the Pacific 
coast and south to the Dominions of Mexico, constitutes the most im- 
portant event that ever occurred in the history of the nation. 

It gave to our Republic additional room for that expansion and 
stupendous growth, to which it has since attained, in all that makes it 
strong and enduring, and forms the seat of an empire, from which 
will radiate an influence for good unequaled in the annals of time. In 
1763, the immense region of country, known at that time as Louisiana, 
was ceded to Spain by France. By a secret article, in the treaty of 
St. Ildefonso, concluded in 1800, Spain ceded it back to France. 
Napoleon, at that time, coveted the island of St. Dominaro, not onlv 
because of the value of its products, but more especially because its 
location in the Gulf of Mexico would, in a military point of view, 
afibrd him a fine field whence he could the more effectively guard his 
newly-acquired possessions. Hence he desired this cession by Spain 
should be kept a profound secret until he succeeded in reducing St. 
Domingo to submission. In this undertaking, however, his hopes 
were blasted, and so great was his disappointment that he apparently 
became indifferent to the advantages to be secured to France from his 
purchase of Louisiana. 

In 1803 he sent out Laussat as prefect of the colony, who gave the 

(1) 



2 HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 

people of Louisiana the first intimation they had that they -had once 
more become the subjects of France. This was the occasion of great 
rejoicing among the inhabitants, who were Frenchmen in their origin, 
habits, manners, and customs. 

Mr. Jefierson, then President of the United States, on being in- 
formed of the retrocession, immediately dispatched instructions to 
R()l)ert Livingston, the American Minister at Paris, to make known 
to Napoleon that the occupancy of New Orleans, by his government, 
would not only endanger the friendly relations existing between the 
two nations, but, perhaps, oblige the United States to make common 
cause with England, his bitterest and most dreaded enemy ; as the 
possession of the city by France would give her command of the 
Mississippi, which was the only outlet for the produce of the Westr- 
ern States, and give her also control oi the Gulf of Mexico, so neces- 
sary to the protection of American commerce. Mr. Jefferson was so 
fully impressed with the idea that the occupancy of New Orleans, by 
France, would bring about a conflict of interests between the two 
nations, which would finally culminate in an open rupture, that he 
urged Mr. Livingston, to not only insist upon the free navigation of 
the Mississippi, but to negotiate for the purchase of the city and the 
surrounding country. 

The question of this negotiation was of so grave a character to the 
United States that the President appointed Mr. Monroe, with full 
power to act in conjunction with Mr. Livingston. Ever equal to all 
emergencies, and prompt in the cabinet, as well as in the field. Na- 
poleon came to the conclusion that, as he could not well defend his 
occupancy of New Orleans, he would dispose of it, on the best terms 
possible. Before, however, taking final action in the matter, he sum- 
moned two of his Ministers, and addressed them follows : — 

" I am fully sensible of the value of Louisiana, and it was my wish 
to repair the error of the French diplomatists who abandoned it in 
1763. I have scarcely recovered it before I run the risk of losing it ; 
but if I am obliged to give it up, it shall hereafter cost more to those 
who force me to part with it, than to those to whom I shall 
yield it. The English have despoiled France of all her northern pos- 
sessions in America, and now they covet those of the South. I am 
determined that they shall not have the Mississippi. Although 
Louisiana is but a trifle compared to their vast possessions in other 
parts of the globe, yet, judging from the vexation they have mani- 
fested on seeing it return to the power of France, I am certain that 



HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 3 

their first object will be to gain possession of it. They will proba- 
bly commeuce the war in that quarter. They have twenty vessels in 
the Gulf of Mexico, and our affairs in St. Dominffo are dailv eettintr 
worse since the death of LeClerc. The conquest of Louisiana might 
be easily made, and I have not a moment to lose in getting out of 
their reach. I am not sure but that they have already begun an at- 
tack upon it. Such a measure would be in accordance with their 
habits ; and in their place I should not wait. I am inclined, in order 
to deprive them of all prospect of ever possessing it, to cede it to the 
United States. Indeed, I can hardly say that I cede it, for I do not 
yet possess it ; and if I wait but a short time my enemies may leave 
me nothing but an empty title to grant to the Republic I wish to con- 
ciliate. I consider the whole colony as lost, and I believe that in the 
hands of this rising power it will be more useful to the political and 
even commercial interests of France than if I should attempt to retain 
it. Let me have both your opinions on the subject." 

One of his Ministers approved of the contemplated cession, but 
the other opposed it. The matter was long and earnestly discussed 
by them, before the conference was ended. The next day, Napoleon 
sent for the Minister who had agreed with him, and said to him : — 

'♦ The season for deliberation is over. I have determined to re- 
nounce Louisiana. I shall give up not only New Orleans, but the 
whole colony, without reservation. That I do not undervalue Louis- 
iana, I have sufficiently proved, as the object of my first treaty with 
Spain was to recover it. But though I regret parting with it, I am 
convinced it would be folly to persist in trying to keep it. I commis- 
sion you, therefore, to negotiate this afiair with the envoys of the 
United States. Do not wait the arrival of Mr. Monroe, but go this 
very day and confer with Mr. Livingston. Remember, however, that 
I need ample funds for carrying on the war, and I do not wish to com- 
mence it by levying new taxes. For the last century France and Spain 
have ipcurred great expense in the improvement of Louisiana, for 
which her trade has never indemnified them. Large sums have been 
advanced to different companies," which have never been returned to 
'the treasury. It is fair that I should require repayment for these. 
Were I to regulate my demands by the importance of this territorj^ 
to the United States, they would be unbounded ; but, being obliged to 
part with it, I shall be moderate in my terms. Still, remember, I 
must have fifty millions of francs, and I will not consent to take less. 



4 biSTORY OF MISSOURI. 

I would rather make some desperate effort to preserve this fine 
country." 

That day the negotiations commenced. Mr. Monroe reached Paris 
on the 12th of April, 1803, and the two representatives of the United 
States, after holding a private interview, announced that they were 
ready to treat for the entu-e territory. On the 30th of April, the 
treatv was signed, and on the 21st of October, of the same year, Con- 
«-ress ratified the treaty. The United States were to pay $11,250,000, 
and her citizens were to be compensated for some illegal captures, 
to the amount of $3,750,000, making in the aggregate the sum of 
$15,000,000, while it was agreed that the vessels and merchandise of 
France and Spain should be admitted into all the ports ot Louisiana 
free of duty for twelve years. Bonaparte stipulated in favor of 
Louisiana, that it should be, as soon as possible, incorporated into 
the Union, and that its inhabitants should enjoy the same rights, 
l^rivileges and inmiunities as other citizens of the United States, and 
the clause giving to them these benefits was drawn up by Bonaparte, 
who presented it to the plenipotentiaries with these words : — 

" Make it known to the people of Louisiana, that we regret to part 
with them ; that we have stipulated for all the advantages they could 
desire ; and that France, in giving them up, has insured to them the 
o-reatest of all. They could never have prospered under any Euro- 
pean government as they will when they become independent. But 
while thev enjoy the privileges of liberty let them remember that they 
are French, and preserve for their mother country that aftection which 
a common origin inspires." 

Complete satisfaction was given to both parties in the terms of the 
treaty. Mr. Livingston said : — 

<' I consider that from this day the United States takes rank with 
the first powers of Europe, and now she has entirely escaped from the 
power of England," and Bonaparte expressed a similar sentiment when 
he said : "By this cession of territory I have secured the power of the 
United States, and given to England a maritime rival, who, at some 
future time, will humble her pride." 

These were prophetic words, for within a few years afterward the 
British met with a signal defeat, on the plains of the very territory of 
which the great Corsican had been speaking. 

From 1800, the date of the cession made by Spain, to 1803, when 
it was purchased by the United States, no change had been made by 



HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 

the French authorities in the jurisprudence of the Upper and Lower 
Louisiana, and during this period the Spanish laws remained in full 
force, as the laws of the entire province ; a fact which is of interest to 
those who would understand the legal history and some of the present 
laws of Missouri. 

On December 20th, 1803, Gens. Wilkinson and Claiborne, who 
were jointly commissioned to take possession of the territory for the 
United States, arrived in the city of New Orleans at the head of the 
American forces. Laussat, who had taken possession but twenty days 
previously as the prefect of the colony, gave up his command, and the 
star-spangled banner supplanted the tri-colored flag of France. The 
agent of France, to take possession of Upper Louisiana from the 
Spanish authorities, was Amos Stoddard, captain of artillery in the 
United States service. He was placed in possession of St. Louis on 
the 9th of March, 1804, by Charles Dehault Delassus, the Spanish 
commandant, and on the following day he transferred it to the United 
States. The authority of the United States in Missouri dates from 
this day. 

From that moment the interests of the people of the Mississippi 
Valley became identified. They were troubled no more with uncer- 
tainties in regard to free navigation. The great river, along whose 
banks they had planted their towns and villages, now afforded them 
a safe and easy outlet to the markets of the world. Under the pro- 
tecting aegis of a government, republican in form, and having free 
access to an almost boundless domain, embracing in its broad area the 
diversified climates of the globe, and possessing a soil unsurpassed for 
fertility, beauty of scenery and wealth of minerals, they had every 
incentive to push on their enterprises and build up the land wherein 
their lot had been cast. 

In the purchase of Louisiana, it was known that a great empire had 
been secured as a heritage to the people of our country, for all time to 
come, but its grandeur, its possibilities, its inexhaustible resources 
and the important relations it would sustain to the nation and the 
world were never dreamed of by even Mr. Jefferson and his adroit and 
accomplished diplomatists. 

The most ardent imagination never conceived of the progress which 
would mark the history of the " Great West." The adventurous 
pioneer, who fifty years ago pitched his tent upon its broad prairies, 
or threaded the dark labyrinths of its lonely forests, little thought that 
a mighty tide of physical and intellectual strength, would so rapidly 



b HISTORY OF MISSOURI 

flow on in his footsteps, to populate, build up and enrich the domain 
which he had con(^uered. 

Year after year, civilization has advanced further and further, until 
at length the mountains, the hills and the valleys, and even the rocks 
and the caverns, resound with the noise and din of busy millions, 

" I beheld the westward marches 
Of the unknown crowded nations. 
All the land was full of people, 
Restless, struggling, toiling, striving, 
Speaking many tongues, yet feeling 
But one heart-beat in their bosoms. 
In the woodlands rang their axes ; 
Smoked their towns in all the valleys; 
Over all the lakes and rivers 
Rushed their great canoes of thunder." 

In 1804, Congress, by an act passed in April of the same year, 
divided Louisiana into two parts, the "Territory of Orleans," and 
the " District of Louisiana," known as **Upper Louisiana." This 
district included all that portion of the old province, north of *« Hope 
Encampment," on the Lower Mississippi, and embraced the present 
State of Missouri, and all the western region of country to the Pacific 
Ocean, and all below the forty-ninth degree of north latitude not 
claimed by Spain. 

As a matter of convenience, on March 26th, 1804, Missouri was 
placed within the jurisdiction of the government of the Territory of 
Indiana, and its government put in motion by Gen. William H. Har- 
rison, then governor of Indiana. In this he was assisted by Judges 
Griffin, Vanderburg and Davis, who established in St. Louis what were 
called Courts of Common Pleas. The District of Louisiana was regu- 
larly organized into the Territory of Louisiana by Congress, March 3, 
1805, and President Jefferson appointed Gen. James Wilkinson, Gov- 
ernor, and Frederick Bates, Secretary. The Legislature of the ter- 
ritory was formed by Governor Wilkinson and Judges R. J. Meigs 
and John B. C. Lucas. In 1807, Governor Wilkinson was succeeded 
by Captain Meriwether Lewis, who had become famous by reason of 
his having made the expedition up the Missouri with Clark. Governor 
Lewis committed suicide in 1809 and President Madison appointed 
Gen. Benjamin Howard of Lexington, Kentucky, to fill his place. 
Gen. Howard resigned October 25, 1810, to enter the war of 1812, 
and died in St. Louis, in 1814. Captain William Clark, of Lewis and 
Clark's expedition, was appointed Governor in 1810, to succeed Gen. 



HISTORY or MISSOURI. 7 

Howard, and remained in office until the admission of the State into 
the Union, in 1821. 

The portions of Missouri which were settled, for the purposes of 
local government were divided into four districts. Cape Girardeau 
was the first, and embraced the territory between Tywappity Bottom 
and Apple Creek. Ste. Genevieve, the second, embraced the terri- 
tory from Apple Creek to the Meramec River. St. Louis, the third, 
embraced the territory between the Meramec and Missouri Rivers. 
St, Charles, the fourth, included the settled territory, between the 
Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. The total population of these dis- 
tricts at that time, was 8,670, including slaves. The population of 
the district of Louisiana, when ceded to the United States was 10.120. 



CHAPTER n. 

DESCRIFriVE AM) GEOGRAPHICAL. 

Name — Extent — Surface — Rivers — Timber — Climate — Prairies — Soils — Popula- 
tion by Counties. 

NAME. 

The name Missouri is derived from the Indian tongue and signifies 
muddy. 

EXTENT. 

Missouri is bounded on the north by Iowa (from which it is sep- 
arated for about thirty miles on the northeast, by the Des Moines 
River), and on the east by the Mississippi River, which divides it from 
Illinois, Kentucky and Tennessee, and on the west by the Indian Ter- 
ritory, and the States of Kansas and Nebraska. The State lies (with 
the exception of a small projection between the St. Francis and the 
Mississippi Rivers, which extends to 36*), between 36° 30' and 40" 36' 
north latitude, and between 12° 2' and 18° 51' west longitude from 
Washington. 

The extreme width of the State east and west, is about 348 miles ; 
its width on its northern boundary, measured from its northeast cor- 
ner along the Iowa line, to its intersection with the Des Moines 



8 HISTORY OP MISSOURI. 

River, is about 210 miles ; its width on its southern boundary is about 
288 miles. Its average width is about 235 miles. 

The length of the State north and south, not including the narrow strip 
between the St. Francis and Mississippi Rivers, is about 282 miles. It 
is about 450 miles from its extreme northwest corner to its southeast 
corner, and from the northeast corner to the southwest corner, it is 
about 230 miles. These limits embrace an area of 65,350 square 
miles, or 41,824,000 acres, being nearly as large as England, and the 
States of Vermont and New Hampshire. 

SURFACE. 

North of the Missouri, the State is level or undulating, while the 
portion south of that river (the larger portion of the State) exhibits a 
greater variety of surface. In the southeastern part is an extensive 
marsh, reaching beyond the State into Arkansas. The remainder of 
this portion between the Mississippi and Osage Rivers is rolling, and 
gradually rising into a hilly and mountainous district, forming the out- 
skirts of the Ozark Mountains. 

Beyond the Osage River, at some distance, commences a vast ex- 
panse of prairie land which stretches away towards the Rocky Moun- 
tains. The ridges forming the Ozark chain extend in a northeast and 
southwest direction, separating the waters that flow northeast into the 
Missouri from those that flow southeast into the Mississippi River. 

RIVERS. 

No State in the Union enjoys better facilities for navigation than 
Missouri. By means of the Mississippi River, which stretches along 
her entire eastern boundary, she can hold commercial intercourse with 
the most northern territory and State in the Union ; with the whole 
valley of the Ohio ; with many of the Atlantic States, and with the 
Gulf of Mexico. 

"Ay, gather Europe's royal rivers all — 
The snow-swelled Neva, with an Empire's weight 
On her broad breast, she yet may overwhelm ; 
Dark Danube, hurrying, as by foe pursued. 
Through shaggy forests and by palace walls, 
To hide its terror in a sea of gloom; 
The castled Rhine, whose vine-crowned waters flow, 
The fount of fable and the source of song ; 
The rushing Rhone, in whose cerulean depths 
The loving sky seems wedded with the wave ; 
The yellow Tiber, chok'd with Roman spoils, 



HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 9 

A dying miser shrinking 'neatli his goM; 

The Seine, where fashion glasses the fairest forms; 

The Thames that bears the riches of the world; 

Gather their waters in one ocean mass, 

Our Mississippi rolling proudly on, 

Would sweep them from its path, or swallow up, 

Like Aaron's rod, these streams of fame and song." 

By the Missouri River she can extend her commerce to the Rocky 
Mountains, and receive in return the products which will come in the 
course of time, by its multitude of tributaries. 

The Missouri River coasts the northwest line of the State for about 
250 miles, following its windings, and then flows through the State, a 
little south of east, to its junction with the Mississippi. The Mis- 
souri River receives a number of tributaries within the limits of the 
State, the principal of which are the Nodaway, Platte, Grand and 
Chariton from the north, and the Blue, Sniabar, Lamine, Osage and 
Gasconade from the south. The principal tributaries of the Missis- 
sippi within the State, are the Salt River, north, and the Meramec 
River south of the Missouri. 

The St. Francis and White Rivers, with their branches, drain 
the southeastern part of the State, and pass into Arkansas. The 
Osage is navigable for steamboats for more than 175 miles. There 
are a vast number of smaller streams, such as creeks, branches and 
rivers, which water the State in all directions. 

Timber. — Not more towering in their sublimity were the cedars of 
ancient Lebanon, nor more precious in their utility were the almug- 
trees of Ophir, than the native forests of Missouri. The river bottoms 
are covered with a luxuriant growth of oak, ash, elm, hickory, cotton- 
wood, linn, white and black walnut, and in fact, all the varieties found 
in the Atlantic and Eastern States. In the more barren districts may 
be seen the white and pin oak, and in many places a dense growth of 
pine. The crab apple, papaw and persimmon are abundant, as also 
the hazel and pecan. 

Climate. — The climate of Missouri is, in general, pleasant and 
salubrious. Like that of North America, it is changeable, and sub- 
iect to sudden and sometimes extreme changes of heat and cold ; but 
it is decidedly milder, taking the whole year through, than that of the 
same latitudes east of the mountains. While the summers are not 
more oppressive than they are in the corresponding latitudes on and 
near the Atlantic coast, the winters are shorter, and very much milder, 



10 



HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 



except during the month of February, which has many days of pleas- 
ant sunshine. 

Prairies. — Missouri is a prairie State, especially that portion of it 
north and northwest of the Missouri River. These prairies, along the 
water courses, abound with the thickest and most luxurious belts of 
timber, while the "rolling" prairies occupy the higher portions of 
the country, the descent generally to the forests or bottom lands being 
over only declivities. Many of these prairies, however, ejfhibit a grace- 
fully waving surface, swelling and sinking with an easy slope, and a 
full, rounded outline, equally avoiding the unmeaning horizontal sur- 
face and the interruption of abrupt or angular elevations. 

These prairies often embrace extensive tracts of land, and in one or 
two instances they cover an area of fifty thousand acres. During the 
spring and summer they are carpeted with a velvet of green, and 
gaily bedecked with flowers of various forms and hues, making a 
most fascinating panorama of ever-changing color and loveliness. To 
fully appreciate their great beauty and magnitude, they must be 
seen. 

Soil. — The soil of Missouri is good, and of great agricultural capa- 
bilities, but the most fertile portions of the State are the river bot- 
toms, which are a rich alluvium, mixed in many cases with sand, the 
producing qualities of which are not excelled by the prolific valley of 
the famous Nile. 

South of the Missouri Eiver there is a greater variety of soil, but 
much of it is fertile, and even in the mountains and mineral districts 
there are rich valleys, and about the sources of the White, Eleven 
Points, Current and Big Black Rivers, the soil, though unproductive, 
furnishes a valuable growth of yellow pine. 

The marshy lands in the southeastern part of the State will, by a 
system of drainage, be one of the most fertile districts in the State. 



HISTOET OP MISSOURI. 



11 



POPULATION BY COUNTIES IN 1870, 1876, AND 1880. 



Conntiei. 



Adair . 

Andrew 

Atchison . 

Audrain 

Barry . 

Barton 

Bates . 

Benton 

Bollinger . 

Boone 

Buchanan . 

Butler 

Caldwell . 

Callaway . 

Camden 

Cape Girardeau 

Carroll 

Carter 

Cass . 

Cedar . 

Chariton 

Christian . 

Clark . 

Clay . 

Clinton 

Cole . 

Cooper 

Crawford . 

Dade . 

Dallas 

Daviess 

DeKalb . 

Dent . 

Douglas . 

Dunklin 

Franklin 

Gasconade . 

Gentry 

Greene 

Grundy 

Harrison . 

Henry 

Hickory 

Holt . 

Howard 

Howell 

Iron . 

Jackson 

Jasper 

Jefferson . 

Johnson 

Knox . 

Laclede 

Lafayette . 

Lawrence . 

Lewis . 

Lincoln 

Linn . 

Livingston . 



1870. 



11,449 

15,137 

8,440 

12,307 

10,373 

5,087 

16,960 

11,322 

8,162 

20,765 

35,109 

4,298 

11,390 

19,202 

6,108 

17,558 

17,440 

1,440 

19,299 

9,471 

19,136 

6,707 

13,667 

15,564 

14,063 

10,292 

20,692 

7,982 

8,683 

8,383 

14,410 

9,858 

6,357 

3,915 

5,982 

30,098 

10,093 

11,607 

21,549 

10,567 

14,635 

17,401 

6,452 

11,652 

17,233 

4,218 

6,278 

65,041 

14,928 

15,380 

24,648 

10,974 

9,380 

22,624 

13,067 

15,114 

16,960 

16,906 

16,730 



1876. 



13,774 
14,992 
10,925 
16,157 
11,146 

6,900 
17,484 
11,027 

8,884 
31,923 
38,165 

4,363 
12,200 
25,257 

7,027 
17,891 
21,498 

1,549 
18,069 

9,897 
23,294 

7,936 
14,549 
15,320 
13,698 
14,122 
21,356 

9,391 
11,089 

8,073 
16,557 
11,159 

7,401 

6,461 

6,255 
26,924 
11,160 
12,673 
24,693 
13,071 
18,530 
18,465 

6,870 
13,245 
17,815 

6,756 

6,623 
54,045 
29,384 
16,186 
23,646 
12,678 

9,846 
22,204 
13,054 
16,360 
16,858 
18,110 
18,074 



1880. 

15,190 
16,318 
14,565 
19,739 
14,424 
10,332 
25,382 
12,398 
11,132 
25,424 
49,824 
6,011 
13,654 
23,670 
7,269 
20,998 
23,300 
2,168 
22,431 
10,747 
25,224 
9,632 
15,631 
15,579 
16,073 
15,519 
21,622 
10,763 
12,557 
9,272 
19,174 
13,343 
10,647 
7,753 
9,604 
26,536 
11,163 
17,188 
28,817 
15,201 
20,318 
23,914 
7,388 
15,510 
18,428 
8,814 
8,183 
82,328 
32,021 
18,736 
28,177 
13,047 
11,624 
25,761 
17,585 
15,926 
17,443 
20,016 
20,205 



12 



HISTORY OP MISSOURI. 
POPULATION BY COUNTIES — ConrtnM«<I. 



Counties. 



McDonald 

Macon 

Madison 

Maries 

Marion 

Mercer 

Miller 

Mississippi 

Moniteau 

Monroe 

Montgomery 

Morgan 

New Madrid 

Newton 

Nodaway 

Oregon 

Osage . 

Ozark . 

Pemiscot 

Perry . 

Pettis . 

Phelps 

Pike . 

Platte 

Polk . 

Pulaski 

Putnam 

Ralls . 

Randolph 

Ray . 

Reynolds 

Ripley 

St. Charles 

St. Clair 

St. Franco 

Ste. Genev 

St. Louis* 

Saline 

Schuyler 

Scotland 

Scott . 

Shannon 

Shelby 

Stoddard 

Stone . 

Sullivan 

Taney 

Texas 

Vernon 

Warren 

Washington 

Wayne 

Webster 

Worth 

Wright 

City of St. Louis 



1876. 



5,226 

23,230 

5,849 

5,916 

23,780 

11,657 

6,616 

4,982 

13,375 

17,149 

10,405 

8,434 

6,357 

12,821 

14,751 

3,287 

10,793 

3,363 

2,059 

9,877 

18,706 

10,506 

23,076 

17,352 

14,445 

4,714 

11,217 

10,510 

16,908 

18,700 

3,756 

3,175 

21,804 

6,742 

9,742 

8,384 

351,189 

21,672 

8,820 

10,670 

7,317 

2,339 

10,119 

8,535 

3,253 

11,907 

4,407 

9,618 

11,247 

9,673 

11,719 

6,068 

10,434 

5,004 

5,684 



1876. 



1,721,295 



6,072 
25,028 

8,750 

6,481 
22,794 
13,393 

8,529 

7,498 
13,084 
17,751 
14,418 

9,529 

6,673 
16,875 
23,196 

4,469 
11,200 

4,579 

2,573 
11,189 
23,167 

9,919 
22,828 
15,948 
13,407 

6,157 
12,641 

9,997 
19,173 
18,394 

4,716 

3,913 
21,821 
11,242 
11,621 

9,409 

*27,b87 

9,881 

12,030 

7,312 

3,236 

13,243 

10,888 

3,544 

14,039 

6,124 

10,287 

14,413 

10,321 

13,100 

7,006 

10,684 

7,164 

6,124 



1,547,030 I 2,168,804 



' St. Louis City and County separated In 1877. Population for 1876 not given. 



HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 



13 



Males 

Females 

Native 

Foreign 

White 

Colored i 



1,126,424 
1,041,380 
1,957,564 

211,240 
2,023,568 

145,236 



CHAPTBE ni. 

GEOLOGY OF MISSOURI. 

Classification of Rocks — Quatenary Formation — Tertiary — Cretaceous — Carbonifer- 
ous — Devonian — Silurian — Azoic — Economic Geology — Coal — Iron — Lead — 
Copper — Zinc — Building Stone — Marble — Gypsum — Lime — Clays — Paints — 
Springs — Water Power. 

♦ 
The stratified rocks of Missouri, as classified and treated of by Prof. 

G. C. Swallow, belong to the following divisions : I. Quatenary ; 
II. Tertiary; III. Cretaceous; IV. Carboniferous; V. Devonian; 
VI. Silurian ; VII. Azoic. 

" The Quatenary formations, are the most recent, and the most 
valuable to man: valuable, because they can be more readily utilized. 

The Quatenary formation in Missouri, embraces the Alluvium, 30 
feet thick ; Bottom Prairie, 30 feet thick ; Blufi", 200 feet thick ; and 
Drift, 155 feet thick. The latest deposits are those which constitute 
the Alluvium, and includes the soils, pebbles and sand, clays, vegeta- 
ble mould, bog, iron ore, marls, etc. 

The Alluvium deposits, cover an area, within the limits of Mis- 
souri, of more than four millions acres of land, which are not sur- 
passed for fertility by any region of country on the globe. 

The Bluff Prairie formation is confined to the low lands, which are 
washed by the two great rivers which course our eastern and western 
boundaries, and while it is only about half as extensive as the Allu- 
vial, it is equally as rich and productive." 

" The Blufi" formation," says Prof. Swallow, *• rests upon the 
ridges and river blufii*s, and descends along their slopes to the lowest 
valleys, the formation capping all the Blufi's of the Missouri from 
Fort Union to its mouth, and those of the Mississippi from Dubuque 



> Including 92 Chinese, 2 half Chinese, and 96 Indians and half-breeds. 



14 HISTORY OP MISSOURI. 

to the mouth of the Ohio. It forms the upper stratum beneath the 
soil of all the high lands, both timber and prairies, of all the counties 
north of the Osage and Missouri, and also St. Louis, and the Missis- 
sippi counties on the south. 

Its greatest development is in the counties on the Missouri River 
from the Iowa line to Boonville. In some localities it is 200 feet 
thick. At St. Joseph it is 140 ; at Boonville 100 ; and at St. Louis, 
in St. George's quarry, and the Big Mound, it is about 50 feet ; 
while its greatest observed thickness in Marion county was only 30 
feet.'* 

The Drift formation is that which lies beneath the Bluff formation, 
having, as Prof. Swallow informs us, three distinct deposits, to wit : 
♦'Altered Drift, which are strata of sand and pebl)les, seen in the 
banks of the Missouri, in the northwestern portion of the State. 

The Boulder formation is a heterogeneous stratum of sand, gravel 
and boulder, and water-worn fragments of the older rocks. 

Boulder Clay is a bed of bluish or brown sandy clay, through which 
pebbles are scattered in greater or less abundance. In some locali- 
ties in northern Missouri, this formation assumes a pure white, pipe- 
clay color." 

The Tertiary formation is made up of clays, shales, iron ores, sand- 
stone, and sands, scattered along the bluffs, and edges of the bottoms, 
reaching from Commerce, Scott County, to Stoddard, and south to 
the Chalk Bluffs in Arkansas. 

The Cretaceous formation lies beneath the Tertiary, and is com- 
posed of variegated sandstone, bluish-brown sandy slate, whitish- 
brown impure sandstone, fine white clay mingled with spotted flint, 
purple, red and blue clays, all being in the aggregate, 158 feet in 
thickness. There are no fossils in these rocks, and nothing by which 
their age may be told. 

The Carboniferous system includes the Upper Carboniferous or 
coal-measures, and the Lower Carboniferous or Mountain limestone. 
The coal-measures are made up of numerous strata of sandstones, 
limestones, shales, clays, marls, spathic iron ores, and coals. 

The Carboniferous formation, including coal-measures and the beds 
of iron, embrace an area in Missouri of 27,000 square miles. The 
varieties of coal found in the State are the common bituminous and 
cannel coals, and they exist in quantities inexhaustible. The fact 
that these coal-measures are full of fossils, which are always confined 



HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 15 

to the coal measures, enables the geologist to point them out, and the 
coal beds contained in them. 

The rocks of the Lower Carboniferous formation are varied in color, 
and are quarried in many different parts of the State, being exten- 
sively utilized for building and other purposes. 

Among the Lower Carboniferous rocks is found the Upper Archi- 
medes Limestone, 200 feet ; Ferruginous Sandstone, 195 feet ; Mid- 
dle Archimedes, 50 feet ; St. Louis Limestone, 250 feet; Oolitic 
Limestone, 25 feet; Lower Archimedes Limestone, 350 feet; and 
Encrinital Limestone, 500 feet. These limestones generally contain 
fossils. 

The Ferruginous limestone is soft when quarried, but becomes hard 
and durable after exposure. It contains large quantities of iron, and 
is found skirting the eastern coal measures from the mouth of the 
Des Moines to McDonald county. 

The St. Louis limestone is of various hues and tints, and very hard. 
It is found in Clark, Lewis and St. Louis counties. 

The Lower Archimedes limestone includes partly the lead bearing 
rocks of Southwestern Missouri. 

The Encrinital limestone is the most extensive of the divisions of 
Carboniferous limestone, and is made up of brown, buff, gray and 
white. In these strata are found the remains of corals and moUusks. 
This formation extends from Marion county to Greene county. The 
Devonian system contains : Chemung Group, Hamilton Group, 
Onondaga limestone and Oriskany sandstone. The rocks of the 
Devonian system are found in Marion, Ralls, Pike, Callaway, Saline 
and Ste. Genevieve counties. 

The Chemung Group has three formations, Chouteau limestone, 85 
'feet; Vermicular sandstone and shales, 75 feet; Lithographic lime- 
stone, 125 feet. 

The Chouteau limestone is in two divisions, when fully developed, 
and when first quarried is soft. It is not only good for building pur- 
poses but makes an excellent cement. 

The Vermicular sandstone and shales are usually buff or yellowish 
brown, and perforated with pores. 

The Lithographic limestone is a pure, fine, compact, evenly-tex- 
tured limestone. Its color varies from light drab to buff and blue. 
It is called "pot metal," because under the hammer it gives a sharp, 
ringing sound. It has but few fossils. 



16 HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 

The Hamilton Group is made up of some 40 feet of blue shales, and 
170 feet of crystalline limestone. 

Onondaga limestone is usually a coarse, gray or buff crystalline, 
thick-bedded and cherty limestone. No formation in Missouri pre- 
sents such variable and widely different lithological characters as the 
Onondaga. 

The Oriskany sandstone is a light, gray limestone. 

Of the Upper Silurian series there are the following formations : 
Lower Helderberg, 350 feet ; Niagara Group, 200 feet ; Cape Girar- 
deau limestone, 60 feet. 

The Lower Helderberg is made up of buff, gray, and reddish cherty 
and argillaceous limestone. 

Niagara Group. The Upper part of this group consists of red, 
yellow and ash-colored shales, with compact limestones, variegated 
with bands and nodules of chert. 

The Cape Girardeau limestone, on the Mississippi Kiver near Cape 
Girardeau, is a compact, bluish-gray, brittle limestone, with smooth 
fractures in layers from two to six inches in thickness, with argilla- 
ceous partings. These strata contain a great many fossils. 

The Lower Silurian has the following ten formations, to wit : Hud- 
son River Group, 220 feet ; Trenton limestone, 360 feet ; Black River 
and Bird's Eye liniestone, 175 feet ; first Magnesian limestone, 200 
feet; Saccharoidal sandstone, 125 feet; second Magnesian limestone, 
250 feet; second sandstone, 115 feet; third Magnesian limestone, 
350 feet; third sandstone, 60 feet; fourth Magnesian limestone, 350 
feet. 

Hudson River Group : — There are three formations which Prof. 
Swallow refers to in this group. These formations are found in the 
bluff above and below Louisiana ; on the Grassy a few miles north- 
west of Louisiana, and in Ralls, Pike, Cape Girardeau and Ste. Gene- 
vieve Counties. 

Trenton limestone : The upper part of this formation is made up 
of thick beds of hard, compact, bluish gray and drab limestone, varie- 
o-ated with irregular cavities, filled with greenish materials. 

The beds are exposed between Hannibal and New London, north of 
Salt River, near Glencoe, St. Louis County, and are seventy-five feet 
thick. 

Black River and Bird's Eye limestone the same color as the Trenton 
limestone. 



HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 17 

The first Magnesian limestone cap the picturesque bluffs of the Osage 
in Benton and neighboring counties. 

The Saccharoidal sandstone has a wide range in the State. la a 
bluff about two miles from Warsaw, is a very striking change of thick- 
ness of this formation. 

Second Maguesian limestone, in lithological character, is like the 
first. 

The second sandstone, usually of yellowish brown, sometimes 
becomes a pure white, fine-grained, soft sandstone as on Cedar Creek, 
in Washington and Franklin Counties. 

The third Magnesian limestone is exposed in the high and picturesque 
bluffs of the Niangua, in the neighborhood of Bryce's Sprino-. 

The third sandstone is white and has a formation in movino- water. 

The fourth Magnesian limestone is seen on the Niangua and Osao-e 
[livers. 

The Azoic rocks lie below the Silurian and form a series of silicious 
and other slates which contain no remains of organic life, 

ECONOMIC GEOLOGY. 

Coal. — Missouri is particularly rich in minerals. Indeed, no State 
in the Union, surpasses her in this respect. In some unknown ao-e of 
the past — long before the existence of man — Nature, by a wise process, 
made a bountiful provision for the time, when in the order of thino-s. 
it should be necessary for civilized man to take possession of these 
broad, rich prairies. As an equivalent for lack of forests, she quietly 
stored away beneath the soil those wonderful carboniferous treasures 
for the use of man. 

Geological surveys have developed the fact that the coal deposits in 
the State are almost unnumbered, embracing all varieties of the best 
bituminous coal. A large portion of the State, has been ascer- 
tained to be one continuous coal field, stretching from the mouth 
of the Des Moines River through Clark, Lewis, Scotland, Adair, 
Macon, Shelby, Monroe, Audrain, Callaway, Boone, Cooper, Pettis, 
Benton, Henry, St. Clair, Bates, Vernon, Cedar, Dade, Barton and 
Jasper, into- the Indian Territory, and the counties on the northwest of 
this line contain more or less coal. Coal rocks exist in Ralls, Mont- 
gomery, Warren, St. Charles, Moniteau, Cole, Morgan, Crawford and 
Lincoln, and during the past few years, all along the lines of all the 
railroads in North Missouri, and along the western end of the Missouri 
Pacific, and on the Missouri River, between Kansas City and Sioux 



13 HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 

City, has systematic mining, opened up hundreds of mines in different 
localities. The area of our coal beds, on the line of the southwestern 
boundary of the State alone, embraces more than 26,000 square miles 
of regular coal measures. This will give of workable coal, if the 
average be one foot, 26,800,000,000 tons. The estimates from the 
developments already made, in the different portions of the State, will 
give 134,000,000,000 tons. 

The economical value of this coal to the State, its influence in 
domestic life, in navigation, commerce and manufactures, is beyond 
the imagination of man to conceive. Suffice it to say, that in the pos- 
session of her developed and undeveloped coal mines, Missouri has a 
motive power, which in its influences for good, in the civilization of 
man, is more potent than the gold of California. 

Iron. Prominent among the minerals, which increase the power 

and prosperity of a nation, is iron. Of this ore, Missouri has an inex- 
haustible quantity, and like her coal fields, it has been developed in 
many portions of the State, and of the best and purest quality. It is 
found in great abundance in the counties of Cooper, St. Clair, Greene, 
Henry, Franklin, Benton, Dallas, Camden, Stone, Madison, Iron, 
Washington, Perry, St. Francois, Reynolds, Stoddard, Scott, Dent 
and others. The greatest deposit of iron is found in the Iron Moun- 
tain, which is two hundred feet high, and covers an area of five hun- 
dred acres, and produces a metal, which is shown by analysis, to con- 
tain from 65 to 69 per cent of metallic iron. 

The ore of Shepherd Mountain contains from 64 to 67 pen* cent of 
metallic iron. The ore of Pilot Knob contains from 53 to 60 per cent. 
Rich beds of iron are also found at the Big Bogy Mountain, and at 
Russell Mountain. This ore has, in its nude state, a variety of colors, 
from the red, dark red, black, brown, to a light bluish gray. Tlie 
red ores are found in twenty-one or more counties of the State, and 
are of great commercial value. The brown hematite iron ores extend 
over a greater range of country than all the others combined, embrac- 
ing about one hundred counties, and have been ascertained to exist in 
these in large quantities. 

Lead. — Long before any permanent settlements were made in Mis- 
souri by the whites, lead was mined within the limits of the State at 
two or three points on the Mississippi. At this time more than five 
hundred mines are opened, and many of them are being successfully 
worked. These deposits of lead cover an area, so far as developed, 
of more than seven thousand square miles. Mines have been opened 



HISTORY OP MISSOURI. 19 

in Jefferson, Washington, St. Francois, Madison, Wayne, Carter, Rey- 
nolds, Crawford, Ste. Genevieve, Perry, Cole, Cape Girardeau, Cam- 
den, Morgan, and many other counties. 

Copper and Zinc. — Several varieties of copper ore are found in 
Missouri. The copper mines of Shannon, Madison and Franklin 
Counties have been known for years, and some of these have been 
successfully worked and are now yielding good results. 

Deposits of copper have been discovered in Dent, Crawford, Ben- 
ton, Maries, Green, Lawrence, Dade, Taney, Dallas, Phelps, Eeyuolds 
and Wright Counties. 

Zinc is abundant in nearly all the lead mines in the southwestern 
part of the State, and since the completion of the A. & P. R. R. a 
market has been furnished for this ore, which will be converted into 
valuable merchandise. 

Building Stone and Marble. — There is no scarcity of good buildino' 
stone in Missouri. Limestone, sandstone and granite exist in all 
shades of buff, blue, red and brown, and are of great beauty as build- 
ing material. 

There are many marble beds in the State, some of which furnish 
very beautiful and excellent marble. It is found in Marion, Cooper, 
St. Louis, and other counties. 

One of the most desirable of the Missouri marbles is in the 3rd 
Magnesian limestone, on the Niangua. It is fine-grained, crystalline, 
silico-magnesian limestone, light-drab, slightly tinged with peach blos- 
som, and clouded by deep flesh-colored shades. In ornamental archi- 
tecture it is rarely surpassed. 

Gypsum and Lime. — Though no extensive beds of gypsum have 
been discovered in Missouri, there are vast beds of the pure white 
crystalline variety on the line of the Kansas Pacific Railroad, on Kan- 
sas River, and on Gypsum Creek. It exists also in several other 
localities accessible by both rail and boat. 

All of the limestone formations in the State, from the coal measures 
to fourth Magnesian, have more or less strata of very nearly pure car- 
bonate of pure lime. 

Clays and Paints. — Clays are found in nearly all parts of the State 
suitable for making bricks. Potters' clay and fire-clay are worked in 
many localities. 

There are several beds of purple shades in the coal measures which 
possess the properties requisite for paints used in outside work. Yel- 
low and red ochres are found in considerable quantities on the Missouri 



20 HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 

River. Some of these paints have been thoroughly tested and found 
fire-proof and durable. 

SPRINGS AND WATER POWER. 

No State is, perhaps, better supplied with cold springs of pure water 
than Missouri. Out of the bottoms, there is scarcely a section of 
land but has one or more perennial springs of good water. Even 
where there are no springs, good water can be obtained by digging 
from twenty to forty feet. Salt springs are abundant in the central 
part of the State, and discharge their brine in Cooper, Saline, Howard, 
and adjoining counties. Considerable salt was made in Cooper and 
Howard Counties at an early day. 

Sulphur springs are also numerous throughout the State. The 
Chouteau Springs in Cooper, the Monagaw Springs in St. Clair, the 
Elk Springs in Pike, and the Cheltenham Springs in St. Louis County 
have acquired considerable reputation as salubrious waters, and have 
become popular places of resort. Many other counties have good 
sulphur springs. 

Among the Chalybeate springs the Sweet Springs on the Black- 
water, and the Chalybeate spring in the University campus are, perhaps, 
the most popular of the kind in the State. There are, however, other 
springs impregnated with some of the salts of iron. 

Petroleum springs are found in Carroll, Ray, Randolph, Cass, 
Lafayette, Bates, Vernon, and other counties. The variety called 
lubricating oil is the more common. 

The water power of the State is excellent. Large springs are 
particularly abundant on the waters of the Meramec, Gasconade, 
Bourbeuse, Osage, Niangua, Spring, White, Sugar, and other streams. 
Besides these, there are hundreds of springs sufficiently large to drive 
mills and factories, and the day is not far distant when these crystal 
fountains will be utilized, and a thousand saws will buzz to their 
dashing music. 



HISTORY OF MISSOUBI, 21 

CHAPTER lY. 

TITLE AND EAELY SETTLEIVIENTS. 

Title to Missouri Lands — Right of Discovery — Title of France and Spain — Cession 
to the United States — Territorial Changes — Treaties with Indians — First Settle- 
ment — Ste. Genevieve and New Bourbon — St. Louis — When Incorporated — 
Potosi — St. Charles — Portage des Sioux — New Madrid — St. Francois County — 
Perry — Mississippi — Loutre Island — "Boone's Lick" — Cote Sans Dessein — 
Howard County — Some First Things — Counties — When Organized. 

The title to the soil of Missouri was, of course, primarily vested in 
the original occupants who inhabited the country prior to its discovery 
by the whites. But the Indians, being savages, possessed but few 
rights that civilized nations considered themselves bound to respect ; 
so, therefore, when they found this country in the possession of such 
a people they claimed it in the name of the King of France, by the 
right of discovery. It remained under the jurisdiction of France 
until 1763. 

Prior to the year 1763, the entire continent of North America was 
divided between France, England, Spain and Kussia. France held all 
that portion that now constitutes our national domain west of the 
Mississippi River, except Texas, and the territory which we have 
obtained from Mexico and Russia. The vast region, while under the 
jurisdiction of France, was known as the " Province of Louisiana," 
and embraced the present State of Missouri. At the close of the 
** Old French War," in 1763, France gave up her share of the con- 
tinent, and Spain came into the possession of the territory west of the 
Mississippi River, while Great Britain retained Canada and the regions 
northward, having obtained that territory by conquest, in the war 
with France. For thirty-seven years the territory now embraced 
within the limits of Missouri, remained as a part of the possession of 
Spain, and then went back to France by the treaty of St. Ildefonso, 
October 1, 1800. On the 30th of April, 1803, France ceded it to the 
United States, in consideration of receiving $11,250,000, and the 
liquidation of certain claims, held by citizens of the United States 
against France, which amounted to the further sum of $3,750,000, 
making a total of $15,000,000. It will thus be seen that France has 
twice, and Spain once, held sovereignty over the territory embracing 



22 HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 

Missouri, "but the financial needs of Napoleon afforded our Govern- 
ment an opportunity to add another empire to its domain. 

On the 31st of October, 1803, an act of Congress was approved, 
authorizing the President to take possession of the newly acquired 
territory, and provided for it a temporary government, and another 
act, approved March 26, 1804, authorized the division of the " Louis- 
iana Purchase," as it was then called, into two separate territories. 
All that portion south of the 33d parallel of north latitude was called 
the " Territory of Orleans," and that north of the said parallel was 
known as the '* District of Louisiana," and was placed under the 
jurisdiction of what was then known as *' Lidian Territory." 

By virtue of an act of Congress, approved March 3, 1805, the 
*' District of Louisiana" was organized as the " Territory of Louis- 
iana," with a territorial government of its own, which went into 
operation July 4th of the same year, and it so remained till 1812. In 
this year the " Territory of Orleans " became the State of Louisiana, 
and the ** Territory of Louisiana" was organized as the " Territory 
of Missouri." 

This change took place under an act of Congress, approved June 4, 
1812. In 1819, a portion of this territory was organized as " Arkan- 
sas Territory," and on August 10, 1821, the State of Missouri was 
admitted, being a part of the former " Territory of Missouri." 

In 1836, the *' Platte Purchase," then being a part of the Indian 
Territory, and now composing the counties of Atchison, Andrew, 
Buchanan, Holt, Nodaway and Platte, was made by treaty with the 
Indians, and added to the State. It will be seen, then, that the soil 
of Missouri belonged : — 

1. To France, with other territory. 

2. In 1763, with other territory, it was ceded to Spain. 

3. October 1, 1800, it was ceded, with other territory from Spain, 
back to France. 

4. April 30, 1803, it was ceded, with other territory, by France to 
the United States. 

5. October 31, 1803, a temporary government was authorized by 
Congress for the newly acquired territory. 

6. October 1, 1804, it was included in the '* District of Louisiana" 
and placed under the territorial government of Indiana. 

7. July 4, 1805, it was included as a part of the " Territory of 
Louisiana," then organized with a separate territorial government. 



HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 



23 



8. June 4, 1812, it was embraced in what was then made the «* Ter- 
ritory of Missouri." 

9. August 10, 1821, it was admitted into the Union as a State. 

10. In 1836, the "Platte Purchase" was made, adding more ter- 
ritory to the State. 

The cession by France, April 30, 1803, vested the title in the United 
States, subject to the claims of the Indians, which it was very justly 
the policy of the Government to recognize. Before the Government 
of the United States could vest clear title to the soil in the grantee it 
was necessary to extinguish the Indian title by purchase. This was 
done accordingly by treaties made with the Indians at different times. 

EARLY SETTLEMENTS. 

The name of the first white man who set foot on the territory now 
embraced in the State of Missouri, is not known, nor is it known at 
what precise period the first settlements were made. It is, however, 
generally agreed that they were made at Ste. Genevieve and New 
Bourbon, tradition fixing the date of the settlements in the autumn of 
1735. These towns were settled by the French from Kaskaskia and 
St. Philip in Illinois. 

St. Louis was founded by Pierre Laclede Liguest, on the 15th of 
February, 1764. He was a native of France, and was one of the 
members of the company of Laclede Liguest, Antonio Maxant & Co., 
to whom a royal charter had been granted, confirming the privilege 
of an exclusive trade with the Indians of Missouri as far north as St. 
Peter's Eiver. 

While in search of a trading post he ascended the Mississippi as far 
as the mouth of the Missouri, and finally returned to the present town 
site of St. Louis. After the village had been laid off he named it St. 
Louis in honor of Louis XV., of France. 

The colony thrived rapidly by accessions from Kaskaskia and other 
towns on the east side of the Mississippi, and its trade was largely in_ 
creased by many of the Indian tribes, who removed a portion of their 
peltry trade from the same towns to St. Louis. It was incorporated 
as a town on the ninth day of November, 1809, by the Court of Com- 
mon Pleas of the district of St. Louis ; the town trustees being 
Auguste Chouteau, Edward Hempstead, Jean F. Cabanne, Wm. C. 
Carr and William Christy, and incorporated as a city December 9, 
1822. The selection of the town site on which St. Louis stands was 
highly judicious, the spot not only being healthful and having the ad- 



24 HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 

vantages of water transportation unsurpassed, but surrounded by a 
beautiful region of country, rich in soil and mineral resources. St. 
Louis has grown to be the fifth city in population in the Union, and 
is to-day the great center of internal commerce of the Missouri, the 
Mississippi and their tributaries, and, with its railroad facilities, it is 
destined to be the greatest inland city of the American continent. 

The next settlement was made at Potosi, in Washington County, in 
1765, by Francis Breton, who, while chasing a bear, discovered the 
mine near the present town of Potosi, where he afterward located. 

One of the most prominent pioneers who settled at Potosi was 
Moses Austin, of Virginia, who, in 1795, received by grant from the 
Spanish government a league of land, now known as the "Austin Sur- 
vey.** The grant was made on condition that Mr. Austin would es- 
tablish a lead mine at Potosi and work it. He built a palatial 
residence, for that day, on the brow of the hill in the little villagej 
which was for many years known as '* Durham Hull.'* At this point 
the first shot-tower and sheet-lead manufactory were erected. 

Five years after the founding of St. Louis the first settlement made 
in Northern Missouri was made near St. Charles, in St. Charles 
County, in 1769, The name given to it, and which it retained till 
1784, was Les Petites Gotes^ signifying, Little Hills. The town site 
was located by Blanchette, a Frenchman, surnamed LeChasseur, who 
built the first fort in the town and established there a military post. 

Soon after the establishment of the military post at St. Charles, the 
old French village of Portage des Sioux, was located on the Missis- 
sippi, just below the mouth of the Illinois River, and at about the 
same time a Kickapoo village was commenced at Clear Weather Lake. 
The present town site of New Madrid, in New Madrid county, was 
settled in 1781, by French Canadians, it then being occupied by Del- 
aware Indians. The place now known as Big River Mills, St. Fran- 
cois county, was settled in 1796, Andrew Baker, John Alley, Francis 
Starnater and John Andrews, each locating claims. The following 
year, a settlement was made in the same county, just below the pres- 
ent town of Farmington, by the Rev. William Murphy, a Baptist min- 
ister from East Tennessee. In 1796, settlements were made in Perry 
county by emigrants from Kentucky and Pennsylvania ; the latter lo- 
cating in the rich bottom lands of Bois Brule, the former generally 
settling in the " Barrens," and along the waters of Saline Creek. 

Bird's Point, in Mississippi county, opposite Cairo, Illinois, was 
settled August 6, 1800, by John Johnson, by virtue of a land-grant 



HISTORY OP MISSOURI. 25 

from the commandant under the Spanish Government. Norfolk and 
Charleston, in the same county, were settled respectively in 1800 and 
1801. Warren county was settled in 1801. Loutre Island, below 
the present town of Hermann, in the Missouri River, was settled by a 
few American families in 1807. This little company of pioneers suf- 
fered greatly from the floods, as well as from the incursions of thieving 
and blood-thirsty Indians, and many incidents of a thrilling character 
could be related of trials and struggles, had we the time and space. 

In 1807, Nathan and Daniel M. Boone, sons of the great hunter and 
pioneer, in company with three others, went from St. Louis to 
"Boone's Lick," in Howard county, where they manufactured salt 
and formed the nucleus of a small settlement. 

Cote Sans Dessein, now called Bakersville, on the Missouri River, 
in Callaway county, was settled by the French in 1801. This little 
town was considered at that time, as the '* Far West" of the new 
world. During the war of 1812, at this place many hard-fought 
battles occurred between the whites and Indians, wherein woman's 
fortitude and courage greatly assisted in the defence of the settle- 
ment. 

In 1810, a colony of Kentuckians numbering one hundred and fifty 
families immigrated to Howard county, and settled on the Missouri 
River in Cooper's Bottom near the present town of Franklin, and 
opposite Arrow Rock. 

Such, in brief, is the history of some of the early settlements of 
Missouri, covering a period of more than half a century. 

These settlements were made on the water courses ; usually along 
the banks of the two great streams, whose navigation aflbrded them 
transportation for their marketable commodities, and communication 
with the civilized portion of the country. 

They not only encountered the gloomy forests, settling as they did 
by the river's brink, but the hostile incursion of savage Indians, by 
whom they were for many years surrounded. 

The expedients of these brave men who first broke ground in the 
territory, have been succeeded by the permanent and tasteful improve- 
ments of their descendants. Upon the spots where they toiled, dared 
and died, are seen the comfortable farm, the beautiful village, and 
thrifty city. Churches and school houses greet the eye on every 
hand; railroads diverge in every direction, and, indeed, all the appli- 
ances of a higher civilization are profusely strewn over the smiling 
surface of the State. 



2d history of MISSOURI. 

Culture's hand 
Has scattered verdure o'er the land; 
And smiles and fragrance rule serene, 
Where barren wild usurped the scene. 

SOME FIRST THINGS. 

The first marriage that took place in Missouri was April 20, 1766, 
in St. Louis. 

The first baptism was performed in May, 1766, in St. Louis. 

The first house of worship, (Catholic) was erected in 1775, at St. 
Louis. 

The first ferry established in 1805, on the Mississippi River, at St. 
Louis. 

The first newspaper established in St. Louis (Missouri Gazette) y in 
1808. 

The first postoffice was established in 1804, in St. Louis — Rufus 
Easton, post-master. 

The first Protestant church erected at Ste. Genevieve, in 1806 — 
Baptist. 

The first bank established (Bank of St. Louis), in 1814. 

The first market house opened in 1811, in St. Louis. 

The first steamboat on the Upper Mississippi was the General Pike, 
Capt. Jacob Reid ; landed at St. Louis 1817. 

The first board of trustees for public schools appointed in 1817, St. 
Louis. 

The first college built (St. Louis College), in 1817. 

The first steamboat that came up the Missouri River as high as 
Franklin was the Independence, in May, 1819 ; Capt. Nelson, mas- 
ter. 

The first court house erected in 1823, in St. Louis. 

The first cholera appeared in St. Louis in 1832. 

The first railroad convention held in St. Louis, April 20, 1836. 

The first telegraph lines reached East St. Louis, December 20, 
1847. 

The first great fire occurred in St. Louis, 1849. 



HISTORY OP MISSOURI. 27 

CHAPTER y. 

TEERITORIAL ORGANIZATION. 

Organization 1812 — Council — House of Representatives — William Clark first Terri- 
torial Governor — Edward Hempstead first Delegate — Spanish Grants— First 
General Assembly — Proceedings — Second Assembly — Proceedings — Population 
of Territory — Vote of Territory — Ruf us Easton — Absent Members — Third Assem- 
bly — Proceedings — Application for Admission. 

Congress organized Missouri as a Territory, July 4, 1812, with a 
Governor and General Assembly. The Governor, Legislative Coun- 
cil, and House of Representatives exercised the Legislative power of 
the Territory, the Governor's vetoing power being absolute. 

/lie Legislative Council was composed of nine members, wiiose ten- 
ure of office lasted five years. Eighteen citizens were nominated by 
the House of Representatives to the President of the United States, 
from whom he selected, with the approval of the Senate, nine Coun- 
cillors, to compose the Legislative Council. 

The House of Representatives consisted of members chosen every 
two years by the people, the basis of representation being one mem- 
ber for every five hundred white males. The first House of Repre- 
sentatives consisted of thirteen members, and, by Act of Congress, the 
whole number of Representatives could not exceed twenty-five. 

The judicial power of the Territory, was vested in the Superior and 
Inferior Courts, and in the Justices of the Peace ; the Superior Court 
having three judges, whose term of office continued four years, hav- 
ing original and appellate jurisdiction in civil and criminal cases. 

The Territory could send one delegate to Congress. Governor 
Clark issued a proclamation, October 1st, 1812, required by Congress, 
reorganizing the districts of St. Charles, St. Louis, Ste. Genevieve, 
Cape Girardeau, and New Madrid, into five counties, and fixed the 
second Monday in November following, for the election of a delegate 
to Congress, and the members of the Territorial House of Represen- 
tatives. 

William Clark, of the expedition of Lewis and Clark, was the first 
Territorial Governor, appointed by the President, who began his duties 
1813. 

Edward Hempstead, Rufus Easton, Samuel Hammond, and Matthew 
Lyon were candidates in November for delegates to Congress. 



28 HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 

Edward Hempstead was elected, being the first Territorial Dele- 
gate to Congress from Missouri. He sei-ved one term, declining a 
second, and was instrumental in having Congress to pass the act of 
June 13, 1812, which he introduced, confirming the title to lands 
which were claimed by the people by virtue of Spanish grants. The 
same act confirmed to the people " for the support of schools," the 
title to villaire lots, out-lots or common field lots, which were held 
and enjoyed by them, at the time of the session in 1803. 

Under the act of June 4, 1812, the first General Assembly held its 
session in the house of Joseph Robidoux, in St. Louis, on the 7th of 
December, 1812. The names of the members of the House were: — 

St. Charles. — John Pitman and Robert Spencer. 

St. Louis. — David Music, Bernard G. Farrar, William C. Can.', 
and Richard Clark. 

Ste. Genevieve. — George Bullet, Richard S. Thomas, and Isaac 
McGready. 

Cape Girardeau. — George F. Bollinger, and Spencer Byrd. 

New Madrid. — John Shrader and Samuel Phillips. 

John B. C. Lucas, one of the Territorial Judges, administered the 
oath of office. William C. Carr was elected speaker, and Andrew 
Scott, Clerk. 

The House of Representatives proceeded to nominate eighteen per- 
sons from whom the President of the United States, with the Senate, 
was to select nine for the Council. From this number the President 
chose the following : 

St. Charles. — James Flaugherty and Benjamin Emmons. 

St. Louis. — Auguste Chouteau, Sr., and Samuel Hammond. 

Ste. Genevieve. — John Scott and James Maxwell. 

Cape Girardeau. — William Neeley and Joseph Cavenor. 

New Madrid. — Joseph Hunter. 

The Legislative Council, thus chosen by the President and Senate, 
was announced by Frederick Bates, Secretary and Acting-Governor of 
the Territory, by proclamation, June 3, 1813, and fixing the first 
Monday in July following, as the time for the meeting of the Legis- 
lature. 

In the meantime the duties of the executive office were assumed by 
William Clark. The Legislature accordingly met, as required by the 
Acting-Governor's proclamation, in July, but its proceedings were 
never officially published. Consequently but little is known in refer- 
ence to the workings of the first Territorial Legislature in Missouri. 



HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 



29 



From the imperfect account, published in the Missouri Gazette, of 
that day ; a paper which had been in existence since 1808, it is found 
that laws were passed regulating and establishing weights and meas- 
ures ; creating the office of Sheriflf; providing the manner for taking 
the census ; permanently fixing the seats of Justices, and an act to 
compensate its own members. At this session, laws were also passed 
defining crimes and penalties ; laws in reference to forcible entry and 
detainer ; establishing Courts of Common Pleas ; incorporating the 
Bank of St. Louis ; and organizing a part of Ste. Genevieve county 
into the county of Washington. 

The next session of the Lesjislature convened in St. Louis, Decern- 
ber 6, 1813. George Bullet of Ste. Genevieve county, was speaker 
elect, and Andrew Scott, clerk, and William Sullivan, doorkeeper. 
Since the adjournment of the former Legislature, several vacancies 
had occurred, and new members had been elected to fill their places. 
Among these was Israel McCready, from the county of Washington. 

The president of the legislative council was Samuel Hammond. 
No journal of the council was officially published, but the proceedings 
of the house are found in the Gazette. 

At this session of the Legislature many wise and useful laws were 
passed, having reference to the temporal as well as the moral and 
spiritual welfare of the people. Laws were enacted for the suppres- 
sion of vice and immorality on the Sabbath day ; for the improve- 
ment of public roads and highways ; creating the offices of auditor, 
treasurer and county surveyor ; regulating the fiscal affiiirs of the 
Territory and fixing the boundary lines of New Madrid, Cape Girar- 
deau, Washington and St. Charles counties. The Legislature ad- 
journed on the 19th of January, 1814, sine die. 

The population of the Territory as shown by the United States 
census in 1810, was 20,845. The census taken by the Legislature in 
1814 gave the Territory a population of 25,000. This enumeration 
shows the county of St. Louis contained the greatest number of in- 
habitants, and the new county of Arkansas the least — the latter hav- 
ing 827, and the former 3,149. 

The candidates for delegate to Congress were Rufus Easton, Samuel 
Hammond, Alexander McNair and Thomas F. Riddick. Rufus 
Easton and Samuel Hammond had been candidates at the preceding 
election. In all the counties, excepting Arkansas, the votes aggre- 
gated 2,599, of which number Mr. Easton received 965, Mr. Ham- 



30 HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 

moud 746, Mr. McNair 853, and Mr. Riddick (who had withdrawn 
previously to the election) 35. Mr. Easton was elected. 

The census of 1814 showing a large increase in the population of 
the Territory, an appointment was made increasing the number of 
Representatives in the Territorial Legislature to twenty-two. The 
General Assembly began its session in St. Louis, December 5, 1814. 
There were present on the first day twenty Representatives. James 
Caldwell of Ste. Genevieve county was elected speaker, and Andrew 
Scott who had been clerk of the preceding assembly, was chosen 
clerk. The President of the Council was William Neeley, of Cape 
Girardeau county. 

It appeared that James Maxwell, the absent member of the Council, 
and Seth Emmons, member elect of the House of Representatives, 
were dead. The county of Lawrence was organized at this session, 
from the western part of New Madrid county, and the corporate 
powers of St. Louis were enlarged. In 1815 the Territorial Legisla- 
ture ao-ain began its session. Only a partial report of its proceedings 
are o-iven in the Gazette. The county of Howard was then organized 
from St. Louis and St. Charles counties, and included all that part of 
the State lying north of the Osage and south of the dividing ridge 
between the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. (For precise bounda- 
ries, see Chapter I. of the History of Boone County.) 

The next session of the Territorial Legislature commenced its ses- 
sion in December, 1816. During the sitting of this Legislature many 
important acts were passed. It was then that the " Bank of Mis- 
souri " was chartered and went into operation. In the fall of 1817 the 
"Bank of St. Louis" and the "Bank of Missouri" were issuing 
bills. An act was passed chartering lottery companies, chartering 
the academy at Potosi, and incorporating a board of trustees for 
superintending the schools in the town of St. Louis. Laws were also 
passed to encourage the " killing of wolves, panthers and wild-cats." 

The Territorial "Legislature met again in December, 1818, and, 
among other things, organized the counties of Pike, Cooper, Jeffer- 
son, Franklin, Wayne, Lincoln, Madison, Montgomery, and three 
counties in the Southern part of Arkansas. In 1819 the Territory of 
Arkansas was formed into a separate government of its own. 

The people of the Territory of Missouri had been, for some time, 
anxious that their Territory should assume the duties and responsibilities 
of a sovereign State. Since 1812, the date of the organization of the 
Territory, the population had rapidly increased, many counties had 



HISTORY OP MISSOURI. 31 

been established, its commerce had grown into importance, its agri- 
cultural and mineral resources were being developed, and believing 
that its admission into the Union as a State would give fresh impetus 
to all these interests, and hasten its settlement, the Territorial Legis- 
lature of 1818-19 accordingly made application to Congress for the 
passage of an act authorizing the people of Missouri to organize a State 
government. 



CHAPTER YI. 



Application of Missouri to be admitted into the Union — Agitation of tlie Slavery 
Question — *' Missouri Compromise " — Constitutional Convention of 1820 — Con- 
stitution presented to Congress — Further Resistance to Admission — Mr. Clay and 
his Committee make Report — Second Compromise — Missouri Admitted. 

With the application of the Territorial Legislature of Missouri for 
her admission into the Union, commenced the real agitation of the 
slavery question in the United States. 

Not only was our National Legislature the theater of angry discus- 
sions, but everywhere throughout the length and breadth of the Re- 
public the "Missouri Question" was the all-absorbing theme. The 
political skies threatened, 

" In forked flashes, a commanding tempest," 

Which was liable to burst upon the nation at any moment. Through 
such a crisis our country seemed destined to pass. The question as to 
the admission of Missouri was to be the beginning of this crisis, which 
distracted the public counsels of the nation for more than forty years 
afterward. 

Missouri asked to be admitted into the great family of States. 
'* Lower Louisiana," her twin sister Territory, had knocked at the 
door of the Union eight years previously, and was admitted as stipu- 
lated by Napoleon, to all the rights, privileges and immunities of a 
State, and in accordance with the stipulations of the same treaty, 
Missouri now sought to be clothed with the same rights, privileges 
and immunities. 

As what is known in the history of the United States as the " Mis- 
souri Compromise," of 1820, takes rank among the most prominent 



32 HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 

measures that had up to that day engaged the attention of our 
National Legislature, we shall enter somewhat into its details, being 
connected as they are with the annals of the State. 

February 15th, 1819. — After the House had resolved itself into a 
Committee of the Whole on the bill to authorize the admission of Mis- 
souri into the Union, and after the question of her admission had been 
discussed for some time, Mr. Tallmadge, of New York, moved to 
amend the bill, by adding to it the following proviso : — 

'■''And Provided, That the further introduction of slavery or involun- 
tary servitude be prohibited, except for the punishment of crime, 
whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, and that all chil- 
dren born within the said State, after the admission thereof into the 
Union, shall be free at the age of twenty-five years." 

As might have been expected, this proviso precipitated the angry 
discussions which lasted nearly three years, finally culminating in the 
Missouri Compromise. All phases of the slavery question were pre- 
sented, not in its moral and social aspects, but as a great constitu- 
tional question, ajSecting Missouri and the admission of future States. 
The proviso, when submitted to a vote, was adopted — 79 to 67, and 
so reported to the House. 

Hon. John Scott, who was at that time a delegate from the Terri- 
tory of Missouri, was not permitted to vote, but as such delegate he 
had the privilege of participating in the debates which followed. On 
the 16th day of February the proviso was taken up and discussed. 
After several speeches had been made, among them one by Mr. Scott 
and one by the author of the proviso, Mr. Tallmadge, the amendment, 
or proviso, was divided into two parts, and voted upon. The first 
part of it, which included all to the word " convicted," was adopted — 
87 to 76. The remaining part was then voted upon, and also 
adopted, by 82 to 78. By a vote of 97 to 56 the bill was ordered to 
be engrossed for a third reading. 

The Senate Committee, to whom the bill was referred, reported the 
same to the Senate on the 19th of February, when that body voted 
first upon a motion to strike out of the proviso all after the word 
«' convicted," which was carried by a vote of 32 to 7. It then voted 
to strike out the first entire clause, which prevailed — 22 to 16, 
thereby defeating the proviso. 

The House declined to concur in the action of the Senate, and the 
bill was again returned to that body, which in turn refused to recede 
from its position. The bill was lost and Congress adjourned. This 



HISTORY or MISSOURI. 33 

was most unfortunate for the country. The people having already 
been wrought up to fever heat over the agitation of the question in 
the National Councils, now became intensely excited. The press 
added fuel to the flame, and the progress of events seemed rapidly 
tending to the downfall of our nationality. 

A long interval of nine months was to ensue before the meeting of 
Congress. The body indicated by its vote upon the *' Missouri Ques- 
tion," that the two great sections of the country were politically 
divided upon the subject of slavery. The restrictive clause, which it 
was sought to impose upon Missouri as a condition of her admission, 
would in all probability, be one of the conditions of the admission of 
the Territory of Arkansas. The public mind was in a state of great 
doubt and uncertainty up to the meeting of Congress, which took 
place on the 6th of December, 1819. The memorial of the Legisla- 
tive Council and House of Representatives of the Missouri Territory, 
praying for admission into the Union, was presented to the Senate 
by Mr. Smith, of South Carolina. It was referred to the Judiciary 
Committee. 

Some three weeks having passed without any action thereon by the 
Senate, the bill was taken up and discussed by the House until the 
19th of February, when the bill from the Senate for the admission of 
Maine was considered. The bill for the admission of Maine included 
the " Missouri Question," by an amendment which read as follows : 

"And be it further enacted. That in all that territory ceded by 
France to the United States, under the name of Louisiana, which lies 
north of thirty-six degrees and thirty minutes, north latitude (except- 
ing such part thereof as is) included within the limits of the State, 
contemplated by this act, slavery and involuntary servitude, other- 
wise than in the punishment of crimes, whereof the party shall have 
been convicted, shall be and is hereby forever prohibited ; Provided, 
always, That any person escaping into the same from whom labor or 
service is lawfully claimed, in any State or Territory of the United 
States, such fugitive may be lawfully reclaimed and conveyed to the 
person claiming his or her labor or services as aforesaid." 

The Senate adopted this amendment, which formed the basis of the 
«♦ Missouri Compromise," modified afterward by striking out the 
words, ** excepting only such part thereof y 

The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 24 to 20. On the 2d day of 
March the House took up the bill and amendments for consideration, 
and by a vote of 134 to 42 concurred in the Senate amendment, and 



34 HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 

the bill being passed by the two Houses, constituted section 8, of 
•'An Act to authorize the people of the Missouri Territory to form a 
Constitution and State Government, and for the admission of such 
State into the Union on an equal footing with the original States, and 
to prohibit slavery in certain territory." 

This act was approved March 6, 1820. Missouri then coutained fif- 
teen organized counties. By act of Congress the people of said State 
were authorized to hold an election on the first Monday, and two suc- 
ceeding days thereafter in May, 1820, to select representatives to a 
State convention. This convention met in St. Louis on the 12th of 
June, following the election in May, and concluded its labors on the 
19th of July, 1820. David Barton was its President, and Wm. G. 
Pettis, Secretary. There were forty-one members of this convention, 
men of ability and statesmanship, as the admirable constitution which 
they framed amply testifies. Their names and the counties repre- 
sented by them are as follows : — 

Cape Girardeau. — Stephen Bj'^rd, James Evans, Kichard S. 
Thomas, Alexander Buckner and Joseph McFerron. 

Cooper. — Eobert P. Clark, Robert Wallace, Wm. Lillard. 

Franklin. — John G. Heath. 

Howard. — Nicholas S. Burkhart, Dufi" Green, John Ray, Jonathan 
S. Findley, Benj. H. Reeves. 

Jefferson. — Daniel Hammond. 

Lincoln. — Malcom Henry. 

Montgomery. — Jonathan Ramsey, James Talbott. 

Madison. — Nathaniel Cook. 

New Madrid. — Robert S. Dawson, Christopher G. Houts. 

Pike. — Stephen Cleaver. 

St. Charles. — Benjamin Emmons, Nathan Boone, Hiram H. Baber. 

Ste. Genevieve. — John D. Cook, Henry Dodge, John Scott, R. T. 
Brown. 

St. Louis. — David Barton, Edward Bates, Alexander McNair, 
Wm. Rector, John C. Sullivan, Pierre Chouteau, Jr., Bernard Pratte, 
Thomas F. Riddick. 

Washington. — John Rice Jones, Samuel Perry, John Hutchings. 
Wayne. — Elijah Bettis. 

On the 13th of November, 1820, Congress met again, and on the 
sixth of the same month Mr. Scott, the delegate from Missouri, pre- 
sented to the House the Constitution as framed by the convention. 



HLSTORY OF MISSOURI. 35 

The same was referred to a select committee, who made thereon a 
favorable report. 

The admission of the State, however, was resisted, because it was 
claimed that its constitution sanctioned slavery, and authorized the 
Legislature to pass laws preventing free negroes and mulattoes from 
settling in the State. The report of the committee to whom was 
referred the Constitution of Missouri was accompanied by a preamble 
and resolutions, offered by Mr. Lowndes, of South Carolina. The 
preamble and resolutions were stricken out. 

The application of the State for admission shared the same fate in 
the Senate. The question Avas referred to a select committee, who, 
on the 29th of November, reported in favor of admitting the State. 
The debate, which followed, continued for two weeks, and finally Mr. 
Eaton, of Tennessee, offered an amendment to the resolution as fol- 
lows : — 

*' Provided, That nothing herein contained shall be so construed as 
to give the assent of Congress to any provision in the Constitution of 
Missouri, if any such there be, which contravenes that clause in the 
Constitution of the United States, which declares that the citizens of 
each State shall be entitled to all the privileges and immunities of 
citizens in the several States." 

The resolution, as amended, was adopted. The resolution and 
proviso were again taken up and discussed at great length, when the 
committee agreed to report the resolution to the House. 

The question on agreeing to the amendment, as reported from the 
committee of the whole, was lost in the House. A similar resolution 
afterward passed the Senate, but was again rejected in the House. 
Then it was that that great statesman and pure patriot, Henry Clay, 
of Kentucky, feeling that the hour had come when angry discussions 
should cease, 

" With grave 

Aspect he rose, and in his rising seem'd 

A pillar of state ; deep on his front engravei 

Deliberation sat and public care ; 

And princely counsel in his face yet shone 

Majestic" •♦•**• 

proposed that the question of Missouri's admission be referred to a. 
committee consisting of twenty-three persons (a number equal to the 
number of States then composing the Union), be appointed to act in 
conjunction with a committee of the Senate to consider and report 
whether jNIissouri should be admitted, etc. 



36 HISTORY OP MISSOURI. 

The motion prevailed ; the committee was appointed and Mr, Clay 
made its chairman. The Senate selected seven of its members to act 
with the committee of twenty-three, and on the 26th of February the 
following report was made by that committee : — 

*' Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled : That Missouri shall 
be admitted into the Union, on an equal footing with the original 
States, in all respects whatever, upon the fundamental condition that 
the fourth clause, of the twenty-sixth section of the third article of 
the Constitution submitted on the part of said State to Congress, shall 
never be construed to authorize the passage of any law, and that no 
law shall be passed in conformity thereto, by which any citizen of 
either of the States in this Union shall be excluded from the enjoy- 
ment of any of the privileges and immunities to which such citizen is 
entitled, under the Constitution of the United States ; provided. That 
the Legislature of said State, by a Solemn Public Act, shall declare 
the assent of the said State, to the said fundamental condition, and 
shall transmit to the President of the United States, on or before the 
fourth Monday in November next, an authentic copy of the said act ; 
upon the receipt whereof, the President, by proclamation, shall an- 
nounce the fact ; whereupon, and without any further proceeding on 
the part of Congress, the admission of the said State into the Union 
shall be considered complete." 

This resolution, after a brief debate, was adopted in the House, and 
passed the Senate on the 28th of February, 1821. 

At a special session of the Legislature held in St. Charles, in June 
following, a Solemn Public Act was adopted, giving its assent to the 
conditions of admission, as expressed in the resolution of Mr. Clay. 
August 10th, 1821, President Monroe announced by proclamation the 
admission of Missouri into the Union to be complete. 



HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 37 

CHAPTER YII. 

MISSOURI AS A STATE. 

First Election for Governor and other State Officers — Senators and Eepresentatives to 
General Assembly — Sheriffs and Coroners — U. S. Senators — Representatives in 
Coagress — Supreme Court Judges — Counties Organized — Capital Moved to St. 
Charles — Official Record of Territorial and State Officers. 

By the Constitution adopted by the Convention on the 19th of July, 
1820, the General Assembly was required to meet in St. Louis on the 
third Monday in September of that year, and an election was ordered 
to be held on the 28th of August for the election of a Governor and 
other State officers, Senators and Representatives to the General 
Assembly, Sheriffs and Coroners, United States Senators and Repre- 
sentatives in Congress. 

It will be seen that Missouri had not as yet been admitted as a 
State, but in anticipation of that event, and according to the provi- 
sions of the constitution, the election was held, and the General As- 
sembly convened. 

William Clark (who had been Governor of the Territory) and 
Alexander McNair were the candidates for Governor. McNair re- 
ceived 6,576 votes, Clark 2,556, total vote of the State 9,132. There 
were three candidates for Lieutenant-Governor, to wit : William H. 
Ashley, Nathaniel Cook and Henry Elliot. Ashley received 3,907 
votes, Cook 3,212, Elliot 931. A Representative was to be elected 
for the residue of the Sixteenth Congress and one for the Seventeenth. 
John Scott who was at the time Territorial delegate, was elected to 
both Congresses without opposition. 

The General Assembly elected in August met on the 19th of Sep- 
tember, 1820, and organized by electing James Caldwell, of Ste. 
Genevieve, speaker, and John McArthur clerk ; William H. Ashley, 
Lieutenant-Governor, President of the Senate ; Silas Bent, President, 
pro tern. 

Mathias McGirk, John D. Cook, and John R. Jones were appointed 
Supreme Judges, each to hold office until sixty-five years of age. 

Joshua Barton was appointed Secretary of State ; Peter Didier, 
State Treasurer ; Edward Bates, Attorney-General, and William 
Christie, Auditor of Public Accounts. 



88 



HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 



David Barton and Thomas H. Benton were elected by the General 
Assembly to the United States Senate. 

At this session of the Legislature the counties of Boone, Callaway, 
Chariton, Cole, Gasconade, Lillard, Perry, Ralls, Ray and Saline 
were organized. 

We should like to give in details the meetings and proceedings of 
the different Legislatures which followed ; the elections for Govern- 
ors and other State officers ; the elections for Congressmen and United 
States Senators, but for want of space we can only present in a con- 
densed form the official record of the Territorial and State officers. 



OFFICIAL RECORD — TERRITORIAL OFFICERS. 

Governors. 
Frederick Bates, Secretary and William Clark . . 

Acting-Governor .... 



1812-13 



OFFICERS OF STATE GOVERNMENT. 



Oovemors. 

Alexander McNair 1820-24 

Frederick Bates 1824-25 

Abraham J. Williams, vice 

Bates 1825 

John Miller, vice Bates . . . 1826-28 

John Miller 1828-32 

Daniel Dunklin, (1832-36) re- 
signed; appointed Surveyor 
General of the U. S. Lilburn 

W. Boggs, vice Dunklin . . 1836 

Lilburn W. Boggs 1836-40 

Thomas Reynolds (died 1844), . 1840-44 
M. M. Marmaduke vice Rey- 
nolds— John C. Edwards" . 1844-48 
Austin A. King . ... 1848-52 

Sterling Price 1852-56 

Trusten Polk (resigned) . . . 1856-57 

Hancock Jackson, vice Polk . 1857 

Robert M. Stewart, vice Polk . 1857-60 
C. F. Jackson (1860), office va- 
cated by ordinance; Hamil- 
ton R. Gamble, vice Jackson ; 
Gov. Gamble died 1864. 

Willard P. Hall, vice Gamble . 1864 

Thomas C. Fletcher .... 1864-68 

Joseph W. McClurg .... 1868-70 

B. Gratz Brown 1870-72 

Silas Woodson 1872-74 

Charles H. Hardin 1874-76 

John S. Phelps 1876-80 

Thomas T. Crittanden (now 

Governor) 1880 



Lieutenant-Governors, 
William H. Ashley 
Benjamin H. Reeves 
Daniel Dunklin . . 
Lilburn W. Boggs . 
Franklin Cannon . 
M. M. Marmaduke . 
James Young . . 
Thomas L Rice. 
Wilson Brown . . 
Hancock Jackson . 
Thomas C. Reynolds 
Willard P. Hall . 
George Smith . . 
Edwin O. Sianard 
Joseph J. Gravelly. 
Charles P. .Johnson 
Norman J. Coleman 
Henry C. Brockmeyer 
Robert A. Campbell (present 
incumbent) . . 

Secretaries of State, 



Joshua Barton . . 

William G. Pettis . 

Hamilton R. Gamble 

Spencer Pettis . . 

P. H. McBride . . 

John C. Edwards (term expired 

1835, reappointed 1837, re 

signed 1837) . . 
Peter G. Glover . 
James L. Minor . 



1813-20 



1820-24 
1824-28 
1828-32 
1832-36 
1836-40 
1840-44 
1844-48 
1848-52 
1852-55 
1855-56 
1860-61 
1861-64 
1864-68 
1868-70 
1870-72 
1872-74 
1874-76 
1876-80 



1880 



1820-21 
1821-24 
1824-26 
1826-28 
1829-30 



1830-37 
1837-39 
1839-45 



HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 



39 



OFFICERS OF 

P. H. Martin 

Ephraim B. Ewing . . .. 
John M. Richardson .... 
Benjsimin F. Massey (re-elected 

1860, for four years). . . . 

Mordecai Oliver 

Francis Rodman (re-elected 18G8 

for two years) 

Eugene F. Weigel, (re-elected 

1872, for two years) .... 
Michael K. McGrath (present 

incumbent) 

State Treasurers. 

Peter Didier 

Nathaniel Sinionds .... 

James Earickson 

John Walker 

Abraham McClellan .... 
Peter G. Glover 

A. W. Morrison 

George 0. Bingham .... 

William Bishop 

William Q. Dallmeyer . . . 

Samuel Hays 

Harvey W. Salmon .... 

Joseph W. Mercer 

Elijah Gates 

Phillip E. Chappell (present in- 
cumbent) 

A ttorney- Geneva Is, 

Edward Bates 

Kufus Easton 

Robt. W. Wells 

William B. Napton .... 
S. M. Bay 

B. F. Stringfellow 

William A. Robards .... 
James B. Gardenhire .... 
Ephraim W. Ewing .... 

James P. Knott 

Aikman Welch 

Thomas T. Crittenden . . . 

Robert F. Wingate 

Horace P. Johnson 

A. J. Baker 

Henry Clay Ewing 

John A. Hockaday 

Jackson L. Smith 

D. H. Mclntire (present in- 
cumbent) 



STATE GOVERNMENT — Continued. 



1845-49 
1849-52 
1852-56 

1856-60 
1861-04 

1864-68 

1870-72 

1874 



1820-21 

1821-28 

1829-33 

1833-38 

1838-43 

1843-51 

1851-60 

1862-64 

1864-68 

1868-70 

1872 

1872-74 

1874-76 

1876-80 

1880 



1820-21 

1821-26 

1826-36 

1836-39 

1839-45 

1845-49 

1849-51 

1851-56 

1856-59 

1859-61 

1861-64 

1864 

1864-68 

1868-70 

1870-72 

1872-74 

1874-76 

1876-80 

1880 



Auditors of Public Accounts. 

William Christie 1820-21 

William V. Rector .... 1821-23 

Elias Barcroft 1823-33 

Henry Shurlds 1833-35 

Peter G. Glover 1835-37 

Hiram H. Baber 1837-45 

William Monroe 1845 

J. R. McDermon 1845-48 

George W. Miller 1848-49 

Wilson Brown 1849-52 

William H. Buffington . . . 1852-60 

William S. Moseley .... 1860-64 

Alonzo Thompson 1864-68 

Daniel M. Draper 1868-72 

George B. Clark 1872-74 

Thomas Holladay . . . , . 187 -80 
John Walker (present incum- 
bent) 1880 

Judges of Supreme Court. 

Matthias McGirk 1822-41 

John D. Cooke 1822-23 

John R. Jones 1822-24 

Rufus Pettibone 1823-25 

Geo. Tompkins 1824-45 

Robert Wash 1825-37 

John C. Edwards 1837-39 

W^m. Scott, (appointed 1841 till 
meeting of General Assem- 
bly in place of McGirk, re- 
signed; reappointed . . . 1843 

P. H. McBride 1845 

Wm. B. Napton 1849-52 

John F. Ryland 1849-51 

John H. Birch 1849-51 

Wm. Scott, John F. Ryland, 
and Hamilton R. Gamble 
(elected by the people, for six 

years) 1851 

Gamble (resigned) 1854 

Abiel Leonard elected to fill va- 
cancy of Gamble. 
Wm. B. Napton (vacated by 

failure to file oath). 
Wm. Scott and John C. Rich- 
ardson (resigned, elected Au- 
gust, for six years) .... 1857 
E. B. Ewing, (to fill Richard- 
son's resignation) .... 1859 
Barton Bates (appointed) . . 1862 
W. V. N. Bay (appointed) . . 1862 



40 



HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 



OFFICERS OP 
John D. S. Drvden (appointed) 

Barton Bates 

W. V. N. Bay (elected) . . . 
John D. S. Dryden (elected) . 
David Wagner (appointed) . . 
"Wallace L. Lovelace (appoint- 
ed) 

Nathaniel Holmes (appointed) 
Thomas J. C. Fagg (appointed) 
James Baker (appointed) . . 
David Wagner (elected) . . . 

Philemon Bliss 

Warren Currier 

Washington Adams (appointed 
to flu Currier's place, whore- 
signed) 

Ephraim B. Ewing (elected) . 
Thomas A. Sherwood (elected) 
W. B. Napton (appointed in 
place of Ewing, deceased) . 
Edward A. Lewis (appointed, 
in place of Adams, resigned) 
Warwick Hough (elected) . . 
William B. Napton (elected) . 

John W. Henry 

Robert D. Ray succeeded Wm. 

B. Napton in 

Elijah H. Norton (appointed in 

1876), elected 

T. A. Sherwood (re-elected) 

United States Senators. 

T. H. Benton 

D. Barton 

Alex. Buckner 

L.F.Linn 

D. R. Atchison 

H. S. Geyer 

James S. G-reen 

T. Polk 

Waldo P. Johnson 

Robert Wilson 

B. Gratz Brown (for unexpired 
term of Johnson) .... 

J. B. Henderson 

Charles D. Drake 

Carl Schurz 

D. F. Jewett fin place of Drake, 

resigned) 

P. P. Blair 

L. V.Bogy 

James Shields (elected for unex- 
pired term of Bogy) . . . 



STATE GOVERNMENT — Continued. 



1862 

1863-65 

1863 

1863 

1865 

1865 

1865 

1866 

1868 

1868-70 

1868-70 

1868-7] 



1871 
1872 
1872 

1873 

1874 
1874 
1874-80 
1876-86 

1880 

1878 
1882 

1820-50 

1820-30 

1830-33 

1833-43 

1843-55 

1851-57 

1857-61 

1857-63 

1861 

1861 

1863 
1863-69 
1867-70 
1869-75 

1870 

1871-77 

1873 

1879 



D. H. Armstrong appointed for 

unexpired term of Bogy. 

F. M. Cockrell (re-elected 1881) 1875-81 

George G. Vest 1879 

Representatives to Congress. 

John Scott 1820-26 

Ed. Bates 1826-28 

Spencer Pettis 1828-31 

William H. Ashley .... 1831-36 

John Bull 1832-34 

Albert G. Harrison 1834-39 

John Miller 1836-42 

John Jameson (re-elected 1846 

for two years) 1839-44 

John C. Edwards 1840-42 

James M. Hughes 1842-44 

James H.Relfe 1842-46 

James B. Bowlin 1842-50 

Gustavus M. Bower .... 1842-44 

Sterling Price 1844-46 

William McDaniel 1846 

Leonard H. Sims 1844-46 

John S. Phelps 1844-60 

James S. Green (re-elected 

1856, resigned) 1846-50 

Will ard P. Hall 1846-53 

William V. N. Bay .... 1848-61 

John F. Darby 1850-53 

Gilchrist Porter 1850-57 

John G. Miller 1850-56 

Alfred W. Lamb ..... 1852-54 

Thomas H. Benton 1852-54 

Mordecai Oliver 1852-57 

James J. Lindlej- 1852-66 

Samuel Caruthers 1852-58 

Thomas P. Akers (to fill unex- 
pired term of J. G. Miller, 

deceased) 1855 

Francis P. Blair, Jr. (re-elected 

1860, resigned) 1856 

Thomas L. Anderson .... 1856-60 

James Craig 1856-60 

Samuel H. Woodson .... 1856-60 

John B. Clark, Sr 1857-61 

J. Richard Barrett 1860 

John W. Noel 1858-63 

James S. Rollins 1860-64 

Elijah H. Norton 1860-63 

JohnW.Reid 1860-61 

William A. Hall 1862-64 

Thomas L. Price (in place of 

Reid, expelled) 1862 



HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 



41 



OFFICERS OF 

Henry T. Blow 

Sempronius T. Boyd, (elected in 

1862, and again in 1868, for 

two years.) 
Joseph W. McClurg .... 

Austin A. King 

Benjamin F. Loan 

John G. Scott (in place of Noel, 

deceased) 

John Hogan .... . . 

Thomas F. Noel 

John R. Kelsoe 

Robert T. Van Horn . . . 

John F. Benjamin 

George W. Anderson .... 

William A. Pile 

C. A. Newcomb 

Joseph J. Gravelly 

James R. McCormack . . . 
John H. Stover (in place of 

McClurg, resigned) • . 

Erastus Wells 

G. A. Finklenburg ... 

Samuel S. Burdett 

Joel F. Asper 

David P. Dyer 

Harrison E. Havens .... 

Isaac G. Parker 

James G. Blair 

Andrew King 

Edwin 0. Stanard 

William H. Stone 

Robert A. Hatcher (elected) . 

Richard B. Bland 

Thomas T. Crittenden . . . 

Ira B. Hyde 

John B. Clark, Jr. 

John M. Glover 



STATE GOVERNMENT — Continued, 
1862-66 



1862-66 
1862-64 
1862-69 

1863 

1864-66 

1864-67 

1864-66 

1864-71 

1864-71 

1864-69 

1866-68 

1866-68 

1866-68 

1866-73 

1867 

1868-82 

1868-71 

1868-71 

1868-70 

1868-70 

1870-76 

1870-75 

1870-72 

1870-72 

1872-74 

1872-78 

1872 

1872 

1872-74 

1872-74 

1872-78 

1872 



Aylett H. Buckner 1872 

Edward C. Kerr 1874-78 

Charles H. Morgan .... 1874 

John F. Philips 1874 

B. J. Franklin 1874 

David Rea 1874 

Rezin A. De Bolt 1874 

Anthony Ittner 1876 

Nathaniel Cole 1876 

Robert A. Hatcher 1876-78 

R. P. Bland 1876-78 

A. H. Buckner 1876-78 

J. B. Clark, Jr 1876-78 

T. T. Crittenden 1876-78 

B. J. Franklin 1876-78 

John M. Glover 1876-78 

Robert A Hatcher 1876-78 

Chas. H. Morgan 1876-78 

L. S. Metcalf 1876-78 

H.M. Pollard 1876-78 

David Rea 1876-78 

S.L. Sawyer 1878-80 

N. Ford 1878-82 

G. F. Rothwell 1878-82 

John B. Clark, Jr 1878-82 

W. H. Hatch 1878-82 

A. H. Buckner 1878-82 

M. L. Clardy 1878-82 

R.G.* Frost 1878-82 

L. H.Davis 1878-82 

R. P. Bland 1878-82 

J. R. Waddell 1878-80 

T.Allen 1880-82 

R. Hazeltine 1880-82 

T.M.Rice 1880-82 

R. T. Van Horn 1880-82 

Nicholas Ford 1880-82 

J. G. Burrows 1880-82 



COUNTIES 

Adair January 29, 

Andrew January 29, 

Atchison January 14, 

Audrain December 17, 

Barry January 5, 

Barton December 12, 

Bates January 29, 

Benton Januarys, 

Bollinger March 1, 

Boone November 16, 

Buchanan February 10, 



— WHEN ORQANTZET). 

1841 
1841 
1845 
1836 
1835 
1835 
1841 
1835 
1851 
1820 
1839 



Caldwell .December 26, 1836 

Callaway November 25, 1820 

Camden January 29, 1841 

Cape Girardeau October 1, 1812 

Carroll January 3, 1833 

Carter March 10, 1859 

Cass September 11, 1835 

Cedar February 14, 1845 

Chariton November 16, 1820 

Christian March 8, 1860 

Clark December 15. 1818 



42 



HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 



COUNTIES, TVHEN ORGANIZED — Continued, 



Butler February 27, 1849 

Clay January 2, 1822 

Clinton January 16, 1833 

Cole November 16, 1820 

Cooper. December 17, 1818 

Crawford January 23, 1829 

Dade January 29, 1841 

Dallas December 10, 1844 

Daviess December 29, 1836 

DeKalb February 25, 1845 

Dent February 10, 1851 

Douglas October 19, 1857 

Dunklin February 14, 1845 

Franklin December 11, 1818 

Gasconade November 25, 1820 

Gentry February 12, 1841 

Greene , January 2. 1833 

Grundy January 2, 1843 

Harrison February 14, 1845 

Henry December 13, 1834 

Hickory February 14, 1845 

Holt February 15, 1841 

Howard January 23, 1816 

Howell March 2, 1857 

Iron February 17, 1857 

Jackson December 15, 1826 

Jasper January 29, 1841 

Jefferson December 8, 1818 

Johnson December 13, 1834 

Knox February 14, 1845 

Laclede February 24, 1849 

Lafayette November 16, 1820 

Lawrence February 25, 1845 

Lewis January 2, 1833 

Lincoln December 14, 1818 

Linn January 7, 1837 

Livingston January 6, 1837 

McDonald March 3, 1849 

Macon January 6, 1837 

Madison December 14, 1818 

Maries March 2, 1855 

Marion December 23, 1826 

Mercer February 14, 1845 

Miller ..February 6, 1837 

Mississippi.... February 14, 1845 

Moniteau February 14, 1S45 



Monroe January 6, 1831 

Montgomery December 14, 1818 

Morgan January 5, 1833 

New Madrid October 1, 1812 

Newton December 81, 1838 

Nodaway February 14, 1845 

Oregon February 14, 1845 

Osage January 29, 1841 

Ozark January 29, 1841 

Pemiscot February 19, 1861 

Perry November 16, 1820 

Pettis January 26, 1833 

Phelps November 13, 1857 

Pike December 14, 1818 

Platte December 81, 1838 

Polk March 13, 1835 

Pulaski December 15, 1818 

Putnam February 28, 1845 

Ealls November 16, 1820 

Randolph January 22, 1829 

Ray. November 16, 1820 

Reynolds February 25, 1845 

Ripley January 6, 1833 

St. Charles October 1, 1812 

St. Clair January 29, 1841 

St. Francois December 19, 1821 

Ste. Genevieve October 1, 1812 

St. Louis October 1, 1812 

Saline November 25, 1820 

Schuyler ..February 14, 1845 

Scotland January 29, 1841 

Scott December 28, 1821 

Shannon January 29, 1841 

Shelby January 2, 1836 

Stoddard January 2, 1835 

Stone February 10, 1851 

Sullivan February 16, 1845 

Taney January 16, 1837 

Texas February 14, 1835 

Vernon February 17, 1851 

Warren January 5, 1833 

Washington August 21, 1813 

Wayne December 11, 1818 

Webster March 3, 1855 

Worth February 8, 1861 

Wright January 29, 1841 



HISTORY or MISSOUKI. 43 

CHAPTER YIII. 
CIVIL WAR IN MISSOURI. 

Fort Sumter fired upon — Call for 75,000 men — Gov. Jackson refuses to furnish a 
man — U. S. Arsenal at Liberty, Mo., seized — Proclamation of Gov. Jackson — 
General Order No. 7 — Legislature convenes — Camp Jackson organized — Sterling 
Price appointed Major-General — Frost's letter to Lyon — Lyon's letter to Frost — 
Surrender of Camp Jackson — Proclamation of Gen. Harney — Conference between 
Price and Harney — Harney superseded by Lyon — Second Conference — Gov. Jack- 
son burns the bridges behind him — Proclamation of Gov. Jackson — Gen. Blair 
takes possession of Jefferson City — Proclamation of Lyon — Lyon at Springfield — 
State offices declared vacant — Gen. Fremont assumes command — Proclamation of 
Lieut.-Gov. Reynolds — Proclamation of Jeff. Thompson and Gov. Jackson — Death 
of Gen. Lyon — Succeeded by Sturgis — Proclamation of McCulloch and Gamble — 
Martial law declared — Second proclamation of Jeff. Thompson — President modi- 
fies Fremont's order — Fremont relieved by Hunter — Proclamation of Price — Hun- 
ter's Order of Assessment — Hunter declares Martial Law — Order relating to 
Nevrspapers — Halleck succeeds Hunter — Halleck's Order 81 — Similar order by 
Halleck — Boone County Standard confiscated — Execution of prisoners at Macon 
and Palmyra — Gen. Ewing's Order No. 11 — Gen. Rosecrans takes command — Mas- 
sacre at Centralia — Death of Bill Anderson — Gen. Dodge succeeds Gen. Rose- 
crans — List of Battles. 

" Lastly stood war — 
With visage grim, stern looks, and blaclily hued, 

* » * * m * 

Ah I why will kings forget that they are men? 
And men that they are brethren? Why delight 
In human sacrifice? Why burst the ties 
Of nature, that should knit their souls together 
In one soft bond of amity and love?" 

Fort Sumter was fired upon April 12, 1861. On April ISth, Presi- 
dent Lincoln issued a proclamation calling for 75,000 men, from the 
the militia of the several States, to suppress combinations in the South- 
ern States therein named. Simultaneously therewith, the Secretary of 
War sent a telegram to all the governors of the States, excepting 
those mentioned in the proclamation, requesting them to detail a cer- 
tain number of militia to serve for three mont)is, Missouri's quota 
being four reoriments. 

In response to this telegram. Gov. Jackson sent the following answer : 

Executive Department of Missouri, 
Jefferson City, April 17, 1861. 
To the Hon. Simon Cameron, Secretary/ of War, Washington, D.O.: 
Sir: Your dispatch of the 15th inst., making a call on Missouri for 



44 HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 

four regiments of men for immediate service, has been received. There 
can be, I apprehend, no doubt but these men are intended to form a 
part of the President's army to make war upon the people of the 
seceded States. Your requisition, in my judgment, is illegal, unconsti- 
tutional, and can not be complied with. Not one man will the State of 
Missouri furnish to carry on such an unholy war. 

C. F. Jackson, 

Governor of Missouri. 

April 21,. 1861. U. S. Arsenal at Liberty was seized by order of 
Governor Jackson. 

April 22, 1861. Governor Jackson issued a proclamation convening 
the Legislature of Missouri, on May following, in extra session, to take 
into consideration the momentous issues which were presented, and 
the attitude to be assumed by the State in the impending struggle. 

On the 22nd of April, 1861, the Adjutant-General of Missouri issued 
the following military order : 

Headquarters Adjutant-General's Office, Mo., 
Jefferson City, April 22, 1861. 
{General Orders No. 7.) 

I. To attain a greater degree of efficiency and perfection in organ- 
ization and discipline, the Commanding Officers of the several Military 
districts in this State, having four or more legally organized compa- 
nies therein, whose armories are within fifteen miles of each other, will 
assemble their respective commands at some place to be by them sever- 
ally designated, on the 3rd day of May, and to go into an encampment 
for a period of six days, as provided by law. Captains of companies 
not organized into battalions will report the strength of their compa- 
nies immediately to these headquarters, and await further orders. 

II. The Quartermaster-General will procure and issue to Quarter- 
masters of Districts, for these commands not now provided for, all 
necessary tents and camp equipage, to enable the commanding officers 
thereof to carry the foregoing orders into efiect. 

III. The Light Battery now attached to the Southwest Battalion, 
and one company of mounted riflemen, including all officers and sol- 
diers belonging to the First District, will proceed forthwith to St. Louis, 
and report to Gen. D. M. Frost for duty. The remaining companies 
of said battalion will be disbanded for the purpose of assisting in the 
organization of companies upon that frontier. The details in the exe- 



HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 45 

cution of the foregoing are intrusted to Lieutenant-Colonel John S. 
Bowen, commanding the Battalion. 

IV. The strength, organization, and equipment of the several com- 
panies in the District will be reported at once to these Headquarters, 
and District Inspectors will furnish all information which may be ser- 
viceable in ascertaining the condition of the State forces. 
By order of the Governor. 

Warwick Hough, 
Adjutant- General of Missouri. 

May 2, 1861. The Legislature convened in extra session. Many 
acts were passed, among which was one to authorize the Governor to 
purchase or lease David Ballentine's foundry at Boonville, for the man- 
ufacture of arms and munitions of war ; to authorize the Governor to 
appoint one Major-General ; to authorize the Governor, when, in his 
opinion, the security and welfare of the State required it, to take pos- 
session of the railroad and telegraph lines of the State ; to provide for 
the organization, government, and support of the military forces ; to 
borrow one million of jdollars to arm and equip the militia of the State 
to repel invasion, and protect the lives and property of the people. 
An act was also passed creating a "Military Fund," to consist of all 
the money then in the treasury or that might thereafter be received 
from the one-tenth of one per cent, on the hundred dollars, levied by 
act of November, 1857, to complete certain railroads ; also the pro- 
ceeds of a tax of fifteen cents on the hundred dollars of the assessed 
value of the taxable property of the several counties in the State, and 
the proceeds of the two-mill tax, which had been theretofore appro- 
priated for educational purposes. 

May 3, 1861. *< Camp Jackson" was organized. 

May 10, 1861. Sterling Price appointed Major-General of State 
Guard. 

May 10, 1861. General Frost, commanding '* Camp Jackson," ad- 
dressed General N. Lyon, as follows : — 

Headquarters Camp Jackson, Missouri Militia, May 10, 1861. 
Capt. N. Lyon, Commanding U. S. Troops in and about St. Louis 
Arsenal: 

Sir : I am constantly in receipt of information that you contem- 
plate an attack upon my camp, whilst I understand that you are im- 
pressed with the idea that an attack upon the Arsenal and United 
States troops is intended on the part of the Militia of Missouri, I am 



46 HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 

greatly at a loss to know what could justify you in attacking citizens 
of the United States, who are in lawful performance of their duties, 
devolvino" upon them under the Constitution in organizing and instruct- 
ino- the militia of the State in obedience to her laws, and, therefore, 
have been disposed to doubt the correctness of the information I have 
received. 

I would be glad to know from you personally whether there is any 
truth in the statements that are constantly pouring into my ears. So 
far as re^-ards any hostility being intended toward the United States, 
or its property or representatives by any portion of my command, or, 
as far as I can learn (and I think I am fully informed), of any other 
part of the State forces, I can positively say that the idea has never 
been entertained. On the contrary, prior to your taking command of 
the Arsenal, I proffered to Major Bell, then in command of the very 
few troops constituting its guard, the services of myself and all my 
command, and, if necessary, the whole power of the State, to protect 
the United States in the full possession of all her property. Upon 
General Harney taking command of this department, I made the same 
proffer of services to him, and authorized his Adjutant-General, Capt. 
Williams, to communicate the fact that such had been done to the 
War Department. I have had no occasion since to change any of the 
views I entertained at the time, neither of my own volition nor through 
orders of my constitutional commander. 

1 trust that after this explicit statement that we may be able, by 
fully understanding each other, to keep far from our borders the mis- 
fortunes which so unhappily affect our common country. 

This communication will be handed you by Colonel Bowen, my 
Chief of Staff, who will be able to explain anything not fully set forth 
in the foregoing. 

I am, sir, very respectfully your obedient servant. 

Brigadier-General D. M, Frost, 
Commanding Camp Jackson, M. V. M. 

May 10, 1861. Gen. Lyon sent the following to Gen. Frost: 

Headquarters United States Troops, 
St. Louis, Mo., May 10, 1861. 
Gen. D. M. Frost, Commanding Camp Jackson: 

Sir: Your command is regarded as evidently hostile toward the 
Government of the United States. 

It is, for the most part, made up of those Secessionists who have 



HISTORY OF MISSOURI. " 47 

openly avowed their hostility to the General Government, and have 
been plotting at the seizure of its property and the overthrow of its 
authority. You are openly in communication with the so-called 
Southern Confederacy, which is now at war with the United States, 
and you are receiving at your camp, from the said Confederacy and 
under its flag, large supplies of the material of war, most of which is 
known to be the property of the United States< These extraordinary 
preparations plainly indicate none other than the well-known purpose 
of the Governor of this State, under whose orders you are acting, and 
whose communication to the Legislature has just been responded to 
by that body in the most unparalleled legislation, having in direct 
view hostilities to the General Government and co-operation with its 
enemies. 

In view of these considerations, and of your failure to disperse in 
obedience to the proclamation of the President, and of the imminent 
necessities of State policy and warfare, and the obligations imposed 
upon me by instructions from Wasiiington, it is my duty to demand, 
and I do hereby demand of you an immediate surrender of your com- 
mand, with no other conditions than that all persons surrendering 
under this command shall be humanely and kindly treated. Believing 
myself prepared to enforce this demand, one-half hour's time before 
doing so will be allowed for your compliance therewith. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

N. Lyon, 
Captain Second Infantry^ Commanding Troops. 

May 10, 1861. Camp Jackson surrendered and prisoners all 
released excepting Capt. Emmet McDonald, who refused to subscribe 
to the parole. 

May 12, 1861. Brigadier-General Wm. S. Harney issued a procla- 
mation to the people of Missouri, saying " he would carefully abstain 
from the exercise of any unnecessary powers," and only use "the 
military force stationed in this district in the last resort to preserve 
peace." 

May 14, 1861. General Harney issued a second proclamation. 

May 21, 1861. General Harney held a conference with General 
Sterling Price, of the Missouri State Guards. 

May 31, 1861. General Harney superseded by General Lyon. 

June 11, 1861. A second conference was held between the National 
and State authorities in St. Louis, which resulted in nothing. 



48 H8TORY OF MISSOURI. 

June 11, 1861. Gov. Jackson left St. Louis for Jefferson City, 
burning the railroad bridges behind him, and cutting telegraph wires. 

June 12, 1861. Governor Jackson issued a proclamation calling 
into active service 50,000 militia, *'to repel invasion, protect life, 
property," etc. 

June 15, 1861. Col. F. P. Blair took possession of the State Capi- 
tal, Gov. Jackson, Gen. Price and other officers having left on the 13th 
of June for Boonville. 

June 17, 1861. Battle of Boonville took place between the forces 
of Gen. Lyon and Col. John S. Marmaduke. 

June 18, 1861. General Lyon issued a proclamation to the people 
of Missouri. 

July 5, 1861. Battle at Carthage between the forces of Gen. Sigel 
and Gov. Jackson. 

July 6, 1861. Gen. Lyon reached Springfield. 

July 22, 1861. State convention met and declared the offices of 
Governor, Lieutenant-Governor and Secretary of State vacated. 

July 26, 1861. Gen. John C. Fremont assumed command of the 
Western Department, with headquarters in St. Louis. 

July 31, 1861. Lieutenant-Governor Thomas C. Reynolds issued 
a proclamation at New Madrid. 

August 1, 1861. General Jeff. Thompson issued a proclamation at 
Bloomfield. 

August 2, 1861. Battle of Dug Springs, between Captain Steele's 
forces and General Rains. 

August 5, 1861. Governor Jackson issued a proclamation at New 
Madrid. 

August 5, 1861. Battle of Athens. 

August 10, 1861. Battle of Wilson's Creek, between the forces 
under General Lyon and General McCulloch. In this engagement 
General Lyon was killed. General Sturgis succeeded General Lyon. 

August 12, 1861. McCulloch issued a proclamation, and soon left 
Missouri. 

August 20, 1861. General Price issued a proclamation. 

August 24, 1861. Governor Gamble issued a proclamation calling 
for 32,000 men for six months to protect the property and lives of the 
citizens of the State. 

August 30, 1861. General Fremont declared martial law, and 
declared that the slaves of all persons who should thereafter take an 
active part with the enemies of the Government should be free. 



HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 49 

September 2, 1861. General Jeff. Thompson issued a proclamation 
in response to Fremont's proclamation. 

September 7, 1861. Battle at Drywood Creek. 

September 11, 1861. President Lincoln modified the clause in Gen. 
Fremont's declaration of martial law, in reference to the confiscation 
of property and liberation of slaves. 

September 12, 1861. General Price begins the attack at Lexing- 
ton on Colonel Mulligan's forces. 

September 20, 1861. Colonel Mulligan with 2,640 men surren- 
dered. 

October 25, 1861. Second battle at Springfield. 

October 28, 1861. Passage by Governor Jackson's Legislature, 
at Neosho, of an ordinance of secession. 

November 2, 1861. General Fremont succeeded by General David 
Hunter. 

November 7, 1861. General Grant attacked Belhiont. 

November 9, 1861. General Hunter succeeded by General Halleck, 
who took command on the 19th of same month, with headquarters in 
St. Louis. 

November 27, 1861. General Price issued proclamation calling for 
50,000 men, at Neosho, Missouri. 

December 12, 1861. General Hunter issued his order of assess- 
ment upon certain wealthy citizens in St. Louis, for feeding and cloth- 
ing Union refugees. 

December 23-25. Declared martial law in St. Louis and the 
country adjacent, and covering all the railroad lines. 

March 6, 1862. Battle at Pea Ridge between the forces under Gen- 
erals Curtis and Van Dorn. 

January 8, 1862. Provost Marshal Farrar, of St. Louis, issued the 
following order in reference to newspapers : 

Office of the Provost Marshal, \ 

General Department of Missouri, > 
St. Louis, January 8, 1862. ) 
(General Order No. 10.) 

It is hereby ordered that from and after this date the publishers of 
newspapers in the State of Missouri (St. Louis City papers excepted), 
furnish to this office, immediately upon publication, one copy of each 
issue, for inspection. A failure to comply with this order will render 
the newspaper liable to suppression. 



50 HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 

Local Provost [Marshals will furnish the proprietors with copies of 
this order, and atleiid to its immediate enforcement. 

Bernard G. Farrar, 
Provost Marshal General. 

January 26, 1862. General Halleck issued order (No. 18) which 
forbade, among other things, the disi)lay of Secession flags in the 
hands of women or on carriages, in the vicinity of the military prison 
in McDowell's College, the carriages to be confiscated and the ofiend- 
ing women to be arrested. 

February 4, 1862. General Halleck issued another order similar to 
Order No. 18, to railroad companies and to the professors and direct- 
ors of the State University at Columbia, forbidding the funds of the 
institution to be used " to teach treason or to instruct traitors." 

February 20, 1862. Special Order No. 120 convened a military 
commission, which sat in Columbia, March following, and tried Ed- 
mund J. Ellis, of Columbia, editor and proprietor of *' The Boone 
County Standard," for the publication of information for the benefit 
of the enemy, and encouraging resistance to the United States Gov- 
ernment. Ellis was found guilty, was banished during the war from 
Missouri, and his printing materials confiscated and sold. 

April, 1862. General Halleck left for Corinth, Mississippi, leaving 
General Schofield in command. 

June, 1862. Battle at Cherry Grove between the forces under 
Colonel Joseph C. Porter and Colonel H. S. Lipscomb. 

June, 1862. Battle at Pierce's Mill between the forces under Major 
John Y. Clopper and Colonel Porter. 

July 22, 1862. Battle at Florida. 

July 28, 1862. Battle at Moore's Mill. 

August 6, 1862. Battle near Kirksville. 

August 11, 1862. ' Battle at Independence. 

August 16, 1862. Battle at Lone Jack. 

September 13, 1862. Battle at Newtonia. 

September 25, 1862. Ten Confederate prisoners were executed at 
Macon, by order of General Merrill. 

October 18, 1862. Ten Confederate prisoners executed at Palmyra, 
by order of General McNeill. 

January 8, 1863. Battle at Springfield between the forces of Gen- 
eral Marmaduke and General E. B. Brown. 

April 26, 1863. Battle at Cape Girardeau. 



HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 51 

August — , 1863. General Jeff. Thompson captured at Pocahontas, 
Arkansas, with his staff. 

August 25, 1863. General Thomas Ewing issued his celebrated 
Order No. 11, at Kansas City, Missouri, which is as follows: — 

Headquarters District of the Border, 
Kansas City, Mo., August 25, 1863. 
(General Order No. 11.) 

First. — All persons living in Cass, Jackson and Bates Counties, 
Missouri, and in that I3art of Vernon included in this district, except 
those living within one mile of the limits of Independence, Hickman's 
Mills, Pleasant Hill and Harrisonville, and except those in that part 
of Kaw Township, Jackson County, north of Brush Creek and west 
of the Big Blue, embracing Kansas City and Westport, are hereby 
ordered to remove from their present places of residence within fifteen 
days from the date hereof. 

Those who, within that time, establish their loyalty to the satisfac- 
tion of the commanding officer of the military station nearest their 
present place of residence, will receive from him certificates stating 
the fact of their loyalty, and the names of the witnesses by whom it 
can be shown. All who receive such certificate will be permitted to 
remove to any military station in this district, or to any part of the 
State of Kansas, except the counties on the eastern borders of the 
State. All others shall remove out of this district. Officers com- 
manding companies and detachments serving in the counties named, 
will see that this paragraph is promptly obeyed. 

Second. — All grain and hay in the field, or under shelter, in the 
district from which the inhabitants are required to remove within reach 
of military stations, after the 9th day of September next, will be 
taken to such stations and turned over to the proper officer there, and 
report of the amount so turned over made to district headquarters, 
specifying the names of all loyal owners and the amount of such 
produce taken from them. All grain and hay found in such district 
after the 9th day of September next, not convenient to such stations, 
Avill be destroyed. 

Third. — The provisions of General Order No. 10, from these 
headquarters, will at once be vigorously executed by officers com- 
manding in the parts of the district, and at the stations not subject to 
the operations of paragraph First of this Order — and especially in 
the towns of Independence. Westport and Kansas City. 



52 



HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 



Fourth. — Paragraph 3, General Order No. 10, is revoked as to all 
who have borne arms against the Government in the district since 
August 20, 1863. 

By order of Brigadier-General Ewing : 

H. Hannahs, Adjutant. 

October 13. Battle of Marshall. 

Januarv, 1864. General Rosecrans takes command of the Depart- 
ment. 

September, 1864. Battle at Pilot Knob, Harrison and Little Mo- 
reau River. 

October 5, 1864. 
farm. 

October 8, 1864. 

October 20, 1864. 

September 27, 1864. 
derson. 

October 27, 1864. Captain Bill Anderson killed. 

December — , 1864. General Rosecrans relieved 
Dodge appointed to succeed him. 

Nothing occurred specially, of a military character, in the State after 
December, 1864. We have, in the main, given the facts as they 
occurred without comment or entering into details. Many of the 
minor incidents and skirmishes of the war have been omitted because 
of our limited space. 

It is utterly impossible, at this date, to give the names and dates of 
all the battles fought in Missouri during the Civil War. It Avill be 
found, however, that the list given below, which has been arranged for 
convenience, contains the prominent battles and skirmishes which took 
place within the State : — 



Battle at Prince's Ford and James Gordon's 

Battle at Glasgow. 
Battle at Little Blue Creek. 

Massacre at Centralia, by Captain Bill An- 

and General 



Potosi, May 14, 1861. 
Boonville, June 17, 1861. 
Carthage, July 5, 1861. 
Monroe Station, July 10, 1801. 
Overton's Run, July 17, 1861. 
Dug Spring, August 2, 1861. 
Wilson's Creek, August 10, 1861. 
Athens, August 5, 1861. 
Moreton, August 20, 1861. 
Bennett's Mills, September — , 1861. 
Drywood Creek, September 7, 1861. 
Norfolk, September 10, 1861. 
Lexington, September 12-20, 1861. 



Blue Mills Landing, September 17, 1861. 
Glasgow Mistake, September 20, 1861. 
Osceola, September 25, 1861. 
Shanghai, October 13, 1861. 
Lebanon, October 13, 1861. 
Linn Creek, October 16, 1861. 
Big River Bridge, October 15, 1861. 
Fredericktown, October 21, 1861, 
Springfield, October 25, 1861. 
Belmont, November 7, 1861. 
Piketon, November 8, 1861. 
Little Blue, November 10, 1861. 
Clark's Station, November 11, 1861, 



HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 



53 



Mt. Zion Church, December 28, 1861. 
Silver Creek, January 15, 18C2, 
New Madrid, February 28, 1862. 
Pea Ridge, March 6, 1862. 
Neosho, April 22, 1862. 
Rose Hill, July 10, 1862. 
Chariton River, July 30, 1862. 
Cherry Grove, June — , 1862. 
Pierce's Mill, June — , 1862. 
Florida, July 22, 1862. 
Moore's Mill, July 28, 1862. 
Kirksville, August 6, 1862. 
Compton's Ferry, August 8, 1862. 
Yellow Creek, August 13, 1862. 
Independence, August 11, 1862. 



Lone Jack, August 16, 1862. 
Newtonia, September 13, 1862. 
Springfield, January 8, 1863. 
Cape Girardeau, April 29, 1863. 
Marshall, October 13, 1863. 
Pilot Knob, September — , 1864. 
Harrison, September — , 1864. 
Moreau River, October 7, 1864. 
Prince's Ford, October 5, 1864. 
Glasgow, October 8, 1864, 
Little Blue Creek, October 20, 1864. 
Albany, October 27, 1864. 
Near Rocheport, September 23, 1864. 
Centralia, September 27, 1864. 



CHAPTEK IX. 



EARLY MILITARY RECORD. 



Black Hawk War — Mormon Difficulties — Florida War — Mexican War. 

On the fourteenth day of May, 1832, a bloody engagement took 
place between the regular forces of the United States, and a part of 
the Sacs, Foxes, and Winnebago Indians, commanded by Black 
Hawk and Keokuk, near Dixon's Ferry in Illinois. 

The Governor (John Miller) of Missouri, fearing these savages 
would invade the soil of his State, ordered Major-General Richard 
Gentry to raise one thousand volunteers for the defence of the fron- 
tier. Five companies were at once raised in Boone county, and in 
Callaway, Montgomery, St. Charles, Lincoln, Pike, Marion, Ralls, 
Clay and Monroe other companies were raised. 

Two of these companies, commanded respectively by Captain John 
Jamison of Callaway, and Captain David M. Hickman of Boone 
county, were mustered into service in July for thirty days, and put 
under command of Major Thomas W. Conyers. 

This detachment, accompanied by General Gentry, arrived at Fort 
Pike on the 15th of July, 1832. Finding that the Indians had not 
crossed the Mississippi into Missouri, General Gentry returned to 
Columbia, leaving the fort in charge of Major Conyers. Thirty days 
having expired, the command under Major Conyers was relieved by two 



54 



HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 



other companies under Captains Sinclair Kirtley, cf Boone, and Patrick 
Ewing, of Callaway. This detachment was marched to Fort Pike by 
Col. Austin A. King, w^ho conducted the two companies under Major 
Conyers home. Major Conyers was left in charge of the fort, where 
he remained till September following, at w^hich time the I)idian troub- 
les, so far as Missouri was concerned, having all subsided, the frontier 
forces were mustered out of service. 

Black Hawk continued the war in Iowa and Illinois, and was finally 
defeated and captured in 1833. 

MORMON DIFFICULTIES. 

In 1832, Joseph Smith, the leader of the Mormons, and the choseu 
prophet and apostle, as he claimed, of the Most High, came with 
many followers to Jackson county, Missouri, where they located and 
entered several thousand acres of laud. 

The object of his coming so far West — upon the very outskirts of 
civilization at that time — was to more securely establish his church, 
and the more effectively to instruct his followers in its peculiar tenets 
and practices. 

Upon the present town site of Independence the Mormons located 
their *'Zion," and gave it the name of ** The New Jerusalem." 
They published here the Evening Star^ and made themselves gener- 
ally obnoxious to the Gentiles, who were then in a minority, by their 
denunciatory articles through their paper, their clannishness and their 
polygamous practices. 

Dreading the demoralizing influence of a paper which seemed to be 
inspired only with hatred and malice toward them, the Gentiles 
threw the press and type into the Missouri River, tarred and feathered 
one of their bishops, and otherwise gave the Mormons and their lead- 
era to understand that they must conduct themselves in an entirely 
different manner if they wished to be let alone. 

After the destruction of their paper and press, they became fu- 
riously incensed, and sought many opportunities for retaliation. Mat- 
ters continued in an uncertain condition until the 31st of October, 
1833, when a deadly conflict occurred near Westport, in which two 
Gentiles and one Mormon were killed. 

On the 2d of October following the Mormons were overpoweredj 
and compelled to lay down their arms and agree to leave the county 
with their families by January 1st on the condition that the owner 
would be paid for his printing press. 



HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 65 

Leaving Jackson county, they crossed the Missouri and located in 
Clay, Carroll, Caldwell and other counties, and selected in Caldwell 
county a town site, which they called " Far West," and where they 
entered more land for their future homes. 

Through the influence of their missionaries, who were exertinw 
themselves in the East and in different portions of Europe, converts 
had constantly flocked to their standard, and " Far West," and other 
Mormon settlements, rapidly prospered. 

In 1837 they commenced the erection ot a magnificent temple, but 
never finished it. As their settlements increased in numbers, they 
became bolder in their practices and deeds of lawlessness. 

During the summer of 1838 two of their leaders settled in the town 
of De Witt, on the Missouri River, having purchased the land from 
an Illinois merchant. De Witt was in Carroll county, and a good 

point from which to forward goods and immigrants to their town 

Far West. 

Upon its being ascertained that these parties were Mormon leaders 
the Gentiles called a public meeting, which was addressed by some of 
the prominent citizens of the county. Nothing, however, was done at 
this meeting, but at a subsequent meeting, which was held a few days 
afterward, a committee of citizens was appointed to notify Col. Hin- 
kle (one of the Mormon leaders at De Witt), what they intended to 
do. 

Col. Hinkle upon being notified by this committee became indig- 
nant, and threatened extermination to all who should attempt to molest 
him or the Saints. 

In anticipation of trouble, and believing that the Gentiles would 
attempt to force them from De Witt, Mormon recruits flocked to the 
town from every direction, and pitched their tents in and around the 
town in great numbers. 

The Gentiles, nothing daunted, planned an attack upon this en- 
campment, to take place on the 21st day of September, 1838, and, 
accordingly, one hundred and fifty men bivouacked near the town on 
that day. A conflict ensued, but nothing serious occurred. 

The Mormons evacuated their works and fled to some loo- houses 
where they could the more successfully resist the Gentiles, who had 
in the meantime returned to their camp to await reinforcements. 
Troops from Saline, Ray and other counties came to their assist- 
ance, and increased their number to five hundred men. 

Congreve Jackson was chosen Brigadier- General; Ebenezer Price, 



56 



HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 



Colonel ; Singleton Viiughan, Lieutenant-Colonel, and Sarshel Woods, 
Major. After some days of discipline, this brigade prepared for an 
assault, but before the attack was commenced Judge James Earickson 
and William F. Dunnica, influential citizens of Howard county, asked 
permission of General Jackson to let them try and adjust the difficul- 
ties without any bloodshed. 

It was finally agreed that Judge Earickson should propose to the 
Mormons, that if they would pay for all the cattle they had killed be- 
longing to the citizens, and load their wagons during the night and be 
ready to move by ten o'clock next morning, and make no further 
attempt to settle in Carroll county, the citizens would purchase at 
first cost their lots in De Witt and one or two adjoining tracts of 
land. 

Col. Hinkle, the leader of the Mormons, at first refused all attempts 
to settle the difficulties in this way, but finally agreed to the proposi- 
tion. 

In accordance therewith, the Mormons without further delay, 
loaded up their wagons for the town of Far West, in Caldwell county. 
Whether the terms of the agreement were ever carried out, on the 
part of the citizens, is not known. 

The Mormons had doubtless suffered much and in many ways — the 
result of their own acts — but their trials and suflerings were not at 
an end. 

In 1838 the discord between the citizens and Mormons became so 
great that Governor Boggs issued a proclamation ordering Major- 
General David E. Atchison to call the militia of his division to enforce 
the laws. He called out a part of the first brigade of the Missouri 
State Militia, under command of Gen. A. W. Doniphan, who pro- 
ceeded to the seat of war. Gen. John B. Clark, of Howard county, 
was placed in command of the militia. 

The Mormon forces numbered about 1,000 men, and were led by 
G. W. Hinkle. The first engagement occurred at Crooked river, 
where one Mormon was killed. The principal fight took place at 
Haughn's Mills, where eighteen Mormons were killed and the balailce 
captured, some of them being killed after they had surrendered. 
Only one militiaman was wounded. 

In the month of October, 1838, Joe Smith surrendered the town of 
Far West to Gen. Doniphan, agreeing to his conditions, viz. ; That 
they should deliver up their arms, surrender their prominent leaders 
for trial, and the remainder of the Mormons should, with their 



HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 



57 



families, leave the State. Indictments were found against a number 
of these leaders, including Joe Smith, who, while being taken to 
Boone county for trial, made his escape, and was afterward, in 1844, 
killed at Carthage, Illinois, with his brother Hiram. 

FLORIDA WAR. 

In September, 1837, the Secretary of War issued a requisition on 
Governor Boggs, of Missouri, for six hundred volunteers for service 
in Florida against the Seminole Indians, with whom the Creek nation 
had made common cause under Osceola. 

The first regiment was chiefly raised in Boone county by Colonel 
Richard Gentry, of which he was elected Colonel ; John W. Price, of 
Howard county, Lieutenant-Colonel ; Harrison H. Hughes, also of 
Howard, Major. Four companies of the second regiment were raised 
and attached to the first. Two of these companies were composed of 
Delaware and Osage Indians. 

October 6, 1837, Col. Gentry's regiment left Columbia for the seat 
of war, stopping on the way at Jefferson barracks, where they were 
mustered into service. 

Arriving at Jackson barracks, New Orleans, they were from thence 
transported in brigs across the Gulf to Tampa Bay, Florida. Gen- 
eral Zachary Taylor, who then commanded in Florida, ordered Col. 
Gentry to march to Okee-cho-bee Lake, one hundred and thirty-five 
miles inland by the route traveled. Having reached the Kissemmee 
river, seventy miles distant, a bloody battle ensued, in which Col. 
Gentry was killed. The Missourians, though losing their gallant 
leader, continued the fight until the Indians were totally routed, leav- 
ing many of their dead and wounded on the field. There being no 
further service required of the Missourians, they returned to their 
homes in 1838. 

MEXICAN WAR. 

Soon after Mexico declared war, against the United States, on the 
8th and 9th of May, 1846, the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la 
Palma were fought. Great excitement prevailed throughout the 
country. In none of her sister States, however, did the fires of 
patriotism burn more intensely than in Missouri. Not waiting for the 
call for volunteers, the " St. Louis Legion " hastened to the field of 
conflict. The " Legion " was commanded by Colonel A. R. Easton. 
During the month of May, 1846, Governor Edwards, of Missouri, 



58 



HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 



called for volunteers to join the **Army of the West," an expedition 
to Siinte Fe — under command of General Stephen W. Kearney 

Fort Leavenworth was the appointed rendezvous for the volunteers. 
By the 18th of June, the full complement of companies to compose 
the first regiment had arrived from Jackson, Lafayette, Clay, Sa- 
line, Franklin, Cole, Howard and Callaway counties. Of this regi- 
ment, A. W. Doniphan was made Colonel ; C. F. Ruff, Lieutenant- 
Colonel, and Wm. Gilpin, Major. The battalion of light artillery 
from St. Louis was commanded by Captains R. A. Weightman and 
A. W. Fischer, with Major M. L. Clark as field officer; battalions of 
infantry from Platte and Cole counties commanded by Captains 
Murphy and W. Z. Augney respectively, and the " Laclede Rangers," 
from St. Louis, by Captain Thomas B. Hudson, aggregating all told, 
from Missouri, 1,658 men. In the summer of 1846 Hon. Sterling 
Price resigned his seat in Congress and raised one mounted regiment, 
one mounted extra battalion, and one extra battalion of Mormon in- 
fantry to reinforce the "Army of the West." Mr. Price 'was made 
Colonel, and D. D. Mitchell Lieutenant-Colonel. 

In August, 1847, Governor Edwards made another requisition for 
one thousand men, to consist of infantry. The regiment was raised 
at once. John Dougherty, of Clay county, was chosen Colonel, but 
before the regiment marched the President countermanded the order. 

A company of mounted volunteers was raised in Ralls county, com- 
manded by Captain Wm. T. Lafland. Conspicuous among the en- 
gagements in which the Missouri volunteers participated in Mexico 
were the battles of Bracito, Sacramento, Canada, El Embudo, Taos 
and Santa Cruz de Rosalcs. The forces from Missouri were mustered 
out in 1848, and will ever be remembered in the history of the Mexi- 
can war, for 

"A thousand glorious actions that might claim 
Triumphaul laurels and immortal fame. 



HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 59 

CHAPTEE X. 

AGRICULTURE AND MATERIAL WEALTH. 

Missouri as an Agricultural State — The Different Crops — Live Stock — Horses — 
Mules — Milch Cows — Oxen and other Cattle — Sheep — Hogs— Comparisons — 
Missouri adapted to Live Stock — Cotton — Broom-Corn and other Products- 
Fruits- Berries— Grapes— Railroads — First Neigh of the " Iron Horse " in Mis- 
souri — Names of Railroads — Manufactures — Great Bridge at St. Louis. 

Agriculture is the greatest among all the arts of man, as it is the 
first in supplying his necessities. It favors and strengthens popula- 
tion ; it creates and maintains manufactures ; gives employment to 
navigation and furnishes materials to commerce. It animates every 
species of industry, and opens to nations the safest channels of 
wealth. It is the strongest bond of well regulated society, the surest 
basis of internal peace, and the natural associate of correct morals. 
Among all the occupations and professions of life, there is none more 
honorable, none more independent, and none more conducive to health 
and happiness. 

" In ancient times the sacred plovp employ'd 
The kings, and awful fathers of mankind; 
And some, with whom compared your insect tribes 
4re but the beings of a summer's day. 

Have held the scale of empire, rulod the storm 

Of mighty war with unwearied hand, 

Disdaining little delicacies, seized 

The plow and greatly independent lived." 

As an agricultural region, Missouri is not surpassed by any State in 
the Union. It is indeed the farmer's kingdom, where he always reaps 
an abundant harvest. The soil, in many portions of the State, has 
an open, flexible structure, quickly absorbs the most excessive rains, 
and retains moisture with great tenacity. This being the case, it is 
not so easily aifected by drouth. The prairies are covered with sweet, 
luxuriant grass, equally good for grazing and hay ; grass not sur- 
passed by the Kentucky blue grass — the best of clover and timothy 
in growing and fattening cattle. This grass is now as full of life-giv- 
ing nutriment as it was when cropped by the buffalo, the elk, the an- 
telope, and the deer, and costs the herdsman nothing. 



60 HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 

No State or territory has a more complete and rapid system of nat- 
ural drainage, or a more abundant supply of pure, fresh water than 
Missouri. Both man and beast may slake their thirst from a thousand 
perennial fountains, which gush in limpid streams from the hill-sides, 
and w^end their way through verdant valleys and along smiling prai- 
ries, varyino- in size, as they onward flow, from the diminutive brooklet 
to the giant river. 

Here, nature has generously bestowed her attractions of climate, 
soil and scenery to please and gratify man while earning his bread in 
the sweat of his brow. Being thus munificently endowed, Missouri 
offers superior inducements to the farmer, and bids him enter her 
broad domain and avail himself of her varied resources. 

"We present here a table showing the product of each principal crop 
in Missouri for 1878 : — 

Indian Corn 93,062,000 bushela. 

Wheat 20,196,000 " 

Rye 732,000 •• 

Oats - 19,584,000 '* 

Buckwheat 46.400 " 

Potatoes 5,415,000 " 

Tobacco 23,023,000 pounds. 

Hay ~ 1,620,000 tons. 

There were 3,552,000 acres in corn; wheat, 1,836,000; rye, 
48,800; oats, 640,000; buckwheat, 2,900; potatoes, 72,200; to- 
bacco, 29,900; hay, 850,000. Value of each crop: corn, $24,196,- 
224; wheat, $13,531,320; rye, $300,120; oats, $3,325,120; buck- 
wheat, $24,128; potatoes, $2,057,700; tobacco, $1,151,150; hay, 
$10,416,600. 

Average cash value of crops per acre, $7.69 ; average yield of corn 
per acre, 26 bushels ; wheat, 11 bushels. 

Next in importance to the corn crop in value is live stock. The fol- 
lowing table shows the number of horses, mules, and milch cows in 
the different States for 1879 : — 



HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 



61 



States. 



Maine 

New Hampshire. 

Vermont 

Massachusetts.... 

Rhode Island 

Connecticut 

New York 

New Jersey 

Penns3'lvania 

Delaware. 

Maryland , 

Virginia 

North Carolina... 
South Carolina... 

Georgia 

Florida 

Alabama 

Mississippi 

Louisiana 

Texas 



Arkansas 

Tennessee 

West Virginia 

Kentucky 

Ohio '. 

Michigan....... 

Indiana 

Illinois 



Wisconsin 

Minnesota 

Iowa 

Missouri 

Kansas 

Nebraska 

California 

Oregon 

Nevada, Colorado, and Territories. 



Horses. 



Mules. 



81,700 




57,100 




77,400 




131,000 




16,200 




53,600 




898,900 


11,800 


114.500 


14,400 


614,500 


24,900 


19,900 


4,000 


108,600 


11,300 


208,700 


30,600 


144,200 


74,000 


59, BOO 


51,500 


119,200 


97,200 


22,400 


11,900 


112,800 


111,700 


97,200 


100,000 


79,300 


80,700 


618,000 


180,200 


180,500 


89,300 


323,700 


99,700 


122,200 


2,400 


386,900 


117,800 


772,700 


26,700 


333,800 


4,o00 


688,800 


61,200 


1,100,000 


138,000 


384,400 


8,700 


247,300 


7,000 


770,700 


43,400 


627,300 


191,900 


275,000 


50,000 


157,200 


13,600 


273,000 


25,700 


109,700 


3,500 


250,000 


25,700 



MUch 

Cows. 



196,100 

98,100 
217,800 
160,700 

22,000 

116,500 

l,44r.,200 

152,200 

828,400 

23,200 
100,500 
236,200 
232,300 
131,300 
273,100 

70,000 
215,200 
188,000 
110,900 
544,500 
187,700 
245,700 
130,500 
257,200 
714,100 
416,900 
439.200 
702,400 
477,300 
278,900 
676,200 
516,200 
321,900 
127,600 
495,600 
112,400 
423,600 



It will be seen from the above table, that Missouri is thQ fifth State 
iu the number of horses ; fifth in number of milch cows, and the 
leading State in number of mules, having 11,700 more than Texas, 
which produces the next largest number. Of oxen and other cattle, 
Missouri produced in 1879, 1,632,000, which was more than any other 
State produced excepting Texas, which had 4,800,00. In 1879 Mis- 
souri raised 2,817,600 hogs, which was more than any other State 
produced, excepting Iowa. The number of sheep was 1,296,400. 
The number of hogs packed in 1879, by the different States, is as 
follows : — 



States. 



Ohio.... 
Indiana 
Illinois 
Iowa.... 



No. 



932,878 

622,321 

3,214,896 

569,763 



States. 



Missouri.. 
Wisconsin 
Kentucky. 



No. 



965,889 
472,108 
212,412 



HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 





ATERAaE WEIGHT PER HEAD FOR EACH STATE. 




States. 


Pounds. 


States. 


Pounds. 


Ohio 


210.47 
193.80 
225.71 
211.98 




211 o2 


Indiana 




Wiscon.-ui 


220.81 


Illinois 




210 11 


Iowa 







From the above it will be seen that Missouri annually packs more 
hogs than any other State excepting Illinois, and that she ranks third 
in the average vveiirht. 

We see no reason why Missouri should not be the foremost stock- 
raising State of the Union. In addition to the enormous yield of 
corn and oats upon which the stock is largely dependent, the climate 
is well adapted to their growth and health. Water is not only inex- 
haustible, but everywhere convenient. The ranges of stock are 
boundless, affording for nine months of the year, excellent pasturage 
of nutritious wild grasses, which grow in great luxurianoe upon the 
thousand prairies. 

Cotton is grown successfully in many counties of the southeastern 
portions of the State, especially in Stoddard, Scott, Pemiscot, Butler, 
New Madrid, Lawrence and Mississippi. 

Sweet potatoes are produced in abundance and are not only sure 
but profitable. 

Broom corn, sorghum, castor beans, wh,ite beans, peas, hops, thrive 
well, and all kinds of garden vegetables, are produced in great abun- 
dance and are found in the markets during all seasons of the year. 
Fruits of every variety, including the apple, pear, peach, cherries, 
apricots and nectarines, are cultivated with great success, as are also, 
the strawberry, gooseberry, currant, raspberry and blackberry. 

The grape has not been produced with that success that was at first 
anticipated, yet the yield of wine for the year 1879, was nearly half a 
million gallons. Grapes do well in Kansas, and we see no reason 
why they should not be as surely and profitably grown in a similar 
climate and soil in Missouri, and particularly in many of the counties 
north and east of the Missouri River. 



RAILROADS. 



Twenty-nine years ago, the neigh of the ♦* iron horse " was heard 
for the first time, within the broad domain of Missouri. His coming 
presaged the dawn of a brighter and grander era in the history of the 



HISTORY OP MISSOURI. 63 

State. Her fertile prairies, and more prolific valleys would soon be 
of easy access to the oncoming tide of immigration, and the ores and 
minerals of her hills and mountains would be developed, and utilized 
in her manufacturing and industrial enterprises. 

Additional facilities would be opened to the marts of trade and 
commerce ; transportation from the interior of the State would be se- 
cured ; a fresh impetus would be given to the growth of her towns 
and cities, and new hopes and inspirations would be imparted to all 
her people. 

Since 1852, the initial period of railroad building in Missouri, be- 
tween four and five thousand miles of track have been laid ; addi- 
tional roads are now being constructed, and many others in contem- 
plation. The State is already well supplied with railroads which 
thread her surface in all directions, bringing her remotest districts 
into close connection with St. Louis, that great center of western 
railroads and inland commerce. These roads have a capital stock aa;- 
gregating more than one hundred millions of dollars, and a funded 
debt of about the same amount. 

The lines of roads which are operated in the State are the follow- 
ing:— 

Missouri Pacific — chartered May 10th, 1850; The St. Louis, Iron 
Mountain & Southern Railroad, which is a consolidation of the Arkan- 
sas Branch ; The Cairo, Arkansas & Texas Railroad ; The Cairo & 
Fulton Railroad; The Wabash, St. Louis & Pacific Railway; St. 
Louis & San Francisco Railway ; The Chicago, Alton & St. Louis 
Railroad ; The Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad ; The Missouri, Kan- 
sas & Texas Railroad ; The Kansas City, St. Joseph & Council BliilFa 
Railroad ; The Keokuk & Kansas City Railway Company ; The St. 
Louis, Salem & Little Rock Railroad Company ; The Missouri & 
Western ; The St. Louis, Keokuk & Northwestern Railroad ; The St. 
Louis, Hannibal & Keokuk Railroad ; The Missouri, Iowa & Nebraska 
Railway ; The Quincy, Missouri & Pacific Railroad ; The Chicago, 
Rock Island & Pacific Railway; The Burlington & Southwestern 
Railroad. 

MANUFACTURES. 

The natural resources of Missouri especially fit her for a great man- 
ufacturing State. She is rich in soil ; rich in all the elements which 
supply the furnace, the machine shop and the planing mill ; rich in 
the multitude and variety of her gigantic forests ; rich in her marble, 
stone and granite quarries ; rich in her mines of iron, coal, lead and 



64 HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 

zinc ; rich in strong arms and willing hands to apply the force ; rich 
in water power and river navigation ; and rich in her numerous and 
well-built railroads, whose numberless engines thunder along their 
multiplied track-ways. 

Missouri contains over fourteen thousand manufacturing establish- 
ments, 1,965 of which are using steam and give employment to 
80,000 hands. The capital employed is about $100,000,000, the 
material annually used and worked up, amounts to over $150,000,- 
000, and the value of the products put upon the markets $250,000,000, 
while the wages paid are more than $40,000,000. 

The leading manufacturing counties of the State, are St. Louis, 
Jackson, Buchanan, St. Charles, Marion, Franklin, Greene, Lafay- 
ette, Platte, Cape Girardeau, and Boone. Three-fourths, however, of 
the manufacturing is done in St. Louis, which is now about the second 
manufacturing city in the Union. Flouring mills produce annually 
about $38,194,000 ; carpentering $18,763,000 ; meat-packing $16,- 
769,000 ; tobacco $12,496,000 ; iron and castings $12,000,000 ; liquors 
$11,245,000; clothing $10,022,000; lumber $8,652,000; bagging 
and bags $6,914,000, and many other smaller industries in propor- 
tion. 

GREAT BRIDGE AT ST. LOUIS. 

Of the many public improvements which do honor to the State and 
reflect great credit upon the genius of their projectors, we have space 
only, to mention the great bridge at St. Louis. 

This truly wonderful construction is built of tubular steel, total 
length of which, with its approaches, is 6,277 feet, at a cost of nearly 
$8,000,000. The bridge spans the Mississippi from the Illinois to 
the Missouri shore, and has separate railroad tracks, roadways, and 
foot paths. In durability, architectural beauty and practical utility, 
there is, perhaps, no similar piece of workmanship that approximates 
it. 

The structure of Darius upon the Bosphorus ; of Xerxes upon the 
Hellespont ; of Csesar upon the Rhine ; and Trajan upon the Danube, 
famous in ancient history, were built for military purposes, that over 
them might pass invading armies with their munitions of war, to de- 
stroy commerce, to lay in waste the provinces, and to slaughter the 
people. 

But the erection of this was for a higher and nobler purpose. Over 
it are coming the trade and merchandise of the opulent East, and 
thence are passing the untold riches of the West. Over it are crowd- 



HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 65 

ing legions of men, armed not with the weapons of war, but with the 
implements of peace and industry ; men who are skilled in all the arts 
of agriculture, of manufacture and of mining ; men who will hasten 
the day when St. Louis shall rank in population and importance, sec- 
ond to no city on the continent, and when Missouri shall proudly fill 
the measure of greatness, to which she is naturally so justly entitled. 



CHAPTEK XI. 

EDUCATION. 

Pnbllc School System — Public School System of Missouri — Lincoln Institute — Ofl3- 
cers of Public School System — Certificates of Teachers — Uuiversity of Missouri — 
Schools — Colleges — Institutions of Learning — Location — Libraries — Newspa- 
pers and Periodicals — No. of School Children — Amount expended — Value of 
Grounds and Buildings — *• The Press." 

The first constitution of Missouri provided that ♦♦one school or more 
shall be established in each township, as soon as practicable and neces- 
sary, where the poor shall be taught gratis." 

It will be seen that even at that early day (1820) the framers of the 
constitution made provision for at least a primary education for the 
poorest and the humblest, taking it for granted that those who were 
able would avail themselves of educational advantages which were not 
gratuitous. 

The establishment of the public-school system, in its essential fea- 
tures, was not perfected until 1839, during the administration of Gov- 
ernor Boggs, and since that period the system has slowly grown into 
favor, not only in Missouri, but throughout the United States. The 
idea of a free or public school for all classes was not at first a popular 
one, especially among those who had the means to patronize private 
institutions of learning. In upholding and maintaining public schools 
the opponents of the system felt that they were not only compromis- 
ing their own standing among their more wealthy neighbors, but that 
they were, to some extent, bringing opprobrium upon their children. 
Entertaining such prejudices, they naturally thought that the training 
received at public schools could not be otherwise than defective ; hence 
many years of probation passed before the popular mind was prepared 



QQ HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 

to appreciate the benefits and blessings which spring from these insti- 
tutions. 

Every year only adds to their popularity, and commends them the 
more earnestly to the fostering care of our State and National Legis- 
latures, and to the esteem and favor of all classes of our people. 

We can hardly conceive of two grander or more potent promoters of 
civilization than the free school and free press. They would indeed 
seem to constitute all that was necessary to the attainment of the hap- 
piness and intellectual growth of the Republic, and all that was neces- 
sary to broaden, to liberalize and instruct. 

«« Tis education forms the common mind; 

****** 

For noble youth there is nothing so meet 
As learning is, to know the good from ill ; 
To know the tongues, and perfectly indite, 
And of the laws to have a perfect skill, 
Things to reform as right and justice will; 
For honor is ordained for no cause 
But to see right maintained by the laws." 

All the States of the Union have in practical operation the public- 
school system, governed in the main by similar laws, and not differing 
materially in the manner and methods by which they are taught : but 
none have a wiser, a more liberal and comprehensive machinery of 
instruction than Missouri. Her school laws, since 1839, have under- 
gone many changes, and always for the better, keeping pace with the 
most enlightened and advanced theories of the most experienced edu- 
cators in the land. But not until 1875, when the new constitution was 
adopted, did her present admirable system of public instruction go 
into effect. 

Provisions were made not only for white, but for children of African 
descent, and are a part of the organic law, not subject to* the caprices 
of unfriendly legislatures, or the whims of political parties. The Lin- 
coln Institute, located at Jefferson City, for the education of col- 
ored teachers, receives an annual appropriation from the General 
Assembly. 

For the support of the public schools, in addition to the annual 
income derived from the public school fund, which is set apart by law, 
not less than twenty-five per cent, of the State revenue, exclusive of 
the interest and sinking fund, is annually applied to this purpose. 

The officers having in charge the public school interests are the State 
" Board of Education," the State Superintendent, County Commission- 



68 HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 

ers, County Clerk and Treasurer, Board of Directors, City and Town 
School Board, and Teacher. The State Board of Education is composed 
of the State Superintendent, the Governor, Secretary of State, and the 
Attorney-General, the executive officer of this Board being the State Su- 
perintendent, who is chosen by the people every four years. His duties 
are numerous. He renders decisions concerning the local application of 
school law ; keeps a record of the school funds and annually distributes 
the same to the counties ; supervises the work of county school officers ; 
delivers lectures ; visits schools ; distributes educational information ; 
grants certificates of higher qualifications, and makes an annual report 
to the General Assembly of the condition of the schools. 

The County Commissioners are also elected by the people for two 
years. Their work is to examine teachers, to distribute blanks, and 
make reports. County clerks receive estimates from the local direct- 
ors and extend them upon the tax-books. In addition to this, they 
keep the general records of the county and township school funds, and 
return an annual report of the financial condition of the schools of 
their county to the State Superintendent. School taxes are gathered 
with other taxes by the county collector. The custodian of the school 
funds belono-ing to the schools of the counties is the county treasurer, 
except in counties adopting the township organization, in which case 
the township trustee discharges these duties. 

Districts organized under the special law for cities and towns are 
o-overned by a board of six directors, two of whom are selected annu- 
ally, on the second Saturday in September, and hold their office for 
three years. 

One director is elected to serve for three years in each school dis- 
trict, at the annual meeting. These directors may levy a tax not 
exceeding forty cents on the one hundred dollars' valuation, pro- 
vided such annual rates for school purposes may be increased in dis- 
tricts formed of cities and towns, to an amount not exceeding one 
dollar on the hundred dollars' valuation, and in other districts to an 
amount not to exceed sixty-five cents on the one hundred dollars' val- 
uation, on the condition that a majority of the voters who are tax-pay- 
ers, votino- at an election held to decide the question, vote for said 
increase. For the purpose of erecting public buildings in school dis- 
tricts, the rates of taxation thus limited may be increased when the 
rate of such increase and the purpose for which it is intended shall 
have been submitted to a vote of the people, and two-thirds of the 



HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 69 

qualified voters of such school district voting at such election shall 
vote therefor. 

Local directors may direct the management of the school in respect 
to the choice of teachers and other details, but in the dischars:e of 
all important business, such as the erection of a school house or the 
extension of a term of school beyond the constitutional period, they 
simply execute the will of the people. The clerk of this board may 
be a director. He keeps a record of the names of all the children and 
youth in the district between the ages of five and twenty-one ; records 
all business proceedings of the district, and reports to the annual 
meeting, to the County Clerk and County Commissioners. 

Teachers must hold a certificate from the State Superintendent or 
County Commissioner of the county where they teach. State certifi- 
cates are granted upon personal written examination in the common 
branches, together with the natural sciences and higher mathematics. 
The holder of such certificate may teach in any public school of the 
State without further examination. Certificates granted by County 
Commissioners are of two classes, with two grades in each class. Those 
issued, for a longer term than one year, belong to the first class and are 
susceptible of two grades, ditfering both as to length of time and attain- 
ments. Those issued for one year may represent two grades, marked by 
qualification alone. The township school fund arises from a grant of 
land by the General Government, consisting of section sixteen in each 
congressional township. The annual income of the township fund is ap- 
propriated to the various townships, according to their respective 
proprietary claims. The support from the permanent funds is supple- 
mented by direct taxation laid upon the taxable property of each dis- 
trict. The greatest limit of taxation for the current expenses is one 
per cent ; the tax permitted for school house building cannot exceed 
the same amount. 

Among the institutions of learning and ranking, perhaps, the first 
in importance, is the State University located at Columbia, Boone 
County. When the State was admitted into the Union, Congress 
granted to it one entire township of land (46,080 acres) for the sup- 
port of "A Seminary of Learning." The lands secured for this pur- 
pose are among the best and most valuable in the State. These 
lands were put into the market in 1832 and brought $75,000, which 
amount was invested in the stock of the old bank of the State of Mis- 
souri, where it remained and increased by accumulation to the sum of 
1100,000. In 1839, by an act of the General Assemblv, five commis- 



70 HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 

Bioners were appointed to select a site for the State University, the 
site to contain at least fifty acres of land in a compact form, within 
two miles of the county seat of Cole, Cooper, Howard, Boone, Calla- 
way or Saline. Bids were let among the counties named, and the 
county of Boone having subscribed the sum of $117,921, some 
$18,000 more than any other county, the State University was located 
in that county, and on the 4th of July, 1840, the corner-stone was 
laid with imposing ceremonies. 

The present annual income of the University is nearly $65,000. 
The donations to the institutions connected therewith amount to 
nearly $400,000. This University with its different departments, 
is open to both male and female, and both sexes enjoy alike its 
rights and privileges. Among the professional schools, which form a 
part of the University, are the Normal, or College of Instruction in 
Teaching ; Agricultural and Mechanical College ; the School of Mines 
and Metallurgy ; the College of Law ; the Medical College ; and the 
Department of Analytical and Applied Chemistry. Other departments 
are contemplated and will be added as necessity requires. 

The following will show the names and locations of the schools and 
institutions of the State, as reported by the Commissioner of Education 
in 1875: — 

TTNITERSITIES AND COLLEGES. 

Christian University Canton. 

St. Vincent's College C:ipe Girardeau, 

University of Missouri Columbia. 

Central College Fayette. 

"Westminster College Fulton. 

Lewis College Glasgow. 

Pritchett School Institute Glasgow. 

Lincoln College GreeTiwood. 

Hannibal College HannibaU 

Woodland College Independence. 

Thayer College Kidder. 

La Grange College La Grange. 

William Jewell College Liberty. 

Baptist College Louisiana. 

St Joseph College St Joseph. 

College of Christian Brothers St Louis. 

St Louia University St Louis. 

Washington University St Louis. 

Drury College Springfield- 
Central Wesleyan College Warrenton. 

FOB SUPERIOR INSTRTJCTION OF WOMEN. 

St Joseph Female Seminary St Joseph. 

Christian College Columbia. 



HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 71 

Stephens' College Columbia. 

Howard College Fayette. 

Independence Female College Independence. 

Central Female College Lexington. 

Clay Seminary Liberty. 

Ingleside Female College Palmyra. 

Lindenwood College for Young Ladies St. Charles. 

Mary Institute (Washington University) St. Louis. 

St. Louis Seminary St. Louis. 

Ursuline Academy. St. Louis. 

FOR SECONDARY INSTRL'CTION. 

Arcadia College Arcadia. 

St. Vincent's Academy Cape Girardeau. 

Chillicothe Academy Chillicothe. 

Grand River College Edinburgh. 

Marionville Collegiate Institute MarionviUe. 

Palmyra Seminary Palmyra. 

St. Paul's College Palmyra. 

Van Rensselaer Academy Rensselaer, 

Shelby High School Shelbyville. 

Stewartaville Male and Female Seminary Stewartsville. 

SCHOOLS 07 SCIENCB. 

Missouri Agricultural and Mechanical College (University of Missouri) Columbia. 

Schools of Mines and Metallurgy (University of Missouri) Rolla. 

Polytechnic Institute (Washington University) St. Louis. 

SCHOOLS Oy THEOLOGY. 

St. Vincent's College (Theological Department) Cape Girardeau. 

Westminster College (Theological School). Fulton. 

Vardeman School of Theology (William Jewell College) Liberty. 

Concordia College St. Louis. 

SCHOOLS OF LAW. 

Law School of the University of Missouri Columbia. 

Law School of the Washington University St Louis. 

SCHOOLS 07 MEDICINX. 

Medical College, University of Missouri Columbia 

College of Physicians and Surgeons St. Joseph. 

Kansas City College of Physicians and Surgeons Kansas City, 

Hospital Medical College St. Joseph. 

Missouri Medical College St. Louis. 

Northwestern Medical College Su Joseph. 

St Louis Medical College St. Louis. 

Homeopathic Medical College of Missouri St. Louis. 

Missouri School of Midwifery and Diseases of Women and Children St. Louis. 

Missouri Central College St Louis, 

St. Louis College of Pharmacy St Louis. 



72 



HISTORY OP MISSOURI. 

LAROSST PTTBLIO UBSABIES. 



Name. 



St, Vincent's College 

Southeast Missouri State Normal School 

University of Missouri 

Athenian Society 

Union Literary Society 

Law College 

Westminster College 

Lewis College 

Mercantile Librar}- 

Library Association 

Fruitland Normal Institute. 

State Library 

Fetterman's Circulating Library 

Law Library. 

"Whittemore's Circulating Library 

North Missouri State Normal School 

"William Jewell College 

St. Paul's College 

Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy 

St. Charles Catholic Library 

Carl Frielling'a Library 

Law Library 

Public School Library 

Walworth & Colt's Circulating Library 

Academy of Science 

Academy of Visitation 

College of the Christian Brothers 

Deutsche Institute 

German Evangelical Lutheran, Concordia College. 

Law Library Association 

Missouri Medical College 

Mrs. Cuthbert's Seminary (Young Ladies) 

Odd Fellow's Library 

Public School Library 

St Louis Medical College 

St. Louis Mercantile Library 

St. Louis Seminary 

St. Louis Turn Verein 

St. Louis University 

St. Louis University Society Libraries 

Ursuline Academy 

Washington University 

St. Louis Law School 

Young Men's Sodality 

Library' Association 

Public School Library 

Drury College 



Location. 



Cape Girardeau. 
Cape Girardeau. 

Columbia 

Columbia 

Columbia 

Columbia 

Fulton 

Glasgow 

Hannibal 

Independence.... 

Jackson 

Jefferson City... 

Kansas City 

Kansas City 

Kansas City 

Kirksville 

Liberty 

Palmyra 

RoUa 

St, Charles 

St. Joseph 

St. Joseph 

St Joseph 

St Joseph 

St. Louis 

St. Louis 

St Louis 

St Louis 

St. Louis 

St. Louis 

St. Louis 

St. Louis 

St Loui? 

St Louis 

St Louis 

St Louis 

St Louis 

St Louis 

St Louis 

St Louis 

St Louis 

St Louis 

St Louis 

St Louis 

Sedalia 

Sedalia 

Springfield 



Volumes. 



6, 500 
1,225 

10,000 
1,200 
1,200 
1,000 
6,000 
8,000 
2,21*^ 
1,100 
1,000 

13,000 
1,300 
8,000 
1,000 
1,050 
4,000 
2,000 
1,478 
1,716 
6,000 
2,000 
2.600 
1,500 
2,744 
4,000 

22,000 
1,000 
4,800 
8,000 
1,000 
1,500 
4.000 

40,097 
1,100 

45,000 
2,000 
2.000 
'17.000 
8,000 
2.000 
4,500 
8.000 
1,327 
1,500 
1.015 
2,000 



IN 1880. 
Newspapers and Periodicals 481 

CHARITIK.-^. 

State Asylum for Deaf and Dumb 

St Bridget's Institution for Deaf and Dumb 

Institution for the Education of the Blind 

State Asylum for Insane 

State Asylum for the Insane 



Fulton. 

..St Louis. 
..St Louis. 

Fulton. 

.St Louis. 



HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 73 

NORMAL SCHOOLS. 

Normal Institute Bolivar. 

Boutheast Missouri State JSormal Cichoul Cape Girardeau. 

Normal School (University of Missouri) ....Columbia. 

Fruitland Normal Institute Jackson. 

Lincoln Institute (for colored) ...Jefferson City. 

City Normal School ~ St. Louis. 

Missouri State Normal School Warrensburg. 

IN 1880. 
Number of school children 



IN 1878. 

Estimated value of school property $8,321,399 

Total receipts for public schools 4,207,617 

Total expenditures 2,406,139 

NUMBER OF TEACHERS. 

Male teachers 6,239; average monthly pay $36.36 

Female teachers 5,060; average monthly pay 28.09 

The fact that Missouri supports and maintains four hundred and 

eeventy-one newspapers and periodicals, shows that her inhabitants 

are not only a reading and reflecting people, but that they appreciate 

** The Press," and its wonderful influence as an educator. The poet 

has well said : — 

But mightiest of the mighty means, 
On •which the arm of progress leans, 
Man's noblest mission to advance. 
His woes assuage, his weal enhance, 
His rights enforce, his wrongs redress — 
Mightiest of mighty Is the Press. 



CHAPTER Xn. 

RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS. 

Baptist Church — Its History — Congregational — When Founded, — Its History- 
Christian Church — Its History — Cumberland Presbyterian Church — Its History — 
Methodist Episcopal Church — Its History — Presbyterian Church — Its History — 
Protestant Episcopal Church — Its History — United Presbyterian Church — Its 
History — Unitarian Church — Its History — Roman Catholic Church — Its History. 

The first representatives of religions thought and training, who 
penetrated the Missouri and Mississippi Valleys, were Pere Marquette, 
La Salle, and others of Catholic persuasion, who performed missionary 



74 HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 

labor among the Indians. A century afterward came the Protestants. 
At that early period 

" A church In every grove that spread 
Its living roof above their heads," 

constituted for a time their only house of worship, and yet to them 

" No Temple built with hands could vie 
In glory with its majesty." 

In the course of time, the seeds of Protestantism were scattered 
ah)ng the shores of the two great rivers whicli form the eastern and 
western boundaries of the State, and still a little later they were sown 
upon her hill-sides and broad prairies, where they have since bloomed 
and blossomed as the rose. 

BAPTIST CHURCH. 

The earliest anti-Catholic religious denomination, of which there is 
any record, was organized in Cape Girardeau county in 1806, through 
the efforts of Eev. David Green, a Baptist, and a native of Virginia. 
In 1816, the first association of Missouri Baptists was formed, which 
was composed of seven churches, all of which were located in the 
southeastern part of the State. In 1817 a second association of 
churches was formed, called the Missouri Association, the name being 
afterwards changed to St. Louis Association. In 1834 a general con- 
Tention of all the churches of this denomination, was held in Howard 
county, for the purpose of effecting a central organization, at which 
time was commenced what is now known as the *• General Association 
of Missouri Baptists." 

To this body is committed the State mission work, denominational 
education, foreign missions and the circulation of religious literature. 
The Baptist Church has under its control a number of schools and 
colleges, the most important of which is William Jewell College, 
located at Liberty, Clay county. As shown by the annual report for 
1875, there were in Missouri, at that date, sixty-one associations, one 
thousand four hundred churches, eight hundred and twenty-four min- 
isters and eighty-nine thousand six hundred and fifty church members. 

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 

The Congregationalists inaugurated their missionary labors in the 
State in 1814. Rev. Samuel J. Mills, of Torringford, Connecticut, 
and Rev. Daniel Smith, of Bennington, Vermont, were sent west by 
the Massachusetts Congregational Home Missionary Society during 



HISTORY OP MISSOURI. 75 

that year, and in November, 1814, they preached the first regular 
Protestant sermons in St. Louis. Eev. Samuel Giddings, sent out 
under the auspices of the Connecticut Congregational Missionary 
Society, organized the first Protestant church in the city, consisting 
of ten members, constituted Presbyterian. The churches organized 
by Mr. Giddings were all Presbyterian in their order. 

No exclusively Congregational Church was founded until 1852, 
when the '• First Trinitarian Congregational Church of St. Louis " 
was organized. The next church of this denomination was organized 
at Hannibal in 1859. Then followed a Welsh church in New Cambria 
in 1864, and after the close of the war, fifteen churches of the same 
order were formed in different parts of the State. In 1866, Pilgrim 
Church, St. Louis, was organized. The General Conference of 
Churches of Missouri was formed in 1865, which was changed in 1868, 
to General Association. In 1866, Hannibal, Kidder, and St. Louis 
District Associations were formed, and following these were the Kan- 
sas City and Springfield District Associations. This denomination in 
1875, had 70 churches, 41 ministers, 3,363 church members, and had 
also several schools and colleges and one monthly newspaper. 

CHRISTIAN CHURCH. 

The earliest churches of this denomination were organized in Cal- 
laway, Boone and Howard Counties, some time previously to 1829. 
The first church was formed in St. Louis in 1836 by Elder E. B. 
Fife. The first State Sunday School Convention of the Christian 
Church, was held in Mexico in 1876. Besides a number of private 
institutions, this denomination has three State Institutions, all of 
which have an able corps of professors and have a good attendance of 
pupils. It has one religious paper published in St. Louis, ♦* Tlie Chris- 
tian,''* which is a weekly publication and well patronized. The mem- 
bership of this church now numbers nearly one hundred thousand in 
the State and is increasing rapidly. It has more than five hundred 
organized churches, the greater portion of which are north of the 
Missouri Eiver. 

CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 

In the spring of 1820, the first Presbytery of this denomination 
west of the Mississippi, was organized in Pike County. This Pres- 
bytery included all the territory of Missouri, western Illinois and 
Arkansas and numbered only four ministers, two of whom resided at 



76 HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 

that time in Missouri, There are now in the State, twelve Presby- 
teries, three Synods, nearly three hundred ministers and over twenty 
thousand members. The Board of Missions is located at St. Louis. 
They have a number of High Schools and two monthly papers pub- 
lished at St. Louis. 

MPTHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

In 1806, Rev. John Travis, a young Methodist minister, was sent 
out to the *' Western Conference," which then embraced the Missis- 
sippi Valley, from Green County, Tennessee. During that year Mr. 
Travis ors^anized a number of small churches. At the close of his 
conference year, he reported the result of his labors to the Western 
Conference, which was held at Chillicothe, Ohio, in 1870, and showed 
an ao;o;reorate of one hundred and six members and two circuits, one 
called Missouri and the other Meramec. In 1808, two circuits had 
been formed, and at each succeeding year the number of circuits and 
members constantly increased, until 1812, when what was called the 
Western Conference was divided into the Ohio and Tennessee Confer- 
ences, Missouri falling into the Tennessee Conference. In 1816, 
there was another division when the Missouri Annual Conference was 
formed. In 1810, there were four traveling preachers and in 1820, fif- 
teen travelling preachers, with over 2,000 members. In 1836, the terri- 
tory of the Missouri Conference was again divided when the Missouri 
Conference included only the State. In 1840 there were 72 traveling 
preachers, 177 local ministers and 13,992 church members. Between 
1840 and 1850, the church was divided by the organization of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church South. In 1850, the meml)ership of the 
M. E. Church was over 25,000, and during the succeeding ten years 
the church prospered rapidly. In 1875, the M. E. Church reported 
274 church edifices and 34,156 members; the M. E. Church South, 
reported 443 church edifices and 49,588 members. This denomina- 
tion has under its control several schools and colleges and two weekly 
newspapers. 

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 

The Presbyterian Church dates the beginning of its missionary 
efforts in the State as far back as 1814, but the first Presbyterian 
Church was not organized until 1816 at Bellevue settlement, eight 
miles from St. Louis. The next churches were formed in 1816 and 
1817 at Bonhomme, Pike County. The First Presbyterian Church 
was organized in St. Louis in 1817, by Rev. Salmon Gidding. The 



HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 



77 



first Presbytery was organized in 1817 by the Synod of Tennessee 
with four ministers and four churches. The first Presbyterian house 
of worship (which was the first Protestant) was commenced in 1819 
and completed in 1826. In 1820 a mission was formed among the 
Osage Indians. In 1831, the Presbytery was divided into three: 
Missouri, St. Louis, and St. Charles. These were erected with a 
Synod comprising eighteen ministers and twenty-three churches. 

The church was divided in 1838, throughout the United States. In 
1860 the rolls of the Old and New School Synod together showed 109 
ministers and 146 churches. In 1866 the Old School Synod was di- 
-vided on political questions springing out of the war — a part form- 
ing the Old School, or Independent Synod of Missouri, who are con- 
nected with the General Assembly South. In 1870, the Old and New 
School Presbyterians united, since which time this Synod has steadily 
increased until it now numbers more than 12,000 members with more 
than 220 churches and 150 ministers. 

This Synod is composed of six Presbyteries and has under its con- 
trol one or two institutions of learning and one or two newspapers. 
That part of the original Synod which withdrew from the General 
Assembly remained an independent body until 1874 when it united 
with the Southern Presbyterian Church. The Synod in 1875 num- 
bered 80 ministers, 140 churches and 9,000 members. It has under 
its control several male and female institutions of a high order. The 
St. Louis Preahj/terian, a weekly paper, is the recognized organ of 
the Synod. 

PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

The missionary enterprises of this church began in the State in 
1819, when a parish was organized in the City of St. Louis. In 1828, 
an agent of the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society, visited the 
city, who reported the condition of things so favorably that Rev. 
Thomas Horrell was sent out as a missionary and in 1825, he began 
his labors in St. Louis. A church edifice was completed in 1830. In 
1836, there were five clergymen of this denomination in Missouri, 
who had organized congregations in Boonville, Fayette, St. Charles, 
Hannibal, and other places. In 1840, the clergy and laity met in 
convention, a diocese was formed, a constitution, and canons adopted, 
and in 1844 a Bishop was chosen, he being the Rev. Cicero S. 
Hawks. Through the efforts of Bishop Kemper, Kemper College was 
founded near St. Louis, but was afterward given up on account of 



78 HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 

pecuniary tronliles. In 1847, the Clark Mission began and in 1849 
the Orphans' Home, a charitable institution, was founded. In 1865, 
St. Luke's Hospital was established. In 1875, there were in the city 
of St. Louis, twelve parishes and missions and twelve clergymen. 
This denomnation has several schools and colleges, and one newspaper. 

UNITED PRESBYTKRIAN CHURCH. 

This denomination is made up of the members of the Associate and 
Associate Reformed churches of the Northern States, which two 
bodies united in 1858, taking the name of the United Presbyterian 
Church of Noi-th America. Its members were generally bitterly 
opposed to the institution of slavery. The first congregation was 
organized at Warrensburg, Johnson County, in 1867. It rapidly 
increased in numbers, and had, in 1875, ten ministers and five hundred 
members. 

UNITARIAN CHURCH. 

This church was formed in 1834, by the Rev. W. G. Eliot, in St. 
Louis. The churches are few in number throughout the State, the 
membership being probably less than 300, all told. It has a mission 
house and free school, for poor children, supported by donations. 

ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH. 

The earliest written record of the Catholi^ Church in Missouri shows 
that Father Watrin performed ministerial services in Ste. Genevieve, 
in 1760, and in St. Louis in 1766. In 1770, Father Menrin erected a 
small log church in St. Louis. In 1818, there were in the State four 
chapels, and for Upper Louisiana seven priests. A college and semi- 
nary were opened in Perry County about this period, for the 
education of the young, being the first college west of the Mississippi 
River. In 1824, a college was opened in St. Louis, which is now 
known as the St. Louis University. In 1826, Father Rosatti was 
appointed Bishop of St. Louis, and through his instrumentality the 
Sisters of Charity, Sisters of St. Joseph and of the Visitation were 
founded, besides other benevolent and charitable institutions. In 
1834 he completed the present Cathedral Church. Churches were 
built in difierent portions of the State. In 1847 St. Louis was created 
an arch-diocese, with Bishop Kenrick, Archbishop. 

In Kansas City there were five parish churches, a hospital, a con- 
vent and several parish schools. In 1868 the northwestern portion of 
the State was erected into a separate diocese, with its seat at St. Joseph, 



HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 79 

aTid Right-Keverend John J. Hogan appointed Bishop. There were, 
in 1875, in the city of St. Louis, 34 churches, 27 schools, 5 hospitals, 
3 colleges, 7 orphan asylums and 3 female protectorates. There were 
also 105 priests, 7 male and 13 female orders, and 20 conferences of 
St. Vincent de Paul, numbering 1,100 members. In the diocese, out- 
side of St. Louis, there is a college, a male protectorate, 9 convents, 
about 120 priests, 150 churches and 30 stations. In the diocese of 
St. Joseph there were, in 1875, 21 priests, 29 churches, 24 stations, 
1 college, 1 monastery, 5 convents and 14 parish schools : 

Number of Sunday Schools in 1878 , . 2,067 

Number of Teachers in 1878 ... , . . 18,010 

Number of Pupils In 1878 . 139,578 

THEOLOGICAL SCHOOLS. 

Instruction preparatory to ministerial work is given in connection 
with collegiate study, or in special theological courses, at: 

Central College (M. E. South) . Fayette. 

Central Wesleyan College (M. E. Church) , Warrenton. 

Christian University (Christian) Canton. 

Concordia College Seminary CEvangelical Lutheran) . . . . St. Louis. 

Lewis College (M. E. Church) Glasgow. 

St. Vincent College (Roman Catholic) Cape Girardeau. 

Vardeman School of Theology (Baptist) . . . . . • Liberty. 

The last is connected with William Jewell College. 



CHAPTER Xin. 

ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNOR CRITTENDEN. 

Nomination and election of Thomas T. Crittenden — Personal Mention — Marmaduke*s 
candidacy — Stirring events — Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad — Death of Jesse 
James — The Fords — Pardon of the Gamblers. 

It is the purpose in this chapter to outline the more important 
events of Governor Crittenden's unfinished administration, stating 
briefly the facts in the case, leaving comment and criticism entirely to 
the reader, the historian having no judgment to express or prejudice 
to vent. 

Thomas T. Crittenden, of Johnson county, received the Demo- 
cratic nomination for Governor of Missouri at the convention at Jeffer- 



80 



HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 



son City, July 22d, 1880. Democratic nomination for a State office in 
Missouri is always equivalent to election, and the entire State ticket 
was duly elected in November. Crittenden's competitors before the 
convention were Gen. John S. Marmaduke, of St. Louis, and John 
A. Hockaday, of Callaway county. Before the assembling of the 
convention many persons who favored Marmaduke, both personally 
and politically, thought the nomination of an ex-Confederate might 
prejudice the prospects of the National Democracy, and therefore, as 
a matter of policy, supported Crittenden. 

His name, and the fame of his family in Kentucky — Thomas T. 
being a scion of the Crittendens of that State, caused the Democracy 
of Missouri to expect great things from their new Governor. This, 
together with the important events- which followed his inauguration, 
caused some people to overrate him, while it prejudiced others against 
him. The measures advocated by the Governor in his inaugural 
address were such as, perhaps, the entire Democracy could endorse, 
especially that of refunding, at a low interest, all that part of the State 
debt that can be so refunded ; the adoption of measures to relieve the 
Supreme Court docket ; a compromise of the indebtedness of some of 
the counties, and his views concerning repudiation, which he con- 
temned. 

HANNIBAL & ST. JOE RAILROAD CONTROVERSY. 

By a series of legislative acts, beginning with the act approved 
February 22, 1851, and ending with that of March 26, 1881, the 
State of* Missouri aided with great liberality in the construction of a 
system of railroads in this State. 

Among the enterprises thus largely assisted was the Hannibal and 
St. Joseph Railroad, for the construction of which the bonds of the 
State, to the amount of $3,000,000, bearing interest at 6 per cent per 
annum, payable semi-annually, were issued. One half of this amount 
was issued under the act of 1851, and the remainder under the act of 
1855. The bonds issued under the former act were to run twenty 
years, and those under the latter act were to run thirty years. Some 
of the bonds have since been funded and renewed. Coupons for the 
interest of the entire $3,000,000 were executed and made payable in 
New York. These acts contain numerous provisions intended to 
secure the State against loss and to require the railroad company to 
pay the interest and principal at maturity. It was made the duty of 
the railroad company to save and keep the State from all loss on 
account of said bonds and coupons. The Treasurer of the State was 



HISTORY OF MISSOURI. 81 

to be exonerated from any advance of money to meet either principal 
or interest. Tlie State contracted with the raih'oad company for com- 
plete indemnity. She was required to assign her statutory morto-ao-e 
lien only upon payment into the treasury of a sum of money equal to 
all indebtedness due or owing by said company to the State by reason 
of having issued her bonds and loaned them to the company. 

In June, 1881, the raih-oad, through its attorney, Geo. W. Easley, 
Esq., paid. to Phil. E. Chajjpell, State Treasurer, the sum of $3,000,- 
000, and asked for a receipt in full of all dues of the road to the 
State. The Treasurer refused to give such a receipt, but instead gave 
a receipt for the sum <' on account." The debt was not yet due, but 
the authorities of the road sought to discharge their obligation pre- 
mdturely, in order to save interest and other expenses. The railroad 
company then demanded its bonds of the State, which demand the 
State refused. The company then demanded that the $3,000,000 be 
paid back, and this demand was also refused. 

The railroad company then brought suit in the United States Court 
for an equitable adjustment of the matters in controversy. The $3, 
000,000 had been deposited by the State in one of the banks, and was 
drawing interest only at the rate of one-fourth of one per cent. It 
was demanded that this sum should be so invested that a larger rate 
of interest might be obtained, which sum of interest should be allowed 
to the company as a credit in case any sum should be found due from 
it to the State. Justice Miller, of the United States Supreme Court, 
who heard the case upon preliminary injunction in the spring of 1882, 
decided that the unpaid and unmatured coupons constituted a liability 
of the State and a debt owing, though not due, and until these were 
provided for the State was not bound to assign her lien upon the road. 

Another question which was mooted, but not decided, was this: 
That, if any, what account is the State to render for the use of the 
$3,000,000 paid into the treasury by the complainants on the 20th of 
June? Can she hold that large sum of money, refusing to make any 
account of it, and still insist upon full payment by the railroad 
company of all outstanding coupons ? 

Upon this subject Mr. Justice Miller, in the course of his opinion, 
said : " I am of the opinion that the State, having accepted or got this 
money into her possession, is under a moral obligation (and I do not 
pretend to commit anybody as to how far its legal obligation goes) to 
so use that money as, so far as possible, to protect the parties who 
have paid it against the loss of the interest which it might accumulate, 



82 HISTORY OF MISSOURI. ' 

and which would go to extinguish the interest on the State's obliga- 
tions." 

March 26, 1881, the Legislature, in response to a special message of 
Gov. Crittenden, dated February 25, 1881, in which he informed 
the Legislature of the purpose of the Hannibal and St. Joseph com- 
pany to discharge the full amount of what it claims is its present 
indebtedness as to the State, and advised that provision be mad© 
for the " profitable disposal" of the sum when paid, passed an act, 
the second section of which provided. 

♦* Sec. 2. Whenever there is sufficient money in the sinkiug fund to 
redeem or purchase one or more of the bonds of the State of Missouri, 
such sum is hereby appropriated for such purpose, and the Fund 
Commissioners shall immediately call in for payment a like amount 
of the option bonds of the State, known as the ** 5-20 bonds," 
provided, that if there are no option bonds which can be called in for 
payment, they may invest such money in the purchase of any of the 
bonds of the State, or bonds of the United States, the Hannibal and 
St. Joseph railroad bonds excepted." 

On the 1st of January, 1882, the regular semi-annual payment of 
interest on the railroad bonds became due, but the road refused to 
pay, claiming that it had already discharged the principal, and of 
course was not liable for the interest. Thereupon, according to the 
provisions of the aiding act of 1855, Gov. Crittenden advertised the 
road for sale in default of the payment of interest. The company 
then brought suit before U. S. Circuit Judge McCrary at Keokuk, 
Iowa, to enjoin the State from selling the road, and for such other 
and further relief as the court might see fit and proper to grant. 
August 8, 1882, Judge McCrary delivered his opinion and judgment, 
as follows : 

^*First. That the payment by complainants into the treasury of the 
State of the sum of $3,000,000 on the 26th of June, 1881, did not 
satisfy the claim of the State in full, nor entitle complainants to an 
assignment of the State's statutory mortgage. 

**/Second. That the State was bound to invest the principal sum 
of $3,000,000 so paid by the complainants without unnecessary delay 
in the securities named in the act of March 26, 1881, or some of 
them, and so as to save to the State as large a sum as possible, 
which sum so saved would have constituted as between the State and 
complainants a credit pro tanto upon the unmatured coupons now in 
controversy. 



HISTORY or MISSOURI. 



83 



**Th{rd. That the rights and equity of the parties are to be deter- 
mined upon the foregoing principles, and the State must stand 
charged with what would have been realized if the act of March, 
1881, had been complied with. It only remains to consider what the 
rights of the parties are upon the principles here stated. 

«* In order to save the State from loss on account of the default of 
the railroad company, a further sum must be paid. In order to deter- 
mine what that further sum is an accounting must be had. The ques- 
tion to be settled by the accounting is, how much would the State 
have lost if the provisions of the act of March, 1881, had been 
complied with ? * * • * I think a perfectly fair basis of settle- 
ment would be to hold the State liable for whatever could have been 
saved by the prompt execution of said act by taking up such 5-20 
option bonds of the State as were subject to call when the money was 
paid to the State, and investing the remainder of the fund in the 
bonds of the United States at the market rates. 

*♦ Upon this basis a calculation can be made and the exact sum still to 
be paid by the complainant in order to fully indemnify and protect the 
State can be ascertained. For the purpose of stating an account 
upon this basis and of determining the sum to be paid by the com- 
plainants to the State, the cause will be referred to John K. Cravens, 
one of the musters of this court. In determining the time when the 
investment should have been made under the act of March, 1881, the 
master will allow a reasonable period for the time of the receipt of the 
said sum of $3,000,000 by the Treasurer of the State — that is to say, 
such time as would have been required for that purpose had the offi- 
cers charged with the duty of making said investment used reason- 
able diligence in its discharge. 

*♦ The Hannibal and St. Joseph railroad is advertised for sale for the 
amount of the instalment of interest due January 1, 1882, which 
instalment amounts to less than the sum which the company must pay 
in order to discharge its liabilities to the State upon the theory of this 
opinion. The order will, therefore, be that an injunction be granted 
to enjoin the sale of the road upon the payment of the said instal- 
ment of interest due January 1, 1882, and if such payment is made 
the master will take it into account in making the computation above 
mentioned.** 

KILLING OF JESSE JAMES. 

The occurrence during the present Governor's administration which 
did most to place his name in everybody's mouth, and even to herald 



84 



HISTOKY OF MISSOURI. 



it abroad, causing the European press to teem with leaders announcing 
the fact to the continental world, was the "removal" of the famous 
Missouri brigand, Jesse W. James. The career of the James boys, 
and the banditti of whom they were the acknowledged leaders, is too 
well-known and too fully set forth in works of a more sensational 
character, to deserve further detail in these pages ; and the ♦' removal " 
of Jesse will be dealt with only in its relation to the Governor. 

It had been long conceded that neither of the Jameses would ever be 
taken alive. That experiment had been frequently and vainly tried, 
to the sorrow of good citizens of this and other States. It seems to 
have been one of the purposes of Gov. Crittenden to break up this 
band at any cost, by cutting off its leaders. Soon after the Winston 
train robbery, on July 15, 1881, the railroads combined in empower- 
ing the Governor, by placing the money at his disposal, to offer heavy 
rewards for the capture of the two James brothers. This was ac- 
cordingly done by proclamation, and, naturally, many persons were 
on the lookout to secure the large rewards. Gov. Crittenden worked 
quietly, but determinedly, after offering the rewards, and by some 
means learned of the availability of the two Ford boys, young men 
from Ray county, who had been tutored as juvenile robbers by the 
skillful Jesse. An understanding was had, when the Fords declared 
they could find Jesse — that they were to "turn him in." Robert 
Ford and brother seem to have been thoroughly in the confidence of 
James, who then (startling as it was to the entire State) resided in 
the city of St Joseph, with his wife and two children 1 The Fords 
went there, and when the robber's back was turned, Robert shot him 
dead in the hack of the head! The Fords told their story to the 
authorities of the city, who at once arrested them on a charge of mur- 
der, and they, when arraigned, plead guilty to the charge. Promptly, 
however, came a full, free and unconditional pardon from Gov. Crit- 
tenden, and the Fords were released. In regard to the Governor's 
course in ridding the State of this notorious outlaw, people were 
divided in sentiment, some placing him in the category with the Ford 
boys and bitterly condemning his action, while others — the majority 
of law-abiding people, indeed, — though deprecating the harsh meas- 
ures which James* course had rendered necessary, still upheld th 
Governor for the part he played. As it was, the "Terror of Mis- 
souri " was effectually and finally " removed," and people were glad 
that he was dead. Robert Ford, the pupil of the dead Jesse, had 



HISTOEY OF MISSOURI. 85 

been selected, and of all was the most fit tool to use in the extermina- 
tion of his preceptor in crime. 

The killing of James would never have made Crittenden many ene- 
mies among the better class of citizens of this State ; but, when it 
came to his 

PARDON OF THE GAMBLERS. 

The case was different. Under the new law making gaminghouse- 
keeping a felony, several St. Louis gamblers, with Robert C. Pate at 
their head, were convicted and sentenced to prison. The Governor, 
much to the surprise of the more rigid moral element of the State, 
soon granted the gamblers a pardon. This was followed by other 
pardons to similar offenders, which began to render the Governor quite 
unpopular which one element of citizens, and to call forth from some 
of them the most bitter denunciations. The worst feature of the case, 
perhaps, is the lack of explanation, or the setting forth of sufficient 
reasons, as is customary in issuing pardons, This, at least, is the bur- 
den of complaint with the faction that opposes him. However, it 
must be borne in mind that his term of office, at this writing, is but 
half expired, and that a full record can not, therefore, be given. Like 
all mere men, Gov. Crittenden has his good and his bad, is liked by 
some and disliked by others. The purpose of history is to set forth 
the facts and leave others to sit in judgment; this the historian has 
tried faithfully to do, leaving all comments to those who may see fit to 
make them. 



HISTORY 



OF 



RANDOLPH COUNTY, MISSOURI. 



CHAPTEE I. 

Introductory — What Time has Done — Importance of Early Beginnings — First Set- 
tlements made in the Timber — Who the First Settlers were — Additional Names 
of Old Settlers — Postal and Mill Facilities — County Organized and Named — The 
Name — John Kandolph. 

INTRODUCTORY. 

History "is but a record of the life and career of peoples and na- 
tions." The historian, in rescuing from oblivion the life of a nation, 
or a particular people, should *' nothing extenuate, nor set down aught 
in malice." Myths, however beautiful, are but fanciful; traditions, 
however pleasing, are uncertain ; and legends, though the very essence 
of poesy and song, are unauthentic. The novelist will take the most 
fragile thread of romance, and from it weave a fabric of surpassing 
beauty. But the historian should put his feet on the solid rock of 
truth, and turning a deaf ear to the allurements of fancy, he should 
sift with careful scrutiny the evidence brought before him, from which 
he is to give the record of what has been. Standing down the stream 
of time, far removed from its source, he must retrace with patience 
and care, its meanderings, guided by the relics of the past which lie 
upon its shores, growing fainter, and still more faint and uncertain as 
he nears its fountain, ofttimes concealed in the debris of ages, and the 
mists of impenetrable' darkness. Written records grow less and less 
explicit, and finally fail altogether, as he approaches the beginning of 

1 (87) 



OO HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

the community whose lives he is seeking to rescue from the gloom of 
a rapidly receding past. 

Memory, wonderful as are its powers, is yet frequently at fault, and 
only by a comparison of its many aggregations can he be satisfied that 
he is pursuing stable-footed truth in his researches amid the early 
paths of his subject. It cannot then be unimportant or uninteresting 
to trace the progress of Randolph county from its embryotic period to 
its present proud position among its sister counties. To this end, 
therefore, we have endeavored to gather the scattered and loosening 
threads of the past into a compact web of the present, trusting that 
the harmony and perfect ness of the work may speak with no uncertain 
sound to the future. 

WHAT TIME HAS DONE. 

Fifty-four years have passed since Randolph county was organized. 
Most wonderful have been the changes, and mighty have been the 
events and revolutions, the discoveries and inventions that have oc- 
curred within this time. 

Perhaps since " God formed the earth and the world," and tossed 
them from the hollow of his hand into space, so many great things 
have not been accomplished in any fifty-four years. Reflection cannot 
fail to arouse wonder, and awaken thankfulness, that God has ap- 
pointed us the place we occupy in the eternal chain of events. Ten- 
nyson and Browning, Bryant and Whittier, Lowell and Longfellow 
have sung. The matchless Webster, the ornate Sumner, the eloquent 
Clay, the metaphysical Calhoun and Seward have since reached the 
culmination of their powers and passed into the grave. Macauley, 
Theirs, Gizot and Froude have written in noble strains the history of 
their lands ; and Bancroft and Prescott and Hildreth and Motley have 
won high rank among the historians of the earth. Spurgeon and 
Beecher and Moody have enforced with most persuasive eloquence, 
the duties of morality and religion. Carlyle and Emerson, Stuart 
Mill and Spencer have given the results of their speculations in high 
philosophy to the world. Mexico has been conquered ; Alaska has 
been purchased ; the center of population has traveled more than 250 
miles along the thirty-ninth parallel, and a majority of the States com- 
posing the American Union have been added to the glorious constella- 
tion on the blue field of our flag. Great cities have been founded and 
populous countries developed ; and the stream of emigration is still 
tending westward. Gold has been discovered in the far West, and 
the o;reat Civil War — the bloodiest in all the annals of time — has 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 89 

been fought. The telegraph, the telephone and railroad have been 
added to the list of the most important inventions. In fact, during 
this time, our country has increased in popuhition from a few millions 
of people to fifty millions. From a weak, obscure nation it has be- 
come strong in all the elements of power and influence, and is to-day 
the most marvelous country for its age that ever existed. 

IMPORTANCE OF EARLY BEGINNINGS. 

Every nation does not possess an authentic account of its origin. 
Neither do all communities have the correct data whereby it is possi- 
ble to accurately predicate the condition of their first beginnings. 
Nevertheless, to be intensely interested in such things is characteristic 
of the race, and it is particularly the province of the historian to 
deal with first causes. Should these facts be lost in the mythical 
traditions of the past, as is often the case, the chronicler invades the 
realm of the ideal and compels his imagination to paint the missing 
picture. The patriotic Eoman was not content until he had found 
the " first settlers," and then he was satisfied, although they were 
found in the very undesirable company of a wolf, and located on a 
drift, which the receding waters of the Tiber had permitted them to 
pre-empt. 

One of the advantages pertaining to a residence in a new country, 
and one seldom appreciated, is the fact that we can go back to the 
first beginning. We are thus enabled to not only trace results to 
their causes, but also to grasp the facts which have contributed to 
form and mold these causes. We observe that a State or county 
has attained a certain position, and we at once try to trace out the 
reasons for this position in its settlement and surroundings, in the 
class of men by whom it was peopled, and in the many chances and 
changes which have wrought out results, in all the recorded deeds of 
mankind. In the history of Randolph county we may trace its early 
settlers to their homes in the Eastern States and in the countries of 
the Old World. We may follow the course of the hardy backwoods- 
man, from the " Buckeye " or " Hoosier " State, and from Kentucky 
and Virginia on his way West, "to grow up with the country," 
trusting only to his strong arm and willing heart to work out his 
ambition for a home for himself and wife, and a competence for his 
children. Again, we will see that others have been animated with 
the impulse to move on, after making themselves a part of the com- 
munity, and have sought the newer portions of the extreme West, 



90 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

where civilization had not penetrated, or returned to their native 
heath. 

We shall find something of that distinctive New England character, 
which has contributed so many men and women to other portions of 
the West. We shall also find many an industrious native of Germany, 
as well as a number of the sons of the Emerald Isle, all of whom have 
contributed to modify types of men already existing here. Those who 
have noted the career of the descendants of these brave, strong men, 
in subduing the wilds and overcoming the obstacles and hardships of 
early times, can but admit they are worthy sons of illustrious sires. 
They who in the early dawn of Western civilization first " bearded 
the lion in his den," opened a path through the wilderness, drove out 
the wild beast and tamed the savage Indian, are entitled to one of the 
brightest pages in all the records of the past. 

The old pioneers of Eandolph county — the advance guard of West- 
ern civilization — have nearly all passed away ; those remaining may 
be counted on the fingers of one hand. A few more years of waiting 
and watching, and they, too, will have joined — 

"The innumerable caravan, that moves 
To that mysterious realm, where each shall take 
His chamber in the silent halls of death." 

Fresh hillocks in the cemetery will soon be all the marks that will 
be left of a race of .giants who grappled nature in her fastnesses, and 
made a triumphant conquest in the face of the greatest privations, 
disease and difliculty. The shadows that fall upon their tombs as time 
recedes are like the smoky haze that enveloped the prairies in the 
early days, saddening the memory and giving to dim distance only a 
faint and phantom outline, to which the future will often look back 
and wonder at the great hearts that lie hidden under the peaceful 
canopy. 

FIRST SETTLEMENTS MADE IN THE TIMBER. 

The first settlements in the county were invariably made in the tim- 
ber or contiguous thereto. The early settlers did so as a matter of 
necessity and convenience. The presence of timber aided materially 
in bringing about an early settlement, and it aided in two ways ; first, 
the county had to depend on emigration from the older settled States 
of the East for its population, and especially Kentucky and Tennessee. 
These States originally were almost covered with dense forests, and 
farms were made by clearing off certain portions of the timber. Al- 
most every farm there, after it became thoroughly improved, still re- 



HISTORY or RANDOLPH COUNTY. 91 

tained a certain tract of timber commonly known as "the woods." 
*' The woods " was generally regarded as the most important part of the 
farm, and the average farmer regarded it as indispensable. When he 
emigrated to the West, one objection was the scarcity of timber, and he 
did not suppose that it would be possible to open up a farm on the bleak 
prairie. To live in a region devoid of the familiar sight of timber 
seemed unendurable, and the average Kentuckian could not entertain 
the idea of founding a home away from the familiar forest trees. Then 
again the idea entertained by the early immigrants to Missouri, that 
timber was a necessity, was not simply theoretical. The early settler 
must have a house to live in, fuel for cooking and heating purposes, 
and fences to inclose his claim. At that time there were no railroads 
by which lumber could be transported. No coal mine had yet been 
opened, and few if any had been discovered. Timber was an absolute 
necessity, without which material improvement was an impossibility. 
No wonder that a gentleman from the East, who in early times came 
to the prairie region of Missouri on a prospecting tour, with a view of 
permanent location, returned home in disgust and embodied his views 
of the country in the following rhyme : — 

"Oh! lonesome, windy, grassy place, 

Where buffalo and snakes prevail; 
The first with di-eadful looking face, 

The last with dreadful sounding tail! 
I'd rather live on camel hump, 

And be a Yankee Doodle beggar, 
Than where I never see a stump, 

And shake to death with fever'n ager." 

The most important resource in the development of this Western 
country was the belts of timber which skirted the streams ; and the 
settlers who first hewed out homes in the timber, while at present 
not the most enterprising and progressive, were, nevertheless, an 
essential factor in the solution of the problem. 

Along either side of the various streams which flow across the 
country, were originally belts of timber ; at certain places, generally 
near the mouths of the smaller tributaries, the belt of timber widened 
out, thus forming a grove, or what was frequently called a point, and 
at these points or groves were the first settlements made ; here were 
the first beginnings of civilization ; here "began to operate those 
forces which have made the wilderness a fruitful place and caused the 
desert to bud and blossom as the rose." 

Much of the primeval forest has been removed for the building of 
houses and the construction of fences ; other portions, and probably 



92 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

the largest part, have been ruthlessly and improvidently destroyed. 
This destruction of timber has been somewhat compensated for by 
the planting of artificial groves. 

WHO THE FIRST SETTLERS WERE. 

The early settlers in Randolph county were generally from Ken- 
tucky, Virginia and North Carolina, the emigrants from the first 
named State predominating in number. Many of these pioneers 
located first in Howard county, but coming into Randolph on hunting 
expeditions, they were so favorably impressed with its diversified 
scenery, its fertile hills and valleys, its bountiful supply of timber, 
and water courses, they returned at once with their families and 
hewed out homes for themselves and their little ones in this new land 
of promise. Here they and their descendants have lived to see that 
tide of emigration which has since penetrated every nook and corner 
of Randolph county. They have seen civilization and enlightenment 
take the place of savage ferocity and indolence, and have watched with 
proud satisfaction each new development of material wealth which 
has marked the advancement of the county. 

That portion of Randolph county which borders upon Howard 
county was first settled, and is now known as Silver Creek and 
Moniteau townships. From the best and most reliable information 
that can be obtained, the first white man to permanently pitch his 
tent in what is now known as Randolph county, was William Holman, 
who emigrated to Missouri in 1817, from Madison county, Kentucky, 
and located in Howard county, where he remained until the following 
year (1818) and then moved to Randolph county and settled in 
Silver Creek township. 

We take the following from the Macon True Democrat, which gives 
something of a sketch of the life of William Holman, and some early 
facts in connection with the history of the pioneer times in the first 
settlement of Randolph county : — 

SQUIRE HOLMAN. 

Squire Holman was born in Madison county, Ky., October 31, 
1807, and with his lather's family emigrated to the Territory of Mis- 
souri in 1817. They settled just a few miles below Old Franklin, in 
Howard county, and from thence moved in the spring of 1818 to 
Silver Spring, in what is now Randolph county. His father (Wm. 
Holman), James Dysart (the father of Rev. James Dysart, of Macon), 
and Joseph Holman (the uncle of Squire Holman) were the first 
settlers of Randolph county. 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 93 

When Randolph county was organized, it included Macon and all 
the territory north to the Iowa line or Indian Territory. 

The Indians were numerous and frequently came into the settle- 
ments. Huntsville was laid out shortly after Squire Holman was 
grown, but he does not remember the lirst officers. The early settlers 
had frequently to beat their corn in wooden mortars, and when they 
went to mill had to go to Snoddy's mill, near Glasgow. 

The first school ever taught, as far as he recollects, in Randolph 
oounty, was by Jack Dysart, who afterwards became Colonel of the 
militia (and was father of B. R. Dysart, of Macon), about 1822. 
This school was kept in a log house seven or eight miles south-west of 
the present town of Huntsville, on Foster's Prairie. 

The first church was a log house, used by the Old School Baptist, 
near Silver Creek, and the first sermon preached was by Elder Merri- 
man, between the years 1822 and 1825, the early settlers pre- 
viously going to Mount Ararat, in Howard county, to hear Elder 
Edward Turner. For a number of years the settlers of Randolph 
went to Fayette for such groceries and dry goods as they absolutely 
needed. The settlers, male and female, wore home-made clothes. 
Many beautiful young ladies were married in home-made striped 
cotton, and handsome young men in their home-made jeans. 

Mr. Holman remembers when the early settlers of what is now 
Randolph had to go to Fayette to court, where Gen. Owens 
kept tavern. The General use to laugh and say that he could always 
tell a Randolphian by the color of his clothes. The early male set- 
tlers generally wore jeans dyed with walnut bark. They would have 
passed during the war for No. 1 Butternuts. 

Squire Holman was married to Arathusa Barnes, in Randolph county 
in 1832, and of their twelve children raised nearly all. 

Mr. Holman had been a member of the Old School Baptist church 
some thirty years, and an elder twenty-five years. 

Mr. Holman believes that the first store over opened in Randolph 
county was by Daniel G. Davis, near the residence of Willian Goggins, 
which site was afterwards made Huntsville. He did not remember the 
first post-office, but said that the mail was carried on horseback. 

The first mill was Hickman's horse mill, between Silver Creek and 
Huntsville. 

The father of Mr. Holman also had a horse mill and cotton gin. In 
those days the settlers raised their own cotton for all domestic 
purposes. 

When Mr. Holman's father settled in what is now Randolph county 
the government had not offered any land for sale. The emigrant 
selected his land and settled on it, and when the land came into 
market purchased it of the government at Franklin, where a land office 
was opened. 

Squire Holman served twelve days under Gen. Owens in burying 
the dead that were killed near Kirksville in the Indian fight, of which 
Mr. Blackwell and Mr. Myers have already given an account. 



94 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 



He also served sixty days in the Black Hawk War under Gen. John 
B. Clark, for which he got from the United States a 160-acre land 
warrant. He was in no fight. 

Many years before Macon county was organized Mr. Holman came to 
the Loe settlement, and kept hogs on the mast. This was below where 
Rose's mill on the Chariton river was afterwards built, on the 
Bloomington and Linneus road. At that time there were no settle- 
ments north of the Loes and Morrows. 

The wolves were very numerous, both gray and prairie. At nio-ht 
he stopped in a hut that he supposed had once been used as an IndTan 
wigwam. At night the wolves would keep up a regular howl, that 
was not very pleasant to a lone man far from any friend except his 
dog. The dog would yelp them away, but as soon as he would start 
back to the hut the wolves would return. He had no gun with him. 

One night he was scarce of wood to make a fire to keep the wolves 
away, and it looked as though they would come in anyhow. He had 
brought with him an ancient bugle horn, and he concluded he would 
try the effect of music on the ravenous animals. He took it up and 
blew a few shrill blasts that, strange to say, sent the wolves skedadlino- 
in a hurry. The horn was worth more than a gun to him that nio-htt 

The wolves became so troublesome that a premium was offered, "and 
his father killed and took the scalps that brought several hundred 
dollars. They were good for paying taxes. 

About the year 1833 Mr. Holman, with several others, made a trip 
for honey between the Chariton and Grand river, and in three weeks 
time took eight barrels of strained honey, and left fifteen bee trees 
standing, having no need of packing more. He remembers when elk 
were plenty within the present limits of Macon, and bears and cata- 
mounts were numerous. 

Mr. Holman's father was a great hunter ; he delighted in bear hunt- 
mg ; he had a famous bear dog, who could scent them at a oreat 
distance. About the year 1818 his father was out on a bear hunt,1iear 
the Sweet Spring, in Randolph county, when the dogs began to yelp 
after one. The dogs soon came up with it, when the bear turned on 
them and killed several of them before Mr. Holman came up ; he fired 
at It, and then he rode back and got another gun from one of the party 
fired, and finally killed the bear. It was so large that they had to take 
skids to pull it up on the horse. When this was done the horse sank 
under the weight ; they finally got it home ; he does not remember the 
weight. 

Squire Holman was no particular hunter. Deer and other game 
were so plenty that it did not raise any curiosity in him ; his father 
always kept a supply of venison and other fresh meat on hand. The 
guns used were rifles and muskets ; the old settlers prided themselves 
on the use of the rifle. 

In 1832 Mr. Holman was taking provisions to Gen. Clark's army, 
and in passing up the Chariton divide, near old Winchester, three 
miles west of Bloomington, shot at a deer's head, 150 yards off, and 
struck it. This was the best shot ever made. 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. ' 95 

In 1858 he settled in Macon county, about three miles north of 
Callao and about four miles west of Bloomington, where he died in 
the spring of 1875. He left many relatives and friends to mourn his 
death. He was an elder in the Regular Baptist Church. 

After the settlement made by Holman, then came Iverson Sears, 
John Sears, Asa Kerby, Hardy Sears, David R. Denny, Younger 
Rowland, John Rowland, Archie Rowland, Sam'l Humphreys, Wright 
Hill, Rev. James Barnes, Uriah Davis, Abraham Goss, Isaiah Hum- 
phreys, Rev. S. C. Davis, James Davis,^ John Viley, Jacob Medley, 
Thomas Mayo, Sr., Charles Mathis, Tillman Bell, James Beattie, 
Charles Finnell, Val. Mayo, Charles Baker, Sr., Jos. M. Baker, Charles 
M. Baker, Jr., Dr. W. Fort, Jer. Summers, John Whelden, Wm. El- 
liott, Neal Murphy, Wm. Cross, Nat. Hunt, Blandermin Smith, 
George Burckhartt, John C. Reed, Capt. Robert Sconce, James Good- 
ring, Elijah Hammett, John J. Turner, Joseph Wilcox, James Coch- 
ran, Thomas Gorham, Sr., T. R. C. Gorham, Daniel Hunt, William 
Goggin, Reuben Samuel, Thomas J. Samuel, John Head, Robert Bou- 
cher, Joseph M. Hammett, Dr. W. B. McLean, Chas. McLean, F. K. 
Collins, Paul Christian, Sr., Jos. Cockrill and Robert W. Wells and 
Nathan Hunt. 

ADDITIONAL NAMES OF OLD SETTLERS. 

James Head, Robert Wilson,^ James Wells, Archibald Shoemaker, 
John Peeler, Elisha McDaniel, Thomas Bradley, John Dysart, Abra- 
ham Goodding, Nathaniel Floyd, David Floyd, William Drinkard, 
John McCully, Benj. Hardester, Samuel McCully, Terry Bradley, 
Thos. J. Gorham, Geo. Shirley, Rob't Gee, Phoebe Whelden, Gabriel 
Johnson, Abraham Summers, George W. Green, Jacob Maggard,^ 
Samuel Eason, James Davis, John Harvey, Elijah Hammett, Joseph 
Goodding, Fielding Cockerill, Edwin T. Hickman, Nicholas S. Dy- 
sart, Benj. F. Wood, Hancock Jackson,* S. Brockman, Elias Fort, 
Aaron Fray, John Welden, John M. Patton, Wm. Harris, Wm. Patton, 
Isaac Harris, James Wells, Henry Lassiter, Mark Noble, William B. 
Tompkins, John Garshwiler, Sandy Harrison, Thomas Adams, May 
Burton, James Burton, Josiah Davis, David Proffit, Joseph Higbee, 
Ambrose Medley, Henry T. Martin, John Loe, Thoret Rose, 

1 Still living, 

^ At one time U. S. S. from Mo. 

3 Magj»ard often took his gun to church, and would kill a deer on the way and 
leave his son to watch it until he returned. 
* Lieut.-Governor of Mo, 



96 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

Charles Baker, William Baker, John Clarkson, William Holeman,^ 
John Bagley, John Taylor, George Q. Thomson, Thomas Griffin, 
Thomas Prather, John Kirley, John Littrell, James Pipes, James Viv- 
ion, Wiley Ferguson, Robert Ash, Hiram Summers, Nicholas W. Tut- 
tle, Noah Baker, Richard Wells, Phillip Dale, Isaac Waldon, Felix G. 
Cockerill, Frederick Rowland, James Howard, Rachel Crawford, Wm. 
H. Davis, Isam Rials, Anthony Head, Jesse Jones, Robert Cornelius, 
Jno. Biswell, Luke Mathis, Wm. Robertson, Wm. H. Brooks, Adam 
Wilson, Benj. Hardin, Wm. Blue, WyattMcFadden, W. M. Dameron, 
Wm. Lockridge, Gideon Wright, John Ball, Thomas H. Benton, 
John D. Reed, Moses Kimbrough, Aaron Kimbrough, -James Emer- 
son, Edward Stephenson, Evan Wright, Stephen Scoby, James Ves- 
tals, John J. Rice, Waddy T. Currin,'^ Derling Wright, William Up- 
ton, William Myers, Lewis Collier, William B. Tompkins, William 
Oliver, Samuel Gash, Abijah Goodding, Martin Fletcher, Edmund 
Chapman, John Thompson, David Peeler, John Tooley, Toland Ma- 
goffin, James S. Ingram, Adam Everly, Uriel Sebree, Robert Payne, 
John Nanson, Jonathan Dale, Michael Daly, Benjamin Skinner, Will- 
iam Cooley, Henry Wilkinson, Mark H. Kirkpatrick, John Bull, 
George Watts, Justin Rose, Noah Baker, Simpson Foster, Richard 
Goodding, Andrew Goodding, William Sears, George Dawkins, Jona- 
than RatlifF, Henry Scritchtield, Benjamin Hardin,^ Liberty Noble, 
Richard Rout, E. D. Vest, Henry Austin, William B. Means, Jubal 
Hart, John Dunn, William Lindse}^ Branton Carton, William Ram- 
sey, Zepheniah Walden, Lewis S. Jacobs, William Cristal, John Col- 
lins, Stanton Carter, Charles Hatfield, Reynold Green, James Mitchell, 
John Rowton, Garland Crenshaw, William Smoot, Thomas Tudor, 
Thomas K. White, William W. Walker, Isaac L. Yealock, Walker 
Austin, Daniel Lay, John McDavitt, Henry Smith, Thomas Phipps, 
Joshua Phipps, Owen Singleton, Samuel T. Crews, Richard Routt, 
John A. Pitts, Tilman W. Belt, Joseph Sharon, Dabney Finley, 
Aaron W. Lane, Reuben Small, William Banks, John Parker, Henry 
Hines, Abner Brasfield, Lucinda Dalton, Thomas Partin, Russell 
Shoemaker, Jesse Harrison, John B. Sampkin, William C. Dickerson, 
John D. Bowen, Andrew King, Samuel Hodge, James Hodge, Byrd 
Pyle, Bright Gillstrap, David James, Tucker W. Lewis, William 
Wear, C. F. Burckhartt, Squire S. Winn, Samuel Richmond, John 
Kane, Gabriel Maupin, Philip B. Hodgkin, Michael Wate, Peter Gulp, 



^ Put up the first still house iu the county. 

^ One of the first merchants iu Fayette, Howard county, Mo. 

'Related to old Ben. Hardin, of Kentucky. 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 97 

Sydney J. Svvetnam, Wm. Fray, James H. Bean, Ebenezer Enyait, 
Edmund Bartlett, Nathan Minter, James Hinson, Major Wallis, Rob- 
ert Steele, Eichard Banter, James T. Haly,IshamP. Embree, P. Sam- 
uel, Wm. H. Mansfield, Lewis Bumgardner, Waller Head, Edward R. 
Bradley, Yancy Gray, Abner Vickry, Waitman Summers, William 
Eagan, Barnaby Eagan, Chas. W. Cooper, G. W. Richey, Joseph D. 
Rutherford, Loverance Evans, Clark Banning, Levi Fawks, James 
Fray, John Wilks, Samuel Belshe, Hugh C. Dobbins, Fisher Rice, 
Nathan Decker, Leonard Dodson, Silas Phipps.^ 

POSTAL AND MILL FACILITIES. 

The early settlers of the county, for several years after they built 
their cabins, had neither postal nor mill facilities, and were compelled 
to travel from 25 to 50 miles in order to reach a post-office, or to get 
their meal. Their usual way of sending or receiving tidings from 
their friends and the news of the great world, which lay towards the 
east and south of them, was generally by the mouth of the stranger 
coming in, or by the settler who journeyed back to his old home, in 
Kentucky or Virginia. Those who did not grate their corn, or grind 
it upon a hand mill, took it either to Howard or Chariton county, 
whither they also occasionally went to obtain their mail. Postage at 
that time was very high, and if the old settler sent or received two or 
three letters during the year, he considered himself fortunate. His 
every-day life in the wilds of the new country to which he had come 
to better his condition, was so much of a sameness that he had, 
indeed, but little to communicate. His wants were few, and these 
were generally supplied by his rod and his gun, the latter being con- 
sidered an indispensable weapon of defense, as well as necessary to the 
support and maintenance of himself and family. No w^onder that the 
pioneer loved his " old flint lock," and his faithful dog, whose honest 
bark would so often — 

" Bay deep-mouth'd welcome as he drew near home." 
COUNTY ORGANIZED AND NAMED. 

Randolph county was organized in 1829, out of territory taken 
from Howard county, and named after John Randolph, of Roanoke, 
Va. 

THE NAME. 

A great dramatist intimates there is nothing in a name ; but a name 
sometimes means a great deal. In many instances it indicates, in a 



1 The above named pioneers settled in Kandolph county prior to 1829. 



98 HISTOKY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

measure, the character of the people who settle the country, and have 
given to it its distinctive characteristics. Names are sometimes given to 
towns and countries by accident ; sometimes they originate in the 
childish caprice of some one individual, whose dictate, by reason of 
some real or imaginary superiority, is law. Whether the policy of 
naming counties after statesmen and generals be good or bad, the 
Missouri Legislature has followed the practice to such an extent that 
fully three-fourths of the counties composing the State bear the 
names of men who are more or less distinguished in the history of the 
country. 

In this instance, the county of Randolph was not named by acci- 
dent, but the christening took place after mature deliberation. 

The man after whom the county was named was bold and fearless 
in his character, and possessed, as did the early pioneers of old Ran- 
dolph, many of the sterling characteristics of a noble manhood. Be- 
lieving that a brief sketch of the distinguished gentleman for whom 
the county was named will be read with interest, we here insert it ; — 

JOHN RANDOLPH, 

an American orator, born at Cawsons, Chesterfield county, Virginia, 
June 2, 1773, died in Philadelphia, June 24, 1833. He was educated 
at Princeton, at Columbia College, New York, and at the college of 
Mary and William, and studied law at Philadelphia, but never prac- 
ticed. In 1799, he was elected a Representative in Congress, and 
soon became conspicuous, in the language of Hildreth, as " a singular 
mixture of the aristocrat and the Jacobin." He was re-elected in 1801, 
and was made chairman of the committee of ways and means. In 
1803, as chairman of a committee, he reported against a memorial 
from Indiana, for permission to introduce slaves into the territory in 
spite of the prohibition of the ordinance of 1787, which he pronounced 
to be " wisely calculated to promote the happiness and prosperity of 
the north-western country. In 1804 he was chief manager in the trial 
of Judge Samuel Chase, impeached before the Senate. In 1806 he 
assailed President Jefferson and his supporters with great virulence. 
He attacked Madison's administration, and opposed the declaration 
of war against Great Britain in 1812. His opposition caused his de- 
feat at the next election. He was re-elected in 1814, and again in 1818, 
havinoj declined to be a candidate in 1816. In the Conojress of 1819- 
20 he opposed the Missouri Compromise, stigmatizing the northern 
members, by whose co-operation it was carried, as " doughfaces," an 
epithet adopted into the political vocabulary of the United States. 



I 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 



99 



In 1822, and again in 1824, he visited England. From 1825 to 1827 
he was a Senator of the United States, and during that time fought a 
duel with Henry Clay. He supported Gen. Jackson for President in 
1828. In 1829 he was a member of the convention to revise the con- 
stitution of Virginia, and in 1830 was appointed a minister to Russia, 
but soon after his reception by the Emperor Nicholas, he departed 
abruptly for England, where he remained for nearly a year, and re- 
turned home without revisiting Russia. He was again elected to 
Congress, but was too ill to take his seat. Exhausted with consump- 
tion, he died in a hotel at Philadelphia, whither he had gone on his 
way to take passage again across the ocean. During his life, his 
speeches were more fully reported and more generally read than those 
of any other member of Congress. He was tall and slender, with 
long, skinny fingers, which he was in the habit of pointing and shak- 
ing at those against whom he spoke. His voice was shrill and piping, 
but under perfect command, and musical in its lower tones. His in- 
vectives, sarcasm, and sharp and wreckless wit, made him a terror to 
his opponents in the house. At the time of his death he owned 318 
slaves, whom by his will he manumitted, bequeathing funds for their 
settlement and maintenance in a free State. His '« Letters to a Young 
Relative" appeared in 1834. 




CHAPTEK II. 



PIONEER LIFE. 



The Pioneers' Peculiarities — Conveniences and Inconveniences — The Historical 
Log Cabin — Agricultural Implements — Household Furniture — Pioneer Corn- 
bread — Hand Mills and Hominy Blocks — Going to Mill — Trading Points — 
Bee Trees — Shooting Matches and Quiltings. 

The people in the early history of Eandolph county took no care to 
preserve history— they were too busily engaged in making it. 
Historically speaking, those were the most important years of the 
county, for it was then the foundation and corner-stones of all the 
county's history and prosperity were laid. Yet this history was not 
remarkable for stirring events. It was, however, a time of self-reli- 
ance and brave, persevering toil ; of privations cheerfully endured 
through faith in a good time coming. The experience of one settler 
was just about the same as that of others. Nearly all of the settlers 
were poor; they faced the sanie hardships and stood generally on an 
equal footing. 

All the experience of the early pioneers of this county goes far to 
confirm the theory that, after all, happiness is pretty evenly balanced 
in this world. They had their privations and hardships, but they had 
also their own peculiar joys. If they were poor, they were free from 
the burden of pride and vanity ; free also from the anxiety and care 
that always attends the possession of wealth. Other people's eyes 
cost them nothing. If they had few neighbors, they were on the best 
of terms with those they had. Envy, jealousy and strife had not 
crept in. A common interest and a common sympathy bound them 
together with the strongest ties. They were a little world to them- 
selves, and the good feeling that prevailed was all the stronger because 
they were so far removed from the great world of the East. 

Among these pioneers there was realized such a community of iu-^ 
terest that there existed a community of feeling. There were no 
castes, except an aristocracy of benevolence, and no nobility, except 
a nobility of generosity. They were bound together with such a 
strong bond of sympathy, inspired by the consciousness of common 
hardship, that they were practical.y communists. 
(100) 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 101 

Neighbors did not even wait for an invitation or request to help one 
anotlier. Was a settler's cabin burned or blown down? No sooner 
was the fact known throughout the neighborhood than the settlers as- 
sembled to assist the unfortunate one to rebuild his home. They came 
with as little hesitation, and with as much alacrity, as though they 
were all members of the same family and bound together by ties of 
blood. One man's interest was every other man's interest. Now, 
this general state of feeling among the pioneers was by no means 
peculiar to these counties, although it was strongly illustrated here. 
It prevailed generally throughout the West during the time of the 
early settlement. The very nature of things taught the settlers the 
necessity of dwelling together in this spirit. It was their only protec- 
tion. They had come far away from the well established reign of law, 
and entered a new country, where civil authority was still feeble, and 
totally unable to afibrd protection and redress grievances. Here the 
settlers lived some little time before there was an officer of the law in 
the county. Each man's protection was in the good will and friend- 
ship of those about him, and the thing that any man might well dread 
was the ill will of the community. It was more terrible than the law. 
It was no uncommon thing in the early times for hardened men, who 
had no fears of jails or penitentiaries, to stand in great fear of the in- 
dignation of a pioneer community. Such were some of the character- 
istics of Kandolph county. 

HOUSE AND HOME COMFORTS. 

The first buildings in the county were not just like the log cabins that 
immediately succeeded them. The latter required some help and a 
great deal of labor to build. The very first buildings constructed 
Avere a cross between " hoop cabins " and Indian bark huts. As soon 
as enough men could be got together for a " cabin raising," then log 
cabins were in style. Many a pioneer can remember the happiest time 
of his life as that when he lived in one of these homely but comforta- 
ble old cabins. 

A window with sash and glass was a rarity, and was an evidence of 
wealth and aristocracy which but few could support. They were often 
made with greased paper put over the window, which admitted a little 
light, but more often there was nothing whatever over it, or the 
cracks between the logs, without either chinking or daubing, were the 
dependence for light and air. The doors were fastened with old- 
fashioned wooden latches, and for a friend, or neighbor, or traveler, 
the string always hung out, for the pioneers of the West were hospi- 



102 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

table and entertained visitors to the best of their ability. It is notice- 
able with what affection the pioneers speak of their old log cabins. It 
may be doubted whether palaces ever sheltered happier hearts than 
those homely cabins. The following is a good description of those 
old landmarks, but few of which now remain : — 

" These were of round logs, notched together at the corners, ribbed 
with poles and covered with boards split from a tree. A puncheon 
floor was then laid down, a hole cut in the end and a stick chimney 
run up. A clapboard door is made, a window is opened by cutting 
out a hole in the side or end two feet square, and finished vvithout 
glass or transparency. The house is then < chinked ' and ' daubed ' 
with mud. The cabin is now ready to go into. The household and 
kitchen furniture is adjusted, and life on the frontier is begun in 
earnest. 

*' The one-legged bedstead, now a piece of furniture of the past, 
was made by cutting a stick the proper length, boring holes at one end 
one and a half inches in diameter, at right angles, and the same sized 
holes corresponding with those in the logs of the cabin the length and 
breadth desired for the bed, in which are inserted poles. 

"Upon these poles the clapboards are laid, or linn bark is inter- 
woven consecutively from pole to pole. Upon this primitive structure 
the bed is laid. The convenience of a cook stove was not thought of, 
but instead, the cooking was done by the faithful housewife in pots, 
kettles, or skillets, on and about the big fire-place, and very fre- 
quently over and around, too, the distended pedal extremities of the 
legal sovereign of the household, while the latter was indulging in the 
luxuries of a cob-pipe and discussing the probable results of a con- 
templated deer hunt on the Chariton river or some one of its small 
tributaries." 

These log cabins were really not so bad after all. 

The people of to-day, familiarized with "Charter Oak" cooking 
stoves and ranges, would be ill at home were they compelled to pre- 
pare a meal with no other conveniences than those provided in a pioneer 
cabin. Rude fire-places were built in chimneys composed of mud and 
sticks, or, at best, undressed stone. These fire-places served for heat- 
ing and cooking purposes ; also, for ventilation. Around the cheerful 
blaze of this fire the meal was prepared, and these meals were not so 
bad, either. As elsewhere remarked, they were not such as would 
tempt an epicure, but such as afforded the most healthful nourishment 
for a race of people who were driven to the exposure and hardships 
which were their lot. We hear of few dyspeptics in those days. An- 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 103 

other advantage of these cookinsi: arrano-ements was that the stove- 
pipe never fell clown, and the pioneer was spared being subjected to 
the most trying of ordeals, and one probably more productive of pro- 
fanity than any other. 

Before the country became supplied with mills which were of easy 
access, and even in some instances afterward, hominy-blocks were 
used. They exist now only in the memory of the oldest settlers, but 
as relics of the " long ago," a description of them will not be unin- 
teresting : — 

A tree of suitable size, say from eighteen inches to two feet in 
diameter, was selected in the forest and felled to the ground. If a 
cross-cut saw happened to be convenient, the tree was " butted," that 
is, the kerf end was sawed off, so that it would stand steady when 
ready for use. If there was no cross-cut saw in the neighborhood, 
strong arms and sharp axes were ready to do the work. Then the 
proper length, from four to five feet, was measured off and sawed or 
cut square. When this was done the block was raised on end and the 
work of cutting out a hollow in one of the ends was commenced. 
This was generally done with a common chopping ax. Sometimes a 
smaller one was used. When the cavity was judged to be large 
enough, a fire was built in it, and carefully watched till the ragged 
edges were burned away. When completed the hominy-block some- 
what resembled a druggist's mortar. Then a pestle, or something to 
crush the corn, was necessary. This was usually made from a suitably 
sized piece of timber, with an iron wedge attached, the large end 
down. This completed the machinery, and the block was ready for 
use. Sometimes one hominy-block accommodated an entire neigh- 
borhood and was the means of staying the hunger of many mouths. 

In giving the bill of fare above we should have added meat, for of 
this they had plenty. Deer would be seen daily trooping over the 
prairie in droves of from 12 to 20, and sometimes as many as 50 
would be seen grazing together. Elk were also found, and wild 
turkeys and prairie chickens without number. Bears were not un- 
known. Music of the natural order was not wanting, and every night 
the pioneers were lulled to rest by the screeching of panthers and the 
howling of wolves. When the dogs ventured too far out from the 
cabins at night, they would be driven back by the wolves chasing 
them up to the very cabin doors. Trapping wolves became a very 
profitable business after the State began to pay a bounty for wolf 
scalps. 

All the streams of water also abounded in fish, and a good supply 
2 



104 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

of these could be procured by the expense of a little time and labor 
Those who years ago improved the fishing advantages of the country 
never tire telling of the dainty meals which the streams afforded. 
Sometimes large parties Avould get together, and, having been provided 
with cooking utensils and facilities for camping out, would go off some 
distance and spend weeks together. No danger then of being ordered 
oH a man's premises or arrested for trespass. One of the peculiar 
circumstances that surrounded the early life of the pioneers was a 
strange loneliness. The solitude seemed almost to oppress them. 
Months would pass during which they would scarcely see a human 
face outside their own families. 

On occasions of special interest, such as election, holiday celebra- 
tions, or camp-meetings, it was nothing miusual for a few settlers 
who lived in the immediate neighborhood of the meetins: to entertain 
scores of those who had come from a distance. 

Rough and rude thouo-h the surroundino;s mav have been, the 
pioneers were none the less honest, sincere, hospitable and kind in 
their relations. It is true, as a rule, and of universal application, that 
there is a greater degree of real humanity among the pioneers of any 
country than there is when the country becomes old and rich. If 
there is an absence of refinement, that absence is more than compen- 
sated in the presence of generous hearts and truthful lives. They are 
bold, industrious and enterprising. Generally speaking, they are 
earnest thinkers, and possessed of a diversified fund of useful, prac- 
tical information. As a rule the}' do not arrive at a conclusion by 
means of a course of rational reasoning, but, nevertheless, have a queer 
Avay at getting at the facts. They hate cowards and shams of every 
kind, and above all things, falsehoods and deception, and cultivate an 
integrity which seldom permits them to prostitute themselves to a 
narrow policy of imposture. Such were the characteristics of the 
men and women who pioneered the way to the country of the Sacs 
and Foxes. A few of them yet remain, and although some of their 
descendants are among the wealthy and most substantial of the people 
of the county, they have not forgotten their old time hospitality and 
free and easy ways. In contrasting the present social affairs with 
pioneer times, one has well said : — 

" Then, if a house was to be raised, every man ' turned out,' and 
often the women, too, and while the men piled up the logs that fash- 
ioned the primitive dwelling-place, the women prepared the dinner. 
Sometimes it was cooked by big log fires near the site where the cabin 
was building ; in other cases it was prepared at the nearest cabin, and 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 105 

at the proper hour was carried to where the men were at work. If 
one man in the neighborhood killed a beef, a pig or a deer, everj^ 
other family in the neighborhood was sure to receive a piece. 

" We were all on an equality. Aristocratic feelings were unknown, 
and would not have been tolerated. What one had we all had, and 
that was the happiest period of my life. J3ut to-day, if you lean 
against a neighbor's shade tree he Avill charge you for it. If you 
are poor and fall sick, you may lie and suffer almost unnoticed and 
unattended, and probably go to the poor-house; and just as like as 
not the man who would report you to the authorities as a subject of 
county care would charge the county for making the report." 

Of the old settlers, some are still living in the county in the enjoy- 
ment of the fortunes they founded in early times, " having reaped an 
hundredfold." Nearly all, however, have passed away. A few of 
them have gone to the far West, and are still playing the part of 
pioneers. But wherever they may be, whatever fate may betide 
them, it is but truth to say that they were excellent men as a class, 
and have left a deep and enduring impression upon the county and 
the State. " They builded better than they knew." They were, of 
course, men of activity and energy, or they would never have de- 
cided to face the trials of pioneer life. The great majority of them 
were poor, but the lessons taught them in the early days were of such 
a character that few of them have remained so. They made their 
mistakes in business pursuits like other men. Scarcely one of them 
but allowed golden opportunities, for pecuniary profit, at least, to pass 
by unheeded. What now are some of the choicest farms in Randolph 
county were not taken up by the pioneers, who preferred land of very 
much less value. They have seen many of their prophesies fulfilled, 
and others come to naught. Whether they have attained the success 
they desired, their own hearts can tell. 

To one looking over the situation then, from the standpoint now, 
it certainly does not seem very cheering, and yet, from the testimony 
of some old pioneers, it was a most enjoyable time, and Ave of the 
present live in degenerate days. 

At that time it certainly would have been much more difficult for 
those old settlers to understand how it could be possible that sixty- 
five years hence the citizens of the present age of the county's pro- 
gress would be complaining of hard times and destitution, and that 
they themselves, perhaps, would be among that number, than it is 
now for us to appreciate how they could feel so cheerful and contented 



106 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

with their meager means and humble lot of hardships and depriva- 
tions during those early pioneer days. 

The secret was, doubtless, that they lived within their means, 
however limited, not coveting more of luxury and comfort than their 
income would afford, and the natural result was prosperity and con- 
tentment, with always room for one more stranger at the fireside, and 
a cordial welcome to a place at their table for even the most hungry 
guest . 

Humanity, with all its ills, is, nevertheless, fortunately character- 
ized with remarkable flexibility, which enables it to accommodate 
itself to circumstances. After all, the secret of happiness lies in one's 
ability to accommodate himself to his surroundings. 

It is sometimes remarked that there were no places for public en- 
tertainment till latei' years. The truth is, there were many such places ; 
in fact, every cabin was a place of entertainment, and these hotels 
were sometimes crowded to their utmost capacity. On such occasions, 
when bedtime came, the first family would take the back part of the 
cabin, and so continue filling up by families until the limit was 
reached. The young men slept in the wagon outside. In the morn- 
ino", those nearest the do^r arose first and went outside to dress. 
Meals were served on the end of a wagon, and consisted of corn- 
bread, buttermilk, and fat pork, and occasionally coffee, to take away 
the morning chill. On Sundays, for a change, they had bread made 
of wheat "tramped out" on the ground by horses, cleaned with a 
sheet, and pounded by hand. This was the best the most fastidious 
could obtain, and this only one day in seven. Not a moment of time 
was lost. It was necessary that they should raise enough sod corn to 
take them through the coming winter, and also get as much breaking 
done as possible. They brought with them enough corn to give the 
horses an occasional feed, in order to keep them able for hard work, 
but in the main they had to live on prairie grass. The cattle got 
nothinof else than o-rass. 

AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS. 

An interesting comparison might be drawn between the conven- 
iences which now make the life of a farmer a comparatively easy one, 
and the almost total lack of such conveniences in early days. A brief 
description of the acommodations possessed by the tillers of the soil 
will now be given. 

Let the children of such illustrious sires draw their own corapari- 



HISTORY or RANDOLPH COUNTY. 107 

sons, and may the results of these comparisons silence the voice of 
complaint which so often is heard in the laild. 

The only plows they had at first were what they styled " bull 
plows." The mold-boards were generally of wood, but in some 
cases they were half wood and half iron. The man who had one of 
the latter description was looked upon as something of an aristocrat. 
But these old "bull plows" did good service, and they must be 
awarded the honor of first stirring the, soil of Kandolph county, as well 
as that of the oldest counties of this State. 

The amount of money which some farmers annually invest in agri- 
cultural implements would have kept the pioneer farmer in farming 
utensils during a whole lifetime. The pioneer farmer invested little 
money in such things, because he had little money to spare, and then 
again because the expensive machinery now used would not have been 
at all adapted to the requirements of pioneer farming. The " bull 
plow " was probably better suited to the fields abounding in stumps 
and roots than would the modern sulkey plowh^ive been, and Uie old- 
fashioned wheat cradle did better execution than would a modern 
harvester under like circumstances. The prairies were seldom settled 
till after the pioneer period, and that portion of the country which 
was the hardest to put under cultivation, and the most difficult to 
cultivate after it was improved, first was cultivated ; it was well for 
the country that such was the case, for the present generation, famil- 
iarized as it is with farming machinery of such complicated pattern, 
would scarcely undertake the clearing off of dense forests and culti- 
vating the ground with the kind of implements their fathers used, and 
which they would have to use for some kinds of work. 

MILLS AND TRADING POINTS. 

Notwithstanding the fact that some of the early settlers were ener- 
getic millwrights, who employed all their energy and what means 
they possessed, in erecting mills at a few of the many favorite mill- 
sites which abound in the county, yet going to mill in those days, 
when there were no roads, no bridges, no ferry boats, and scarcely 
any conveniences for traveling, was no small task, where so many 
rivers and treacherous streams were to be crossed, and such atrip was 
often attended with orreat dans-er to the traveler when these streams 
were swollen beyond their banks. But even under these circumstances, 
some of the more adventurous and more ingenious ones, in case of 
emergency, found the ways and means by which to cross the swollen 



108 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

streams, and succeed in making the trip. At other times again, all 
attempts failed them, and they were compelled to remain at home un- 
til the waters subsided, and depend on the generosity of their fortunate 
neighbors. 

Some stories are related with regard to the danger, perils and hard- 
ships of forced travel to mills, and for provisions, which remind one 
of forced marches in military campaigns, and when we hear of the 
heroic and daring conduct of the hardy pioneers in procuring bread 
for their loved ones, we think that here were heroes more valiant than 
any of the renowned soldiers of ancient or modern times. 

During the first two years, and perhaps not until some time after- 
ward, there was not a public highway established and worked on 
which they could travel ; and as the settlers were generally far apart, 
and mills and trading points were at great distances, going from place 
to place was not only very tedious, but attended sometimes with great 
danger. Not a railroad had yet entered the State, and there Avas 
scarcely a thought in the minds of the people here of such a thing 
ever reaching the wild "West ; and, if thought of, people had no con- 
ception of what a revolution a railroad and telegraph line through the 
county would cause in its progress. Then there was no railroad in 
the United States, not a mile of track on the continent ; while now 
there are over 100,000 miles of railroad extending their trunks and 
branches in every direction over our land. 

Supplies in those days were obtained at Fayette and Glasgow. 
Mail was carried by horses and wagon transportation, and telegraph 
dispatches were transmitted by the memory and lips of emigrants 
coming in or strangers passing through. 

The first mill was built in the county in 1820, and was known as 
Hickman's mill. At first the mill only ground corn, which had to be 
sifted after it was ground, as there were no bolts in the mill. There 
was only one run of buhrs, which, as well as the mill irons, were 
brought from St. Louis. They were shipped up the Missouri river. 
The mill cost about $50. The mill had no gearing, the buhrs being 
located over the wheel, and running with the same velocity as the 
wheel. It was a frame mill, one story high, and had a capacity of 
50 bushels a day. People came from far and near, attracted by the 
reports of the completion of the mill, with their grists, so that, for 
days before it was ready for work, the creek bottom was dotted over 
with hungry and patient men, waiting until it was ready to do their 
work, so that they might return with their meal and flour to supply 
their families, and those of their neighbors, thus enduring the hard- 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 109 

ships of camp life in those early days in order that they might be able 
to secnre the simple necessaries of life, devoid of all luxuries. 

HUNTING AND TRAPPING. 

The sports and means of recreation were not so numerous and varied 
among the early settlers as at present, but they were more enjoyable 
and invio-orating than now. 

Hunters nowadays would only be too glad to be able to find and en- 
joy their favorable opportunity for hunting and fishing, and even travel 
many miles, counting it rare pleasure to spend a few weeks on the water 
courses and wild prairies, in hunt and chase and fishing frolics. There 
were a good many excellent hunters here at an early day, who enjoyed 
the sport as well as any can at the present time. 

Wild animals of almost every species known in the wilds of the West 
were found in great abundance. The prairies and woods and streams 
and various bodies of water were all thickly inhabited before the white 
man came, and for sometime afterward. Although the Indians slew 
many of them, yet the natural law prevailed here as well as elsewhere — 
*' wild man and wild beast thrive together." 

Serpents were to be found in such large numbers, and of such im- 
mense size, that some stories told by the early settlers would be 
incredible were it not for the large array of concurrent testimony, 
which is to be had from the most authentic sources. Deer, turkeys, 
ducks, geese, squirrels, and various other kinds of choice game were 
plentiful, and to be had at the expense of killing only. The fur animals 
were abundant ; such as the otter, beaver, mink, muskrat, raccoon, 
panther, fox, wolf, wild-cat and bear. 

An old resident of the county told us that, in 1809, while he was 
traveling a distance of six miles he saw as many as 73 deer, in herds of 
from six to ten. 

HUNTING BEE TREES. 

Another source of profitable recreation among the old settlers was 
that of hunting bees. The forests along the water courses were es- 
pecially prolific of bee trees. They were found in great numbers on 
the Chariton rivers and their confluents, and, in fact, on all the im- 
portant streams in the county. Many of the early settlers, during the 
late summer, would go into camp for days at a time, for the purpose of 
bunting and securing the honey of the wild bees, which was not only 
extremely rich and found in great abundance, but always commanded 
a good price in the home market. 



110 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

The Indians have ever regarded the honey bee as the forerunner of 
the white man, while it is a conceded fact that the quail always follows 
the footprints of civilization. 

The following passage is found in the <' Report of the Exploring 
Expedition to the Rocky Mountains, in the year 1842, by Captain John 
C. Fremont," page 69 : — 

" Here on the summit, where the stillness was absolute, unbroken 
by any sound, and the solitude complete, we thought ourselves beyond 
the regions of animated life ; but while we were sitting on the rocks 
a solitary bee came winging its flight from the eastern valley and lit on 
the knee of one of the men. We pleased ourselves with the idea that 
he was the first of his species to cross the mountain barrier, a solitary 
pioneer to foretell the advance of civilization." 

Gregg, in his " Commerce of the Prairies," page 178, Vol. I., says : 
♦♦ The honey bee appears to have emigrated exclusively from the east, 
as its march has been observed westward. The bee, among Western 
pioneers, is the proverbial precursor of the Anglo-American popula- 
tion. In fact, the aborigines of the frontier have generally corrobor- 
ated this statement, for they used to say that they knew the white man 
was not far behind when the bees appeared among them." 

There were other recreations, such as shooting matches and quilting 

parties, which prevailed in those days, and which were enjoyed to the 

fullest extent. The quilting parties were especially pleasant and 

agreeable to those who attended. The established rule in those days 

at these parties was to pay either one dollar in money or split one 

hundred rails during the course of the day. The men would generally 

split the rails, and the women w^ould remain in the house and do the 

quilting. After the day's work was done the night would be passed 

in dancing. 

AH the swains that there abide, 
With jigs and rural dance resort. 

When daylight came the music and dancing would cease, and the gal- 
lant young men would escort the fair ladies to their respective homes. 

\ 

TVOLVES. 

One of the oldest pioneers tells us that for several years after he 
came to what is now known as Randolph county the wolves were very 
numerous, and that he paid his taxes for many years in wolf scalps. 
His cabin was in the edge of the timber that skirted Sweet Spring 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 



Ill 



creek, and at night the howls of these animals were so loud and inces- 
sant that to sleep at times was almost impossible. 
Often at midnight, all 

" At once there rose so wild a yell, 
Within that dark and narrow dell, 
As all the fields from heaven that fell, 
Had pealed the banner cry of hell." 

At such times, the whole air seemed to be filled with the vibrations of 
their most infernal and diabolical music. The wolf was not only a 
midnight prowler here, but was seen in the day-time, singly or in 
packs, warily skulking upon the outskirts of a thicket, or sallying cau- 
tiously along the open path with a sneaking look of mingled cowardice 
and cruelty. 




CHAPTER III. 

EARLY RECORDS. 

First County Court — Its Proceedings — First Circuit Court — Early Marriages — 
First Recorded Will — Remarkable Deed — Public Buildings — First Court House — 
Second Court House — Third Court House — County Seat Question — Jails — 
County Poor Farm — Blanderman Smith. 

We plead guilty to possessing much of the antiquarian spirit, — 
" old wine, old books, old friends," are the best, you know. We 
love to sit at the feet of the venerable old pioneers of the country, 
and listen to the story of their early exploits, when the fire of youth 
beamed in their eyes, and the daring spirit of adventure quickened 
their pulses. How they fought with the savage Indians and prowl- 
ing beasts to wrest this goodly land from its primeval wilderness, as 
a rich heritage for the children to come after them ; how they hewed 
down the forests, turned " the stubborn glebe," watched and toiled, 
lost and triumphed, struggled against poverty and privation, to bring 
the country into subjection to civilization and enlightened progress, — 
all this has an absorbing interest to us. Much as modern literature 
delights us, we had rather talk an hour with one of these venerable 
gray-beards who are found here and there as the scattered repre- 
sentatives of a purer and more heroic age, than to revel in the most 
bewitching poem that ever flashed from the pen of a Byron or a Ten- 
nyson, or dream the time away in threading the mazes of the plot 
and imagery of the finest romance that ever was written. Moved by 
this kind of a spirit, we have been delving among the musty records 
of the county court, where we found many an interesting relic of the 
past history of the county, some of which we reproduce here. 

FIRST COUNTY COURT. 

The first county court that convened in Randolph county, was 
held on the 2d day of February, 1829. The following is the record 
and proceedings of the first term of the said court : — 

State of Missouri, ) o 
County of Randolph, ) 

At a county court begun and held, for and within the county afore- 
said, at the house of Blandermin Smith, the place appointed by law 
(112) 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 113 

for holding the courts of said county, James Head, Wm. Fort, and 
Joseph M. Baker, Esquires, produced from the Governor of the State 
commissions as justices of said court, who qualified on the 2d day 
of February, in the year one thousand eight hundred and twenty-nine. 
Whereupon court was opened by proclamation. 

The court appoint James Head president of the court. 

The court appoint Kobert Wilson clerk ^;?'o tern, of this court. 

Ordered, That all applicants for office file with the clerk j9ro tern. 
their applications in writing. 

The court appoints Robert Wilson clerk of said court; whereupon 
he entered into bonds with satisfactory security, which is received by 
the court, and ordered to be certified to the Gov^ernor. 

Ordered, That court adjourn until to-morrow morning at ten 
o'clock. Wm. Fort, 

Joseph M. Baker. 

SECOND day's proceedings. 

Tuesday Morning, February 3d, 1829. 

The court met pursuant to adjournment. Present, Justices Head, 
Fort, and Baker. R. Wilson, Clerk, P. T. 

The court recommend to his excellency, the Governor of this State, 
the following named persons to be appointed justices of the peace, 
viz. : Blanderman Smith, James Wells, and Archibald Shoemaker, 
for Salt Spring township ; John Peeler and Elisha McDaniel, for Sugar 
Creek township ; Thomas Bradley, John Viley, and John Dysart, for 
Silver Creek township, and Charles McLean for Prairie township. 

The court then proceeded to divide the county into townships, as 
follows, viz. : The township of Silver Creek shall be bounded as fol- 
lows : Beginning at the south-west corner of Howard county ; thence 
running north with Randolph county line, to the township line, be- 
tween townships 53 and 54 ; thence east with said township line, to 
the range line, to the Howard county line ; thence west with said line 
to the beginning. 

The township of Prairie shall be bounded as follows, viz. : Begin- 
ning at the Howard county line, where the range line between ranges 
14 and 15 intersects the same ; thence north with said range line, to the 
line dividing townships 53 and 54 ; thence east with said township to 
the line dividing Randolph and Ralls counties ; thence south with said 
county line, to the Boone county line ; thence west with the line, 
dividing Randolph and Boone, and Randolph and Howard, to the be- 
ginnino;. 

The township of Salt Sprmg shall be bounded as follows, viz. : 
Beginning where the township line, dividing townships 53 and 54 on 
the west ; thence north with said county line to the north-west corner 
of the county ; thence east with the county line, to the range line be- 
tween ranges 14 and 15 ; thence south to the corner of Silver Creek 
township ; thence west with said line to the beginning. 



114 ' HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

Ordered, That all territory lying north be attached to and form a 
part of said township. 

The township of Sugar Creek shall be bounded as follows, viz. : 
Beginning at the range line, between ranges 14 and 15, on the north- 
ern county line ; thence east to the north-east corner of the county ; 
thence south with the line dividing townships 53 and 54 ; thence west 
with said line to the corner of Silver Creek and Prairie townships. 

Ordered, That all the territory lying north of said township, be 
attached to and form a j^art thereof. 

The court appoint Thomas J. Gorhani surveyor of the .county of 
Randolph, whereupon he entered into bond conditioned &,s the law 
directs, with satisfactory security. 

The court appoint Terry Bradley assessor for the county of Ran- 
dolph, for the year 1829, and until his successor is duly elected and 
qualified. Whereupon, he entered into bond conditioned as the law 
directs, in the penal sum of five hundred dollars, with Thomas Brad- 
ley and Benjamin Cockerill his securities, which was received by the 
court. 

The court appoint Jacob Medley collector for the county of Ran- 
dolph, for the year 1829. Whereupon, he entered into duplicate 
bonds, conditioned as the law directs, in the penal sum of two thou- 
sand dollars, with James Head and Terry Bradley as his securities, 
fort the faithful performance of his duties in relation to State tax, which 
was received by the court, one of which was ordered to be forwarded 
to the auditor of public accounts ; he also took the oath prescribed by 
law. 

The court appoint Nathan Hunt constable of Salt Spring township. 
Whereupon, he entered into bond in the penal sum of eight hundred 
dollars, with Daniel Hunt and Abraham Goodding as his securities, 
which was received bv the court. 

The court appoint Nathan Floyd constable of Prairie township. 
Whereupon, he entered into bond in the penalty of eight hundred dol- 
lars, with David Floyd and William Drinkard as his securities, which 
were received by the court ; he then took the oath prescribed by law. 

The court appoint John McCully constable of Silver Creek township. 
Whereupon, he entered into bond in the penalty of eight hundred dol- 
lars, conditioned as the law directs, with Benjamin Hardester and 
Samuel McCully as his securities, and took the oath prescribed by law. 

The court appoint Abraham Goodding constable of Sugar Creek 
township. Whereupon, he entered into bond in the penalty of eight 
hundred dollars, conditioned as the law directs, with Terry Bradley 
and Robert Sconce as his securities, and took the oath prescribed by 
law. 

Ordered, By the court, that application be made to the clerk of 
Chariton county court, for copies of such records pertaining to the 
county of Randolph, as may be thought necessary. The court ap- 
point Robert Sconce, guardian of Luzetta Whelden, minor of John 
Whelden, deceased. Whereupon, he entered into bond conditioned 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. l-l^ 

as the law directs, in the penalty of one thousand dollars, with John 
J. Turner, and Thomas J. Gorham as his securities, which were re- 
ceived by the court as sufficient. 

Ordered, That court adjourn until court in course. 

William Fort, 
Joseph M. Baker. 

second term special term. 

State of Missouri, ) 
County of Randolph, s , . , ^ r 

At a county court begun and held for and within the county afore- 
said, by special appointment on the first day of March, 1829 ; pi^esent 
William Fort and Joseph M. Baker, justices of said court. Kobert 
Wilson, clerk, and Hancock Jackson, sheriff. 

Ordered, By the court, that the temporary seat of justice tor said 
county, be fixed at the house of William Goggin in said county; and 
it is further ordered that all courts of record, hereafter to be holden 
in said county, be held at the house of the said William Goggin, and 
that a copy of this order be furnished the judge of the circuit court. 
Ordered, That court adjourn until court in course. 

William Fort, 
Joseph M. Baker. 

The above constitutes the proceedings of the first and special terms 
of the county court. The second regular term of the court was held on 
the 4th day of May following, and we note the following proceedings : — 

Gabriel Johnson was recommended for justice of the peace for 
Silver Creek township, and George Burckhartt and Benjamin Hardin, 

for Prairie. , , * i -i „i/i 

The followino- gentlemen were appointed road overseers : Archibald 

Shoemaker, Blandermin Smith, Thomas Bradley, John Dysart, James 
Wells, Henry Lassiter, Mark Noble, William B. Thompkms, John 
Garshweiler, John M. Patton and Josiah Davis. 

The first county levy was made at the June term, and was ordered 
to be 50 per cent of the State levy, and in order to give some idea ot 
the kind of salaries our old-time officers received, it should be stated 
that the county assessor, Terry Bradley, - was allowed his account ot 
sixty-one dollars ^nA fifty -six and one-fourth cents, for thirty-five days 
service, postage, stationery," etc. Query-If such salaries as this 
were paid nowadays, would not electioneering grow small by degrees 
and beautifully less? 

The collector made settlement of his accounts for the county reve- 
nue November 3, 1829 ; it was as follows : — 

Resident list amounts to ^ 

Delinquent returned and allowed 

Allowed by law for collecting ^^ 

$21 45 



116 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

• Leaving a balance of two hundred and thirty-two dolUirs and fifteen 
cents in his hands, together with the sum of two dollars and ninety- 
nine cents, received by him on licenses, which is ordered to be paid to 
the county treasurer. Shades of the past ! Just think of that for a 
delinquent tax list ! — one dollar and twenty-five cents ! Wh}'^, the 
printer's bill alone for publishing the delinquent list in this year of 
our Lord 1884, will amount to several hundred dollars, or fully three 
times the whole revenue of the county then ! 

In August, 1830, the county court njade the following order : — 

The clerk is ordered to procure a seal for the county court, with the 
emblem of the American Eagle, provided the same can be had on reas- 
onable terms. 

Robert Wilson was appointed commissioner of the county seat. 
William Goggin and Nancy, his wife, and Gideon Wright and Re- 
becca, his wife, Daniel Hunt and wife, and Henry Winburn and wife 
all made deeds without compensation, conveying land to the county 
for the seat of justice. Each gave twelve and a half acres, aggregating 
50 acres. Reuben Samuel was appointed superintendent of public 
buildings. 

The first guardian appointed by the county court of Randolph 
county was John Harvey, who was appointed guardian of Drucilla 
Wheldon, minor child of John Wheldon, deceased. Davis and Currin 
were granted the first license to keep a tavern ; their stand was at the 
house of William Goggin. The license for the same cost them $10. 
John Taylor was the second tavern keeper. 

The first bridge of any importance, constructed in the county, was 
built over the east fork of the Chariton river, on the first high bank 
above Baker's ford, in 1829. The citizens paid half of the cost by 
subscription, and the county court subscribed the other half. Henry 
B. Owen was the contractor, and received $1.65 for building half of 
the bridge. In 1830 Nicholas Dysart was allowed the sum of $56 for 
assessing the county. 

FIRST CIRCUIT COURT. 

The early records of the circuit court and recorder's office, espe- 
cially the record of deeds in the latter office, were destroyed by fire 
in 1882, at the time the court-house was burned; consequently we 
are forever precluded from knowing just exactly what they contained. 

The first circuit court within and for the county of Randolph, Avas 
held at the residence of William Goggin in 1829. The Hon. David 
Todd, of Boone county, was the presiding judge ; Robert Wilson was 
the clerk, Hancock Jackson, sheriff", and James Gordon, prosecuting 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 



117 



attorney. The following persons composed the first grand jury : 
George Burckhartt, foreman ; Peter Gulp, Ambrose Medley, William 
Baker, Lawrence Evans, Terry Bradley, Edwin T. Hickman, Francis 
K. Collins, Levi Moore, Jeremiah Summers, Robert Boucher, Richard 
Blue, Henry Martin, Thomas Kimbrough, Moses Kimbrough, James 
Davis, John Bagby, John Dunn, William Upton, Robert Dysart, 
John Martin, William Pattin, Isaac Harris. These were all good men, 
of stern integrity, and we doubt whether a better jury could be 
selected now (1884) from the body of men in any county in the State. 
They closed their labors on the second day of the term, having found 
two indictments, — one against John Moore for "assault and 
battery," and one against John Cooley, for resisting legal process. 
The following attorneys were in attendance upon this court : Robert 
W. Wells, attorney-general ; John F. Ryland, Gen. John B. Clark, 
Joseph Davis, Thomas Reynolds, and Samuel Moore. Each one of 
the above named attorneys, excepting Moore, afterwards occupied 
honorable positions in the councils of the State. Wilson and Gen. 
Clark were in the Congress of the United States, the former being a 
Senator. 

On March 11th, 1830, the following Indians were arrested and 
held in custody until a grand jury could be impaneled to pass upon 
the charges which had been preferred against them for murder : Big 
Neck or Great Walker, Walking Cloud or Pumpkin, the chief ; Brave 
Snake, Young Knight, and One-That-Don't-Care. On March 13th 
the grand jury sitting upon their cases made the following report : 
"After examining all the witnesses, and maturely considering the 
charges for which the Iowa Indians are now in confinement, we find 
theni^not guilty, and they are at once discharged," thus showing that 
even a savage Indian would not be punished for an alleged ofiense, 
unless the proof of their guilt was ample. Justice and right seemed 
to be the guiding stars of these pioneers ; and so true were they to 
these principles, that it could be said of them — 

"They were resolved, and steady to their trust, 
Inflexible to ill, and obstinately just." 

This second grand jury was made up of John Dysart, foreman ; 
James Davis, John Owens, David Turner, William Mathis, Thomas 
Prather, William Kerby, Jacob Epperly, Nicholas Tuttle, Robert 
Elliott, George W. Green, Thorett Rose, Elisha McDaniel, John D. 
Reed, John Gross, James Cooley, John McCuUy, Dr. William Fort, 
Nathaniel Floyd, David Floyd. 



118 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 



EARLY MARRIAGES. 



Cupid, the God of love, early manifested his presence in Eandolph 
county, as may be seen from the following verbatim copies of a few of 
the first recorded marriage certificates : — 

State of Missouri, 
County of Randolph. 

This is to certify that the undersigned, one of the justices of the 
peace, within and for the county aforesaid, did solemnize matrimony 
between Dulin Wright and Nancy Riley, of the county and State 
aforesaid, on the 23d of January, 1829. 

Blandermin Smith, J. P. 

Be it remembered that I, James Ratlifi", did, on the 26th day of 
February, 1829, in the county of Randolph, solemnize the rites of 
matrimony between William Roland and Sindy Boswell. Given under 
my hand, this, the 8th day of April, 1829. 

James Ratliff, M. G. 

State of Missouri, ) 
County of Randolph, s 

This is to certify that the undersigned justice of the peace, with- 
in and for the county aforesaid, on the 2d day of May, 1829, sol- 
emnized matrimony between Benjamin Hardister and Jane Jackson, of 
the county and State aforesaid. 

Blandermin Smith, J. P. 

State of Missouri, ) 
County of Randolph. 5 

This is to certify that I did solemnize matrimony between Ebenezer 
Best and Catherine Wheldon, of the county and State aforesaid, on 
the 26th day of November, 1829. Blandermin Smith. J. P. 

State of Missouri, 
County of Randolph. 

This is to certify that, on the 2d day of October last, I solemnized 
the rite of matrimony between John Grooms and Ann Courtney. 
Given under my hand this 12th day of November, 1829. 

Samuel C. Davis. 
State of Missouri, > 
County of Randolph. 5 

I, George Burckhartt, justice of the peace, for the county afore- 
said, certify, that on the 16th day of December, 18'29, I solemnized 
the vows of matrimony between Stephen N. Gowen and Gennetta Brooks 
in the county aforesaid. Certified under my hand and seal, this 13th 
day of January, 1830. George Burckhartt, J. P 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 119 

I do certify that on the 25th day of December, 1829, I solemnized 
the ceremony of matrimony between William Phipp and Vinah Vestal, 
this 25th day of December, 1829. Given under my hand and seal. 

George W. Green, J. P. 

State of Missouri, 
County of Randolph. 

I do hereby certify, that on the 5th day of November, 1829, I 
joined together James Loe and Maria S. Hinde,as husband and wife. 

John Loe, J. P. 

State of Missouri, > 
County of Randolph. > 

I do hereby certify, that the rites of marriage w^ere legally sol- 
emnized between Alva Shoemaker and Sally Mullinick, this 29th day 
of November, 1829. Given under my hand this 24th day of March, 
1830. Arch. Shoemaker, J. P. 

In 1829, 14 marriage certificates were recorded. 
In 1883, 230 marriage licenses were recorded. 

last will and testament. 

The following was the first will that was recorded in Randolph 
county. 

In the name of God, amen. I, Isam Rials, of Randolph county, 
in the State of Missouri, being sick and weak in body, but of sound 
and disposing mind, memory and understanding, considering the cer- 
tainty of death, and the uncertainty of the time thereof, and being de- 
sirous to settle my worldly afiairs, and thereby be the better prepared 
to leave this world, when it will please God to call me hence — do, 
therefore, make and publish, this, my last will and testament in man- 
ner and form following — that is to say: first and principally, I com- 
mit my soul into the hands of Almighty God, and my body to the 
earth, to be decently buried at the discretion of my administrator, 
hereinafter named, after my debts are paid, and the death of my com- 
panion Martha, I devise and bequeath as follows : — 

I give and bequeath unto Joseph Rials, Polly Rials and Nancy 
Rials, my youngest children, all of the county of Randolph, Missouri, 
all the property that I am possessed of, both real and personal, to be 
equally divided among the three aforesaid heirs after my death, and the 
death of my wife, as hereinbefore named. And lastly I do hereby 
constitute and appoint my son, Joseph Rials, to be sole administrator 
of this my last will and testament, revoking and annulling all former 
wills by me heretofore made, ratifying and confirming this, and none 
other, to be my last will and testament. 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed my 
seal, this first day of July, in the year of our Lord, one thousand 
eight hundred and twenty- nine. , • ^ '"'^^^ ^ 

Isam X Rials. < seal > 
„ mark. ( ) 



120 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 



REMARKABLE DEED. 



There is perhaps nothing in all the written records of this, or any 
other State in the Union, among all the recorded acts of men, that 
reads so strangely as the following deed, the grantee being no less a 
person than God, the Supreme Being. 

This indenture made and entered into this sixth day of June, A. D. 
one thousand eight hundred and fifty, between Johnson Wright, and 
Eliza Jane his wife, of the county of Randolph, and the State of Mis- 
souri of the first part, and the government the chief administrator, 
King of Righteousness, the Sun, the Fountain of Life, to the Gen- 
eral Assembly and church of the first born, which are written in 
Heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men 
made perfect, and to Jesus, Mediator of the New Covenant, and to 
the blood of sprinkling that speaketh better things than that of Abel, 
because he died for us — being in the county of Randolph and State 
of Missouri, to wit : The following tracts of land — the south-west 
qr. of the N. W. qr., also the north half of the south-west quarter of 
section twenty-eight, township fifty-six, range fifteen, containing one 
hundred and twenty acres of land, to have and to hold and its appur- 
tenances thereunto, and everything wherein there is breath or life. 
The first party, their heirs and assigns, do warrant and defend the 
title of said land, unto the second party, which is the Sun of Life, free 
and clear from all other claims by or through us or any other persons. 

In testimony whereunto, we, Johnson Wright and Eliza Jane, have 
hereunto set our hands and seals the day and year above written. 

Johnson Wright, 
Eliza Jane Wright. 



The above instrument was acknowledged and may be found 
recorded in book '< H " of the circuit court office of Randolph county. 

PUBLIC buildings. 

Notwithstanding the fact that a large number, probably a majority 
of people in every county, have very little practical experience in 
courts, and although they have the legal capacity to sue and be sued, 
never improve their opportunities, and never appear in court, unless 
it be on compulsion as witnesses and jurors ; yet, as the one great 
conservator of peace, and as the final arbiter in case of individual or 




HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 221 

neighborhood disputes, the court is distinguished above and apart 
from all and every other institution in the land, and not only the pro- 
ceedings of the court, but the place of holdino- court, is a matter of 
interest to the average reader. 

Not only so, but in many counties the court-house was the first, 
and usually the only public building in the county. The first court- 
houses were not very ehiborate buildings, to be sure, but they are 
enshrined in memories that the present can never know. 

Their uses were general rather than special, and so constantly were 
they in use, day and night, when the court was in session, and when 
it was not in session, for judicial, educational, religious and social 
purposes, that the doors of the old court-houses, like the gates of 
gospel grace, stood open night and day ; and the small amount in- 
vested in these old hewn logs and rough benches returned a much 
better rate of interest on the investment than do those stately piles of 
brick or granite, which have taken their places. The memorable 
court-house of early times was a house adapted to a variety of pur- 
poses, and had a career of great usefulness. School was taught, the 
Gospel was preached, and justice dispensed within its substantial 
walls. Then it served frequently as a resting place for weary travel- 
ers. And, indeed, its doors always swung on easy hinges. If the 
old settlers are to be believed, all the old court-houses, when first 
erected in this Western country, often rang on the pioneer Sabbath 
with a more stirring eloquence than that which enlivens the pulpit of 
the present time. Many of the earliest ministers officiated in their 
walls, and if they could but speak, they would doubtless tell many a 
strange tale of pioneer religion that is now lost forever. 

To those old court-houses, ministers came of different faiths, but 
all eager to expound the simple truths of the sublime and beautiful 
religion, and point out for comparisons the thorny path of duty, and 
the primrose way of dalliance. Often have those old walls given back 
the echoes of those who have sung the songs of Zion, and many a 
weary wanderer has had his heart moved to repentance thereby, more 
strongly than ever, by the strains of homel}'^ eloquence. With Mon- 
day morning, the old building changed in character, and men went 
thither, seeking not the justice of God, but the mercy of man. The 
scales were held with an even hand. Those who presided knew every 
man in the county, and they dealt out substantial justice, and the 
broad principles of natural equity prevailed. Children went there to 
school, and sat at the feet of teachers who knew little more than 
themselves; but, however humble the teacher's acquirements, he was 



122 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

hailed as a wise man and a benefactor, and his lessons were heeded 
with attention. 

The old people of the settlement went there to discuss their own 
affairs, and learn from visiting attorneys the news from the great, 
busy world, so far away to the southward and eastward. In addition 
to the orderly assemblies which formerly gathered there, other meet- 
ings no less notable occurred. 

It was a sort of a forum, whither all classes of people went, for the 
purpose of loafing and gossiping and telling and hearing some new 
thing. As a general thing, the first court-house, after having served 
the purpose of its erection, and served that purpose well, is torn 
down and conveyed to the rear of some remote lot, and thereafter is 
made to serve the purpose of an obscure cow-stable on some dark alley. 

There is little of the romantic or poetic in the make up of Western 
society, and the old court-house, after the building of the new one, 
ceased to be regarded with reverence and awe. In a new country, 
where every energy of the people is necessarily employed in the prac- 
tical work of earning a living, and the always urgent and ever present 
question of bread and butter is up for solution, people cannot be ex- 
pected to devote much time to the poetic and ideal. It therefore fol- 
lows that nothino- was retained as a useless relic that could be turned 
to some utility ; but it is a shame that the people of modern times 
have such little reverence for the relics of former days. After these 
houses ceased to be available for business purposes they should have 
been preserved to have at least witnessed the semi-centennial of the 
county's history. It is sad, in their hurry to grow rich, so few even 
have a care for the work of their own hands. How many of the first 
settlers have preserved their first habitations? The sight of that 
humble cabin would be a source of much consolation in old age, as it 
reminded the owner of the trials and triumphs of other times, and its 
presence would go far toward reconciling the coming generation with 
their lot, when comparing its lowly appearance with the modern resi- 
dence whose extensive apartments are beginning to be too unpreten- 
tious for the enterprising and irrepressible " Young Americans." 

- FIRST COURT-HOUSE. 

The contract for building the first court-house was let on the 13th 
of June, 1831, and the building was completed some time in the fall 
of the next year. It was a brick structure, two stories high, built in 
a square form, one room below used as the court-room and three above 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 123 

used as jury rooms. One of those small rooms was for a number of 
years used as a Masonic hall, and it was there that the first Masonic 
meeting in Huntsville was held. Many of the old citizens will remem- 
ber this old building as the scene of the greatest religious revival ever 
held in the county. This was in August, 1839, and the meeting was 
conducted by the distinguished and lamented A. P. Williams, in the 
immediate interest of the Baptist brotherhood, and continued about 
three weeks. The interest was intense, and a deep religious sentiment 
was then awakened that needs but a mere mention of the event now 
to thrill the pulses of those who were present. Crowds of people 
were here from all parts of the county, as well as from adjoining 
counties, and groups of praying believers and penitents could be seen 
in the groves contiguous to the town, making the air vocal with their 
songs and prayers. This building cost $2,400, and when it was con- 
demned and torn down in the winter of '58 or the spring of '59, the 
brick were purchased by the members of the Christian congregation 
in this place, and now do good service in their church building. They 
were honest men in those days, and made good brick. 

SECOND COURT-HOUSE. 

The second court-house was completed in 1860, by Henry Austin, 
who was the contractor. The building was a two-story brick, and 
cost $15,000. It was burned August 12, 1882. Steps were immedi- 
ately taken to build another and a 

THIRD COURT-HOUSE, 

which was commenced during the fall of 1883 and finished in April, 
1884. J. M. Hammett, W. T. Rutherford, E. P. Kerby, John N. 
Taylor, G. W. Taylor and R. E. Lewis were the contractors, and 
James McGrath, of St. Louis, was the architect. The building is a 
two-story brick, contains eleven rooms, and cost about $35,000. It 
is surmounted with a dome of symmetrical proportions, which is seen 
for many miles in almost every direction from Huntsville. This dome 
contains a town clock, whose intonations can be heard distinctly within 
the corporate limits of the city. 

COUNTY SEAT QUESTION. 

In this connection and at this place we shall briefly refer to a ques- 
tion which has caused, as it always does, much bitterness of feeling — 
we mean the county-seat question — and shall simply give the vote of 



124 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

the county at the two different elections which have been held to test 
the sense of the people in reference thereto. The city of Moberly 
was the rival claimant for the county seat against Huntsville, the 
former and present seat of justice. 

The first contest upon the question of removal occurred in 1876, 
with the following result; For removal, 2,453; against removal, 
2,271. The second and last contest took place in 1882, with the fol- 
lowing result: For removal, 3,481 ; against removal, 3,068. 

It required a two-thirds vote to remove the county seat. 

The second jail was erected in 1865, but was considered unsafe and 
torn down in 1871, the material being used in part for the construc- 
tion of the present jail, which is built of brick and stone. The front 
portion of the jail is brick, and is the residence of the jailer. 

COUNTY POOR FARM. 

The county poor farm is situated on the west half of the south-west 
quarter of section 31, township 54, range 14, and was purchased in 
March, 1878, from John H. Austin, for $2,000. The poor farm 
building is made of brick, and that, with outbuildings, afford room 
for about fifty paupers. 



[Note. — The Blandermiu Smith, referred to in this chapter, served for many years 
as justice of the peace, and was quite eccentric, but was a great stickler for justice, 
and was upright and honorable in all his dealings, and wanted everyone else to be so. 
Whenever a man was brought before hira, or had a case in his court, and he became 
satisfied that he was attempting to defraud, or take advantage of any technicality of 
the law, or evade the payment of his just debts, Uncle Blandy, as he was familiarly 
called, would show him no quarter; and many funny anecdotes are told in regard to 
his rulings and decisions. Among the many, it is told of him, and vouched for by 
living witnesses at the present day, that a tailor sued a dandy for the making of a 
eoat. The plea was put up by the defendant that the coat did not fit, and the cloth 
was spoiled; consequently he would not pay for it. The tailor proved the making of 
the coat, and the price charged was customary and usual. The defendant had several 
witnesses ready to prove that the coat did not fit, and was ruined. But Blandy did 
not wish, nor would he hear, any evidence in the matter; but had the coat sent for, 
requested the defendant to put it on, which he did, and after a careful examination of 
the man with his coat on, Blandy pronounced that it fit as well as some and not ae 
well as others, but upon the whole he thought it would answer his purpose very well. 
Therefore he gave judgment for the plaintiff for amount claimed and costs. The de- 
fendant and his attorney, of course, were very indignant at this summary way of deal- 
ing, and asked for an appeal ; but Uncle Blandy informed them that he granted no 
appeal in such plain cases, and would not yield. Consequently the defendant had to 
foot the bill. Many similar cases are told of this old gentleman. He aimed to decide 
cases by justice and hard common sense, and generally, it is said, made them pretty 
correct. — Publishers.] 



CHAPTER lY. 

TOWNSHIP SYSTEM AND GOVERNMENT SURVEYS. 

Original and Present Townships — County and Township Systems — Government 
Surveys — Organization of Townships — Physical Features. 

ORIGINAL TOWNSHIPS. 

The county was originally divided into four townships, to wit : 
Silver Creek, Prairie, Salt River, and Sugar Creek. The townships 
of Chariton, Clifton, Salt Spring, Jackson, Cairo, Union and Moni- 
teau have since been added, making eleven municipal townships. 
Prairie is the largest, and occupies the south-eastern portion of the 
county. Jackson and Union are the smallest. 

Before proceeding any further, we deem it proper, since we are 
about to enter upon the history of the townships, to give some expla- 
nations of the county and township sj^stems and government surveys, 
as much depends in business and civil transactions upon county limits 
and county organizations. 

COUNTY AND TOWNSHIP SYSTEMS. 

With regard to the origin of dividing individual States into county 
and township organizations, which, in an important measure, should 
have the power and opportunity of transacting their own business and 
governing themselves, under the approval of, and subject to, the 
State and general government, of which they both form a part, we 
quote from Elijah M. Haines, who is considered good authority on the 
subject. 

In his *' Laws of Illinois, Relative to Township Organizations," 
he says : — 

" The county system originated with Virginia, whose early settlers 
soon became large landed proprietors, aristocratic in feeling, living 
apart in almost baronial magnificence, on their own estates, and own- 
ing the laboring part of the population. Thus the materials for a 
town were not at hand, the voters being thinly distributed over a 
great area. 

(125) 



126 HISTORY or RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

*«The county organization, where a few influential men managed 
the wholesale business of a community, retaining their places almost 
at their pleasure, scarcely responsible at all, except in name, and per- 
mitted to conduct the county concerns as their ideas or wishes might 
direct, Avas moreover consonant with their recollections or traditions 
of the judicial and social dignities of the landed aristocracy of Eng- 
land, in descent from whom the Virginia gentlemen felt so much 
pride. In 1834 eight counties were organized in Virginia, and the 
system extending throughout the State, spread into all the Southern 
States and some of the Northern States ; unless we except the nearly 
similar division into ' districts ' in South Carolina, and that into 
< parishes ' in Louisiana, from the French laws. 

" Illinois, which, with its vast additional territory, became a county 
of Virginia, on its conquest by Gen. George Rogers Clark, retained 
the county organization, which was formerly extended over the State 
by the constitution of 1818, and continued in exclusive use until 
the constitution of 1848. Under this system, as in other States 
adopting it, much local business was transacted by the commission- 
ers in each county, who constituted a county court, with quarterly 
sessions. 

"During the period ending Avith the constitution of 1847, a large 
portion of the State had become filled up with a population of New 
England birth or character, daily growing more and more compact 
and dissatisfied with the comparatively arbitrary and inefficient county 
system. It was maintained by the people that the heavily populated 
districts would always control the election of the commissioners to 
the disadvantage of the more thinly populated sections — in short, 
that under that system 'equal and exact justice ' to all parts of the 
county could not be secured. 

"The township system had its origin in Massachusetts, and dates 
back to 1635. 

"The first legal enactment concerning the system provided that, 
whereas, ' particular townships have many things which concern only 
themselves and the ordering of their own afiiiirs, and disposing of 
business in their own town,' therefore the ' freemen of every town- 
ship, or a majority part of them, shall only have power to dispose of 
their own lands and woods, with all the appurtenances of said town, 
to grant lots, and to make such orders as may concern the well order- 
ino- of their own towns, not repugnant to the laws and orders estab- 
lished by the general court.' 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 127 

" They might also," says Mr. Haines, *' impose fines of not more 
than twenty shillings, and ' choose their own particular officers, as 
constables, surveyors for the highway, and the like.' 

" Evidently this enactment relieved the general court of a mass of 
municipal details without any danger to the power of that body in 
controlling general measures of public policy. 

'* Probably, also, a demand from the freemen of the towns was felt 
for the control of their own home concerns. 

" The New England colonies were first governed by a general court 
or Legislature, composed of a Governor and a small council, which 
court consisted of the most influential inhabitants, and possessed and 
exercised both legislative and judicial powers, which were limited 
only by the wisdom of the holders. 

" They made laws, ordered their execution by officers, tried and 
decided civil and criminal causes, enacted all manner of municipal 
regulations, and, in fact, did all the public business of the colony." 

Similar provisions for the incorporation of towns were made in the 
first constitution in Connecticut, adopted in 1639, and the plan of 
township organization, as experience proved its remarkable economy, 
efficiency and adaptation to the requirements of a free and intelligent 
people, became universal throughout New England, and went west- 
ward with the immigrants from New England, into New York, Ohio, 
and other Western States. 

Thus we find that the valuable system of county, township and 
town organizations had been thoroughly tried and proven long before 
there was need of adopting it in Missouri, or any of the broad region 
west of the Mississippi river. But as the new country began to be 
opened, and as Eastern people began to move westward across the 
mighty river, and formed thick settlements along its western bank, 
the Territory and State, and county and township organizations soon 
followed in quick succession, and those different systems became more 
or less improved, according as deemed necessary by the experience 
and judgment and demands of the people, until they have arrived at 
the present stage of advancement and efficiency. In the settlement 
of the Territory of Missouri, the Legislature began by organizing 
counties on the Mississippi river. As each new county was formed, 
it was made to include under legal jurisdiction all the country bor- 
dering west of it, and required to grant to the actual settlers electoral 
privileges and an equal share of the county government with those 
who properly lived in the geographical limits of the county. 



128 HISTORY OF RANDOLrH COUNTY. 

The counties first organized along the eastern borders of the State 
were oriven for a short time iurisdiction over the lands and settlements 
adjoining each on the west, until these localities became sufficiently 
settled to support organizations of their own. 

GOVERNMENT SURVEYS. 

No person can intelligently understand the history of a country 
without at the same time knowing its geography, and in order that 
a clear and correct idea of the geography of Randolph county may be 
obtained from the language already used in defining different localities 
and pieces of land, we insert herewith the plan of government surveys 
as given in Mr. E. A. Hickman's property map of Jackson county, 
Missouri : — 

<' Previous to the formation of our present government, the eastern 
portion of North America consisted of a number of British colonies, 
the territory of which was granted in large tracts to British noblemen. 
By treaty of 1783, these grants were acknowledged as valid by the 
colonies. After the Revolutionary War, when these colonies were 
acknowledged independent States, all public domain within their 
boundaries was acknowledged to be the property of the colony within 
the bounds of which said domain was situated. 

" Virginia claimed all the north-western territory, including what is 
now known as Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana and 
Illinois. After a meeting of the representatives of the various States 
to form a Union, Virginia ceded the north-west territory to the United 
States government. This took place in 1784 ; then all this north- 
west territory became government land. It comprised all south of 
the lakes and east of the Mississippi river and north and west of the 
States having definite boundary lines. This territory had been known 
as New France, and had been ceded by France to England in 1768. 
In the year 1803, Napoleon Bonaparte sold to the United States all 
territory west of the Mississippi river and north of Mexico, extending 
to the Rocky mountains. 

" While the public domain was the property of the colonies, it was 
<lisposed of as follows : Each individual caused the tract he desired 
to purchase to be surveyed and platted. A copy of the survey was 
then filed with the registrar of lauds, when, by paying into the State 
or Colonial treasury an agreed price, the purchaser received a patent 
for the land. This method of disposing of public lands made law 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 129 

suits numerous, owing to different surveys often including the same 
ground. To avoid the difficulties and effect a g-eneral measurement 
of the territories, the United States adopted the present mode or 
system of land surveys, a description of which we give as follows : — 

♦' In an unsurveyed region, a point of marked and changeless topo- 
graphical features is selected as an initial point. The exact latitude 
and longitude of this point is ascertained by astronomical observation, 
and a suitable monument of iron or stone, to perpetuate the position, 
is thus reared. Through this point a true north and south line is run, 
which is called a principal mei'idian. This principal meridian may 
be extended north and south any desired distance. Along this line 
are placed, at distances of one-half mile from each other, posts of 
wood or stone or mounds of earth. These posts are said to establish 
the line, and are called section and quarter-section posts. Principal 
meridians are numbered in the order in which they are established. 
Through the same initial point from which the principal meridian was 
surveyed, another line is now run and established by mile and half- 
mile posts, as before, in a true east and west direction. This line is 
called the base line, and like the principal meridian, may be extended 
indefinitely in either direction. These lines form the basis of the 
survey of the country into townships and ranges. Township lines 
extend east and west, parallel with the base line, at distances of six 
miles from the base line and from each other, dividing the country 
into strips six miles wide, which strips are called townships. Range 
lines run north and south, parallel to the principal meridian, dividing 
the country into strips six miles wide, which strips are called ranges. 
Township strips are numbered from the base line, and range strips 
are numbered from the principal meridian. Townships lying north 
of the base line are ' townships north ; ' those on the south are 'town- 
ships south.' The strip lying next the base line is township one, the 
next one to that, tpwnship two, and so on. The range strips are num- 
bered in the same manner, counting from the principal meridian east 
or west, as the case may be. 

" The township and range lines thus divide the country into six- 
mile squares. Each of these squares is called a congressional town- 
ship. All north and south lines north of the equator approach each 
other as they extend north, finally meeting at the north pole ; there- 
fore north and south lines are not literally parallel. The east and 
west boundary lines of any range being six miles apart in the latitude 
of Missouri and Kansas, would, in thirty miles, approach each other 



130 



HISTORY or RANDOLPH COUNTY. 



at 2.9 chains, or 190 feet. If, therefore, the width of the range when 
started from the base line is made exactly six miles, it would be 2.9 
chains too narrow at the distance of thirty miles, or five townships 
north. To correct the width of ranges and keep them to the proper 
width, the range lines are not surveyed in a continuous straight line, 
like the principal meridian, entirely across the State, but only across 
a limited number of townships, usually five, where the width of the 
range ia. corrected by beginning a new line on the side of the range 
most distant from the principal meridian, at such a point as will make 
the range its correct width. All range lines are corrected in the same 
manner. The east and west township lines on which these correc- 
tions are made are called correction lines, or standard parallels. The 
surveys of the State of Missouri were made from the fifth principal 
meridian, which runs throughout the State, and its ranges are num- 
bered from it. The State of Kansas is surveyed and numbered from 
the sixth. Congressional townships are divided into thirty-six square 
miles, called sections, and are known by numbers according to their 
position. The following diagram shows the order of numbers and the 
sections in congressional townships : — 



-12- 



-16- 



-14- 



-20- 



-22- 



-24- 



-30- 



-27- 



-26- 



-31- 



-33- 



-34- 



-35- 



-36- 



*' Sections are divided into quarters, eighths and sixteenths, and are 
described by their position in the section. The full section contains 
640 acres, the quarter 160, the eighth 80, and the sixteenth 40 In 
the following diagram of a section, the position designated by a is 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 



131 



known as the north-west quarter ; i is the north-east quarter of the 
north-east quarter ; d would be the south half of the south-east quar- 
ter, and would contain 80 acres. 



J Sec. post. 



Sec. post. 







"h i 




160 acres 


/ g 


Sec. post. 


b 


e 


« 


Sec. post. 


d 



i Sec. post. 



,Sec. post. 



4 Sec. post. 



" Congressional townships, as we have seen, are six-mile squares of 
land, made by the township and range lines, while civil or municipal 
townships are civil divisions, made for purposes of government, the 
one having no reference to the other, though similar in name. On 
the county map we see both kinds of townships — the congressional 
usually designated by numbers and in squares ; the municipal or civil 
township by name and in various forms. 

" By the measurement thus made by the government the courses 
and distances are defined between any two points. St. Louis is in 
township 44 north, range 8 east, and Independence is in township 49 
north, range 32 west; how far, then, are Kansas City and St. Louis 
apart on a direct line? St. Louis is 40 townships east — 240 
miles — and 5 townships south — 30 miles ; the base and perpendicu- 
lar of a right-angled triangle, the hypothenuse being the required 
distance." 

ORGANIZATION OF TOWNSHIPS. 

The " township," as the term is used in common phraseology, in 
many instances is widely distinguished from that of " town," though 
many persons persist in confounding the two. " In the United States 
many of the States are divided into townships of five, six, seven, or 
perhaps ten miles square, and the inhabitants of such townships are 
vested with certain powers for regulating their own affairs, such as 
repairing roads and providing for the poor. The township is subor- 
dinate to the county." A *' town " is simply a collection of houses, 
either large or small, and opposed to " country." 

The most important features connected with this system of town- 
ship surveys should be thoroughly understood by every intelligent 
farmer and business man ; still there are some points connected with 



132 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

the understanding of it, which need close and careful attention. The 
law which established this system required that the north and south 
lines should correspond exactly with the meridian passing through 
that point ; also, that each township should be six miles square. To 
do this would be an utter impossibility, since the figure of the earth 
causes the meridians to converge toward the pole, making the north 
line to each township shorter than the south line of the same town- 
ship. To obviate the errors which are, on this account, constantly 
occurring, correction lines are established. They are parallels bound- 
ing a line of townships on the north, when lying north of the principal 
base from which the surveys, as they are continued, are laid out anew ; 
the range lines again starting at correct distances from the principal 
meridian. In Michigan these correction lines are repeated at the end 
of every tenth township, but in Oregon they have been repeated with 
every fifth township. The instructions to the surveyors have been 
that each range of townships should be made as much over six miles 
in width where it closes on to the next correction line north ; and it is 
further provided that in all cases where the exterior lines of the town- 
ships shall exceed, or shall not extend, six miles, the excess of defi- 
ciency shall be specially noted, or added to or deducted from the 
western or northern sections or half sections in such township, accord- 
ing as the error may be in running the lines from east to west, or 
from south to north. In order to throw the excess of deficiencies on 
the north and on the west sides of the township, it is necessary to 
survey the section lines from south to north, on a true meridian, leav- 
ing the result in the north line of the township to be governed by the 
convexity of the earth and the convergency of the meridians. 

Navigable rivers, lakes and islands are " meandered" or surveyed 
by the comjjass and chain along the banks. " The instruments em- 
ployed on these surveys, besides the solar compass, are a surveying 
chain 33 feet long, of 50 links, and another of smaller wire, as a 
standard to be used for correctins^ the former as often at least as 
every other day, also 11 tally pins, made of steel, telescope, tar- 
gets, tape-measure and tools for marking the lines upon trees or 
stones. In surveying through woods, trees intercepted by the line 
are marked with two chips or notches, one on each side ; these are 
called sight or line trees. Sometimes other trees in the vicinity are 
blazed on two sides quartering toward the line ; but if some distance 
from the line, the two blazes should be near together on the side facins: 
the line. These are found to be permanent marks, not wholly recog- 
nizable for many years, but carrying with them their old age by the 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 133 

rings of growth around the bh\ze, which may at any subsequent time 
be cut out and counted as years ; and the same are recognized in 
courts of law as evidence of the date of survey. They cannot be 
obliterated by cutting down the trees or otherwise without leaving 
evidence of the act. Corners are marked upon trees if found at the 
right spot, or else upon posts set in the ground, and sometimes a mon- 
ument of stones is used for a township corner, and a single stone for 
a section corner ; mounds of earth are made when there are no stones 
nor timber. The corners of the four adjacent sections are designated 
by distinct marks cut into a tree, one in each section. These trees, 
facing the corner, are plainly marked with the letters B. T. (bearing 
tree) cut into the wood. Notches cut upon the corner posts or trees 
indicate the number of miles to the outlines of the township, or, if on 
the boundaries of the township, to the township corners. 

PHYSICAL FEATURES. 

Kandolph county is situated in the north-east central part of the State 
and is bounded on the north by Macon and Shelby, on the east by 
Monroe and Audrain, on the south by Howard and Boone counties, and 
on the west by Chariton county. Itcontains 307,677 acres. The Grand 
Divide between the Mississippi and Missouri rivers passes in a north- 
ern direction through the eastern part of the county, leaving more 
than one-fourth on the east drained by streams running to the Missis- 
sippi, while on the west the streams flow into the Missouri . The slopes 
east of this divide and near the prairie are gentle, but as the streams 
enlarge, the hills are larger also. In the west, along Silver creek, the 
county is quite hilly. Between the Chariton and Sweet Spring, in the 
west, the land is rolling and undulating. The slopes adjacent to Dark 
and Muncus creeks are gentle, becoming more hilly near the Middle 
fork of the Chariton. In the northern part of the county, between the 
East and Middle forks, the country is undulating. Near the East 
fork, Walnut and Sugar creek, it is quite hilly. The prairie east of 
the Grand Divide, with the timber skirting it, composes about one-third 
of the county, and is finely adapted to farming, stock raising and 
general agricultural pursuits. The western part of the county is 
mostly timbered land, interspersed, however, with rich prairie, and is 
of superior productive qualities. The timber is principally elm, cotton- 
wood, shell-bark hickory, linden and burr, swamp, red, white and 
black oak, sycamore, blackberry, birch, sugar and white maple. There 
are some large bodies of very rich land in different portions of the 



134 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

county. The bottoms of the East and Middle forks of the Grand 
Chariton and Sweet Spring creel^s are very flat, but have generally 
been sufficiently drained to be cultivated, and are very productive. 

There are several prairies in the county which contain very superior 
land for agricultural purposes. The creek bottoms are wonderfully 
rich, and where not too flat, or being flat have been drained, they pro- 
duce remarkable crops of the cereals and grasses. About one-half of 
the county is prairie. The physical features of Randolph will be more 
clearly set forth in the descriptions of the various townships. It is 
sufficient here to say that the county is rich in the productive energy 
that characterizes the soil of Central Missouri. 




CHAPTEK Y. 

CAIRO AND CLIFTON TOWNSHIPS. 

Cairo Township — Old Settlers — Cairo — Its History — Secret Orders — Business 
Directory — Clifton Township — Stock Report for 1880 — Early Settlers — A Few of 
their Trials — Mills — Churches — Clifton Hill — Secret Orders — Business Direc- 
tory. 

CAIRO TOWNSHIP. 

This township lies in the second tier of townships from the northern 
boundary of RandoIiDh, and in the central north-east part of the county. 
It contains an area of 21,920 acres, or a fraction over 34 square miles. 
The "Grand Divide " runs in a north-westerly direction through it, 
separating it into two nearly equal parts. Its territory was formerly 
a part of Sugar Creek township. ' 

The soil is a rich black loam, overlaying a substratum of stiff clay 
that, when exposed to the influences of rain and sunshine, snow and 
frost, not only becomes friable and arable, but imparts a peculiar pro- 
ductive energy to the soil and is admirably adapted to the cultivation 
of certain crops. Hence, the meadows and grass fields that have been 
deeply stirred are among the best in the State, and the township is 
noted for the rich and nutritive quality of its grasses. The cereals, 
also, are cultivated with great success, and with proper care give back 
a liberal return. The other products of the soil are such as are com- 
mon to the county, though tobacco is cultivated with great profit — 
the yield large, the quality good, and the labor necessary to its 
production unusually easy. 

About two-thirds of the territory is a high rolling prairie. There 
is, however, more than sufficient timber for all the needs of the farm. 
Indeed, timber is little used, the Osage orange being extensively used 
for enclosing fields and pastures, and coal, of which there is abundance, 
being used for fuel. About three-fourths of the land is enclosed and 
under cultivation. The improvements are of excellent quality, and 
are annually becoming better as the farmers prosper. 

As the Wabash, St. Louis and Pacific Railroad (north end) follows 
the divide and runs through the township, even the farmers who reside 

4 (135) 



136 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

in the most remote parts of it are not more than six miles from a 
depot. It therefore has good shipping facilities, and, with its other 
advantages, becomes an attractive region for settlers. 

The East fork of Chariton river and Walnut creek on the west 
side, and Mud creek, Elk fork and Flat creek on the east, afford plenty 
and never failing water for all the operations of the farm. 

One of the most profitable industries of the township is sheep cul- 
ture. There are more sheep in Cairo, in proportion to area, than in 
any other township in the county. New and improved breeds have been 
introduced, and great care is taken to choose those best adapted to 
the country, and yielding the largest amount of wool. The annual 
wool clip is large and rapidly increasing. The yearly sheep-shearing 
at Cairo is a season of festivity, and attended by many farmers and 
their wives of the surrounding country. It is conducted under the 
auspices of the Cairo Sheep Breeders' and Wool Growers' Association, 
and attracts the best sheep and fleeces of the country. The wool 
finds ready sale at Cairo, the only town in the township, at good 
prices. 

Other live stock is raised for sale and exportation, and the amount 
shipped to foreign markets of cattle, sheep, hogs, horses and mules, 
is very large, returning a handsome income to the farmers. 

They have in the township eight well furnished and finished school 
houses, and four or five churches, one Old School Baptist, one Meth- 
odist church, one Cumberland Presbyterian and one Union. The av- 
erage yield of farm products per acre is as follows : Corn, 30 bushels 
average, extra, 60 bushels ; oats, 35 bushels average, extra, 50 bushels ; 
hay, one and a half tons, extra, two tons ; tobacco, average 1,000 
pounds. 

OLD SETTLERS. 

Among the early settlers in Cairo township were Leonard Dodson, 
from Kentucky ; Andrew Goodding, fr'om Kentucky ; Samuel Martin, 
from' Kentucky ; Col. Robert Boucher, from Kentucky ; Isaac Baker, 
from Kentucky ; Benj. Huntsman, from Kentucky ; Daniel McKinney, 
from Kentucky ; James Cochran, from Kentucky ; William King, from 
Kentucky ; James T. Boney, from North Carolina ; Benjamin Dam- 
eron, from North Carolina ; W. S. Dameron, from North Carolina; 
Judge Joseph Goodding, from Kentucky. 

Judge Joseph Goodding is said to have been the firsts ettler in 
the township. He emigrated to Howard county, Mo., from Ken- 
tucky, in 1818, and in 1823 located in Cairo township. He was a 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 137 

prominent citizen, and filled the office of county judge three or four 
terms. 

W. S. Dameron came to the township in 1841, from Huntsville, 
Mo., and has lived in Randolph county 52 years. He was born in 
North Carolina, October 29th, 1824. 

CAIRO. 

This town, of 250 population, was located in 1860, on the North 
division of the Wabash, St. Louis and Pacific Railway, eight miles 
from Huntsville, and seven miles north of Moberly, and 152 miles 
north-west of St. Louis. The town site originally comprised 40 acres, 
owned by W. S. Dameron, who donated five acres for depot pur- 
poses. The remaining 35 acres were laid out in lots, all of which 
have since been sold. The new town was at first called Fairview, but 
there being another town of the same name, it was changed to Cairo, 
at the sugujestion of Thomas Dameron* The latter name was not 
liked by some of the citizens, from the fact that goods purchased 
by Cairo merchants were occasionally shipped to Cairo, 111. The 
town, however, has retained the name of Cairo. P. G. McDaniel, 
from Kentucky, erected the first store building in the town ; Thomas 
Dameron, the first dwelling house, located east of the railroad. J. 
C. Tedford was the pioneer physician. Abner Landram was the first 
blacksmith, and Thomas Carter was the first shoemaker. B. R. 
Boucher taught the first school. The Methodists (M. E. Church 
South) erected the first church edifice. Thomas Dameron was the 
first postmaster, and wrote the first mail matter that was sent from 
the town. 

SECRET ORDERS. 

Lodge No. 486, A. F. and A. M. — Was organized October 15, 
1874, with the following charter members : W. M. Baker, J. A. Han- 
nah, Isaac H. Newton, W. L. Newton, W. G. Griffin, R. H. Mat- 
thews, H. Huntsman, John Hoggs, C. E. Llewellyn. 

Lodge No. 362, I. 0. 0. F. — Organized in October, 1876. The 
charter members were Thomas Lisk, J. W. Carver, J. W. Boatman, 
J. F. Newton, Joseph Wiggington, Wm. Wilson, R. P. Rice. 

Lodge No. 255, A. O. U. W. — This lodge was formed November 
26th, 1882, with the following charter members : Dr. J. G. Wilson, 
J. W. Baker, W. P. Henson, James G. Griffin, R. H. Matthews, 
Samuel Lowe, D. W. Newton, F. E. Hayues, T. L. Day, E. S. Day, 
S. M. Holbrook. 



138 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 



BUSINESS DIRECTORY. ^ 

Two general stores, two blacksmiths, one drug store, one hardware 
store, one lumber yard, one hotel, one shoemaker, one saw mill, and 
one wood-working shop are located in this place. 

CAIRO WOOL-GROWERS AND STOCK-BREEDERS' ASSOCIATION. 

This association was organized in February, 1876, with the follow- 
ing members: D. O. Frayer, J. W. Boney, I. H. Newton, James 
A. Newton, J. W. Huston, John S. Bennett, Hon. Walker Wright, 
A. Smith, F. G. Johnstone, F. E. Haynes, William Haynes, B. C. 
Turner, John Hogg, V. Rollins, J. D. Dameron, D. B. Boucher, B. 
R. Boucher, Judge J. F. Hannah, J. D. Peeler, W. L. Landram, 
John T. Halliburton, John Huntsman, W. L. Reynolds. 

The officers are: W. M. Baker, president; J. D. Dameron, vice- 
president; F. E. Haynes, secretary; John Hogg, treasurer; I. 
Hamp. Newton, corresponding secretary. 

There has been a public shearing every spring since the association 
was organized, and at these shearings all kinds of stock are exhibited. 

CLIFTON TOWNSHIP. 

Clifton is the middle township on the western border of Randolph 
county. It is five miles in width from east to west, its greatest length 
from north to south being seven and a half miles, giving an area of 
about 321/2 square miles. It is watered by the Middle and East fork 
of the Chariton, Muncus and Dark creeks, the slopes are gentle and 
the land lies in beautiful waves. Towards the southern and western 
parts of the township the hills become more abrupt, and in the vicin- 
ity of East fork, on the south, and the Middle fork, on the west, it 
is broken and somewhat ragged. This is one of the best farming sec- 
tions of the county. The soil is deep and rich, affording such a vari- 
ety, that, with care in selection of position, almost any crop may be 
developed in perfection. About one-third of the township is prairie, 
the balance timber. Nearly all the prairie land is enclosed in farms 
and pastures. Two-thirds of the entire township is in cultivation ; 
but there are large tracts yet to be brought under subjection to the 
plow, which may be opened into farms that will hereafter be very 
valuable. 

The Wabash, St. Louis and Pacific Railroad passes through the 
southern part of the township, and no point in it is distant more than 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 



139 



seven miles from that road. This gives a convenient outlet to all the 
products of the farm, and easy shipping of live stock for the eastern 
market. 

The farmers of this section are introducing improved farm imple- 
ments and machinery, and with new methods of cultivation they are 
reaping beneficial results. The ordinary crops are raised, including 
tobacco, and in this township the latter article proves to be not only 
of superior quality but a very remunerative crop. It is probably the 
banner tobacco township of the county in proportion to area, and cap- 
italists have not been slow to turn this fact to account, by establishing 
factories for prising and shipping this staple. 

All the field crops yield heavy harvests. Corn will yield 8 to 12 
barrels or 40 to 60 bushels to the acre ; wheat, 15 to 25 bushels ; 
oats, 40 to 50 bushels; hay, 1 to 2 tons ; tobacco, 1,000 to 1,500 
pounds. Besides this, rye and barley, when sown, blue grass spon- 
taneously, and clover when cultivated give back rich crops to the agri- 
culturist. Live stock is reared at very light cost and farm products 
are secured with less labor than is often bestowed in other sections of 
the country in obtaining one-half the result. 

There are six schools in the township, which are provided with neat 
and comfortable houses, some of them with maps, charts, etc., and 
all of them, during school months, with good practical teachers. The 
schools are continued four to eight months during the year ; there 
are four churches, three Christian and one Missionary Baptist, which is 
used as well by the Old School Baptists and Methodists, two grist and 
saw mills and two tobacco factories. 

Below is the stock report for Clifton for 1880 : — 





Cattle. 


Hogs. 




Cattle. 


Hogs. 


A. Bradsher . 


33 


63 


C. P. Summers & Co. . 


90 


250 


D. J. Stamper 


16 


60 


W. H. Summers . 


16 


30 


James M. Lea 


22 


60 


J. F. Fidler . 


— 


67 


W. B. McCrary . 


— 


60 


Richard Fidler 


— 


27 


T. B. Stamper 


12 


30 


J. K. McLean 


16 


30 


J. E. Stamper 


8 


20 








J. W. Graves 


16 


30 




229 


727 



EARLY SETTLERS. 

Of course, it is not expected that we will, or can give, the names of 
all the early settlers of Clifton township, or of any other township in 
the county. This would, at the present time, be simply impossible, 
as more than half a century has intervened since the pioneers began 
to make their settlements, and no record of that date has been made 



140 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

or preserved. We should be glad to record the names of all the men 
who braved the dangers and difficulties of pioneer times, and present 
a brief sketch of their lives, together with a few of their prominent 
characteristics. But time and space would preclude us from entering 
into details, which would doubtless prove to be of so much interest to 
the reader, and consequently we must content ourselves with the 
names of such of the pioneers as we have been enabled to secure. 

Among the older States we fiud that Kentucky is more largely rep- 
resented in the early settlement of this township than any other. In 
fact, that grand old State has contributed possibly more to the settle- 
ment of this entire region, including the Boone's Lick country, than any 
other two combined. Her sons and her daughters have ever been in 
the front ranks of civilization, and wherever they located, lived and 
died, there may be found even to this day, among the present genera- 
tion, many of the traits of character which they possessed. 

Joseph Baker, from Kentucky ; Charles Baker, from Kentucky ; 
Noah C. Baker, from Kentucky ; David Harris, from Kentucky ; 
David Proffit, from Kentucky, Sadie Baker, from Kentucky ; Wra. 
Titus, from Kentucky ; Russell Shoemaker, from Kentucky ; Levi 
Fox, from Tennessee ; Samuel G. Johnson, from Tennessee; Joseph 
Harris, from Kentucky ; Noah C. Harris, from Kentucky ; James 
Holman, from Kentucky; Hiram Stamper, from Kentucky; John C. 
Turner, from Kentucky ; Augustine Bradsher, from Kentucky ; Capt. 
N. G. Matlock, from Kentucky ; J. M. Summers, from Kentucky ; T. 
J. Summers, from Kentucky ; Judge D. J. Stamper, from Kentucky ; 
James Ferguson, from Kentucky; A. G. Rucker, from Kentucky ; 
David Bozarth, from Kentucky ; F. H. Hackley, from Kentucky ; David 
Milan, from Kentucky; W. H. Ball, from Kentucky; W. B. Crutch- 
field, from Kentucky; J. M. Creighton, from Kentucky; W. B. Mc- 
Creary, from Kentucky ; J. M. Patton, from Kentucky ; E. Greer, 
from Kentucky ; Thomas Williams, from Kentucky ; J. H. Wayland, 
from Kentucky. 

Samuel G. Johnson,^ who is now the oldest settler living in the 
township, in speaking of the events of 50 years ago, said : "I came 
to the township October 16, 1833, from Wilson county, Tennes- 
see. We all lived in log cabins. My cabin had a board roof, which 
was weighted down with poles. When there was a snow storm the 
snow would drift through the roof, and after the storm was over, the 
snow would be almost as deep on the inside of the cabin as on the out- 



1 Born ia 1807. 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 141 

Side, the beds being covered like the floor. I have awaked many a 
mornino- with my head and neck covered with snow, and after mak- 
ing a fire had to clear away the snow from around the fire, so my wife 
and children could get up to it and warm. , ^, , . 

'' The floor of my cabin consisted of loose planks, sawed by hand. 
The bedsteads were made of small logs, with poles put across and 

boards laid on them." 

Such was the primitive method of living, not only of Mr. Johnson, 
but of many of his neighbors, and yet there were compensations and 
pleasures which were experienced by these pioneers, that are wholly 
unknown to the people of to-day. The forests abounded with game, 
most rich and rare, and all the streams teemed with the most delicious 
and delicate varieties of the finny race. Here were found': — 

«' The bright-eyed perch, with fins of various dye; 
The silver eel, in shining volumes rolled ; 
The yellow carp, in scales bedropt with gold ; 
Swift trouts, diversified with crimson stains, 
And pikes, the tyrants of the watery plains." 

The first mill that was erected in Mr. Johnson's neighborhood, or 
in that section of the county, was built by Ezekiel Richardson, m 
1824, on the Middle fork of the Chariton river. Richardson resided 
in Chariton county, and sold the mill to Levi Fox. 

The first religious services were held at Joseph Baker's house, but 
were afterwards held at Ezekiel Richardson's cabin, about the year 
1828, where they were continued until 1834, when Mr. Johnson's 
cabin was used as a house of worship. After a period of four or five 
years, a small house, known as Johnson's school house, was erected, 
which served the purposes of a church and school. Here met these 
humble Christian worshipers until 1846, when a larger and more 
costly building was constructed and called Providence church. This 
edifice, although not a very stately and magnificent one, was some- 
thino- of an architectural wonder, as it contained 12 corners. The 
services above mentioned were conducted by the Methodists, who also 
erected Providence church. Among the early ministers of the gospel 
was Rev. John Shores, a Methodist. 

CLIFTON HILL 

is the only town in the township, and was laid out in 1866, on the 
south-east quarter of the north-east quarter of section 35, township 
54, range 16, and was named after David Clifton, who came from 



142 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

Owen county, Kentucky, about the year 1850, and was the owner of 
the town site. 

William Holman erected the first house that was built in the town. 
The first hotel was opened by Julius Rogers. Dr. J. J. Watts was the 
first physician to practice in the town. Dr. E. F. Wilson was the first 
resident physician. The first school was taught by Ansel Richard- 
son, from Virginia. William Wagner and James Maddox were the 
first shoemakers, and W. M. Roberts and Cyrus Clifton were the pio- 
neer blacksmiths. 

BUSINESS DIRECTORY. 

P. S. Baker, drugs and post-master; J. B. Lambeth, general mer- 
chandise ; J. J. Grouss, general merchandise; N. Wiseman & Bro., 
general merchandise ; J. M. Fidler, shoemaker ;, J. F. Rogers, hotel ; 
T. A. Morgan, boarding-house. 

The town contains a Baptist church and a free school ; it also has 
railroad and telegraph facilities, a daily mail, and has a population of 
about 150. 




CHAPTER YI. 

CHARITON TOWNSHIP. 

Its Location — Its Agricultural Adaptability — Population — Darksville — Thomas 
Hill — Rolling Home— Old Settlers. 

Chariton township lies in the north-west corner of Randolph, and 
borders on Macon and Chariton counties. It was organized in 1832, 
and of territory originally belonging to Salt Spring township, and ex- 
tended 12 miles into the present limits of Macon county. By the 
subsequent organization of that county Chariton township lost two- 
thirds of its territory, and was reduced to its present dimensions of 
54 square miles in a rectangular shape, being nine miles long from 
east to west, by a width of six miles from north to south. 

The first settlement was made in about the year 1829, by a few 
families on each side of Dark's Prairie, near the present sites of Eldad 
and Darksville. These were followed in the spring and fall of 1830 
by others, and from that time the country was rapidly filled up by 
immigrants from Virginia, North Carolina, Kentucky and Tennessee. 
In about three years from the time of its first settlement it had ac- 
quired sufficient population to justify its organization into a separate 
township, with Joseph Turner its first magistrate and Henry Smith 
its first constable. 

The soil of this township, while ranking along with the best in the 
county, is remarkable for the uniformity of its adaptability to agri- 
cultural and grazing purposes. There is very little waste land in the 
whole township, and scarcely an acre can be found that is not valuable 
for growing grass or grain. The soil is principally a black loam of 
great fertility, and sufficiently undulating to avert disaster from the 
crops in extremely wet seasons, and yet sufficiently retentive of moist- 
ure to preserve them from total failure in extreme drouths. The 
township is about equally divided between timber and prairie land, 
the timber embracing wide margins along the streams, and the prairie 
occupying the intervening space. This natural arrangement atforded 
the early settlers ample scope for selecting their lands with a proper 
division of timber and prairie, and has resulted in the establishment 

(143) 



144 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

of some of the best organized farms for mixed husbandry in the county. 
The timber is principally white oak, black oak, pin oak, elm, and 
hickory, with some burr oak and walnut. The township is well watered 
by four principal streams and their tributaries, all flowins from north 
to south, and so well distributed as to furnish abundant stock water 
convenient to all the farms the year round. Along the eastern mar- 
gin of the township flows the East fork of the Chariton, and through 
the central portion., at an average distance of two miles, are Dark 
creek, Muncas creek, and the Middle fork of the Chariton, while the 
western portion is watered by a tributary of the Chariton river, the 
latter of which flows from north to south just outside of the western 
boundary. Surface springs are not abundant, but unfailing living 
water is of easy access in well distributed localities throughout the en- 
tire township, by sinking wells to a depth of 10 to 30 feet. 

So well is this township adapted to general, mixed and varied farm- 
ing, that more than three-fourths of its eutire territory are now fenced, 
and are either under the plow, in blue grass pasture or in meadow. 

In population, this township ranks fourth of the 11 townships 
in the county, and this without a town of any magnitude or a railroad 
station within its borders. Its inhabitants are en2:ao;ed almost ex- 
clusively in agricultural pursuits, and the well-improved condition of 
their farms indicate their general prosperity. 

There are three election precincts in this township, one at Darks- 
ville on the east, one at Rolling Home on the west, and the third at 
Thomas Hill near central portion. 

At Darksville^ area dry-goods and grocery store, a blacksmith 
shop, a cabinet shop, a saw and corn mill, a wagon shop, a shoe shop, 
and a tobacco factory which was built and managed by the Grange at 
that place. W. S. Campbell is the postmaster, and Dr. R. A. Ter- 
rill, who resides on his farm adjoining the town, and Dr. W. P. 
Terrill are the physicians. Darksville was settled in 1856. 

At Thomas Hill are an extensive dry-goods and grocery store, a 
drug store, a blacksmith shop, a wagon shop and a saw and grist mill. 
There is at this place one physician. Dr. W. W. Vasse. J. R. Wren 
is postmaster, and W. A. Hunnes justice of the peace. 

At Rolling Home are a dry-goods and grocery store and a black- 



1 Darksville takes its name from a creek called Dark creek. William Elliott was 
hunting in the township in 1821, and night overtaking him on the banks of a creek, 
he camped all night, and said that it was the darkest night he ever saw; hence the 
name, Dark creek. 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 145 

smith shop. J. B. Carney is the postmaster, and Joseph H. Frazier, 
physician. 

The people along the eastern and southern borders of this township 
are well accommodated with railroad advantages by depots on the St. 
Louis, Kansas City and Northern Railroad at Jacksonville, Cairo, 
Huntsville and Clifton Hill, but the people in the central, northern and 
western portions have to travel from 6 to 12 miles to reach a shipping 
point. This difficulty will be overcome in time, however, by the 
building of the Missouri and Mississippi Railroad, which has been pro- 
jected through the entire width of the western side of this township. 
The completion of this road, already in operation from Glasgow to 
Salisbury, is only a question of time, and will be accomplished as 
soon as the financial prosperity of the county is securely re-estab- 
lished. 

The educational advantages of this township are well maintained by 
eight well-built and commodious school-houses, in which the public 
schools are kept open from four to eight months during the year. 

There are six churches in this township — two of the Calvinist Bap- 
tists, two of the Missionary Baptists and two of the Cumberland 
Presbyterians. There is very little selfishness or sectarianism among 
the people, however, and most of these churches are occupied at 
stated intervals for public worship by the Methodist, Christian and 
other Protestant denominations. Well-organized Sunday schools, 
under the guidance of zealous and efficient teachers, are kept up in 
these churches the year ropnd, and the morals of this fine rural dis- 
trict are further protected in the fact that there is not a single drink- 
ing saloon, or place of public resort of questionable moral tendencies, 
within the limits of the entire township. 

There are four resident ministers of the gospel in this township : 
Revs. James Bradley and James P. Carter of the Calvinist Baptists, 
Rev. J. E. Ancell of the Missionary Baptist, and Rev. M. B. Broaddus 
of the Methodist church. 

The agricultural products of Chariton township consist mainly of 
tobacco, corn, wheat, oats, rye, and timothy. That large and re- 
munerative yields of these crops arc made, is abundantly attested 
by the following estimates gathered from intelligent and reliable 
farmers of that locality : An extra crop per acre of corn is 50 bushels ; 
of tobacco, 1,200 lbs. ; of wheat, 30 bushels ; of oats, 40 bushels, and 
of rye, 35 bushels. An average crop per acre of corn is 40 bushels ; 
of tobacco, 800 lbs. ; of wheat, 20 bushels: of oats, 25 bushels, and 
of rye, 25 bushels. 



146 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

Below is a statement of stock fed in Thomas Hill precinct in 1880 : 





Cattle 


. Hogs. 




Cattle. 


Hogs. 


A. J. Baker . 


. 15 


20 


G. W. Hix . 





9 


D. Milam 


. 10 


35 


I. S. McCully 





38 1 


Jolm R. Wrenn . 


. 51 


400 


W. C. Johnson 





35 


Wm. W. Vasse 


. — 


40 


Lee S. Alexander 





20 


James Ficklin 


, — 


18 


John S. Green 





35 


S. T. Campbell . 


, — 


10 


H. B. Ficklin 





60 


F. M. McLean 


. 38 


64 


A. Lyon . 





10 


John H. Richmond 


. — 


60 


Rome Tood . 





13 


A. J. Powell 


. — 


22 


L M. Robertson . 





20 


W. H. Broaddus . 


. — 


10 


Gid Haines . 





35 


Thomas T. Edwards . 


, — 


40 


David Haines 





12 


John T. Harlan . 


. — 


15 








G. I. Carney 


. 32 


165 


Total 


. . 146 


1186 






OLD SETTLERS. 







John Summers, Aaron Summers, Johnson Wright, Allen Wright, 
Hezekiah Wright, Nathan Barrow, Daniel Barrow, Joshua Phipps 
and James Phipps, from Kentucky ; Robert Grimes, from Virginia ; 
Robert Elliott, Robert Elliot, Jr., William Cristal, Thomas Rice, 
A. R. Rice, William H. Rice, George Shipp and Owen Singleton, from 
Kentucky ; John W. W^. Sears, from Virginia ; Philip Baxter, William 
Terry, Jonathan Cozac and E. H. Trimble, from Kentucky ; John H. 
Hall, from Maine ; William Rutherford and John McCully, from Ken- 
tucky ; Mathias Turner, Joseph Turner and John M. Turner, from 
Tennessee ; Mrs. Wright, Mrs. Mary Dawkins and Henry Griffith, from 
Kentucky ; John M. Gates, Giles F. Cook and James Carter, from 
Virginia; James Lingo, Samuel Lingo, G. W. Harland, Isaac Har- 
land and James Harland, from Tennessee ; Hancock Jackson and Will- 
iam Sumpter, from Kentucky ; Burchard McCormick, John Gaines 

and John Head, from Virginia ; Thomas Roberts and Chitwood, 

from Kentucky; James Holeman, Thomas Gillstrap and Thomas 
White ; William Brogan and Henry Brogan, from North Carolina ; — 
Black ; Nathaniel Tuley, from Virginia ; James Hinton, from- North 
Carolina ; Green Shelton and N. Tuttle, from Tennessee ; WiUiam A. 
Hall and John H. Hall, from Maine ; Dr. R. L. Grizard, from Tennessee ; 
Dr. Stephen Richmond, from North Carolina ; John Harland, Josiah 
Harland, Lee Harland, Josiah Smith, Henry Smith, John Smith, James 
Smith, William Beard, Josiah Taylor, from Tennessee ; William Redd, 
from Virginia ; JohnRichmond Samuel Richmond, JamesM. Richmond, 

John Dameron and James Dameron,from North Carolina ; Pipes 

and William Pipes, from Kentucky ; John Hix, Elliott R. Thomas, 

Henry Thomas, Lowden Thomas, Haines, from Virginia ; 

Bruce Stewart, Frances Terrell, Ned Stinson, John Wilks, Tyra Baker, 
Andrew Baker, Douglas Baker, Alfred McDaniel, Thomas Kirkpatrick, 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 147 

Ephriam Snell, Jordan Elliott, Perry Elliott, William Elliott, Jr., H. 
M. Rice, Joshua Rice, Bennett Rice, Yancey Gray, Mike McCully, John 
McCuley, Jr., Robert Turner, Elijah Turner, John Turner, Carroll 
Holman, John Godard, Samuel Turner, Bartlett Anderson, John R. 

Anderson, CrafFord Powers, Campbell, John Campbell, Thomas 

Campbell, William Edwards, James Lamb, Ashbury Summers, Thomas 
Egan, Benjamin Cozad, John Terrill, Caswell Smith, Grant Allan, 
Henry Johnson, George H. Hall, George W. Barnhart, and Silas 
Phipps. 

The settlers above named located in the township before 1848. 

One of the oldest settlers in the township was Judge Joseph Tur- 
ner. He was born in North Carolina, in 1802, moved with his parents 
to Tennessee in 1815, was married in 1822, and moved to Missouri 
and entered the land on which he now resides, near Eldad church, in 
1830. He was appointed justice of the peace before the township 
was organized, and had jurisdiction to the Iowa line. He held the 
office of justice of the peace until 1850. In 1861 he was appointed 
county court justice, was president of that body, and held the posi- 
tion nearly six years. When he first settled he had for neighbors 
Joseph Holman, George Epperly, Richard Blue and Asa Kirby. These 
were, perhaps, the first settlers on the west side of Dark's prairie. 
Richard Blue and Asa Kirby were the only heads of families then re- 
sidino; west of the Middle fork. Judo;e Turner lived in Chariton 
township 54 years at his present residence, where he raised a family 
of eight children, three boys and five girls, all now living, and most 
of them around him, except one son who died out West about 1877. 

The only other survivor of those very early times, now living in the 
township, and a close neighbor of Judge Turner's, is John Richmond. 
He moved to Randolph county from Tennessee in 1830, and lived in 
Silver Creek township until the fall of 1832, when he entered 120 
acres of land where he now lives, and built his cabin upon it in pioneer 
style. He has since increased his farm to 520 acres, and now occu- 
pies quite a commodious dwelling, built some 25 years ago. He is now 
in his 79th year, and has raised a family of six children, four boys and 
two girls, all now living. When he first came to the township, the first 
settlers of that neighborhood, already mentioned, had been increased 
by the addition of Yancey Gray, Mark Crabtree, Samuel Richmond, 
Josiah Smith, Henry Smith, James Lingo, Samuel Lingo, Isaac Har- 
lan, John Withes, Andrew Baker, Tyree Baker, Jesse Miller, Thomas 
Kirkpatrick and Greenbury Shelton. Some of these made their set- 



148 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

tlements about the same time with Mr. Richmond. Among those who 
settled in his neighborhood soon after him, he remembers, Daniel 
Milam, John Gray, Jonathan Haynes, Thomas Brookes, John Mc- 
CuUy and Madison Richmond. On the east side of Dark's prairie, 
south and east of the present site of Darksville, were living at that 
time (1832) Johnson Wright, John Waymire, Joseph Summers, 
Hodge England, and Pleasant and Nicholas Tuttle. With the last 
named lived their father, a very aged man and a revolutionary soldier, 
whom our informant remembers to have seen on election and parade 
days surrounded by crowds listening to his account of the part he took 
in the War of Independence. 

One of the most eccentric men that ever lived in the township was 
Johnson Wright. He was at first a minister of the gospel, but did 
not entirely agree in doctrine with any religious denomination, and we 
doubt if he ever belonged to any church. He sold his farm in Chari- 
ton township in 1837, and moved to Macon, which county he soon 
afterward represented in the State Legislature. He was in the habit 
of doing some things, which, although not considered immoral in 
themselves, were nevertheless thought to be unbecoming the character 
of a minister of the gospel. But he always justified himself by quo- 
tations from the scriptures, and by citing the example of some old 
patriarch who indulged in the same practices. Among other things, 
he was very fond of the game of euchre, and claimed that this, his 
favorite amusement, had the divine sanction, because he had seen the 
word " Eucharist" in the Bible. He returned to Chariton township 
about the year 1847, where he lived till his death, some years after. 
Towards the latter part of his life some of his eccentricities were so 
absurd that most of his acquaintances considered him insane. He 
voted at the August election of 1850 at Huntsville, but his ballot con- 
tained only the name of "Jesus Christ for the office of Head of the 
Church." When it was suggested to him that Christ had been elected 
to that office over 1800 years ago, his reply was : " Well, if it has 
been that long it is time he was re-elected." His erratic notions on 
religious subjects culminated before his death in his deeding his farm 
to Christ (see deed in Chapter III. ), upon the fancied consideration, no 
doubt, that he would be granted an equivalent interest in the happy 
land of Canaan. He was, withal, one of the kindest of men, and had 
the friendship and regard of all who knew him. He was several 
times married, and raised quite a family of children, some of whom 
and his widow, we believe, still live in Chariton township. 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 149 

Amons: the stronsrest minded and most influential men of his day in 
that township was John M. Yates. He immigrated from Kentucky to 
Randolph county about 40 years ago, and after living a year or two 
in the southern part of the county, settled on Dark's prairie about 
the year 1835, and died on a farm adjoining the one he first settled 
in the year 1872. He was twice married and raised 15 children, 
13 of his own and 2 step-daughters. Most of them are still liv- 
ing in this and adjoining counties, among whom we can mention 
Mrs. George Chapman and Mrs. Hugh Trimble, of Dark's prairie; 
Mrs. John S. McCanne and Dr. Paul Yates, of Jacksonville; Mrs. 
Elijah Turner and Dr. William Yates, of Macon county, and Mrs. W. 
T. McCanne, of Moberly. 

Mr. Yates was an uncle of the celebrated Richard Yates, once 
Governor of Illinois and U. S. Senator from that State, and was him- 
self a man of much more than ordinary intelligence and soundness of 
judgment. Had he turned his attention to public life in his early man- 
hood, and pursued it with the energy necessary to bringing out his 
great natural capabilities, he would have equaled, if not surpassed in 
eminence, his distinguished relative. 

Judge William A. Hall was born and partly raised in the State of 
Maine. His father having been appointed to a position in the U. S. 
armory at Harper's Ferry, Va., he moved with his parents to that 
place, and when they moved to Chariton township, about the year 
1839, he soon followed them, being then a young man nearly 25 
years of age. About that time his father died, and he made his 
home with his widowed mother, although he kept his law office in 
Fayette, Mo., and for a short time edited a Democratic paper in that 
place. He made regular visits to his mqther's home in Chariton 
county whenever his professional duties would permit, and very often 
walked the entire distance of over thirty miles. He rapidly advanced 
to the front rank in his profession, and on the death of Judge Leland, 
which occurred about the year 1846, he was appointed by the Governor 
judge of this judicial circuit, a position to which he was continuously 
re-elected until 1861, when he was elected to represent the district of 
which Randolph was a part, in the U. S. Congress. About the time 
he was first appointed judge, he was married to Miss Octavia Sebree, 
a niece and adopted daughter of Uriel Sebree, a prominent citizen of 
Howard county. Soon after his marriage he settled on his farm, now 
known as the Broaddus farm, in Chariton township, where he remained 
until he removed to Huntsville in 1861, and the following year to a 
farm near that place. 



150 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

In the winter of 1860-61, Judge Hall was chosen, with Gen. Ster- 
ling Price, to represent this senatorial district, then composed of Ran- 
dolph and Chariton counties, in the State convention called by the 
Legislature to consider the relations between the State of Missouri and 
the general government, in view of the then impending crisis which 
threatened a disruption of the Union by the secession of the Southern 
States. In that convention he sided with the majority in favor of the 
State continuing her allegiance and loyalty to the Union, and during 
the war that followed remained a faithful and consistent Union man. 
By his conservative position and able management he did more to 
protect the Southern people of this county and State from military 
despotism and the lawless acts of an unrestrained soldiery, than any 
other man. And those who truly and fully appreciate the value of 
his services in those precious times, will long hold him in grateful re- 
membrance. He was twice elected to Cono-ress during the war, and 
at its close he resumed the practice of his profession at Huntsville, in 
which he continued until about 1874, when he improved another farm 
in the north-west corner of Chariton township, where he resided in 
complete retirement from public life, in the bosom of his family and 
surrounded by his flocks and herds. 

Among the most noted men, and the giant of Randolph county, who 
was raised in Chariton township and still resides there, is Thomas Gee. 
His weight is about 300 pounds, his height about 6 feet 4 inches, 
and his age between 35 and 40 years. His great weight is not alto- 
gether due to excess of flesh, but is attributable in a great measure to 
large bones and heavy muscles. Although he was nearly as large in 
1861 as he is now, yet he enlisted in the Conffederate army, marched 
on foot through the campaigns of four years, and surrendered at the 
close with the remnant of that band of heroes who fought it out to the 
bitter end. Accepting the situation, he returned to Chariton town- 
ship, where he has lived ever since. 

He takes great interest in politics, goes to Jefferson City whenever 
the Legislature sits and always gets some employment about the capi- 
tol during the session. He does up his work during the hours of ad- 
journment, so as to have his leisure to spend in the House or Senate 
during the sittings. He always gives a barbecue or more on election 
years, which he gets up in good style, invites all the candidates, and 
manages so as to have everybody in the neighborhood present. The 
candidate that has any hope at all of getting the vote of Chariton town- 
ship never thinks of missing one of Tom Gee's barbecues. 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

Stock fed at Thomas Hill post-office in 1880 : 

Cattle. Hogs. Sheep. 

■William McCanne 20 — 60 

Brown & Sons 60 — — 

H. T. Lamb — — 62 

David Connell — — — 

J. W. McCanne 20 — — 

J. H. Penney 120 60 50 

Total . . • 220 60 172 

5 



151 



Mules. 
35 
10 

74 

77 

196 




CHAPTER YIL 

JACKSON AND MONITEAU TOWNSHIPS. 

Jackson Township — Early Settlers — Jacksonville — Its early History — Business 
Directory — Secret Orders — Moniteau Township — Early Settlers — Mills — 
Schools — Farms and Stock — Higbee — Secret Orders — Business Directory — 
Stock Eeport for 1880. 

Jackson township is the middle township oh the northern border of 
the county. It is somewhat irreguUir in shape, and is less in size 
than a congressional township, having an area of 17,400 acres, 
or 27V2 square miles. It is watered on the west by the East fork 
of the Chariton and Walnut creek, and on the east by Hoover and 
Mud creeks. Almost every acre of the soil is susceptible of cultiva- 
tion. Prairie and timber land are about equal. Its valuable minerals 
consist of coal, limestone and fire clay. Three-fourths of Jackson 
township is in cultivation, and the farms generally are in good condition. 
The prairie is undulating, and in its wild state, produces a strong, 
healthy and vigorous growth of native grasses. In a state of cultiva- 
tion it yields generously to the care and culture of the husbandman, 
all the grains, grasses, roots and fruits usually cultivated in this lati- 
tude. The minerals are coal, limestone, and brick clay. The average 
yield of farm products per acre is as follows: Corn, 25 bushels aver- 
age, extra, 40 bushels ; wheat, 15 bushels average, extra, 20 bushels ; 
oats, 25 bushels average, extra, 40 bushels ; hay, IV4 tons aver.age, 
extra, 2 tons ; tobacco average 800 pounds. Very little tobacco is 
raised in the township. It has three mills, six school-houses con- 
veniently located and well built and furnished. 

EARLY SETTLERS. 

The early settlers in Jackson township settled generally along the 
course of the streams, and in the timber ; in fact the pioneers through- 
out this Western country all sought the timber and water. The 
prairies were not settled until many years had passed. Many of the 
pioneers were poor, and did not have teams sufficient to break the 
prairie, as it required from three to four good yoke of oxen to draw 
the plow, and coming as they did from Kentucky and other States, 
(152) 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 153 

which were originally covered with dense forests, they naturally located 
conveniently near to or in the timber. The old settlers now say, the 
prairie land has undergone a great change since they first came to the 
county ; it then appeared to be of a cold, wet, and clammy nature, 
and did not possess the same productive quality that it now has. As 
the country became opened and settled, and the prairies were grazed 
and trodden by stock, their productive qualities were greatly improved 
until they are now considered the better farming lands. 

Jackson township is not so well watered naturally as some other 
townships. The streams generally vein the western and south-eastern 
portion of it. Walnut creek, the East fork of the Chariton river. 
Hoover and Mud creeks, and their tributaries, all take their rise in 
this township, and all flow south-west and south-east excepting Hoover 
creek, which flows north-east. 

' The early settlers included some of the following names : Henry 
Owens, from Kentucky ; Isaac Reynolds, from Kentucky ; John Coul- 
ter, from Kentucky ; Robert Stevens, from Kentucky ; William Mc- 
Canne, from Kentucky ; H.J. McCanne, from Kentucky ; Thomas 
McCanne, from Kentucky; Nathaniel Sims, from Kentucky; Benj. 
Poison, from Kentucky; James W. Lamb, from Kentucky; Milton 
Durham, from Kentucky ; Stokely W. Towles, from Kentucky ; Leon- 
ard Hill, from Virginia ; John Hore, from Virginia ; George W. Hore, 
from Virginia; David McCanne, from North Carolina; L. C. Davis, 
from North Carolina; Jonathan Hunt, from Virginia ; John Ancell, 
from Virginia ; Frank Ancell, from Virginia; C. F. Burckhartt, from 
Virginia ; Frank Sims, from Tennessee ; William Bailey, from Tennes- 
see ; John H. Penny, from Virginia. 

Among, the oldest living settlers are Henry Owens and James 
W. Lamb. Mr. Lamb came in November, 1837, from Casey county, 
Kentucky, and has followed farming until a few years ago, since which 
time he has been keeping hotel in the town of Jacksonville. Li 1837 
there were no settlements on the prairie. A road ran north and south 
through the township, called the "Bee Trace," so called from the 
fact that it was the route traveled by the old pioneers who hunted 
wild honey, which was worth at that time twenty cents a gallon. 

Mr. Lamb occupied his time after his arrival in the township, cut- 
ting timber and splitting rails at thirty-seven and a half cents a hun- 
dred, and sawing planks with a rip-saw at $1.50 per hundred feet. 
Tobacco was raised at an early date, and taken to Glasgow, where it 
was sold to the merchants and shipped to St. Louis and elsewhere, for 
$1.50 per hundred pounds. Bacon was worth $2.25 per hundred. 



154 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

After remaining here a few years Mr. Lamb went back to Kentucky 
and while there, married. After his marriage he determined to return 
to Eandolph county, and in 1842 he started upon his journey of nearly 
600 miles, with only $10 in money, his wife, a horse and buggy, and 
after traveling 26 days, he arrived at his new home, having spent all 
his money, excepting seventy-five cents. Deer were so numerous from 
1835 to 1840 that oftentimes 30 and 40 could be seen at one time. 
Nothing like it can now be seen on the American continent. 

" By chase our long-lived fathers earned their food; 
Toil strung the nerves, and purified the blood; 
But we, their sons, a pampered race of men, 
Are dwindled down to three-score years and ten," 

Humphrey and Brock erected the first saw mill in the township, 
which was soon destroyed by fire, and immediately rebuilt, when it 
was sold to George "W. Jones, who combined it with a grist mill. 
Jones sold to Benjamin Sims, its present owner. The mill is located 
about half a mile north of Jacksonville, at a spring, which furnishes 
water during the dry seasons for many of the citizens of the town. 

The first church that was built in the township was also located at 
this spring by the Christian denomination in 1852, and was a union 
church. Mr. Sims now uses it as a barn. 

JACKSONVILLE. 

Jacksonville is located on the northern division of the Wabash, St. 
Louis and Pacific Kail way, 19 miles north-west of Huntsville, and 12 
miles north of Moberly. It is an incorporated village of 300 inhabitants, 
containing two church edifices, used by the different sects, a public school , 
and colored school. It has railroad, telegraph and express facilities. 

The town site was owned by William McCanne, Jr., John W. Mc- 
Canne, Sr., and Henry Owen, who donated 50 acres to the railroad 
company, provided they would locate a depot upon it. This was about 
the year 1858. The town was named after Hancock Jackson, who 
was an early settler in the county, and who filled besides several 
county offices, the position of Lieut. -Governor of Missouri. The 
first business house was erected by J. J. Humphrey and was occupied 
by him as a general store. 

Samuel Kidgeway opened the first hotel, and continued to occupy 
it until his death, which occurred in 1880. Dr. Burckhartt was the 
first physician. Thomas Demster was the pioneer shoemaker. The 
first church was erected in 1867 by the Christians. Thomas Griffey 
and Robert Skinner were the first blacksmiths. 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 155 



BUSINESS DIRECTORY. 

Two general stores, one grocery, one drug store, four blacksmiths, 
one shoemaker, one undertaker, one lumber yard, one livery stable, 
and one hotel are at this place. 

LODGE. 

Masonic Lodge, ITo. 44. — Was organized in June, 1866, with the 
following charter members : James A. Berry, James A. Holt, James 
M. Hannah, J. H. Pety, David Halliburton. 

MONITEAU TOWNSHIP. 

Moniteau is the middle township on the southern border of Ran- 
dolph county. It contains a fraction over 37 square miles, and was 
cut off from the townships of Prairie and Silver Creek after the con- 
struction of the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad, from Hannibal 
to Sedalia. Soon after this event a depot was established in the 
present territory of Moniteau, on lands then belonging to Edward 
Owens, called Higbee, and soon a village was laid out on lands 
belonging to Edward Owens and Joseph Burton. A post-office was 
also established, and the growth of the future town was begun. 
This o;rowth was afterward accelerated by the location of the 
Chicago, Alton, St. Louis and Kansas City Railroad through its 
borders, crossing the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Road near 
the center of the town. These arrangements having been com- 
pleted, a petition was numerously signed by citizens of the vicinity, 
asking the county court to organize another township, to be called 
Moniteau, as it would be located on the head waters of Moniteau 
creek. 

The Moniteau, Silver and Bonne Femme creeks take their rise in 
the borders of this township. Along the borders of these streams 
the country is broken and hilly, covered with black and white oak 
timber. Where the bottoms and valleys are broad enough for culti- 
vation, the land is found to be very rich and productive. Even the 
land that cannot be cultivated is covered with a heavy growth of val- 
uable timber composed of sugar maple, walnut and cottonwood. As 
the dividing ridges of these streams are approached, a sightly and 
fruitful country is presented, now occupied by substantial farmers, 
and highly improved. For grazing purposes it seems, in many re- 
spects, better than regions adjoining, which have a richer and deeper 
soil. Clover and timothy produce well with cultivation ; but blue 



156 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

grass, the first to come in the spring, the most nutritions while it 
lasts, and the last to be afiected by the frosts, is the spontaneous pro- 
duction of this region. If not grazed too closely during autumn, it 
affords excellent pasture for sheep and stock cattle during the winter. 
Even the most broken white ©ak ridges, when the undergrowth is re- 
moved, will in a short time be covered with a natural growth of blue 
grass. 

Kailroad ties are an important article of exportation from Moniteau. 
The white oak lands which furnish the most durable and valuable ties, 
and which are almost surrounded by railroads, have become valuable 
of late because of this product, and because, when cleared of the tim- 
ber, they are the best tobacco lands we have. They are also easily 
converted into blue grass pastures and timothy meadows. Tobacco, 
however, has ceased of late to be a staple production on account of 
the low prices that have ruled for several years. Some few planters 
continue to raise it, but only to a limited extent. The grains and 
grasses and the rearing of live stock are depended upon for the prin- 
cipal resources of the farmers . 

Bituminous coal underlies the surface and crops out at intervals 
along almost all the streams. Its accessibility renders it important, 
whether as an inducement to capitalists to locate manufactories, or to 
engage in mining. The proximity of the railroads to these deposits 
of "black diamonds," makes either enterprise a safe and profitable 
investment. The day is not far distant when the superiority of this 
coal will be acknowledged, and it will then be "more precious than 
rubies." 

The healthfulness of this region, as indeed of the whole county, is a 
consideration for those looking for a permanent location. The settled 
portions of the township are on the divides, or ridges, between the 
streams. The air is therefore pure and not impregnated with the 
miasma and malarial influences that affect lower lands. The bottoms 
are used for cultivation, the hills and highlands for homes. The great 
body of the country embraces elevated territory, and Moniteau town- 
ship especially enjoys the salubrity and health-giving properties of 
pure air. 

EARLY SETTLERS. 

Moniteau was first settled by Virginians, Kentuckians, Tennesseeans 
and North Carolinians, among whose virtues were temperance, industry, 
probity and hospitality. Of these were James Dysart, John Dysart, 
Dr. William Walker, Rev. Jesse Terrill, Montgomery Whitmore, J. 
Higbee, George Yates and others, who have passed the bourne of 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 157 

time. But they have left the impress of their sturdy manhood upon 
the character of society. Of those whose time approaches and who 
wrought a good work in the township when customs and institutions were 
in a formative state, may be mentioned Nicholas Dysart, Christopher 
Dysart, M. M. Burton, Maj. J. B. Tymony, Joseph Burton, Edward 
Owens and George Quinn. Edward Owens was the oldest man in the 
township at the time of his death. Nicholas Dysart, aged 75, is the 
oldest settler ; Hon. M. M. Burton, aged 62, is the oldest native 
born citizen of Moniteau. Mrs. Nicholas Dysart is the oldest lady. 
Among other settlers were John Turner, William B. Tompkins, 
Lynch Turner, Joseph Wilcox, Jacob Maggard, Charles McLean and 
Thomas Dawkins. 

MILLS. 

Moniteau has three steam saw mills and one combined saw and 
flouring mill. One of these is located in Higbee, the other three 
being located on ©r near Moniteau river. The lumber produced by 
these mills is generally used for bridging, house framing and other 
work requiring substantial timbers. The material used is principally 
white and black oak, though several car loads of walnut lumber have 
been shipped from this section. John Turner erected the first mill 
that was put up in the township. It was an old-fashioned horse-mill ; 
was located in the northern portion of the township, and was running 
as early as 1828. 

SCHOOL. 

Thomas Dawkins taught the first school about the year 1830 ; the 
school house, a small cabin, stood near a small stream — one of the 
forks of Silver creek. Dawkins was from Kentucky, and was much 
thought of as a teacher. 

"The people all declared how much he knew; 
' Twas certain he could write and cipher too ; 
Lands he could measure, terms and tides presage ; 
And even the story ran, that he could gauge." 

FARMS AND STOCK. 

The yield of farm products is as follows : Corn, average per acre, 
50 bushels, extra, 75 bushels ; wheat, average 15 bushels, extra, 30 
bushels ; oats, average 50 bushels, extra, 60 bushels ; hay, average 2 
tons, extra, 3 tons; tobacco, average 1,000 pounds, extra, 1,500 
pounds. The highest prices paid for the last named product for three 
preceding years has been from $3 to $8 per 100 pounds. 



158 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

About three-fourths of the township is enclosed by fences and in- 
cluded in farms, one-half of these enclosures being devoted to pasture. 
There are no regular vineyards, but grapes do well, and show that if 
properly cultivated, wine of excellent quality and delicious flavor could 
be made. 

Of course in a region so well adapted to grazing and cheap feeding, 
live stock forms the principal and most valuable article of commerce. 
Horses, mules, neat cattle, sheep and hogs are reared, and sold to 
traders and shipped in large quantities. About 2,000 head have been 
shipped by rail during the past year, though there are many mules, 
horses and cattle raised in Moniteau and sent to more or less distant 
marts of which no record is kept. Of the enterprising cattle dealers 
are William James, James E. Rucker, Isham Powell, A. and G. 
Miller. They also deal to some extent in mules and horses, sheep and 
hogs. There are many substantial farmers and stock raisers in the 
township, among whom are O. P. Baker, Nicholas Dysart, Owen 
Bagby, Z. Hale, Joel H. Yates, W. L. Rennolds, John Harlow, G. 
Quinn, Dr. W. P. Dysart, W. Yager, William James, J. Collins, Moss 
Dawkins, H. Patrick, W. Smith, R. Hinds, Isham Powell, James E. 
Rucker, G. Miller, and others. 

HIGBEE. 

The name of James Higbee, a worthy citizen of Moniteau, now de- 
ceased, gave the title to the station which has grown into a lively, 
progressive and thriving village. The village, recently incorporated 
into a town, is situated about three miles north of Howard county 
line, at the crossing of the Missouri, Kansas and Texas and the Chi- 
cago, Alton, St. Louis and Kansas City Railroads. These roads, it is 
thought, will soon build a union depot at the crossing, and the town is 
also spoken of as a good point for the location of workshops for the 
Chicago, Alton, St. Louis and Kansas City road, being near large 
coal fields and valuable timber lands. Higbee is the only voting pre- 
cinct in the township. It possesses facilities for shipping second to no 
place in North Missouri except Moberly. It stands on an open ridge 
tw® miles wide, between the Moniteau and Bonne Femme creeks, and 
is but three years old, having a population of 400. The public school, 
which is well conducted, contains 119 pupils. The Grange had a mem- 
bership of 60 in 1880. The government of the town is excellent, and 
the citizens are peaceable and contented. 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 159 

Joseph Burton, one of the founders of the town, is in the 68th year 
of his age. He has a family of 15 cliildren, 10 sons and 5 daughters, 
and 18 grand-children. 

Edward Owens, another of the founders, is dead. He left a family 
of 9 children, 44 grand-children and 6 great-grand-children. 

LODGES. 

Highee Lodg^ No. 210, A, 0. U. W., — Was organized in Decem- 
ber, 1880, Vvith the following charter members : J. E. Rucker, J. 
W. Newby, J. S. Dysart, W. H. Elgiu, S. L. Ashby, E. M. Foster, 
J. W. Fristo, F. M. Tymony, W. J. Pulliam, G. R. Reynolds, Dr. 
L. J. Miller. 

BUSINESS DIRECTORY. 

Two drug stores, three physicians, two shoemakers, one lawyer, 
one barber, three restaurants, three saloons, one livery and feed 
stable, three blacksmiths, one milliner, one meat market, one lum- 
ber yard, two general stores, one grocery, express and telegraph 
office, and the Higbee Weekly Entei-prise, compose the business of 
this town. 

The following stock were fed in 1880, in the Higbee voting pre- 
cinct : — 

Cattle. 

William Jones & Son 25 

H. E. Patrick 35 

T. W. Yager 20 

Augustus Miller 80 

J. M. Collins 10 

J. A. Blackford 34 

James Ferguson 15 

Patton & Powell 197 

William H. Burton 15 

O. P. Baker 27 

James E. Rucker 60 

Total 526 583 509 42 



Hogs. 


Sheep. 


Mules. 


45 


120 


4 


— 


60 


— 


10 


74 


— 


75 


140 


4 


20 


65 


3 


25 


— 


8 


28 


— 


4 


200 


— 


4 


10 


20 


2 


20 


20 


3 


150 


10 


10 




CHAPTER YIII. 

PRAIRIE, SALT RIVER AND UNION TOWNSHIPS. 

Prairie Township — Old Settlers — Durett Bruce — Mill — Elliott — Shafton — Clark's 
Switch — Renick — Its History — Secret Orders — Business Directory — Stock Re- 
port for 1880 — First House Erected in Renick — Salt River Township — Physical 
Features — Early Settlers — Levick's Mill — Union Township — First Settlers — 
Milton. 

PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP. 

Prairie township lies in the south-eastern corner of Randolph county. 
It is the largest township in the county, and has an area of about 
88 square miles. The amount of prairie and timber land is 
about the same. As the township is bounded on two sides by Monroe, 
Audrain, Boone and Howard counties — counties that stand in the 
front rank as to soil, productions, population and wealth — it may 
justly be inferred that Prairie is in the front rank of townships, and 
is settled by a progressive and prosperous people. The soil is a black 
loam with substratum of clay. The land has an undulating surface, 
drains itself readily in seasons of protracted rainfall, and retains suf- 
ficient moisture for the sustenation of vegetation in periods of pro- 
tracted drouth. 

It is watered by the tributaries of Salt river on the north and east 
sides of the " divide," and by Perche and the tributaries of Moniteau 
river on the south-west. These streams take their rise within its ter- 
ritory, but before they leave it, form large, deep creeks that contain 
water during the entire year, however dry the season. The smaller 
streams being numerous, supply stock water for every part of the dis- 
trict, as well as moisture to the air in the hot months of summer. 
Wells and cisterns are relied upon for domestic use and are easily and 
cheaply made. Ponds dug in the clay hold like a jug, and are fre- 
quently employed by farmers in fields and pastures through which no 
streams run. A few days' work, with teams, plows and scrapers, will 
dig a pond of sufficient size to water a hundred head of stock for seven 
to ten years before cleansing is necessary. The timber of Prairie is 
good, embracing several kinds of oak, hickory, walnut, honeylocust, 
elm, hackberry, etc. When the white oak timber is removed the land 
makes the best tobacco ground used : hickory land is the strongest, 
and walnut, elm, honey locust and pawpaw the richest and most pro- 
(160) 



HISTORY or RANDOLPH COUNTY. 



161 



ductive. Coal is abundant throughout the district, and some mines • 
near Eeniclv are successfully and largely worked. 

It is often the case in the east that coal lands are unfit for anything 
but coal, but such is not the case in Missouri. Land overlying coal 
beds is frequently as rich and productive as any other land in the 
country, and this is peculiarly the case in Prairie township. 

There are five churches in this township, the Baptist, Methodist and 
Christian denominations being the most numerously represented. 
Every school district is organized, and all have comfortable and con- 
venient houses, with modern appliances. The principal products are 
grain, grasses and live stock. The number of cattle and hogs sold 
annually is very large, and the annual sale of wool reaches $25,000. 
The average yield of corn per acre is 25 bushels, extra 60 bushels ; 
wheat 15 bushels, extra 30 bushels ; oats 40 bushels, extra 60 bushels ; 
tobacco 1,000 pounds. Hay sure crop ; average yield per acre IV2 
ton. Over two-thirds of the township is in cultivation, which includes 
all of the prairie and part of the timber. 

OLD SETTLERS. 

Among the old settlers of this township were John Hamilton, James 
Martin, R. P. Martin, Mrs. Chisham, William Butler, Joel Hubbard, 
Eice Alexander, Hugh C. Collins, Dr. Presley T. Oliver, Jackson 
Dickerson, Joseph Davis, Moses Kimbrough, Aaron Kimbrough, 
Thomas Kimbrough, A. Hendrix, Benjamin Hardin, Asa K. Hub- 
bard, Presly Shirley, Jeremiah Bunnel, Thomas Stockton, W. S. 
Christian, Granderson Brooks, Archibald Goin, May Burton, John 
Sorrell, Henry Burnham, William Croswhite, John Kimbrough, 
Bluford Robinson, Wiley Marshall, A. W. Lane, Durett Bruce, 
Eeuben Samuel and Joseph Wilcox. 

Nearly all of the above named pioneers were from Kentucky, and 
many of these men were great hunters, notably so were Durett Bruce, 
Joe Davis, Cy Davis, Uriah Davis, H.C. Collins, John Sorrell and James 
Martin. The latter in his early manhood was very athletic, and is 
probably the only man who ever caught an un wounded deer by run- 
ning after it on foot, and an unwounded wild turkey by climbing a tree. 
Durett Bruce, who came to the township in 1837, is the oldest man 
now living in Randolph county. He was born in Fayette county, 
Kentucky, eight miles south of Lexington, March 1st, 1789, and was, 
therefore, 95 years old March 1st, 1884. His father's name was 
Benjamin Bruce ; he was a native of Scotland, and a kinsman of 



162 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY . 

Robert Bruce, one of the Scottish chiefs, whose deeds of bravery and 
feats of manhood have been immortalized by the incomparable pen of 
Jane Porter. 

Mr. Bruce married Miss Sarah Stephens, daughter of Col. Stephens, 
April 13th, 1813. In 1834, October 10th, he came to Boone county, 
Missouri, and after raising two crops, he settled in Randolph 
county. Hearing that the wolves were numerous, and very destruc- 
tive to sheep, he brought with him to the county 15 sheep, 18 
hounds, and a cur dog, and was never annoyed by wolves after 
his arrival. He was in the War of 1812, and served under Gen. William 
H. Harrison six months, and Gen. McArthur four mouths, near Lake 
Superior. 

In early life Mr. Bruce was apprenticed to the trade of locksmith, 
a pursuit which he now follows, notwithstanding he has nearly reached 
the ninety-fifth mile-stone in the journey of his life. In 1869 he 
located in the then new town of Moberly, where he has since re- 
sided. 

We hope that the brittle thread of life may be yet lengthened out to 
the old man many spans, and that by and by it may be said of 
him : — 

" Of no distemper, of no blast he died, 

But fell like autumn fruit that mellowed long, 

Even wondered at, because he dropt no sooner.. 

Fate seemed to wind him up for four-score years, 

Yet ran he on for twenty winters more; 

Till,' like a clock, worn out with eating time, 

The wheels of weary life at last stood still." 

The first mill was owned by Jesse Jones, and was located about 
three miles south-west of Renick. The first church edifice in the 
township was called Dover church, and was occupied by different 
denominations. The first school was taught by Col. John M. Bean, 
a Kentuckian, at a place called Oak Point. Lynch Turner was the 
first officiating minister of the Gospel. 

Elliott, about two miles west of Renick, is a mining town, contain- 
ing about 200 inhabitants. It has a post-office, store, etc. 

Shafton, about two miles south of Renick, on the Chicago and Alton 
Railroad, is also a mining town, and has a population of about 200. 

Clark's Switch, about six miles east of Renick, at the crossing of 
the St. Louis, Kansas City and Northern Railroad and the Chicago 
and Alton Railroad, has a post-office, blacksmith shop, store, and 
other establishments. 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 163 



RENICK. 

Renick, the most important town in the township, was located in 
1856, after the North Missouri Railroad had become an established 
institution. It is situated on a high rolling prairie, on the '* Grand 
Divide," the waters on the east side of the town flowing to the Missis- 
sippi, and those on the west side to the Missouri. The St. Louis, 
Kansas City and Northern Railroad passes diagonally through the 
town, the depot being convenient to the business portion of it. It lies 
six miles south by east of Moberly, and contains a population of about 
700. Its citizens are a thorough-going and enterprising people. It 
has one large church edifice, which is used by the Methodist, Baptist 
and Christian denominations. Renick rejoices in having the finest 
public school building outside of Moberly in the county. The only 
other public building of any importance is the Masonic Hall, which 
is an elegant and attractive edifice. There is also a Good Templar 
and public hall. 

There is located in the town a large custom and merchant mill. 
One or two coal mines are in operation near the place, giving employ- 
ment to a number of hands, and working a four foot vein. The coal 
is used extensively by the railroads, and large quantities are exported. 
Three times has the business portion of the town been desolated by 
fire, and at one time, during the great Civil War, nearly all the houses 
in the town were destroyed. But the public spirit and enterprise of 
the citizens were equal to the emergency, and it is to-day a better 
town than ever before. 

It is a great shipping point for live stock of all kinds. 

. SECRET ORDERS. 

Masonic Lodge, N'o. 186. — Was organized October 19, 1867, with 
the following charter members : G. A. Settle, A. E. Grubb, S. A. 
Mitchell, James Hardin, Benjamin Terrill, J. R. Alexander, R. Davis, 
T. Y. Martin, R. P. Martin, J. Y. Coates, S. S. Elliott, William But- 
ler, G. R. Christian. 

Lodge No. 225, A. O. U. W. — Was organized November 11, 1881. 
The charter members were J. M. Williams, Dr. S. M. Forrest, A. N. 
Maupin, R. W. Hatton, J. W. McDonald, J. D. Waters, D. A. King, 
T. T. Grant, J. J. Butler, O. Morton, D. W. Osborne, A. Butler, 
J. A. Mitchell, J. H. Littrell, J. B. Martin, B. H. Ashcomb, J. J. 



164 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

Hubbard, J. B. Brooks, W. N. Clifton, J. R. Jackson, A. H. Shearer, 
W. H. Deer, A. Greenland, S. W. Terman, S. E. Keemer. 

BUSINESS DIRECTORY. 

Nine general stores, one wagon shop, two blacksmiths, one paint 
shop, one lumber yard, one harness shop, one hotel, one livery stable, 
two saloons, and two butcher shops, are in Renick. 

Clay Thompson, who came from Kentucky about the year 1856, 
erected the first house in the town ; he also opened the first business 
house and hotel. William H. Marshall was the first blacksmith, Peter 
Hoeman the first shoemaker. William B. McLean was the first physi- 
cian in that region of country. 

Below will be found a list of stock feeders and the amount of stock 

fed for market in Prairie township in 1880 : — 

Cattle. Hogs. Mules. 

Patton & Powell 150 400 — 

T. D. Bailey 180 125 — 

P. Spellman 100 125 — 

S. N. Pyle . . . . ■ — — 30 

T. J. Grant — 30 50 

C. D. Robinson 60 60 — 

Renick Mill Co -^ 30 — 

D. H. Osborn — — 20 

J. Hamilton 30 — — 

George Cottingham 30 — — 

F. K. Collins 30 50 — 

G. Wilcox *0 — — 

J. G. Smith 50 50 — 

P. K. Venable 20 10 — 

W. A. Irons 50 100 — 

Total 660 980 100 

SALT RIVER TOWNSHIP. 

Salt river is the north-eastern township of Randolph county. About 
one-fifth of the surface is prairie, the balance is timber land. The 
prairie is generally level or gently undulating. The timber land is 
more uneven, and in the vicinity of the streams is somewhat broken 
and hilly. The prairie is all under fence and in cultivation. But 
little good land is unenclosed, all the best farming territory having 
been fenced either for tillage or pasturage. 

The territory is well provided with streams and stock water is 
abundant throughout the year. Mover, Mud, Flat, McKinney, Lick, 
and Painter creeks, with other less important streams, take their 
courses through the township and every farm is convenient to some 
stream that contains water the year round. Nevertheless, for greater 
convenience, ponds, wells, and cisterns are dug on the farms for the 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 165 

use of stock. Living water is found at short distances below the sur- 
face, giving a permanent and inexhaustible supply. 

Among the early settlers of the township are H. G. Robuck, M. 
McKinney, and Strother Ridge way. They still reside there and are 
among the most worthy citizens of the county. The farms in this 
tow^nship are generally small, averaging in size from 100 to 200 
acres, and very few exceed the latter amount. It is essentially 
a farming and grazing country. Remote from railroad depots 
(the average distance being about nine miles), little is shipped in the 
way of agricultural products. The grains and grasses raised are gen- 
erally consumed at home, the only articles of export being cattle, 
horses, mules, hogs and sheep. The farmers are, however, in a pros- 
perous and thrifty condition. They are doing much more work with 
machinery now than formerly. Cultivators, reapers, and mowing 
machines, and other labor-saving implements, are coming into more 
general use, and the process of farming is conducted on better and 
more intelligent principles than heretofore. 

The quality of the soil is about the same as that in Monroe county, 
which the township joins on the eastern side. It is rich and produc- 
tive, easily cultivated, warm and generous. The crops now growing 
promise a heavy harvest, except the meadows, which have been some- 
what injured by a protracted and unusual drouth. The recent rains 
have greatly improved the looks of the grass, and excellent fall and 
summer pastures are assured. 

The reliable staple crops are corn, wheat, oats, timothy, tobacco, 
and blue grass. The latter is used almost entirely for grazing, and is 
rarely mowed for hay. Clover, also, yields well, but is not generally 
sown. The main reliance of the farmers is upon the corn, timothy, 
and the grass growths. Of corn, a common yield is 50 to 60 bushels 
to the acre ; wheat, 15 to 25 bushels ; oats, 25 to 40 bushels ; timo- 
thy, a ton to a ton and a half; tobacco, 600 to 1,000 pounds. About 
three-fourths of the township is in cultivation. 

The timber in this portion of the county is about the same as is gen- 
erally found in other parts of Randolph. The highlands are cov- 
ered with the various oaks, hickory, walnut, maple, etc., while the 
bottoms and valleys have sycamore, hackberry, pawpaw, red bud, 
elm, etc. 

Coal lies a short distance below the surface in many parts of the 
township, but wood is so abundant and convenient, the markets are so 
remote, and the manufactories so few, that the coal beds have not 
been developed. 



166 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

There is but one post-office in the township — Levick's Mill. This 
is located in the geographical center of the township, convenient to 
every part of it. This is a small village, having a store where general 
merchandise is sold, a grist and saw mill, and a tin shop. It is a great 
convenience to the surrounding country. There are no manufactories 
of any importance in the vicinity, except mills, of which there are 
several on or near the streams. 

The improvements on the farms are generally good. Many farmers 
are erecting neat and comfortable farm houses, to take the place of 
less sightly edifices built in the earlier history of the township. Fences 
and out-buildings, barns, etc., recently built, are of a better class 
than those formerly erected. 

There are four school-houses in Salt River township, and so situated 
as to be convenient to all the citizens. These are used from four to 
six months in the year, and good teachers are employed to conduct 
the schools. There are also two churches in the territory — a Cum- 
berland Presbyterian church, and a union building used alternately 
by the Baptist and Christian denominations. The Methodists hold 
regular services, and employ the school-houses as places of worship. 

The society of Salt River is composed of sober, industrious, and 
intelligent farmers, with their wives and children. The people are 
temperate, social, and hospitable, and heartily welcome immigrants to 
their midst. It is a peaceable and quiet community, having all the 
substantial comforts of a rich, productive, healthy farming country. 

UNION TOWNSHIP. 

Union is the middle township on the eastern border of Randolph, 
joining Monroe county on its eastern boundary. It has an area 
of about 29 square miles, and a population of 1,350. Flat 
creek, Coy branch, Elk Fork, Sugar creek. Mud creek, and Coon 
creek, branches of Salt river, penetrate its territory in every direction 
and fertilize its fields and farms. There is no district in the county, 
of the same dimensions, that is better watered. 

The first settlers of the township were George Burckhartt (father 
of Judge G. H. Burckhartt), Clemen Jeeter, Dr. Burton, Geo. Chap- 
man, Nade Chapman and Wm. Haly, These men have left the im- 
press of their toil and industry on the country they settled and 
improved. 

The lands of this township are unusually fertile and will compare 
favorably with the best lands in any part of the State. The territory 
is about equally divided into prairie and timber lands. Each division 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 167 

is equally well adapted to cultivation and pasturage. The crops of 
every kind are heavy and the live stock raised is of superior quality. 

Coal is found in large beds and of very excellent quality in various 
parts of the district. Much of it finds its way to the city of Moberly, 
and with improved transportation to the railroads, would become an 
important factor in the aggregate of the public income. Limestone, 
brick and potter's clay are also found, but as yet none of these have 
been put to any practical use. 

There are three mills in Union township, owned respectively by W. 

D. Wilson, Elsea, and Frank Hall. These are the principal 

raanufjictories of that section, and each is doino- a s^ood business. 

or? 

There are five churches within its borders, viz. : two belono-ins: to 
the Southern Methodists, two to the Christian denomination and one 
Baptist. It has four school houses, provided with modern improve- 
ments and conveniences, in w^hich schools are taught from five to six 
months in the year. The average of wages paid to teachers is $40 per 
month. 

The yield of crops is as follows : Corn per acre, average, 40 bushels, 
extra, 70 bushels; wheat, average, 15 bushels, extra, 25 bushels; 
oats, 25 to 35 bushels per acre; hay, average, one ton, extra, two 
tons ; tobacco, average, 1,000 pounds, extra, 1,500 pounds. The 
average price of the latter for several years has been about $3. But 
little attention is given in Union township to the sowing of wheat and 
oats. The grasses are cultivated with great care, the farmers prefer- 
ring to convert their lands into pasturage for the accommodation of 
stock, and only planting so much grain as is absolutely needed for 
home consumption. Almost the entire township is under fence, and 
all the territory is made to contribute to the general welfare. 

There are some large farmers in the township, prominent among 
whom we may mention Capt. James Wight, who owns and cultivates 
a farm of 720 acres in a very high state of improvement, having a 
palatial residence, and stocked with the best animals of different 
kinds that he has been able to procure. Capt. Wight's farm is on 
Elk fork, and he has resided in the village of Milton for 30 years. 
He has twice represented Randolph county in the State Legislature, 
and is the father of the present county clerk, Mr. James M. Wight. 

Among her prominent traders and farmers are G. W. Burton, 
general stock dealer ; Andrew Carpenter, Q. T. Hall, Capt. James 
Wight and I. H. Newton, dealers in sheep, mules and horses, and L. 
L. Newton, dealer in horses and hogs, having shipped more of the 
latter in the winter of 1878, than any other man in the township. D. 
6 



168 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

T. C. Mitchell and Benj. Oldham have been extensively engaged in 
the pile and tie business, employing from ten to twelve men and six 
to eight teams each, bringing a large amount of money into the town- 
ship. W. G. Leusley is engaged in coal mining on a large scale and 
is also occupied in bridge building. 

Rev. J. A. Holloway, aged 94, is the oldest man in the township ; 
the oldest lady is Mrs. Wesley Boatman, and the oldest settler now 
living is David Myers. Mr. George Burckhartt, deceased, was the 
first settler. 

MILTON, 

the only village in the township, is about 40 years old. Its trade 
has been of a purely local character, there being no facilities for ship- 
ping. It is, however, eligibly and pleasantly situated on Elk Fork, 
and hag an elegant grist and saw mill, one wagon and carriage factory 
and repair shop, one blacksmith shop, and some other unimportant 
shops. Until about 1878, four ministers made their homes in Milton, 
to wit : Eld. J. A. Holloway, of the Christian church, Rev. Peter 
Parker and Rev. W. D. Hutton, of the M. E. Church South, and 
Rev. W. L. T. Evans of the Missionary Baptist Church, The latter, 
a most estimable and much beloved man, died about 1879. Dr. R. 
R. Hall, the only physician, has resided in Milton for about 40 years. 




CHAPTEE IX. 

SILVER CREEK TOWNSHIP. 

History of the Township — Its Soil — Water Courses — Timber — Schools — Churches 
Mt. Airy — Old Settlers — Crops. 

SILVER CREEK TOWNSHIP. 

Silver Creek is one of the four townships into which Randolph 
county was originally divided. It was made the smallest in extent of 
territory, because it embraced the most thickly settled portion of the 
county at the time of its organization. This fact, taken in connection 
with its location along the border of Howard county, which was 
settled first, leads us to infer that it is the oldest township in the 
county. Although originally the smallest in area, it has recently 
given up 18 square miles of its territory to the newly organized 
township of Moniteau, and being without railroad or a railroad town 
within its borders, it still ranks sixth in population among the eleven 
townships into which the county is now divided, and shows a greater 
votinof strength than four others which have railroads runnins; throus^h 
them. These facts show that outside of the towns and cities. Silver 
Creek township is still the most thickly settled of any in the county. 
It is situated in the south-west corner of the county. 

While it has no railroad running directly through it, its people, 
taken as a whole, are as well accommodated with railroad facilities as 
those of any other township except Sugar Creek. 

Within a mile and a half of its northern boundary are the depots of 
the St. Louis, Kansas City and Northern (now Wabash, St. Louis and 
Pacific) Railroad atHuntsvilleand Clifton Hill. Not far from its eastern 
boundary the Chicago and Alton R;;^ilroad crosses the Missouri, Kansas 
andTexas,atHigbee,and on thesouth, at Armstrong, in Howard county, 
is another depot of the Chicago and Alton Railroad. The township is 
literally surrounded by railroad depots without any railroad running 
through it, a circumstance which gives to all its people a great uni- 
formity of railroad advantages without any of the usual concomitant 
annoyances, such as the killing of stock and the introduction of 
tramps, contagious diseases, and other nuisances. 

While Silver Creek contains less level land than the other town- 
ships, it may be safely asserted that the most fertile tracts in the 

(169) 



170 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

whole county lie within its borders. The surface ranges from the 
gently undulating to hilly near the margins of the streams, and with 
the exception of a few white oak ridges and hickory flats in the north- 
east, and an occasional one in other parts, the soil of the entire 
township is of a black, rich, sandy loam, interspersed with limestone, 
which does not predominate in any locality so as to interfere seriously 
with cultiyation, but is generally distributed so as to furnish the 
requisite supply of this material element of natural fertility. 

Here, also, is to be found one of the best watered sections in the 
whole county. The Sweet Spring, taking its name from a noted 
fountain on its southern margin, washes the northern boundary of the 
township, and Silver creek with its tributaries flows from east to west 
through the central and southern portions. The names given to these 
streams, from the latter of which the township takes its name, are 
significant of the purity and pahitable qualities of their waters and of 
the perennial fountains which dot their margins and spring spontaneous 
from the fertile hillsides in many other parts of the township. 

About one-third of the township is prairie land, lying mostly south 
of Silver creek and along the Howard county line. Most, if not all 
of this, however, is now under fence and in cultivation, and if one 
familiar with the appearance of the country 50 years ago, and who 
had been absent that length of time, should now return, he would 
find but few landmarks and but little else by which he could identify 
the fields over which moved the grasses and bloomed the flowers of 
Foster's and the Four-mile prairies in the days of his childhood. Of 
the magnificent forests that originally covered the remaining two- 
thirds of the township, about one-half has given way to cultivated 
fields, so that now only about one-third of the territory remains in 
timber. 

Of this, the leading varieties are white oak, burr oak, Spanish oak, 
red oak, black oak, pin oak, white and black walnut, hickory, black- 
berry and elm. 

In localities suited to their growth may also be found the sycamore, 
ash, maple, linden, sassafras, coffee-bean, honey-locust and per- 
simmon. 

Many of the varieties of these trees have grown to magnificent pro- 
portions, particularly the white oaks, burr oaks, sycamores, walnuts 
and elms. An old settler tells us of a sycamore seven feet in diameter 
which, in 1832, stood on the banks of Silver creek, near the place 
where the Huntsville and Glasgow road now crosses the stream. 

The educational advantages are first class. 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 171 

Nine capacious and well built school-houses, includino; a graded 
school building at Roanoke, all furnished with improved appliances to 
facilitate instruction, supply the youth of all parts of the township 
with mental and moral training not surpassed by those of any rural 
district in the State. 

The leading Protestant religious denominations, embracing Baptist, 
Methodist, Presbyterians and Christians, have places of public 
worship and hold regular services ; the Missionary Baptists being the 
most numerous while the others are quite respectable in numbers. 
There are three churches in the township, three of which are Baptists 
and the other two are union churches. 

The region of country embraced within the limits of this township 
is remarkable for its healthfulness, and there is only one physician, 
Dr. A. Aldridge,-who keeps his office at Mt. Airy, which is the only 
post-office. 

At Mt. Airy are also a store of dry-goods and groceries, kept 
by Mr. James Smith, a blacksmith and wagon shop, and a large 
tobacco factory, operated by Messrs. Evans & Patterson, who prise 
and ship their tobacco. This place is the business center of the 
northern part of the township, while the people of the southern part 
do their trading at Roanoke, a larger village, which lies partly ia 
Howard and partly in Randolph county, the main business part of the 
town and its post-office being in Howard county. 

There are two voting precincts in Silver Creek township, one at 
Mt. Airy and the other in that part of Roanoke which lies in this 
county. 

Mt. Airy is located on the public road leading from Huntsville to 
Roanoke, about 7 miles from the former place and 12 miles from 
Moberly. There is plenty of coal in this township and the local 
demand is easily supplied, for which purposes only have the mines 
been so far developed*. The indications are, however, that with 
proper facilities for transportation, a large business could be done in 
shipping this mineral to outside markets. 

There are two corn and saw mills in the township, one owned by J. 
C. Head and the other by James Bagby. The latter is engaged also 
to some extent in the manufacture of flour. 

OLD SETTLERS. 

Silver Creek has held on well to its old settlers, and quite a number 
who settled there before and about the time the township was organ- 
ized are still living there in advanced age, while the descendants of 



172 HISTORY or RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

most of those who have since died, yet cling to the homes of their 
childhood and linger around the graves of their fathers. 

Among these are John Viley, who has been judge of the county 
court, Nicholas Dysart, George W. Dameron, once sheriff, Woodson 
Newby, James Goodman, Morgan Finnell, William Burton, William 
Thompson, William R. Burcli, George Ellis, Newton Bradley, Jeff. 
Fullington, Samuel Cockrell, John Minor, Paschall Troyman, Leven 
I. Dawkins, John Vaughan, Cornelius Vaughan, Allen Mayo, John 
Alexander, William E. Walden, William Nichols, Roderick O'Brien, 
William Holman, Joseph Holman, Sr., John Sears, Sr., Hardy Sears, 
Iverson Sears, Allen Mayo, William Mayo, Valentine Mayo, John 
Rowland, Younger Rowland, D. R. Denny, Samuel C. Davis, Isaiah 
Humphrey, William Fort, Asa Kirby, John Head, Ambrose Medley, 
Basil McDavitt, Sr., Roger West, James Davis, Rev. Samuel C. Davis, 
Thomas Bradley, Tolmau C. B. Gorham, Tolman Gorham, Jr., Thomas 
Gorham, Ambrose Halliburton, William Morrow and Joseph Morrow. 

Mr. William Mathis, beter known as Uncle Billy Mathis, emigrated 
from North Carolina in the year 1827 and erected his cabin, in primi- 
tive pioneer style, on 80 acres of land entered at government price, 
within five miles of where Mt. Airy now stands, and he is still living, 
in his 81st year, within a half mile of that place, having been a resi- 
dent of the county 52 years. He was married when he came to the 
State, but never had any children. He was here before the county 
was organized, and mentions William Holman, Abraham Gross and 
James Dysart as residents when he came, the first of whom Avas en- 
gaged in running a horse mill. 

Jerry Jackson came with Uncle Billy from North Carolina, and set- 
tled in the same neighborhood, but emigrated to Texas several years 
ago. 

About the year 1837, Capt. William Upton, another old settler, 
opened a store at his place in connection with D. C. Garth, who lived 
at Huntsville, and had another store there. A blacksmith shop and a 
tobacco factory were soon after erected, and the place was first called 
Uptonsville. The enterprising people of the vicinity, however, were 
not long in obtaining a post-ofiice, which was christened Mt. Airy, a 
name which it has ever since borne. Capt. Upton, several years be- 
fore the late war, sold out his farm and store and moved south of the 
Missouri river, where he still lives, far advanced in years. 

The business at Mt. Airy has several times since changed hands, 
and for the most part during the late Civil W^ar was entirely suspended. 
It was afterwards revived and increased, and its renewed prosperity 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 173 

t 

has been well maintained. The mercantile establishment there, for 
several years immediately after the war, was owned and managed by 
James B. Thompson, Esq. 

Judge James Head, one of Silver Creek's pioneers, a resident when 
the county was organized, and one of the judges of the first county 
court, founded Roanoke on the Howard county line in 1836. The 
place at first went by several names, as suited the fancy of the set- 
tlers, such as Head's Store, and Van Buren, the favorite and success- 
ful Democratic candidate for the presidency for that year. But when 
the post-oflBce was established there, at the suggestion of Judge 
Head, it was named for the residence of a favorite statesman of his 
native State — the celebrated John Randolph, of Roanoke. Judge 
Head emigrated to Randolph county, from Orange county, Virginia, 
several years before the county was organized. He was accompanied 
by his sister, Mrs. Fannie Medley and her husband, Jacob Medley, who 
settled near him, and was the first collector of Randolph county. 
Judge Head lived on his farm adjoining Roanoke, and carried on bus- 
iness in the town, until 1849, when he moved to Lockhart, Texas, 
where he died in 1875, at the age of 82 years. He was followed to 
this State in 1831 by his father and mother, and all his remaining 
brothers and sisters, except Mrs. Minor Rucker, who came with her 
husband and family in 1837. They all settled in Randolph county. 
His father, John Head, and his brother, John Head, Jr., settled in Sil- 
ver Creek, two miles north of Roanoke, the former on the farm where 
he resided until his death in 1852, and which the latter now owns and 
occupies. All the others settled in and around Huntsville. These 
were Dr. Walker Head, Avho was twice elected to the Legislature from 
this county, and at the time of his death in 1845, he had just been 
elected a delegate to the State Convention, to revise the Constitution. 
Mrs. Emily Chiles, Mrs. Sarah D. Allen, Mrs. Amanda Garth, and 
Mrs. Harriet Rucker were other members of the family. Mrs. Mar- 
tha Price, the youngest daughter, was single when she came to the 
State, and was married to General Sterling Price, at her fjither's res- 
idence in Silver Creek township, in the year 1833. Capt. John Head, 
who, as we have stated, resides upon his father's homestead adjoining 
the farm on which he settled in 1831, has been engaged in agricultural 
pursuits for 52 years. He raised a family of nine children — four sons 
and five daughters, seven of whom are still living. Capt. Head has 
always taken a lively interest in politics on the Democratic side, ever 
since the days of Andrew Jackson, for whom he cast his first vote for 
President in 1824. 



174 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

Mr. Robert Smith, who owns a fine farm, upon which he operated 
a tobacco factory, half a mile east of Mt. Airy, is an old settler. 
He came to Huntsville in 1837, where he "remained six years, and 
then moved to Silver Creek. He is now 73 years of age, and has 
raised a family of six children, three girls and three boys. In 1842 
he bought the Cooley farm, one mile east of Huntsville. The farm 
is underlaid by a four-foot vein of coal. 

Mr. John Osborn has resided in the county 50 years, having emi- 
grated from Orange county, Va., in 1835. He is now 67 years old. 
He purchased dry goods and other family supplies at Old Chariton, in 
Chariton county. Allen Mayo, Daniel McDavitt and William Fer- 
guson were Mr. Osborn's earliest neighbors, having preceded him in 
the settlement. 

Rev. William H. Mansfield ^ resided one mile north-east of Roanoke, 
on the farm of 200 acres which he settled in 1831, and was one of the 
oldest men in Silver Creek township at the time of his death. He 
was born in Orange county, Va., and resided in this county 50 years. 
He was married in 1814, in Virginia, to Miss Salina Eddings, who still 
survives, and they have had 13 children. Mr. Mansfield was a vet- 
eran of the War of 1812, and drew the usual pension. He took a 
just pride in having participated in the stirring events of that great 
national drama, in which his valor and patriotism contributed to win 
imperishable honor for Americans and vindicated our national motto, 
*'Free Trade and Sailors' Rights." He never departed from the 
political faith which inspired his early manhood, and in his old age he 
adhered with unwavering fidelity to the principles which in his youth 
he drew his sword to defend. He was a devoted Christian, and a 
member of the Missionary Baptist Church for nearly three-quarters of 
a century. He was ordained a minister of the gospel in 1832, and 
for more than 40 years valiantly carried the banner of the Cross, until 
increasing age and corpulency compelled him to abandon the active 
duties of the ministry, when, under a conscious conviction of having 
finished his appointed work, he retired to the shades of a more private 
life. Being seldom away from home he was very often called upon to 
perform the marriage ceremony, and was noted for his clemency 
towards runaway couples, whom he never declined to unite, unless 
prevented by a legal barrier. He was remarkable for his sociability 
and hospitality, and always gave his friends a dinner on Christmas 
Day, and on New Year's 1878, he celebrated his golden wedding. 



* Weighed 300 pounds. 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 175 

Mrs. Saliiia Mansfield, his wife, is the oldest lady in the township. 
She was born in Orange county, Va., in 1798, and is now 86 years of 
age. She ismuch beloved on account of her social and Christian virtues, 
and, like her husband, has been a zealous Christian and member of 
the Baptist Church during the period of their married life. She was 
a few years ago quite active, rode horseback, and attended to the do- 
mestic duties of the family. 

In this township an extra crop of corn is 50 bushels per acre, and 
the average 40. An extra crop of wheat is 30 bushels per acre, and 
the average is 21. An extra crop of oats is 45 bushels per acre, and 
the average is 25. An extra crop of tobacco is 1,500 pounds per acre, 
and the average is 1,000. Meadows are abundant and the hay crop 
is generally good. 




CHAPTEE X. 

SUGAR CREEK TOWNSHIP. 

Its History — Earliest Settlers — Agriculture — Streams — Yield of Products — His- 
tory of Moberly — First Elections — Mayors and Present City Officers — Our 
Railroads — Machine Shops — Coal Mines — Grist Mills — Agricultural Imple- 
ments — Furniture — Foundries and Machine Shops — Cotton and Woolen Mills — 
Wagon and Carriage Factories — Tobacco and Cigars — Creamery — Potter's Ware — 
Gas — Newspapers — Water and Water Works — Building and Loan Associations — 
Agricultural Society — Eake and Stacker Factory — Scroll and Fancy Work — Soda 
Bottling — Bricks — Minor Manufactories — Eeal Estate Agencies — Commercial — 
Schools — Churches — Hotels — Improvements — The Professions — Miscellane- 
ous—Banks — Members of the Board of Trade— Secret Orders — Court of 
Common Pleas. 

SUGAR CREEK TOWNSHIP. 

This is one of the original municipal townships, and was organized 
in 1829. Its general shape is that of an L, a strip six miles long and 
two miles wide forming the lower extension of the letter, while a strip 
four miles wide and six and a half miles long composes the upper ex- 
tension. The township contains about thirty-six square miles. It has 
been much reduced from its original limits, other townships having 
been formed from it. The narrow strip of the township reaches to the 
eastern border of the county, while the greater body of land lies six 
miles west of that boundary. A large proportion of the terrritory is 
prairie, but there is abundance of timber for all the practical purposes 
of the farmer. 

The "divide" runs through its territory in a north direction, in 
the eastern central portion of the township. The eastern part, there- 
fore, contributes its waters to the Mississippi river, while the streams 
of the western part are tributary to the Missouri. 

Among the earliest settlers having made their homes in the county 
before it was originated, were Reuben Cornelius, Benjamin Hardin, 
Malcom Galbreath and T. N. Galbreath. From the latter, now living 
in Prairie township, we learn that, in 1822, when he first settled there, 
and even at a much later period, elk, deer, bear, wild turkeys and 
grouse were abundant for game, while wolves, foxes, wild cats and 
panthers were numerous. Col. P. P. Ruby, T. P. White, John Han- 
nah, Alexander Jones, John Grimes, Elijah Williams, Patrick Lynch, 
W. H. Baird and Eli Owens were among the early settlers. 
(176) 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 177 

Wild honey proved a profitable crop, and could be found with little 
labor. In 1823, or 1824, Mr. Whittenburg built a mill in the south- 
eastern part of the county, and Mr. Goggin one within the present cor- 
porate limits of Huntsville. These were draught or horse mills, grind- 
ing corn alone. Previous to that meal was ground on hand mills or 
grated on graters prepared for the purpose. Little wheat flour was 
used, and what was consumed was brought from Old Franklin, more 
than forty miles distant. 

The land is diversified with prairie and timber ; comparatively little 
of it is so broken as to be unfit for cultivation, and all of it is adapted 
to grazing. The climate has undergone a great change within the 
recollection of those now living, and is much milder than a half cen- 
tury ago. Snows fell more frequently, and were deeper then than at 
the present time. The ground froze to a greater depth, but it was 
more easily cultivated than now. The summers have become warmer, 
and crops mature at an earlier date. Harvests that were .gathered in 
July and August then are gathered now in June and July. 

A piece of information given by some of our oldest citizens is im- 
portant. In the early settlement of the county the native grasses held 
possession of the soil, and blue grass was unknown. When the lands 
were enclosed, and the trampling and grazing of stock had killed the 
native grass, blue grass began to make its appearance ; showing that 
it is an indigenous growth in this soil, and neither cultivation nor graz- 
ing will destroy it. 

The township settled up slowly, owing, in great part, to its remote- 
ness even from local markets and the want of adequate transportation 
to foreign marts. The farmers fed their grain and grass to live stock, 
and dei^ended upon the " drovers " to purchase their cattle, horses and 
hogs. After the construction of the North Missouri Railroad, settle- 
ments became more common, and since the close of the Civil War they 
have advanced rapidly. Within the last twelve years fully two-thirds 
of the land now cultivated by farmers in Sugar Creek township has 
been prepared for the plow. Its growth since then has contrasted 
strangely with its tardy improvement in previous years. Farms have 
been opened in every direction, population has increased tenfold, man- 
ufactories have been established, and a new era has been inaugurated. 

The creeks in this township are numerous, but as the land lies along 
the dividing ridge of eastern and western waters, these streams are all 
small. They, however, supply abundance of water for the loose stock. 
In the absence of springs, farmers prepare with little labor convenient 



178 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

ponds, which, being once filled, iire never empty until they become 
filled by the gradual washing of the soil. The character of the sub- 
stratum is admirably adapted to such convenience, being a stifi'clay 
that forms an almost solid bottom and a safe receptacle. 

The variety of agricultural products is not surpassed by any other 
country in the world. While there are other lands that may produce 
one, two or even three crops in larger proportion, there are none 
that will yield so generous a harvest of such a great variety of 
productions. And this fact constitutes the chief charm of Central 
Missouri. To enumerate is only to repeat what has a thousand 
times been said : Corn, wheat, oats, barley, rye, flax, Hungarian 
grass, millet, clover, blue grass, apples, peaches, pears, quinces, and 
the smaller fruits and berries, potatoes, yams, artichokes, beets, all 
the vegetables for the kitchen garden, tobacco, and numerous other 
vegetable products, grow with proper culture, and give back ample 
remuneration for the toil of the husbandman. 

Coal underlies a large area of the township. New and valuable 
mines have been and are constantly being opened. As the manufac- 
tories of Moberly and the demands of the railroads increase, these 
will be fully developed, making a valuable acquisition to the indus- 
tries of the township and employing a large number of laborers. 
This trade is constantly increasing and must prove a source of large 
profit in the near future. 

Within a comparatively short time, the school interests have re- 
ceived a new impetus. Schools are convenient to every part of the 
township, there being 11, including those in Moberly, within its lim- 
its. These are equal to the best common schools in any section of 
the country, and give instruction in all the rudimentary branches of 
education. For the pay of teachers the State furnishes a large fund 
to every organized district. The balance of the money needed for 
teachers, apparatus, library and contingent expenses, is derived from 
taxation upon all the property of the district, nothing but churches 
and cemeteries being exempt. 

The population will compare favorably for intelligence, morality, 
enterprise, hospitality, liberality and thrift, with that of the same 
number of people in any part of the Union. The population of the 
township is about 12,000, possibly more, no census having been taken 
for several years ; this is but a fair estimate. They represent all sec- 
tions of the Union, all political parties, all denominations of Chris- 
tians in the West, a multitude of occupations and an aggregation of 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 179 

those higher qualities of manhood that give tone and character to a 
community. Every industrious immigrant is cordially greeted. 

The churches in the township, including those in Moberly, are 14 
ni number ; besides which, the school houses are frequently used 
for religious meetings. There are few townships in Missouri where 
the number of houses of worship is in such large proportion to the 
population. 

As the manufactories are nearly all in the city of Moberly, we shall 
speak of them in connection with our review of its industries and 
business. 

The average yield of land in Sugar Creek township is thus reported 
by farmers who have had a long experience : Corn, per acre, average 
crop, 25 bushels ; good crop, 35 bushels ; extra crop, 50 bushels. 
[When an unusually good season and extra cultivation and care on 
well prepared ground have combined, these figures have been doubled]. 
Wheat, average crop, 15 bushels ; good crop, 20 bushels ; extra, 30 
bushels. Oats, average, 30 bushels; good, 40 bushels; extra, 50 to 
60 bushels. Rye, average, 40 bushels ; good, 50 bushels ; extra, 60 
bushels. Tobacco, average, 1,200 pounds; good, 1,500 pounds; ex- 
tra, 1,800 pounds. Timothy hay, average, 3,000 pounds; good, two 
tons. 

It is difficult, if not impossible, to estimate, even approximately, 
the number of live stock shipped or exported from the township, as 
Moberly is not the only shipping point from which its products are 
sent, and many mules, horses and cattle are driven on foot to remote 
points. The aggregate is very large, and the returns to the farmers 
very remunerative. 

MOBERLY. 

But a few years ago, comparatively speaking, the present beautiful 
town site of Moberly was covered with wild grass, over which roamed 
at will the cattle of the neighboring farmers, who, at that time little 
dreamed that the unbroken quietude of the prairie range would soon be 
disturbed by the shrill whistle of the locomotive, the hum of machin- 
ery, and the din and noise of a busy and populous city. Almost at a 
single bound the bantling sprang into vigorous life, defying all oppo- 
sition, and transcending the hopes of its most ardent friends, who 
looked and wondered, until the fair young city now looms up as one 
of the most remarkable and rapidly built monuments of Western 
pluck and Western energy to be found outside of the mining reo-ions 
of the Rocky Mountains. 



180 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 



ITS HISTORY. 

Ill 1858 a charter was granted to the Chariton and Randolph Rail- 
road Company, with authority to construct a road from a point in 
Randolph county to Brunswick, in Chariton county. It was desirable 
that this road should tap the North Missouri road at the most conven- 
ient point for its construction, and what is now Moberly was fixed upon 
as the point of departure. The company laid off a town and drove up 
stakes marking the lots. The village of Allen, one mile north of where 
Moberly now stands, contained several houses, and was the shipping 
pf)int for Huntsville and other points west. To induce the abandonment 
of this village, the Chariton and Randolph Company offered to all who 
would remove their houses to the new site the same amount of ground 
they owned and occupied in Allen. This was in the summer of 1861. 
But the inhabitants of Allen either had no confidence in the com- 
pany's ability to build the road, or thought their own town better 
located, and destined in the future to beat its rival, which then existed 
only in name and on maps. From whatever cause, the proposition 
was rejected by the majority, and was accepted by only one person. 
Patrick Lynch, an Irishman, who still resides near the corporate lim- 
its of Moberly, had a small, one-story frame house in Allen, and be- 
lieving the junction would one day be the better point, he placed his 
domicile on rollers, took a yoke of oxen, and drew it down to what 
were then and still are lots 11 and 12 in block 12, fronting on Clark 
street, opposite to the Merchants' Hotel, and running east with Reed 
street to the alley between Clark and Sturgeon. The west end of 
these lots is now occupied as a grocery store by Messrs. Hegarty. 

This was the beginning of Moberly. The land around was a prairie, 
without fence or enclosure of any kind, and here Pat Lynch lived with 
his family, solitary and alone. The Allenites laughed at him, but he 
stuck to his contract and stayed. The Civil War put a temporary em- 
bargo upon town building, and Patrick concluded to profit by his 
lonely position. He plovyed up the stakes set to mark the lots, and 
cultivated the land on the west side of the railroad, where the business 
houses of Moberly now stand. Nothing was done toward the further 
sale of lots by the Chariton and Randolph Railroad Company, and Pat 
continued to occupy the place and *' hold the fort" during the con- 
tinuance of the war, unmolested by soldiers. 

When business began to revive after the cessation of hostilities, the 
franchises and property of the Chariton and Randolph Railroad Com- 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 181 

pany passed into the hands of the North Missouri Railroad Company, 
and the project of building the road and extending it to Kansas City 
was renewed. At the head of that company was Isaac M. Sturgeon, 
of St. Louis, a practical business man of eminent ability and forecast, 
and endowed with an indomitable spirit of energy and enterprise. 

Having determined to complete the extension to Kansas City, it 
seemed to be certain that a large town would grow up somewhere 
about midway between the eastern and western termini of the road. 
The junction of the north end with the western branch seemed to offer 
a good opportunity to lay out and establish such a place. Moberly 
was, therefore, resurveyed, and a sale of lots was advertised to take 
place on the grounds September 27, 1866. In the first map of the 
place, issued by the auctioneers, Messrs. Barlow, Valle & Bush, of 
St. Louis, machine shop grounds were indicated and the picture of 
a house, somewhat resembling a southern cotton gin, combined with 
a Kentucky rope walk, was sketched on its face. The terms of 
sale were one-third cash when the deed was ready, one-third in one 
year and one-third in two years, with interest at the rate of six 
per cent on deferred payments — $10 on each lot to be paid at the 
time of bidding. The sale was pretty largely attended and lots sold 
at fair prices. The lot on which the Merchants' Hotel now stands 
was sold for $150, and some other lots brought prices ranging from 
$85 to $125. The average price of lots at this sale was between 
$45 and $50. Before the sale began, Mr. Sturgeon ordered that lots 
11 and 12, in block 12, be marked off to Patrick Lynch and a deed 
to them be made, he to pay $1 as recorder's fee. This, as Mr. Stur- 
geon said, was in consideration of the fact that Pat had '< held the 
city during the war without the loss of a life or a house." Among 
the purchasers at that sale, who now live in Moberly, were Wm. 
H. Robinson, O. F. Chandler, Dr. C. J. Tannehill, Elijah Williams, 
John Grimes, Ernest Miller, C. Otto, J. G. Zahn, Patrick Lynch 
and others, perhaps, whose names we have not learned. 

Immediately after the sale S. P. Tate began the construction of a 
hotel on the south-west corner of Clark and Reed streets. The struc- 
ture was a two-story frame. John Grimes also began the building of 
a hotel on Sturgeon street, which, being completed before Tate's, is 
the first house ever built in Moberly. It is the American Hotel, 
near the corner of Sturgeon and Rollins streets, and now occupied 
by Martin Curry, as a hostelrie. Messrs. Chandler, Otto, Robinson, 
Miller, McDaniel and other parties followed in rapid succession, and 



182 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

the noise of hammer and saw was heard everywhere along Clark, 
Reed, Sturgeon and Coates streets. 

Mr. Adam Given, now of the banking house of Avery, Woolfolk & 
Co., owned a horse mill and sawed the lumber for the first house 
erected in Moberly. The house is still standing. 

The original plat of the town embraced four blocks north of 
Franklin street and bounded on the north by the lands of the railroad 
company ; five blocks and five half blocks on the west side of the rail- 
road, from Wightman street on the south to the railroad lands on the 
north, and from Sturgeon street on the east to the alley between Clark 
and Williams streets on the west ; and also fourteen blocks on the east 
side of the railroad, from Sturgeon to Morley, and from Wightman 
street to the township road on the north. At the first sale no lots on 
the east side of the railroad were disposed of, and the new buildings 
were erected on the west side. The first brick house built in INfoberly 
was the dwellins; which stands on the south-west corner of Coates and 
Williams streets, erected by Perry McDonald. In the fall of 1867, 
another sale took place, at which a large number of lots on the east 
side were sold, and the work of extending the area of the city began. 
This sale also attracted many bidders, as live men had begun to ap- 
preciate the value of the location as a business point. 

Since then many additions have been made, and the territory of the 
city has been vastly extended, the old limits being gradually filled 
with business houses and dwellings, the population steadily advancing, 
and the permanency of the location becoming every year more and 
more assured. The wooden structures at first built gave way to more 
substantial and stylish brick edifices, the frame hotels and wooden 
store rooms were superseded by commodious and solid walls, and the 
small one-roomed dwellings were moved to the rear to make room for 
larger and more imposing buildings. 

As a matter of history we record the names of the first dealers in 
the leading lines of trade : Dry goods, Tate & Bennett ; drugs, O. F. 
Chandler, ; groceries, — Lampton, who was immediately succeeded by 
Martin Howlett ; hardware, William Seelen ; furniture, H. H. Forcht, 
and, immediately after, J. G. Zahn, both houses being owned by E. 
H. Petering; lumber, sash, doors and blinds, H. H. Forcht for E. H. 
Petering; jewelry, John N. Kring ; livery, White Bros.; clothing, 
Levy & Krailsheimer ; boots and shoes, L. Brandt ;, butcher, Henry 
Overberg ; barber, O.N. Kaare. 

The first officers of the town were : Trustees, A. T. Franklin, pres- 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 183 

ident ; Chas. Tisue, L. Brandt, Asa Bennett and William Seelen ; mar- 
shal, Martin Hewlett ; jnstice of the peace, E. Sidner ; constable, 
Chas. Featherston ; notary public, W. E. Grimes ; postmaster, Chas. 
Tisue, who was also agent of the Merchants' Union Express Com- 
pany. 

Up to 1873, the 3'ear of the great panic, the amount of building and 
the increase of business were sufficient to justify the assumption of the 
now po^Dular sobriquet of the "Magic City." Mining districts have 
sometimes gathered larger populations in shorter time, but they have 
not carried with them the evidences of solidity and stability that 
marked the growth of Moberly. But the panic placed a temporary 
check upon the spirit of speculation and enterprise. It checked, but 
did not stay the progress of the town. Even under the most dis- 
couraging circumstances the work of extension was continued, and if 
there were fewer buildings erected than in previous years, still the 
citizens and property holders had unfaltering faith in the future of 
Moberly, aad continued to build as the wants of the place demanded. 
Meantime Moberly had grown from a place on paper to a smart village, 
from a village to a town, from a town to a city. 

On the 6th of June, 1868, the first board of trustees met, chose A. 
T, Franklin chairman, and appointed the chairman and C. Tisue to 
draft by-laws and ordinances. At a meeting of the board June 14, 
1869, a resolution was passed offering one of three tracts of land to 
the North Missouri Railroad as a site for the location of the machine 
shops, the ground and its appurtenances to be exempt from city taxes 
so long as they were used for that purpose. These tracts were the 
Concannton farm, 67 acres, northwest of town ; a portion (60 acres) of 
the farms of Grimes and Meals, north of town ; a portion (60 acres) 
of the Hunt and Godfrey farm south of town. J. D. Werden was 
appointed agent of the town to confer with the directors of the rail- 
road. On the 20th of August the purchasing committee reported that 
James Meals offered to sell " near six acres alono; the West Branch 
Railroad at $200 per acre, and the remaining portion north of said 
strip and including the ground his house is on, extending north to 
the north line of the land known as the reservoir land, at $500 per 
acre." No action was taken by the board on this liberal proposition, 
.but an election was ordered for August 31, 1869, to take the sense of 
the voters as to whether a tract of 100 acres, to cost not exceeding 
$12,000, should be bought for machine shop purposes. At this elec- 
tion T. B. Porter, B. Y. N. Clarkson and Josiah Harlan were judges. 
At a meeting on the 4th of September, A. F. Bunker was appointed 
7 



184 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

a committee of one to close the contract with the raih'oad company 
for the location of the machine shops. 

Quite a panic was created in the fall of 1869 by the appearance 
here of a malignant form of small-pox, and the town incurred heavy 
expense in caring for the patients and taking precautionary measures 
against the spread of the disease. On the 27th of June, 1870, another 
vote was taken to determine whether the town would purchase a tract 
of 104 acres of ground lying north and west of town for the machine 
shops. The result of this election is not recorded, but it was held to 
have been unlawful, having been held on Monday. A new election 
was ordered for August 2, 1870. This election showed perfect 
unanimity pn the subject of the purchase, as there was not a dissent- 
ing voice; and at a meeting of the board of trustees on the 4th of 
August, 20 bonds of the denomination of $1,000 each were ordered 
to be printed. 

At a meeting held August 19, 1870, William Seelen was required, 
in addition to his duties as vice-president of the board, to '* hear and 
try all cases for the violation of the city ordiilances," and on the 7th 
of October he was appointed to purchase six street lamps. The bond 
of the town collector was fixed at $4,000; but in 1871 it was raised 
to $10,000, showing a hundred and fifty per cent increase in the 
revenue within two years. On the 24th of August, 1871, the presi- 
dent of the board was authorized to borrow " such a sum of money as 
he may be able to obtain at 15 per cent interest for the longest time 
he can get said money, for the improvement of the streets of 
Moberly," for which the bonds of the town were to be issued. On 
the 13th of November, 1871, the proposition to donate money to the 
North Missouri Railroad Company for machine shops was renewed. 
On the 21st of March, 1871, the board of trustees accepted the 
proposition of Dr. C. J. Tannehill to donate the block on which the 
public school building now stands as a public park. On the 25th of 
the same month, an election was held to determine whether the city 
should purchase and donate to the St. Louis, Kansas City and North- 
ern Railroad Company 200 acres of land lying between the west 
branch and the main line, for the erection of machine shops. The 
election resulted favorably, the board of trustees proposed to donate 
this land, also 618 acres one and a half miles west of that tract, and. 
exempt the whole for twenty years from all city taxes. Another 
inducement held out was that the land thus o-jven contained an inex- 
haustible bed of coal. Hon. William A. Hall was appointed the agent 
of the town to present the proposition. The contract was subse- 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 185 

quciitly made and was ratified b}^ the trustees of Moberlj April 2, 
1872. " ,. . 

At a meeting of the board on the 3d of April, 1872, W. F. Barrows 
was appointed to contract for the lithographing of seventy bonds of 
the denomination of $500 each, bearing 10 per cent interest, and 
amounting in the aggregate to $35,000, payable in 10 years. He 
was also empowered to sell these bonds without limitation as to price. 
At the same time a sjDecial election was ordered to take place May 10, 
1872, to determine whether the town would purchase 818 acres of land 
for the car shops. The election resulted in favor of the purchase by 
a vote of 299 for, to 4 against it, and bonds to the amount of $27,000 
were ordered to be issued. On the 26th of August, same year, right 
of way was granted to the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railway Com- 
pany to construct their road the entire length of Moulton street, and 
across " any other street in said town." 

An election was held February 1, 1873, to ascertain "whether a 
majority of the citizens of the town are in favor of having the town 
of Moberly incorporated under a special charter by act of the Legis- 
lature," J. T. Young, J. H. Burkholder, H. M. Porter, B. Y. N. 
Clarkson and T. P. White having been appointed in the preceding 
December to draft the charter. This election resulted in favor of the 
charter, and T, P. White was appointed to go to Jeiferson City in the 
interest of the town. On the 5th of March, a legislative delegation 
visited Moberly and a supper was given them by the city, which cost 
$272. 

The first election under the charter granted by the Legislature was 
held April 8, 1873, and resulted as follows: T. P. White, mayor; 
councilman at large, C. P. Apgar ; councilmen : First ward, H. C 
Moss; Second ward, William Seelen ; Third ward, D. H. Fitch and 
B. R. White. Clerk, C. B. Rodes. At that election, also, it was de- 
cided to fund the debt of the town, under the general law, by a vote 
of 509 to 4. The bonds of the city were ordered by the first council 
to be of the denomination of $500 each, to be issued to W. F. Bar- 
rows or bearer, payable 10 years after date, redeemable at option of 
the city after five years, with ten per cent interest payable semi-annu- 
ally. The bonds authorized to be issued amounted to $30,000. 

The mayors of the city, from its organization to the present time, 
have been T. P. White, 1873-4 ; J. H. Burkholder, 1874-5 ; W. L. 
Durbin, 1875-6; J. C. Hickerson, 1876-7 and 1877-8; W. T. Mc- 
Canne 1878-9; J. H. Burkholder, 1879-80; George L. Hassett, 
in 1880-1 ; P. J. Carmody, 1881-2 ; Daniel S. Forney, 1883. Pres- 



186 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

eiit city officers and coiincilmeii are : City attorney, W. S. Sand- 
ford ; recorder, D. A. Coates ; clerk, Charles L. Hunn ; collector, 
Joseph B. Davis ; marshal, George Keating ; treasurer, C. P. Apgar. 
Councilmen, W. Chisholm, J. A. Camplin, E. H. Mix, M. A. Hays, 
W. M. Coyle, Norris Tattle. During these years the population of 
the city has largely increased, elegant business houses, hotels, public 
school buildings and private residences have been erected, and all the 
appliances of a young and vigorous city have been added. The Mis- 
souri, Kansas and Texas Railroad has been completed through the 
limits of the city and railroad transportation to any part of the country 
is easily obtained. 

November 1, 1883, the Board of Trade of Moberly published a 
paper called the Moberly Board of Trade Review, and as the indus- 
tries, manufactories, enterprises and business interests of the city have 
been admirablv classified and concisely treated of under their proper 
headings, in that paper, we take from it the following extracts : — 

OUR RAILROADS. 

As the permanency and prosperity of Moberly depend almost wholly 
upon the railroads centering here or contributing to her commercial 
growth, as they furnish the only means of transporting our products 
to distant markets, we mention them first in order. Taking Moberly 
as a center, the Wabash, St. Louis and Pacific Railroad extends east- 
ward to St. Louis and westward to Kansas City, Mo. At these 
points connection is made with the great trunk lines leading to the 
Atlantic seaboard on one side and the Pacific coast on the other. Mo- 
berly is the central point between the two places, is the terminus of 
one and the beginning of another division and is the point at which all 
repairs are made, all engines are manufactured and all cars are built. 
The Wabash, St. Louis and Pacific is one of the leading roads in Mis- 
souri, and its tonnage during the year shows a traffic second to no west- 
ern road. Four mails daily pass over this route. 

Stretching north-westerly from Moberly, also, is the Omaha branch 
of the Wabash, terminating at Omaha, Nebraska, and there connect- 
ing with the Union Pacific, with which it is closely allied. A very 
large proportion of the California trade and travel passes over this 
branch, and as this is one of the termini, much of the freight is 
handled at this point. These two roads cross a number of lines run- 
nins: north and south through Missouri, which thus become valuable 
feeders from the northern portion of the state. 

Northward from Moberly a road extends to Ottumwa, Iowa, and 
connects with the Iowa and Minnesota systems. It crosses sevenil 
important east and west lines, furnishing direct communication with 
north-eastern and north-western Missouri and all of Iowa and Minne- 
sota. Two mails arrive daily fi-om the north. 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 187 

The Kansas and Texas branch of the Missouri Pacific Railway runs 
north-easterly to Hannibal and there connects with roads running north- 
ward through Keokuk and Bnrlington, Iowa, and north-easterly to 
Chicago. Two trains daily leave Moberly for Chicago and two arrive 
from that point, besides a number of freight trains. 

South-westerly this road traverses South-west Missouri, South-east 
Kansas and the Indian Territory and enters Texas at Denison. It 
crosses the Chicago and Alton at Higbee, Randolph county, Missouri, 
the Missouri Pacific at Sedalia and the St. Louis and San Francisco at 
Vinita, I. T. It is part of the great consolidated South-western system 
and connects with the main lines of Texas. 

Numerous branches from all these roads tap the richest agricultural 
and mining lands in the West. Thus Moberly is in close proximity to 
the cotton fields of Texas, the lead mines of South-west Missouri, the 
iron mines of South-east Missouri and the grain fields of the w^hole 
trans-Mississippi Valley, It is on the direct line of travel between 
New York and San Francisco ; it is located on one of the railroads 
that carries the products of the great South-west to the great St. Louis, 
Cliicago and eastern markets. It stretches its iron arms into remote 
territories and enables the manufacturer to ship his wares direct from 
this point to almost every prominent place on the continent, and espec- 
ially to the thriving towns and villages of the West. Its facilities for 
transportation are, therefore, unsurpassed. Other railroads are talked 
of, but even with those already built the advantages are better than 
those of any other town in the interior of Missouri. 

As an evidence of the growing importance of these roads, we give 
below a statement of the passenger and freight business during the 
periods indicated : — 

The number and value of passenger tickets sold at this point for 
the last three years is as follows : — 

1881, No. tickets sold, 45,766 $88,526.95 

1882, <' " '« 43,208 97,346.60 

1883, (9 mos. to Sep. 30) 34,396 84,542.05 

Allowins: that the last three months of 1883 will average with the 
first nine (and they more than did so), the number of tickets sold 
during the year will reach 45,8(31 and the receipts will be $113,722.73, 
an increase over the previous year of nearly seventeen per cent, 
and over the year 1882 over twenty-eight per cent. 

Comparing the freight received and forwarded in 1882 and 1883, the 
increase is still more marked. The receipts for freight during the 
month of August, 1882, were $9,675.53, during the month of Aug- 
ust, 1883, $11,988.55 — an increase of $2,313.02, or nearly twenty- 
four per cent. The receipts of September, 1882, were, $9,981.03; 
for September, 1883, $15,352.17 — anincrease of $5, 371, 14, or nearly 
fifty-four per cent. The tonnage of freight forwarded by the Wabash 
for the first five months of 1879 was 7,531,130 pounds; while for the 
single month of August, 1883, it was 6,378,670 pounds. The cash 
receipts on freight for the same periods were, January 1 to June 1, 



188 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

1879, $17,509.28; for the single month of September, 1883, the re- 
ceipts were $15,352.17. 

We have given these figures as a slight indication of the rapid and 
steady growth of the city of Moberly. 

These roads are all equipped with an abundance of the finest rolling 
stock — palace coaches, sleeping cars, freight and stock cars, magnifi- 
cent engines and all the needful vehicles for the trans[)ortation ot the 
products of our orchards, fields and mines. Thus these roads are 
continually pouring through our city a flood of cars laden with the 
silks and teas of China and Japan, the wines and fruits of California, 
the gold and silver of Colorado and the western territories, the wheat 
and corn of Kansas, Nebraska and Western Missouri, the cotton, grain, 
cattle and horses of Texas, the manufactured goods of New England, 
the agricultural machinery and other products of States farther east,. 
and the lumber from the pineries of the North. 

MACHINE SHOPS. 

By large donations of land, the city secured the location here of the 
immense machine shops of what is now the W^abash, St. Louis and 
Pacific Railway. They are located on a tract of 218 acres of land lying 
in the northern limits of the city, though the company owns over 800 
acres in the immediate vicinity of the shops. Under the contract be- 
tween the railroad company and the city these shops cannot be removed, 
but mustever be the main shops of the Wabash, St. Louis and Pacific 
Railway and its successors. Even the forfeiture of the land donated 
would not release the company from the contract, and as immense 
buildings have been erected they will ever remain a prominent and 
permanent feature of the manufacturing interests of Moberly. 

Everything connected with a railroad, except the rails and wheels, 
are here manufactured. Engines, coaches, passenger, freight and 
stock cars, velocipedes, cabooses and everything that moves on the 
track are made. Here, too, the bridges, station houses and boarding 
" shanties" of the road are built and shipped wherever needed. 

The water necessary for all this work is derived from a lake cover- 
ing several acres of ground and measuring about 20 feet in depth 
in the deepest parts. The lake is fed and maintained by small rivu- 
lets that prevail during the spring and fall seasons, and affords an abun- 
dance of water all the year round for every demand of the car and 
machine shops. 

From 650 to 900 men are constantly employed in building engines 
and constructing coaches and cars. They form a part of the per- 
manent citizenship of the place. Many of them have acquired prop- 
erty since they came here, and own their homes. For industry, 
intelligence, integrity and sobriety, they will compare favorably with 
the same number of men in any department of business or in any 
profession. Their large library, located in the office building on the 
shop grounds, and containing over 1,000 volumes, is evidence that 
they are actuated by high moral principles and superior intelligence. 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 189 

They are skilled workmen, and the products of these shops are not 
excelled by those of any similar manufactory in the Union. Whether 
in the production of engines, sleeping, dining, passenger, baggage, or 
freiirht cars, the work is a model of completeness and excellence. In 
the brass and iron foundries, the boiler shops, the forges, and the 
wood-work department, only the finest and most costly machinery is 
used. The fuel necessary to carry on this vast work amounts to about 
1,000 tons of coal and 100 cords of wood monthly. This fuel is ob- 
tained in this immediate vicinity, and thus aids in the establishment of 
other industries. 

COAL MINES. 

As previously stated, the entire county is underlaid with valuable 
beds of coal. At Renick, six miles south of Moberly, several 
shafts have been sunk and beds of coal of great thickness and won- 
derful heating power have been worked for several years. West of 
Moberly, between this city and Hunts ville, three or four mines have 
been opened on the line of railroad, giving employment to hundreds 
of miners and affording an excellent quality of fuel. 

Three-fourths of a mile north-west of this city, and connected 
with it by a branch railroad, is the Williams mine, opened a short 
time ago. The depth of the shaft is 115 feet. The coal is found in 
layers of from four to four and a half feet in thickness. The mine 
is absolutely free from water, and the coal is perfectly dry. Its 
heating capacity is equal to that of the best coal of Ohio, Indiana, and 
Illinois, and for making steam is unsurpassed by that of any other 
mine. Owing to want of capital, the proprietor has not been able to 
develop the bed, and is at present only working about 30 hands 
and taking out from 40 to 50 tons per day. He has a lease on 210 
acres, but the lead may be extended for miles. 

In the north-eastern part of the city, and just beside the railroad, 
Timothy Collins has sunk a shaft to the depth of 256 feet, and found 
a bed of coal rangino; in thickness from two feet to four feet two 
inches. This mine has not been fully developed, but arrangements 
are being made to work it thoroughly. 

Other mines will be opened in time, but it requires an amount of 
capital which our people find it practically impossible to command 
at present. The market for all this mineral is as extensive as could 
be desired. Already miners are shipping their products northward 
to Iowa, westward to Kansas and Nebraska, southward to Arkansas, 
and eastward till it comes in contact with the mines in Illinois. 
It is furnished on flats the year round for $1.75 i^er ton. There are 
thousands of acres of it, and many 3^ears must elapse, even should 
manufactories be multiplied many fold, before the mines could be 
even partially exhausted. 

GRIST MILLS. 

Moberly can boast of grist mills which, if not so extensive as those 
of other cities, are at least equal to the best in the quality and 



190 HISTORY or RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

character of their products. Located in the eastern part of the 
city are the Moberly Flouring Mills of Messrs. Simon Bros. They 
were erected in 1874 at a cost of $22,000 ; but since coming into the 
possession of the present proprietors, the}' have been enlarged at 
heavy cost, and greatly increased in capacity. They have ten sets of 
rollers — in fact, all of the most modern improved, machinery of a 
complete roller mill for the manufacture of new or patent process flour. 
They are 40x40 feet, four stories high, with a brick engine and boiler 
house 20x50 feet. There is warehouse capacity for 15,000 bushels of 
wheat, and storage for 1,000 barrels of flour, and 100,000 pounds of 
bran . 

The wheat used is largely obtained from this immediate vicinity, 
the proprietors claiming that the finest flour in the market is made 
from the wheat grown in Randolph and adjacent counties. The pro- 
ducts of these mills are sold along the line of the various rail- 
roads, reaching far into Iowa on the north. New York and Boston 
on the east, and North-eastern and Central Texas. The present 
capacity of the mills is 140 barrels per day, but they are so 
arranged as to be susceptible of great extention at comparatively 
little cost. The proprietors manufactured during the past year 7,000,- 
000 pounds, or 35,000 barrels of flour, all of which has found 
ready sale for cash at remunerative prices, l)esides a large amount ex- 
changed with farmers for wheat. The flour made is equal to the best 
brands manufactured elsewhere, and will command a premium in 
almost any market. 

In close proximity to the Union depot, and almost in the heart of 
the city, is another mill, also erected in 1874, to which is added wool 
carding machinery. It has recently been enlarged and improved, and 
now supplies the best quality of bolted meal to all the surrounding 
country. It is under the management of William Radell, an experi- 
enced miller, and has secured a large and constantly growing trade. 

Very recently a company has been formed in Moberly for the 
erection of a large merchant mill near one of the railroads, in connec- 
nection with which an elevator will be built. 

AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS. 

Fully $25,000 worth of agricultural implements, such as moAvers, 
reapers, threshers, cultivators, riding and walking plows, harrows, 
rakes, stackers, planters, etc., are annually sold in this city. Nearly 
all this machinery is manufactured abroad ; not because we have not 
the necessary materials cheaper and more convenient than they are 
ordinarily found, but because a want of capital has prevented our cit- 
izens from engaging in such enterprises. The very timber that grows 
in our forests is shipped to distant points, to come back to us or to 
go into States and Territories still farther west, in the shape of com- 
pleted tools and implements. While this work is being done else- 
where, our beds of coal lie only partially explored, and scarcely at all 
developed. With beds of fine coal three and a half to five feet or 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 191 

more in thickness, with easy, speedy and cheap transportation from 
the iron fields of Missouri, and with great forests of as fine timber as 
was ever worked into shape, we have no manufactories of importance, 
simply because we have not a surplus capital that may be taken from 
the ordinary occupations of our people and invested in such enter- 
prises. 

The demand for every kind of agricultural implements is daily in- 
creasing. Farms are annually multiplying all around us, while the 
vast prairies of Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado and Wyoming 
are peopled with adventurous spirits whose demands for all improved 
farming machinery must be supplied from the timber, iron and coal 
fields of Missouri. Farming is no longer an experiment, it is a science 
which is rapidly developing into a fine art, and it will require a vast 
outlay of capital and the employment of a large amount of skilled 
labor to furnish the plows, rakes, harrows and other implements of 
the Western farmers for ages to come. No better point can be found 
in the State of Missouri than the city of Moberly for the establish- 
ment of these manufactories, and he who first occupies the field has a 
positive assurance of gain. 

FURNITURE. 

While our forests abound in maple, ash, cherry, oak, walnut, syc- 
amore, and other woods suitable for making furniture for the entire 
West, there is scarcely a single article of household economy that is 
not shipped here from abroad. Chairs, tables, stands, bedsteads, bu- 
reaus, etc., whether of fine or common material, are all imported, 
and that, too, from places which are destitute of the facilities we 
possess. As the great tide of emigration sets westward, and the ter- 
ritories every year become more densely peopled, new fields are opened 
up for the sale of such wares. The nearer the manufacturer can get 
to the market the cheaper his goods can be supplied to consumers, as 
the cost of transportation is lessened. Here is a boundless territory 
rapidly becoming an empire, not onl}^ in extent, but in population and 
wealth. The country west of Missouri affords no facilities for the 
production of this class of manufactures, as the land is barren of 
forests and possesses only scattered and stunted trees. The market 
for furniture of all kinds is constantly increasing in its demands. The 
investment of capital in the city of Moberly in this branch of industry, 
cannot be otherwise than profitable to the investor. 

FOUNDRIES AND MACHINE SHOPS. 

We have already noticed the machine shops of the Wabash, St. 
Louis and Pacific Railroad located at this point. But they do no cus- 
tom work, and confine themselves to that of the road to which they 
belong, and its numerous branches and feeders. The western roads, 
hundreds of which are annually built, and few of which have machine 
shops of their own, will for many years afford ample custom for all 
the shops likely to be erected in. this State. The work can be done 



192 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

here cheaper, better and more speedily than even along the line of 
these roads, as we have the timber and the coal and are nearer the 
great iron furnaces of Missouri. Experienced and intelligent ma- 
chinists connected with the Wabash shops regard Moberly as the best 
point in the State for the establishment of such an enterprise. 

For 70 miles around us there is no foundry worthy of the name. 
In fact there is not one where the work demanded by an agricul- 
tural community can be done. Within a radius of 40 miles, in the 
counties of Boone, Audrain, Monroe, Macon, Chariton, Howard 
and Randolph, there is a population of 150,000, with an aggregate 
wealth of fully $40,000,000. Not one of these counties has a foun- 
dry. They are all agricultural districts, where a vast amount of 
machinery is employed. A large part of the work required goes to 
St. Louis or Kansas City, the distance in either case being two or 
three to five times as great as if sent to Moberly. All these counties 
are connected by railroad with this city, and the class of custom to 
which we refer would of itself be sufficient to maintain a foundry. 
But besides this, there is other and heavier work to be done. Prac- 
tical foundrymen, however, will readily appreciate the advantages 
from what has been said above. A comparatively small amount of 
capital invested in a foundry, or foundry and machine shops combined, 
would be speedily doubled, trebled, or quadrupled in the hands of an 
experienced and skillful man or company. Here is an opening for in- 
telligent labor to reap a rich reward. 

COTTON AND AVOOLEN MILLS. 

This region is peculiarly adapted to the growth of sheep and the 
production of wool. Sheep require to be fed but little. The blue 
grass of our pastures and forests affords sufficient nutriment nearly 
all the year round. Very recently our farmers have turned their at- 
tention more particularly to the breeding of sheep. They have not 
only largely increased their flocks, but they have now the best breeds 
of wool-producing animals, including both the finer and coarser grades. 
As an evidence of the rapid growth of this industry in Randolph county 
alone, we may say that in 1879 there were but 18,000 sheep in the 
count3^ In 1880 the number had grown to 23,000, and in 1883 to 
32,000. The Cairo Wool-Growers' and Sheep-Breeders' Association, 
which was organized several years ago at a point six miles north cf 
this city, has done much to promote the wool interest and to give a 
new impetus to sheep culture. 

What is true of Randolph county is true of all the surrounding coun- 
ties. The industry might be indefinitely extended, and would 1)e if 
there were mills at home to consume the product. Few farmers, 
however, have enough wool to justify them in shipping to a foreign 
market, and they therefore sell to local traders or to parties who 
come from distant localities, thereby losing the trans))ortation upon 
their products. The wool clip of Randolph in 1880 was 131,000 
pounds. In the eight or ten counties that might be made tributary to 



HISTORY or RANDOLPH COUNTY. 193 

woolen mills in Moberly, the clip of 1883 could scarcely hiive been 
less than a million and a half of pounds. Millions of pounds more 
could be readily purchased from adjacent territory at a trifling cost 
for transportation. The mills necessary to work up this large amount 
of material are not found in Missouri. The mills that have hereto- 
fore been established have been compelled to work on a stinted cap- 
ital, and have, on that account, been less profitable than they should 
have been. With large means and ample machinery a mill of that 
character in Moberly would pay a heavy interest upon the capital em- 
ployed. 

This city is located on the Kansas and Texas division of the Mis- 
souri Pacific Railroad, a system that penetrates the great cotton 
regions of Texas and Arkansas. It is on a direct line between the 
cotton fields of these States and the Eastern markets, and many thou- 
sand bales of this Southern staple annually pass through this place to 
the mills of more favored sections. To arrest this transportation here 
and work the raw material into fabrics such as are required in the 
West, would be to put into the pockets of the manufacturer the double 
cost of freight between Moberly and distant factories. Here, where 
living is cheap, where fuel is abundant, and where the cost of steam 
power is not much, if any, greater than that of the water power in 
Connecticut and Massachusetts, the profits of such an establishment 
must be large. Missouri is certain to become a great manufacturing 
State, because she can readily supply the raw material for every de- 
sired industry and feed the consumers at little cost, while her great 
rivers and railroads reach into the very heart of the markets in which 
such goods must be sold. 

WAGON AND CARRIAGE FACTORY. 

Two establishments of this kind are found in this city. The vehi- 
cles here manufactured are celebrated for their lightness, strength 
and durability. They are made from the growth of our native forests 
and are a credit both to the workmen who manufacture them and to 
the country in which they are made. But in this, as in other depart- 
ments of mechanism, the capital invested is too small for the demands 
of the country. Hundreds of wagons, buggies, carriages and other 
vehicles are annually shipped here from abroad and sold to our farm- 
ers and the citizens of our towns. There is no reason why such pro- 
ducts of skill should not be made here cheaper and better than in Fort 
Wayne, Ind., or Eock Island, 111. Our timber is better, our land is 
cheaper, our food costs less and we are nearer the center of the great 
Western market. Even the factories we have, pinched as they are for 
want of means, are steadily growing and making money for those who 
operate them. The market cannot be supplied beyond the demand. 
All the vehicles manufectured would find ready sale within the com- 
pass of a small adjacent territory, unless the manufactories were on 
a very extensive scale, and in that case the boundless West and South- 
west are at our door. As wealth increases, the demand for luxuries 



194 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

also increases, and fine carriages are more common now than the 
plainest spring wagons were a few years ago. This is true of Mis- 
souri, Kansas, Nebraska, and other Western States. 

TOBACCO AND CIGARS. 

In this immediate vicinity the tobacco crop is as certain and as 
profitable as any other planted by the farmer. A very superior qual- 
ity of the White Burley and other varieties of tobacco are raised, 
most of which must be disposed of in distant markets, as there are 
no parties here who handle it in bulk. The tobacco of this section is 
not excelled in texture, color, body, or flavor by that raised in the 
best fields of Virginia and Kentucky. In fact, at the annual award 
of premiums by the St. Louis warehouses. North Missouri has almost 
invariably received the first prize, although competing with Western 
Kentucky, Tennessee, Illinois, and Iowa. 

Here is an opening for the location of a large tobacco stemmery or 
manufactory. If the farmers of this region received sufficient en- 
couragement, they would plant larger crops and raise only such 
tobacco as was demanded by the market, instead of, as in many in- 
stances, the coarser and heavier varieties that make up in weight what 
they lack in texture and appearance. 

CREAMERY. 

Although numerous creameries have been established in the country, 
Moberly enjoys no such enterprise. Here, where our native grass 
sustains the cattle for eight months in the year and where provender is 
so cheap when they require extra food, would seem to be the proper 
location for a butter manufactory on an extensive scale. It is profit- 
able alike to the farmer and the manufacturer, as the high prices for 
butter that always prevail in St. Louis, Kansas City, Hannibal and 
other large cities with which Moberly is connected by rail, would en- 
able the latter to pay high prices for cream and receive in return a 
large profit on his products. These institutions have been successful 
everywhere they have been tried by competent men, and there is no 
field which suggests a better assurance of profit than that in the 
vicinity of Moberly. 

potter's ware. 

In this department of manufacturing, as in almost every other in 
which individual capital alone is invested, the demands are greater 
than the capacity of the factory. A short time since a pottery was 
established in this city which has been doing a prosperous business 
from the beginning. It has a capacity of only 20,000 gallons per 
month, and the ware is beautiful in color and excellent in material. 
The clay is obtained at a convenient distance from the factory, and 
the glazing is derived from the East. The market for this ware is to 
be found in all the surrounding country, and the goods do not need 
to be shipped to distant points. This industry can be indefinitely ex- 
tended by the addition of larger capital. 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 195 



GAS. 

The principal streets of Moberly have been lighted with gas since 
November 30, 1875. The gas works are located in the northern part 
of the city, so that the inhabitants are not distnrbed by offensive 
odors from the works. The gas is made from the coal taken from the 
mines of this vicinity, burns with a clear and beautiful flame and is 
supplied to consumers at $2.50 per thousand cubic feet. There are 
seven or eight miles of mains and connections, affording a cheap, safe 
and brilliant light for shops, stores, factories and private residences. 

WATER AND WATER WORKS. 

It would naturally be supposed that a city located on the dividing 
rido;e between the waters of two such streams as the Missouri and 
Mississippi would be destitute of water power, and even of sufficient 
water for manufacturing purposes. Such was the fact in the early 
history of Moberly. But our country possesses a peculiarity that 
compensates this absence of large streams. Below the soil is a sub- 
soil of clay of fine texture almost impervious to water. Lakes and 
ponds constructed by artificial means, retain the water drawn from 
the adjacent country until exhausted by evaporation or by artificial 
means. 

On the western border of the town is a reservoir holding 20,000,000 
gallons of water, which was constructed at a cost of $3,300. This is 
owned by the city and is free to all for any and every purpose. The 
city also owns 47 acres of land on which the reservoir is made, which 
it is contemplated to divide into lots for manufacturing purposes. 
This land is adjacent to the Wabash, St. Louis and Pacific Railroad 
and is admirably adapted to the location of factories and shops. 

In the vicinity of the reservoir, also, are tracts of land having deep 
ravines where much larger basins may be constructed at even less cost 
than that of the city reservoir. 

Cisterns and wells supply the water for domestic purposes at 
present. But recently an enterprise has been projected, which will 
probably be adopted, to erect water works at a distance of some four 
miles from the city to supply the inhabitants with living water from 
flowing springs. This is not yet an accomplished fact, nor has it ever 
been determined upon, but negotiations are in progress, and there is 
little doubt, judging from the temper of the people, that it will be 
carried to successful execution at an early day. 

BUILDING AND LOAN ASSOCIATION. 

In 1876 a building and loan association was organized, and many a 
poor man has reason to rejoice at the establishment of such an institu- 
tion. The association has been in operation for over seven years, and 
hundreds of houses have been erected under its auspices. It has 



196 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

enabled men of small and moderate income to buy or build their 
houses. The individual securing the benefit of the association pays 
for his property by monthly installments running through a series of 
years, and in most instances these payments but little exceed the 
amount the beneficiary would be compelled to pay in rents. Money 
that would otherwise go into the pockets of landlords, and for which 
tenants would receive the equivalent of only a temporary shelter, is 
by this process expended in permanent homes which it is both the pride 
and pleasure of the occupant to improve and beautify and adorn. 
The peace, permanency and prosperity of a city depend in large 
measure upon the number of citizens who own the property on which 
they reside. If the number be large there will be just that many 
whose interests are involved in the improvement of the place, the 
erection of public buildings, the promotion of education, morality and 
religion, and the enforcement of order. A very large proportion of 
the people of Moberly own their own homes. 

AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 

In the summer of 1878 some enterprising gentlemen of this county 
determined to organize an agricultural society. The Moberly District 
Fair Association was the outgrowth of this movement. A tract of 
land, lying in the south-eastern part of the city and containing 86 
acres, was purchased for the purpose, and on it were immediately 
erected buildings suitable for such an association. Plank walks 
extend from the business part of the city to these grounds, distant 
not over half a mile. The entire 86 aci-es are enclosed by a sub- 
stantial plank fence. A grand stand, 28x70 feet, and rising to the 
height of 30 feet, well covered and comfortably seated, overlooks 
the whole ground. There is seating room for several thousand visitors. 
There are also dressing rooms for ladies and a floral hall. Just in 
front of the stand is a judge's stand in the form of an eastern pagoda. 
A magnificent mile track, probably the best west of the Mississippi 
river, is laid out so that every step of a horse may be seen as he goes 
around. Jockeys who have tested it say that it is a very fast track, 
and the speed that has been made on it would confirm this opinion. 
There are numerous stalls for the accommodation of horses and cattle. 
Other improvements are to be made, and it is safe to say that these 
grounds in a few years will be second to none in the West outside of 
St. Louis. There is an abundance of room for the construction of 
art halls, machinery apartments, ancl other necessary buildings, besides 
•I large area for ornamentation. The first fair was held in September, 
1878. The sixth annual fair was held in September, 1883, when over 
$5,000 were distributed in premiums. A large number and great 
variety of stock was shown, as well as machinery, domestic fabrics, 
farming implements, agricultural products, etc. On one day of 
the fair it was estimated that there were between 7,000 and 8,000 
people in the enclosure. 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 197 

There has also been organized a jockey club or racing association, 
though it is no way connected with the fair association. The first 
racing season occurred last July, when there were many blooded and 
fleet horses present to contend for the purses. 

RAKE AND STACKER FACTORY. 

Very recently Messrs. Fort & Wayland of this city have built near 
the Union depot a house for the manufacture of the Champion stacker 
and rake. The building is of brick, 40x80 feet in size, besides a 
neat brick office and shed for storing and seasonino- lumber. The 
machinery for this factory is now being put in place. The firm con- 
template employing 25 or 30 hands, and will begin work as soon as 
their arrangements can be completed. It is also in contemplation to 
connect a foundry with the factory to make the necessary castings and 
do some custom work. -- 

SCROLL AND FANCY WORK, 

There is also an establishment for the making of fancy wood work, 
such as brackets, banisters, shelving, and all kinds of tasteful and 
ornamental work, models, patterns, and everything that can be made 
of lumber. The factory is well equipped with machinery, and has 
workmen skilled in the art. It has been established about a year and 
has already secured a large and profitable business. 

SODA BOTTLING. 

Messrs. Strattman & Bro. have a valuable soda water manufactory 
in the city, and supply the local trade and much of the surrounding 
county with bottled soda. They have an artesian well of great depth 
and the goods are made from the purest material. The industry is 
still increasing in patronage, and large quantities of the product are 
disposed of. 

BRICKS. 

As previously remarked in this review, the clay and sand of this sec- 
tion constitute the material for a superior quality of bricks. This 
manufactory is a growing industry, and those engaged in it find the 
demand from this city and from the neighboring towns and villages 
greater than their capacity to manufacture. During the past season 
there have been burned at the Moberly kilns 5,000,000 bricks and at 
least one contractor has fallen short half a million. The product of 
the kilns is a hard, firm brick, of a bright red color, close grain and 
compact structure, able to withstand any pressure to which bricks are 
ever subjected. 

For the first time an experiment was made in the manufacture of 
pressed bricks. The experiment was made on a small scale and with 
imperfect machinery, but with the most satisfactory results, showing 
that the clay is admirably adapted to the manufacture of this cheap 



198 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

and excellent building material. The houses built from it are very 
handsome and present a defiant exterior to sunshine, storm and 
tempest. The bricks of Moberly have been shipped to nearly every 
town within a radius of 30 miles, and far more could have been 
disposed of but for the inability of the makers to provide them. 

MINOR MANUFACTORIES. 

Time and space would fail us in enumerating the minor manufac- 
tories of Moberly — those in which one to six men are employed. 
They embrace every branch of industry usually pursued in a growing 
young city, and give employment to a large number of skilled labor- 
ers. 

Two large marble yards turn out beautiful and artistic designs for 
monuments, tombstones, headstones, etc., manufactured from both 
foreign and domestic marble. Many attractive shafts mark the last 
resting-place of loved ones in our cities of the dead. The work of 
these shops finds sale in this and all the adjacent counties. 

Three harness and saddle manufactories find employment and turn 
out work of excellent finish and first-class material. Our tailors, 
blacksmiths, bakers, shoemakers, painters, plumbers, plasterers, 
bricklayers, carpenters, and other artisans, form a small army of 
skillful and industrious workers, who are providing well for the pres- 
ent and are not improvident of the future. 

REAL ESTATE AGENCIES. 

There are several real estate agencies in the city that buy and sell 
wild lands, farms, town lots, residence and business houses. The 
business is an active one, and is growing rapidly. Messrs. Stewart, 
Wilson & Brand are the oldest firm in the city, and their agency 
embraces a wide territory in this and adjoining counties. Messrs. 
Porter, Hunn & Porter are next in point of age, and have in their 
hands a great many thousand acres of both improved and unimproved 
lands, town and city residences and lots. Messrs. Hannah & Gravely 
do a large purchasing, selling and exchange business, and John L. 
Vroom has every kind of real estate property for sale. The transac- 
tion in this line of business annually will aggregate $140,000 to 
$150,000. 

COMMERCIAL. 

The trade of Moberly is steadily growing. It noAv embraces a wide 
area, extending into all the adjoining counties. And this circumfer- 
ence is continually widening as the city grows in population and wealth. 
Within a few years a great many new business houses have been 
erected, all of which have been promptly occupied by traders and 
merchants. Not only have the numbers multi[)lied, but the value and 
variety of goods handled have been largely increased, showing a 
healthy growth in these departments of commerce. From all the 



HISTOEY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 199 

surrounding country come citizens to trade with our dry goods, milli- 
nery, grocery, drug, hardware, lumber, clothing and boot and shoe 
merchants. 

We have eight dry goods houses, carrjnng heavy stocks and exhib- 
iting for sale the finest textures as well as the coarser and more popu- 
lar fabrics. The amount of monev invested srows larirer and larg-er 
annually as the area of trade is widened and the city grows in popu- 
lation. The annual retail sales amount to $200,000. 

In the line of family groceries there is also a good and increasing 
foreign and home trade. There are twenty grocery houses in the city 
dealing in staple and fancy goods. Some of these have a considerable 
jobbing and wholesale trade, supplying the merchants of adjacent vil- 
lages. Some, of course, carry small stocks and are confined to a light 
city trade. But the business is expanding, and during the last year 
the sales have fallen little if any short of $400,000. 

The clothing houses of the city are four in number, carrying exclu- 
sive stocks of ready-made Avear for gentlemen and furnishing goods. 
All do a greater or less amount of merchant tailoring. Besides these, 
several dry goods merchants carry a limited stock of clothing and fur- 
nishing goods. Within a few years this branch of trade has greatly 
increased. Really elegant stocks are exposed for sale, and the aggre- 
gate sales amount to not less than $125,000. 

Notions, fancy goods and household ornaments have recently occu- 
pied a separate department in the commercial transactions of cities 
and towns. Several houses of this character are found in our city, 
and form a convenient as well as ornamental department of trade. 
The business is growing with a steady growth, and the sales of the 
past year have reached, probably, $65,000. 

The trade in boots and shoes is done by four houses, though small 
stocks are kept by some of the dry goods merchants. The trade is 
mostly local, though several firms carry heavy stocks. The sales dur- 
ing the last year were from $80,000 to $100,000. 

Four houses are engaged in the millinery line, and supply the city 
and country trade. Some of these houses would be creditable to a 
much larger city. The sales of the past year have reached $20,000. 

The hardware business is conducted by four firms, carrying stocks 
of iron, stoves, hollowware, cutlery and builders' supplies. Two of 
these houses have been established since the early history of the 
place ; the others are of more recent date. The sales will amount 
to $100,000 for the year just closing. Agricultural implements, 
$25,000. 

There are eight drug-stores, which also include in their stock, paints, 
oils, leads, wall-paper and fancy goods. Their asfgregate sales will 
reach $80,000. 

Three lumber yards furnish the building material for the city and 
vicinity. One of these has been but recently established. The 
amount of lumber sold during the year will reach between $80,000 
and $100,000. 
8 



200 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

Ill furniture there are two large and elegant establishments, keep- 
ing in stock every variety of household supplies and dealing in under- 
takers' goods. Their stocks embrace furniture from the cheapest and 
plainest to the most costly and elegant. Sales this year, $65,000. 

The book-stores and numerous neWs-stands keep in stock a great 
variety of popular books, newspapers, sheet music, stationery, etc. 
The sales of the past year have reached $25,000. 

Jewelry establishments are four in number, offering for sale every 
variety of plain and costly jewelry, watches, clocks, musical instru- 
ments and ornaments. The aggregate sales annually will reach $25,- 
000. 

Two houses supply beer by the keg, barrel or car-load. This is a 
heavy trade, and will probably reach this year about $25,000. 

This is only an indication of the trade of the city, and by no means 
includes all its industries. The meat market alone requires an an- 
nual expenditure of $100,000 to $125,000. Small manufacturers and 
dealers swell the aggregate numbers, and run the annual trade in all 
departments into many millions of dollars. But we have not the space 
to devote to these branches. 

SCHOOLS. 

The schools of Moberly are her pride. The public school buildings 
are three in number, to wit : The Central building having 11 rooms, 
built at a cost of $16,000. 

Three of these are devoted to the high school department where 
higher mathematics and the classics are taught.^ Prof. L. E. Wolfe, 
the superintendent, is an accomplished scholar and experienced edu- 
cator. In this school are enrolled at the present time 756 pupils. 

The East Moberly school-house was built at a cost of $8,000. 
Three teachers are employed and 167 scholars are enrolled. 

The school for colored pupils is a commodious structure well located. 
Two teachers are employed and the number of children attending at 
present is 141.- 

These three schools under one superintendent are free to the chil- 
dren of all citizens, the expenses being paid by revenue derived from 
the State and by a tax upon the property of the city. They continue 
in session eight to nine mouths of the year. 

Besides these, St. Mary's Academy, under the auspices of the 
Sisters of Loretto, gives educational training to several hundred chil- 
dren. It is admirably conducted and its curriculum embraces a wide 
range of studies. 

The Scientific School was to have been opened early in October, 

but some circumstances which the principal could not control have 

prevented him from pursuing his design. It will be opened soon. 



iL. E. Wolfe, Supei'intendent; W. E. Coons, Principal; F. G. Ferris, Assistant. 
Mrs. A. Baird, Miss Barbara Mullin, Nellie O'Keefe, Rebecca Hendrix, Anna Buchanan, 
Lizzie Shaughnessey, Ida B. Roote, Flora Pyle, Bettie Williams, Katie Elliott, Katie 
Williams. 

2 The colored school is taught by M. A. Scrugs and wife. 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 201 

Several private schools are also in successful operation, the whole 
showing a registration of about 1,400 pupils. 

CHURCHES. 

The churches in the city are 11 in number, as follows : 1 Old 
School Presbyterian; 1 Old School Baptist; 1 Missionary Baptist ; 
1 Episcopal; 2 Methodist Episcopal ; 1 Cumberland Presbyterian ; 1 
Christian ; 1 Catholic ; 1 colored Baptist ; 1 colored Methodist. 
Nearly all these have established pastors and regular services. 

HOTELS. 

Moberly is well provided with commodious and well kept hotels. 
The Grand Central, elegantly furnished and equipped, has 80 rooms, 
and is second to no house in the interior of the State. It is owned 
by William Smith and is ably conducted under the proprietorship 
of Geo. S. Merritt. P. J. Carmody is the proprietor of the Mer- 
chants' Hotel, a large three-story structure of 60 rooms, supplied 
with all modern conveniences. The Commercial is also a commodious 
house, conducted by George W. Morris. The Florence, conducted by 
W. G. Herold, is located near the Union depot and is an excellent 
house. Numerous smaller houses are also well kept, while restaurants, 
eatino; houses and boardins; houses afford convenient refreshments for 
the stranger or sojourner. 

IMPROVEMENTS. 

In the haste with which this review has been gotten up, it has been 
found impossible to obain a detailed statement of the improvements 
during the season of 1883. But the amount of building has been very 
large. The number of houses erected in a given time has been ex- 
ceeded in previous years, but the character of the buildings in 1883 is 
far superior to that of former years. Ten large and costly business 
houses have been built and over one hundred dwellings. These are 
all occupied soon as completed and are frequently rented before the 
foundation is laid. Vacant houses are rarely seen, and there is a con- 
stant demand for more dwellings. The improvements do not keep 
step with the increase of population. From the best information 
obtainable there has been expended the past year in buildings and 
improvements about $150,000. 

V 

THE PROFESSIONS. 

''" The medical, legal and theological professions are represented by 
able and learned men. There are 13 ministers, 14 physicians (of 
various schools), and 8 lawyers resident here. 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

Moberly is well equipped in all departments. Her municipal gov- 
ernment, at the head of which is Mayor D. S. Forney, is frugal, econ 



202 HISTORY or RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

omical and yet liberal. The police force is sufficient to preserve the 
peace and keep an orderly city. The fire department is thoroughly 
organized, having a steam fire engine and a hook and ladder equip- 
ment and convenient cisterns in all parts of the territory embraced in 
the corporate limits. Our public halls are numerous and extensive. 
This review might be greatly extended but space forbids. 

BANKS. 

No banking institutions in the country are safer or are conducted 
on more correct business principles than those of Moberly. The capi- 
tal stock is not large, but depositors are secure under the law of the 
State and under the safe methods adopted by the banks themselves. 
The Mechanics' Bank, W. F. Elliott, president, Howard Jennings, 
cashier, has a capital and surplus of $30,000, and is the oldest bank in 
the city. The Exchange Bank, Adam Given, president, O. E. Han- 
nah, cashier, has been in operation nine years and has secured a large 
custom. The Randolph Bank was opened in 1882, B. F. Harvey, 
president, J. C. Shaefer, cashier. It has secured the confidence of 
our business men and is a reliable institution. 

Our report shows a thrifty, growing and prosperous city. It will 
be observed, also, that there are many enterprises that have no ex- 
istence here that might be established with profit — such as soap, 
cheese, butter, agricultural implements, woolen, furniture, tobacco, 
and paper factories, a foundry, machine shops, nail mills and a host 
of industries the products of which are now supplied by distant manu- 
factories. Our central position, our railroads, our cheap living, our 
superior coal fields and a host of other advantages, mark Moberly as 
one of the best locations in the West for the investment of capital. 

Here are found combined all the conditions for a thriving cit}', — a 
central location ; a rich agricultural country : inexhaustible mines of 
coal ; unsurpassed railroad transportation ; a large and continually in- 
creasing demand for the products of our mills, mines and manufiic- 
tories ; raw material of all kinds at the cheapest rates ; labor abundant ; 
good schools, and a population of industrious, intelligent and enter- 
prising people. Immigration is not only not refused, but requ sted. 
There is no proscription on account of political faith, or religious be- 
lief, or nationality. Every honest, industrious citizen, of whatever 
calling or persuasion, is cordially welcomed. Our people are remark- 
ably hospitable, our society is moral and exceptionally temperate, 
industrious and frugal. Without boasting, it may be truthfully as- 
serted that there is no city, of equal population, where order and quiet 
are more strictly observed. Our police government is excellent and 
insubordination to municipal authority is of rare occurrence. 

To the immigrant Ave off'er lands cheaper, better and more convenient 
to market than any he will find farther west. Improved farms, in a 
good state of cultivation, are offered at prices less than half, and in 
many instances less than one third what he would be required to pay 
in Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, or any of the older States 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 203 

farther east, with no better and in most cases not as good facilities for 
reaching a reacl}^ market. Unimproved lands are offered to the settler 
at little more than the congress price of land in the West, where there 
are neither schools, churches, manufactories, nor organized society. 
To pass such a country for a home on the frontier is to deliberately 
throw away advantages. 

MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF TRADE. 

The Moberly Board of Trade, under whose auspices this review is 
published, was organized August (3, 1883, and is fully officered and 
equipped. The following gentlemen constitute the membership : — 

C. Adams, C. P. Apgar, John Bergstresser, Alfred Beynon, J. R. 
Bhickmore, L. C. Brand, H. Brewer, Charles Brown, P. J. Carmody, 
O. F. Chandler, Thomas Coates, William Coyle, J. B. Davis, C. W. 
Digges, F. T. Dysart, S. A. Edmiston, W. F. Elliott, C. Feldenheimer, 
William Firth, D. S. Forney, J. H. Gingrich, S. J. Goodfellow, A. 
Gundlach, C. Hall, L. B. Hannah, O. E. Hannah, B. F. Harvey, J. 
H. Hardin, I. H. Hexter, R. R. Haynes, Pat Hegarty, C. T, Hunn, 
D. Hutchinson, J. C. Hutton, H. Jennings, H. P. Jennings, E. W. 
Jones, G. B. Kelly, J, N. Kring, Max Lowenstein, Julius Lotter, J. 
R. Lowell, Houston Mathews, William Maynard, William McNinch, 
August Merck, E. H. Miller, Julius Miller, G. W. Morris, T. E. Mor- 
rison, A. O'Keefe, J. T. O'Neal, I. B. Porter, T. F. Priest, D. Proc- 
ter, J. G. Provines, J. W. Ragsdale, V. Reigel, H. Roemer, C. B. 
Rodes, James Sandison, Al. Schott, William Seelen, James Shaugh- 
nessy, A. E. Simon, William Smith, W. B. Stewart, J. C. Straub, H. 
R. Suppe, A. D. Terrill, A, B. Thompson, Frank Tuttle, J. L. Vroom, 
T. C. Waltenspiel, J. S. Wayland, G. H. Werries, John B.Williams, 
John T. Williams, R. A. Wilson. 

SOCIETIES. 

Benevolent societies are well represented in Moberly. The follow- 
ing fraternities have lodges and are in a flourishmg condition : Masons, 
Knights Templar, Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, Knights of 
Honor, Knights and Ladies of Honor, United Workmen, Order Rail- 
way Conductors, Brotherhood Locomotive Engineers, Brotherhood 
Locomotive Firemen, Good Templars, Temperance Union, Brothers 
of Philanthrophy and perhaps others. 

A. F. & A. M. Blue Lodges— Gothic Lodge, JSTo. 108 — Was or- 
ganized March 20, 1878. The charter members are J. W. Hogue, 
W. T. McCanne, J. H. Gravely, George W. Lent, E. H. Mix, N. H. 
Wheeler, John Simpson, Samuel Gravely, Peter Brown, J. Shaw, W. 
H. Pool, A. Taylor, and T. T. Millholland. The charter bears 
date November 7, 1878. The present number of members is 40. 

Moberly Lodge JVo. 344 — Is also in a flourishing condition. 



204 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

Western Star Lodge No. 34 — Of (colored) Masons. This Lodge 
was organized in January, 1875. 

Tancred Commandery No. 25., Knights Templar — Was organ- 
ized July 22, 1874, and chartered October 12, following. Its first 

officers were : Charles W. Burlingame, Eminent Commander ; 

Gaines, Generalissimo ; A. T. Bissell, Captain General ; E. H. Mix, 

Prelate ; Hotchkiss, Senior Warden ; T. P. White, T. ; G. W. 

Daly, Rec. ; M. F. Brown, Warden. 

Moberly Lodge No. 244, I. O. G. T. — Was instituted De- 
cember 21, 1871, with the following list of charter members, viz. : 
Henry P. Bond, W. K. Christian, W. G. Woods, W. H. Pool, 
James P. Porter, James G. Shepherdson, H. P. Hunter, A. N. 
Dawson, George W. Larue, Thomas A. Lyon, Charles B. Rounds, 
Nannie T. Pool, Huldah E. Pool, Charles H. Wentz, Julia E. Wentz, 
Charles B. Rodes, and John C. Jefferies. The following were the first 
elective officers, viz. : Charles B. Rodes, W. C. T. ; Nannie T. Pool, 
W. V. T. ; H. P. Bond, W. Chap. ; Charles H. Wentz, W. Sec'y ; 
W. G. Wood, Fin. Sec'y; James P. Porter, Treasurer. The Lodge, 
like most similar organizations, has had its " ups and downs," but is 
now in a very prosperous condition, having over 60 active members 
on its list. It occupies the west hall in the Elliott building, which it 
has fitted up in neat style, with new carpets, new furniture, etc. 

Olive Branch Lodge No. 35, Knights of Pythias — Was organized in 
Moberly May 16, 1874, with the following charter members : John A. 
Hughes, A. C. Van Horn, J. A. Nettles, F. M. Doolittle, William 
Clark, William McKinzie, E. C. Veits, Frank Barnett, C. A. Williams, 
L. Haines, Morry Burrell, H. V. W. Davis, William James, G. G. 
Ginthes, Harry Coleman, Jacob Lanner, D. R. StefFey, Henry D. 
Janes, Peter Brown, James Ashworth, John McMerley, William 
Haughlin, R. A. Kirkpatrick, William McDonald, George Dickinson, 
Edwin Tomlinson, George L. Hassett, Frank Reno, Joseph Taylor, 
J. R. Callahan, B. Levy, William S. Janes, George S. Shone, W. D. 
Davis. The lodge has a membership of 65. 

The Endowment Rank, Section 216, K. of P. — Was instituted in 
1878. 

Randolph Charter No. 150, Order of the Eastern Star — Was or- 
ganized April 6, 1877, and chartered December 14th following. Its 
first officers were : Mrs. C. E. Greer, Worthy Matron ; John Simpson, 
Worthy Patron; Mrs. M. L. McGindley, Associate Matron; Mrs. 
Mary P. Selby, Treasurer ; Mr. E. H. Mix, Secretary ; Mrs. Mattie 
J. Mix, Conductress ; Mrs. Lena D. Gravely, Ada ; Mrs. MoUie 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 205 

O'Brian, Euth ; Mrs. Mary M. Ward, Esther; Mrs. Delia Tanner, 
Martha ; Mrs. Sarah Bowden, Electa ; Mrs. Mary E. Brown, Warden. 

M. B. M. Society. — In June, 1879, the Moberly District Medical 
Society was organized with 34 members. It embraces the counties 
of Howard, Eandolph, Monroe and Chariton, and will probably in- 
clude Macon. The meetings are to be held three times a year, 
June, October and Februarj'-, in the city of Moberly. Dr. J. Vaughn, 
of Glasgow, is president, and Dr. G. W. Broome, of Moberly, is 
secretary. 

Moherly Royal Arch Chapter lio. 79 — Was organized in March, 
1873. The charter members were George L. Hassett, Eli Owens, T. P. 
White, Adam Given, Henry Combe, E. A. Wilson, George A. Suttles, 
B. Y. A. Clarkson, ,J. C. Hickerson, W. H. Hassett, D. A. Poole, 
B. H. Weatherford. The lodo;e now contains 56 members. 

A. 0. U. W. — Randolph Lodge, No. 30 — Was organized Octo- 
ber 24, 1877. The charter members were J. T. Cox, E. H. Mix, S. G. 
Merrill, C. F. Campbell, A. Grundlach, C. G. Greer, J. L. Wright, L. 
L. Kenepp, V. E. Lary, M. A. Hayes, Thomas Hughes, J. W. Kin- 
ney, John Mathias, G. W. Marsey, J. J. Jones, J. E. Eoberts, I. C. 
Ehodes, John N. Ward, N. H. Wheeler, James Haight. 

Select Knights, A. 0. U. W. — Organized May 22, 1882. Charter 
members: C. K. McGowan, E. P. Jones, J. P. Cunningham, E. H. 
Miller, W. J. Jackson, William Fennell, James McNulty, M. A. 
Hayes, J. H. Gingrich ; present membership is 38. 

Moherly Lodge, No. 248 — Was organized May 25, 1882, with the 
following charter members: N. M. Baskett, W. S. Jones, George W. 
Sparks, W. A. Wright, M. L. Sears, Howard Jennings, P. H. Nise, J. 
E. Blackman, A. J. McCanne, D. T. Carpenter, Hiram Jennings, J. 
W. Eagsdale, W. W. Porter, J. T. O'Neal, M. Lowenstein, W. J. 
Hallick, George Eupp, James A. Lindley, E. E. Haynes, B. T. Por- 
ter, W. S. Hall, W. M. Coyle, T. E. Morrison, W. B. Stewart, G. 
H. Cunningham, C. H. Parker, B. E. White, Ferdinand Miller, 
James Sanderson, J. H. Hardin, W. T. Eagland, C. W. Digges, H. H. 
Eoberts, A. McCandless, B. T. Hardin, J. E. Sharp, C^ G. Ham- 
mond, J. P. Trimble, J. Q. Mason, J. W. Webster, William Barrow- 
man, E. J. Deskins. 

Knights of Honor — Golden Rule Lodge, No. 19. — Organized in 
188 — , with the following as charter members : U. S. Hall, James E. 
Eoberts, L. Brandt, A. G. Grundlach, G. Dickinson, T. F. Priest, E. 
Freeman, John Held, Eev. H. C. Davhoff, G. B. Kellev, John Zeis, 



206 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

G. W. Weems, C. E. Austin, J. H. Conradt, Dabney Proctor, John 
G. Provines, Frank White, H. S. Priest, John B. Martin, O. E. Han- 
nah, John B. Dolson, Homer Kimball, W. H. Cook, J. A. Tannehill, 
F. E. P. Harhm, J. Y. Evans, G. A. St. Clair. 

Mo.gic Council^ No. 26 — Organized January 17, 1884, with the 
following members: L. B. Hannah, Zeth Walden, J. K. Kimball, D. 
K. Kimball, J. T. Cox, B. T. Porter, William P. Davis, T. A. Man- 
uel, S. H. Tedford, J. A. Nettles, Mrs. L. Kimball, William F. 
Sharp, William Firth, W. A. Rothwell, H. W. Johnson, I. A. 
Thompson. Membership, 35. 

BUSINESS HOUSES. 

Seven drug stores, eight barbers, seventeen saloons, four hardware, 
six hotels, two opera houses, four millinery stores, seven restaurants, 
two painters, five meat markets, one laundry, fourteen physicians, 
five shoe-makers, twenty groceries, three second-hand stores, two 
marble works, five cigar stores, four boot and shoe stores, two fancy 
goods stores, seven dentists, one wall paper store, four newspapers, 
three clothing stores, three tailors, five general stores, two photogra- 
phers, ten lawyers, three blacksmiths, one carpenter, three banks, 
six dry goods stores, two wagon-makers, three lumber yards, three 
jewelers, one bill poster, one boarding-house, two book stores, three 
harness shops, one pottery shop, one carriage manufactory, two bak- 
eries, five real estate and insurance, one news-dealer, one builder, 
two rag stores, one dye works, one dress-maker, one pork packing 
house, one gas company, two sewing machine and organ houses, one 
bricklayer, one fruit store, three livery stables, one furniture store, 
two florists, one confectionary, one academy, one hide-bouse, one 
gunsmith, one coal mine, one flour mill, one fish and vegetable house, 
one coal and wood yard. 

COURT OF COMMON PLEAS. 

The court of common pleas was established at Moberly in 1875, 
with jurisdiction over one township. The judge of the second judicial 
circuit was ecc-q^ao judge of that court. This was Hon. George H. 
Burckhartt, who has ever since presided. C. H. Hance was the first 
clerk. The jurisdiction of this court has been enlarged so as to take 
in Union, Salt River, Jackson and a part of Prairie townships. 

The seal of the court is the picture of Judge Burckhartt horseback, 
with five hounds in pursuit of a deer. 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 



207 



During the first week in September, 1853, Judge Burckhartt with 
five hounds of the St. Hubert breed, started a deer in what is now the 
corporate limits of the city of Moberly, and killed it where the 
orchard of Henry Grimes now stands. In memory of that event and 
in honor of Judge Burckhartt, the seal of the court was made. 




CHAPTER XI. 

SALT SPRING TOWNSHIP. 

Its History — Salt Spring — Water — Coal — Agriculture — Industries — Old Settlers — 
Death ©f Dr. William Fort — Huntsville — Its History — Pioneer Business Men — 
Eace Track — What Alphonso Whetmore said of Huntsville in 1837 — Huntsville in 
Other Days — Improvements — Destructive Fire — Subscription to Yellow Fever 
Sufferers — Banks and Bankers — Statement — Secret Orders — Building and Loan 
Association — Pioneer Church and Sunday School — Semple's Opera House — Hunts- 
ville Brass Band — Home Dramatic Company — Huntsville Fleming Kake and Stacker 
Manufactory — Town Incorporated — First Mayor — Present Mayor and Council- 
men — Public Schools — Mount Pleasant College — Female College — Agricultural 
Fair — Business and Professions. 

>. SALT SPRING TOWNSHIP. 

Salt Spring, one of the original four townships of Randolph county, 
has a municipal existence coeval with the organization of the county, 
and is one of the most wealthy, populous, and influential of the eleven 
townships into which the county is now divided. It also has the dis- 
tinction of being the capital township, Huntsville, the county seat, 
being within its limits. Geographically, Salt Spring is almost central 
to the county boundaries, and contains 31,040 acres. 

Topographically, the lands of this township are gently undulating, 
assuring fine drainage, and are of every desirable adaptation, whether 
for pasturage and the various grasses, or the more active cultivation of 
wheat, corn, rye, oats, tobacco, potatoes, and the several root crops. 

It can hardly be said with propriety that the township contains any 
prairie lands proper. In the matter of timber and wood lands it is 
richly provided, about one-third of its acreage being clothed with 
forests of white, red, black, burr, swamp and pin oak, hickory, walnut, 
maple, elm and sycamore. 

As will readily be conjectured, the township name, Salt Spring, has 
a local significance. It is so called from the existence within its limits, 
and some three miles south-west of Huntsville, on the line of the 
Wabash, St. Louis and Pacific Railway, of a salt spring, or well, 
of considerable volume, at which, in the early history of the county, 
the pioneer settlers, by primitive processes, manufactured their sup- 
plies of salt. The first systematized salt works at this place were 
established and operated by Dr. William Fort, at a very early day, 
(208) 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 209 

who not only supplied the demand of the region immediately round 
about, but who also sent large supplies of salt to various points on the 
Mississippi and elsewhere equally remote. 

It is amongst the traditions of the people, that, at that early day, this 
spring, or well, served not alone the purpose mentioned, but was then, 
as it is now reputed to be, a fountain of healing, in the use of whose 
waters health and rejuvenation came to many hapless victims to acute 
and chronic rheumatism, and other kindred physical ailments. Possibly 
it may serve a beneficial purpose to say right here that this salt spring 
is rapidly growing in local popularity, and attracts no inconsiderable 
number of casual visitors during the summer months. With an ade- 
quate expenditure of means in developing, improving and populariz- 
ing the place, it might be made an attractive and valuable adjunct of 
the township and county. 

This township is also well supplied with water, having the East fork 
of the Chariton river, with its several inferior tributaries, cutting it 
almost centrally from the north-east to the south-west, and with Sweet 
Spring creek flowing along its entire southern boundary. Of flowing 
springs there are but few, wells and cisterns being relied upon for 
drinking and general domestic purposes. 

In the matter of roads and bridges, the forecast and liberality of the 
county court have left the township nothing for reasonable complaint. 

As before stated, the proportion of land in the township open and 
cleared for cultivation, and that in timber, is about as two of the former 
to one of the latter ; and while frankness constrains the admission 
that the farmers, taken as a whole, are rather careless and untidy in 
their methods of farming, the lands are generous, and respond with 
kindly liberality to whatever labor and care are bestowed upon them. 
Taking any given five years together, it is believed the following esti- 
mates of the products of these lands, per acre, will be almost literally 
verified : An extra crop of corn, 60 bushels ; average, 40 bushels ; ex- 
tra of wheat, 30 bushels ; average, 20 bushels ; hay, average, 2 tons ; 
tobacco, average, 1,200 pounds. 

With the rapidly increasing use of improved agricultural appliances 
and the infusion of new blood and new ideas into the agricultural 
body, the latent force and susceptibility of these lands maj' be made 
to yield, not the necessaries of life only, but its wealth and luxuries, 
also, in most generous measure. 

In coal. Salt Spring township is rich beyond its sister townships of 
the county ; and from this source is now, and for several years has 



210 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

been, realizing much profit. Of well developed coal workings, there 
are a half dozen within a radius of two miles of the court-house (four 
of them being within the corporate limits of Huntsville), and which, 
during the fall and winter, give employment to from 10 to 100 men 
each ; each, of course, working an inferior force during the summer 
months. 

The oldest coal banks were opened by J. C. Chapman and David 
Reece. G. W. Taylor, I. Cook, William Mitchell, J. A. Stewart, 
and Anderson & Co. have drift mines, which are now consolidated 
under the management of Taylor & Bedford, E. S. Bedford, general 
manager. Altogether, these mines have a capacity of 78 cars per day. 

Woodward Coal Mining Co. have two banks. There are also the 
Huntsville Coal Mining Co. and the coal mines of Jones &, Green. 

As indicating the magnitude of their interests, we append some sta- 
tistics, drawn from authentic sources, and which may be relied on as 
literally accurate. From the Huntsville depot there were shipped 
over the St. Louis, Kansas City and Northern Railroad to points re- 
mote, for the year ending the last day of December, 1878, partial pro- 
duct of these mines, 73,780 tons of coal. During the same period, 
coal mine No. 3, operated by the Huntsville Coal and Mining Co., 
loaded directly from the mines into the cars and shipped abroad 
6,239 tons of coal. During the same period, coal mine No. 2V2, oper- 
ated by J. Bailey & Co., loaded directly from the mine and shipped 
abroad 2,400 tons of coal. 

The foregoing is exclusive of the local consumption of coal, which, 
it is safe to say, will fully reach 3,000 tons, possibly much more. 

Coal is shipped to Kansas City, Omaha, Council Bluffs and Kan- 
sas ; 380 men are employed in the different mines. 

And while the matter of the exports is in hand, we may as well 
make note of the tobacco and live stock exportations. Of tobacco 
there were shipped from the Huntsville depot during the year 1878, 
1,848 hogsheads ; of horses and mules, 189 head ; of neat cattle, 521 
head; of hogs, 1,754 head; of sheep, 800 head. 

During the same period there was brought to and distributed from 
the depot here, 4,798,894 pounds of freight, and passenger tickets 
sales made to the amount of $5,113.95. 

The township contains two flouring and four saw mills, in more or 
less active operation, and one woolen mill ; to which we may properly 
add one flouring mill erected in Huntsville. This mill, built by a non- 
resident, is well located, is a substantial structure, and contains three 
run of buhrs, two for wheat, and one for corn. 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 211 

In close proximity is the woolen mill, or manufactory, of Mr. John 
Sutliff, one of the most conspicuous and valuable of the local industries. 
The building is a large and substantial one of stone, and is thoroughly 
equipped with the best machinery. Erected a few years ago by a com- 
pany, it passed by sale to Mr. Sutliff, under whose experienced guid- 
ance it is now not only profitable to him, but positively a necessity of 
this entire region. Its annual consumption of wool is about 40,000 
pounds, and its productions are cloths, jeans, satinets, flannels, lin- 
seys, tweeds, blankets, carpets and yarns. In the production of yarns 
for domestic knitting, this mill has practically superseded the spinning 
wheels of our mothers and grandmothers, fully two-thirds of the yarn 
so used in this county being supplied by Mr. Sutliff. The quality of 
his yarn productions will be appreciated when we say that fully two- 
thirds of it finds ready sale in Eastern markets. In connection with 
this establishment, and operated by the same power, Mr. Sutliff has 
a fully equipped saw mill, from which he turns out an annual average 
of 40,000 to 50,000 feet of lumber. 

As to the market values of real estate (fanning lands) in this town- 
ship, they have the usual range, depending upon soil, location, and 
improvement. Salt Spring will compare favorably with any toAvnship 
of the county or State. In the body of the township, outside of Hunts- 
ville, there are three churches with regularly worshipping congrega- 
tions, to wit: Pleasant Hill Regular Baptists, 40 members. The 
others are New Hope and Trinity, both Methodist, with large mem- 
berships. At Huntsville there are houses of worship, to wit : One 
Methodist (white), membership 75 ; one Baptist (white), membership 
196; one Baptist (colored), membership 102 ; one Christian, mem- 
bership (approximately) 125. 

Of public school buildings, there are six in the township, exclusive 
of the two at Huntsville, These buildings are all of good class, 
judicially located, and adequately equipped. The schools are well 
taught, and generally well sustained. The Huntsville school build- 
ing (white) is a handsome and commodious structure, centrally 
and handsomely located. The colored school building is less com- 
modious, but ample for the requirements of the place. 

RANDOLPH CREAMERY. 

There is in successful operation, one mile west of Huntsville, an 
institution known as the Randolph Creamery, which was established 
in September, 1882, by R. E. Lewis, D. S. Benton, and E. S. Bod- 
ford, with a capital stock of $(5,500. This creamery makes 4,600 



212 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

pounds of butter per month, which is marketed in St. Louis and New 
York. E. E. Lewis is president, and E. S. Bedford, vice-president 
and general manager. 

TOBACCO FACTORIES. 

There are three tobacco factories in Huntsville. Two of these are 
owned by W. T. Rutherford and E. E. Samuel, Jr., and the other by 
Miss Berenice Morrison, of St. Louis. Mr. Rutherford will handle 
about 400,000 pounds ; he employs from 100 to 125 hands. E. E. 
Sammel, Jr., is operating all of these factories, and will handle be- 
tween 400 and 450,000 pounds. He works from 175 to 200 hands. 
The tobacco put up in the Huntsville market is shipped to England, 
Ireland and Germany, as well as to the markets of the United States. 
Huntsville is the second largest leaf tobacco market in the State, and 
generally ships from two and a half to three millions of pounds per 
annum. 

The firm of Thomson, Lewis & Co., composed of James D. Thom- 
son, James W. Lewis and E. E. Samuel, have until the past year 
handled the largest part of the leaf tobacco grown in this market. 
The purchases of this firm last year amounted to three millions of 
pounds, one-third of this being bought in this market. Dealers here 
.sometimes sell to European buyers. One of the largest sales ever 
made here was made by Thomson, Lewis & Co. last year to London 
buyers, who purchased 300 hhds. at $50,000. There will probably 
be paid out the sum of $75,000 this year at Huntsville for tobacco, 
notwithstanding the present crop is light. Farmers are preparing 
for a large crop, and if the season is favorable there will be three 
millions of pounds handled alone in this market next year. The to- 
bacco of Randolph county commands a price equal to that produced 
anywhere in the United States, and is sought for by buyers all over 
the globe. Li 1880 the tobacco crop of Randolph amounted to 
$701,052. Chariton and Macon are the only counties in the State 
that produce more tobacco than Randolph. 

EARLY SETTLERS. 

The pioneers of Salt Spring township were generally from Kentucky, 
us will be seen from the list of names given below : From Kentucky 
came Henry Lassiter, Henry Winburn, Valentine Mays, Neal Murphy, 
Clark Skinner, Benjamin Skinner, Joseph M. Hammett, William 
Fray, Blandermin Smith, Robert Sconce, William Baker, Charles 
Baker, Joseph M. Baker, Christly Baker, Jeremiah Summers, Archi- 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 213 

bald Rutherford, William Rutherford and Shelton Rutherford. John 
Read came from North Carolina. Tolman Gorham came from 
Tennessee, as did also Thomas Gorham, Sr., Thomas J. Gorham and 
Dr. William Fort. James Cochrane, John Welden, Jeremiah Sum- 
mers, William Elliott, Robert Elliott, Joseph Holman, William 
Cunningham and Abraham Goodding were other early settlers. 

Dr. William Fort, above named, together with Tolman Gorham, 
opened and operated the salt works, which were then located at what 
is now known as the Medical Springs, in Randolph county. They 
began making salt in 1823, and continued to supply a wide scope of 
country, extending many miles in almost every direction, for many 
years. 

The doctor was the first physician to locate in the county, and 
being one of the oldest citizens of the county, we here insert the fol- 
lowing notice of his death, furnished by his son, Dr. John T. Fort, 
of Huntsville : — 

DEATH OF DR. WILLIAM FORT. 

Another of the strong and notable men of the pioneer life of 
Missouri has been called to his reward in the person of Dr. William 
Fort, of Randolph county, who died at the residence of his son, Henry 
T. Fort, near Huntsville, without a struggle, and from exhaustion and 
old age, on August 23, 1881, aged 88 years. 

The deceased was born in Nashville, Tennessee, October 19, 1793, 
and was a soldier in the War of 1812, under Gen. Jackson. After 
the close of the war, and on March 14, 1815, he married Miss Patsy 
Gorham, who with four of their six children survive him. 

In 1817 he professed religion and united with the Baptist church. 

In 1820, a year before the State was admitted into the Union, he 
emigrated with his young family to Missouri and settled in Randolph 
county, and on the farm on which he was buried. 

He was a member of the first county court of Randolph county, 
and during his life was elevated by his fellow-citizens to seats in both 
branches of the General Assembly, always discharging his official 
trusts, as he did his personal and professional obligations, with 
fidelity, promptness and great acceptance to the people, aiding in all 
the relations of life in laying the foundations of the great Common- 
wealth of which he was always so justly proud. 

He was a Democrat of the school of Jefierson and Jackson, and 
during the latter years of Senator Benton's career, a leader in the 
State of the anti-Benton forces, and contributed not a little by his 
influence in the final overthrow of Benton's power in Missouri. 

Dr. Fort was a man of the most exemplary private life ; took the 
right side of all the moral questions of the da}', and being fearless as 
well as discreet in the proclamation of his opinions, left the world 
the better that he had lived in it. Decided in his convictions of 



214 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

public policy, he was conservative without being tame, and tolerant 
of opinions differing from his own. In short, he was a strong 
character, and has left his impress on his generation. 

By profession he was a physician, and for many years his practice 
was very successful and extensive. 

William Fray erected the first water mill in Salt Spring township, 
on the East fork of the Chariton river. 

HUNTSVILLE. 

Huntsville is beautifully located upon an elevated and healthful 
plateau, on the north side of the Wabash, St. Louis and Pacific 
Railroad. 

On the 5th of January, 1831, the first steps were taken towards 
locating the county seat at Huntsville, by the appointment of Robert 
Wilson as commissioner. The tract or tracts which comprised the 
original town were donated to the county by William Goggin, Gideon 
Wright, Daniel Hunt and Henry Winburn, and the county surveyor 
was immediately ordered to lay off the land and make a plat thereof. 
Each of these donations consisted of I2V2 acres, which formed an 
exact square, the dome of the new court-house being the centre. 
The town site now covers between seven and eight hundred acres. 

Daniel Hunt, one of the donors above named, was the first settler, 
locating, however, but a little while in advance of the other three. 
These men were from Kentucky. The town was called Huntsville in 
honor of Daniel Hunt, the first settler. 

The first sale of lots took place in the following April, and included 
all of them with the exception of those from number 94 to 99 
inclusive, reserved for court-house, lot 155 for jail lot, and also 
number 32, which it was then thought necessary to hold back for a 
market-house. This market-house lot was subsequently sold, and is 
the one on which stands the present residence of James B. Thompson. 
The highest price then paid for lots was $115, which was paid for 
the lot on which stands the brick store now occupied by M. Hey- 
mann, and the post-office stand, and also for the lot which is the 
present site of the Austin House. Some of the lots sold as low as 
$3.25, which are very valuable property now. 

The original town site of Huntsville -was doubtless covered with 
timber, judging from the following order which was made by the 
county court when the town was located : 

Ordered : That all persons cutting timber in the streets of Hunts- 
ville are required to leave the stumps not more than one foot in height, 
and to clear all timber so cut, together with the brush. 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 215 



PIONEER BUSINESS MEN. 



The pioneer business men of the town were Davis and Currin, to 
whom were issued the first tavern license, granted by the county court 
in 1829. Their place of business was at the house of William Goggin 
(Daniel G. Davis and Waddy T. Currin). The next merchants were 
Garth and Giddings (Dabney C. Garth and Brack Giddings). These 
gentlemen were from Virginia. Garth represented the county in the 
Legislature. 

Then came Fielding, Clinton and Grundy Cockerill, who did a 
general merchandise business under the firm name of Cockerill & Co. 
Joseph C. Dameron commenced the mercantile business in the spring 
of 1835, and in 1842 he brought the first piano to the county, its 
strange and inspiring notes being the first ever heard among the classic 
hills of Hunts ville. 

Conway and Lamb were among the earliest merchants. John F. 
Riley was the first gunsmith ; O. D. Carlisle was the first saddler; 
John Gray taught the first school, in a log house located on the public 
square; James C. Ferguson was the first shoemaker; Dr. Waller 
Head was the first physician to locate in the town. He was a native 
of Orange county, Virginia, and located in Huntsville in October, 
1831, where he continued to reside until his death, which occurred in 
August, 1845. Dr. Joseph Rutherford came soon after Head, and 
formed a partnership in the practice of medicine with the latter. 

Ned. Goggin (colored) opened the first bakery, and after accumu- 
lating quite a fortune, he moved to Putnam county, Missouri, where 
he now resides. Joseph Viley erected the first carding machine and 
cotton gin in 1834. Joseph C. Dameron opened the first tobacco 
factory. Dr. J. J. Watts kept the first drug store ; William Smith 
the first livery stable. 

Gen. Robert Wilson was the first lawyer in the town. He was 
also the first county and circuit court clerk, and afterwards became a 
United States Senator from Missouri. Clair Oxley, from Kentucky, 
was the second lawyer; he afterwards died in Santa Fe, New Mexico. 
William Goggin erected the first mill in the town at a very early day. 
It was a horse mill, and was operated for nearly 35 years. 

Almost simultaneously with the founding of the new town, a few of 

the old settlers, anxious to amuse themselves, opened a race track 

near the north-western portion of the town. Here met the sporting 

men and lovers of the turf for several years, drawn hither at stated 

9 



216 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

periods to witness the speed of some strange or favorite horse. 
Among the horses whose popularity has come down to us were 
'♦ White Stockings " and " Aleck," the former the property of Bart 
McDameron, and the latter the property of Hancock Jackson. In 1837 
Alphonso Wetmore, the compiler of the "Gazetteer" of Missouri, 
said of Huntsville at that date : — 

. Huntsville, the seat of justice of Randolph, is near the centre of 
the county. This town is flourishing, and contains a good brick 
court-house, seven stores, etc. There is no church in the place ; but 
public worship, by all denominations, is held in the court-house, and 
in the school houses of the town and county. This is a fashion 
throughout Missouri, and it seems rational to occupy one house for 
various purposes in a new country. While the people are building up 
their fortunes, and erecting private houses at the same time, there 
should be indulgence given until they shall be better able to build tem- 
ples, suited in magnificence to the great Being, to whom these will be 
dedicated. 

HUNTSVILLE IN OTHER DAYS. 

[From the Citizen.] 

By request we publish the following letter, outlining the proceedings 
of a celebration of the Huntsville Division of Sons of Temperance, in 
this place in 1848. It was published in the Glasgow Times of Octo- 
ber 12, 1848, together with the addresses to which it refers. Some 
of the gentlemen whose names are mentioned are still with us, and 
will no doubt cast their mind back over 30 years of their life and 
recognize the proceedings referred to : — 

Huntsville, Mo., Oct. 4, 1848. 
^^ Gentlemen: — The undersigned were appointed a committee, by 
the Huntsville Division of the Sons of Temperance, to have the enclosed 
addresses delivered in this place on Thursday, the 28th September, 
the first celebration of the order in this place, published — and believ- 
ing as we do, that your paper is always open to any and every subject 
that may prove beneficial to the cause of humanity, we thought fit to 
impose upon your generous feelings, so far as to ask permission for 
the patriotic and noble sentiments inculcated in those addresses, a 
place in your columns, and to request other journals, favorable to the 
extension and advancement of the glorious cause of Temperance, to 
copy the same. These speeches were delivered by Miss Mary M. 
Lewis, on behalf of the ladies of Huntsville and vicinity, in present- 
ing a beautiful banner which was made for the order, and by John O. 
Oxley, in behalf of the Division. We would remark also, that on 
that occasion, a Bible was presented, and an excellent address from 
Mrs. M. M. Watts, and responded to by Mr. E. B. Cone, on behalf of 
the Division, which we will also send you in the course of a few days 
for publication. 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 217 

" Our celebration was everything to be desired. Besides the eloquent 
and masterly efforts by those who delivered the flag and Bible, and those 
who received them on behall" of the Division, the Rev. Mr. Simpson, 
from Glasgow, George H. Burckhartt and Dr. McLean, of Huntsville 
Division of the Sons of Temperance, delivered most able and inter- 
esting addresses. The cause is prospering finely here, and we hope 
will continue to prosper, until the Demon, Intemperance, is banished 
from our land of liberty. 

" Respectfully, your obedient servants, 

" W. R. Samuel, 
" W. M. Dameron, 
"F.M. M'Lean." 

IMPROVEMENTS. 

[From the Huntsville Herald.] 

During the year 1871 over one hundred thousand dollars were spent 
in permanent improvements by the people of the city of Huntsville, 
a partial list of which we give below, not having the data at hand for 
a full report, but the figures we give only fall a few hundred dollars 
short of the true amount given and we are fully satisfied $25,000 ad- 
ditional would not cover the whole expense of improvement in the one 
year of 1871. Our people are fully waked up to the importance of 
building a large town here, and now that the ball is set rolling they 
will keep it going. We have resources untold that need development, 
and it only requires a liberal expenditure of capital with judgment 
and eijergy to make our town one of the most important in North 
Missouri. 

Here are the names of the parties and the improvements they have 
made. 

The amount expended on the college looks large on paper, but we 
have a detailed statement of expenditures in this office to prove it cor- 
rect. Any doubting " Thomas " can walk in and examine it for him- 
self:— 

" Huntsville Woolen Mill building, $5,000 ; addition to college and 
boarding house, $19,000; Wm. SmTth's livery stable, $3,500; addi- 
tion to plow factory, $800; Sandison, Murry & Co., two stone store- 
houses, $5,500; Charles Allin, residence, $1,700; William Mayo, 
wagon and blacksmith shop, $225 ; W. H. Taylor, office, $600, re- 
pairs and improvements on his residence, $300; J. N. Taylor, im- 
provement on furniture store, $400 ; J. C. Shaefer, dwelling to rent, 
$1,100; improvements on residence of same, $100; Methodist Church 
South, new church, $6,000; Neal Holman, new dwelling, $1,000; J. 
R. Christian, barn and improvements on residence, $250 ; J. P. Klink, 
improvements on business house, $200; Archie Rutherford, dwelling 
to rent, $1,000; S. Y. Pitts, new dwelling, $3,500; Jno H. Austin, 
dwelling to rent, $475 ; Walter Adams, residence, $900; V. B. C:d- 
houn, residence, $1,200; S. M. Keebaugh, addition to store, $600; 
Mrs. Mary McCampbell, improvements on hotel, $325; J. R. Wisdom, 
house to rent and improvements on his store, $1,600 ; Mrs. Gillis, im- 



218 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

provements on dwelling, $200 ; H. Woodbury, improvements on 
dwelling, $300; G. F. Eothwell, house to rent, $550; William Pil- 
ger, dwelling, $350 ; Huntsville Coal Company, shaft and other im- 
provements, $12,500; W. T. Rutherford, five dwelling houses to 
rent, $2,500 ; Taylor & Smothers, three houses to rent, $2,700 ; 
David Reese, two houses to rent, $850 ; Mr. Chas. McCarty, residence, 
$600; G. F. Rothwell, residence, $1,500; John B. Taylor, improve- 
ments on residence, $1,500; J, D. Hunt, residence, $525; T. D. 
Bogie, improvements on residence, $200 ; Mrs. Boulware, improve- 
ments on residence, $250; Will Doc Hunt, residence, $600; H. L. 
Rutherford, improvements on residence, $400; school-house for ne- 
groes, $540; Westley Elay, " dwelling, $1,100; James Chrisman, 
dwelling, $300 ; Nelson Carter, dwelling, $450 ; J. Hummons, dwell- 
ing, $450 ; J. Smith, dwelling, $300 ; David Morton, addition to resi- 
dence, $200; Beverly Lay, residence, $450; Easter Austin, residence, 
$300; L. Henderson, residence, $200 ; jail and jailor's residence, 
$8,000; Jane Walker, improvements on residence. 



DESTRUCTIVE FIRE. 

[From the Herald.] 

On a Monday morning, in January, 1874, about one o'clock, fire was 
discovered issuing from the rear room of the grocery store of George 
T. Green, on Main street, in this place. The flames spread rapidly, 
and in a few minutes the house of Moses Heymaun, on the west, and 
the City Drug Store of Charles Semple & Co., Avere on fire, and were 
not long in being reduced to ruins. By this time a large crowd had 
gathered, and by the almost superhuman efforts of a few men the prog- 
ress of the flames was checked. The house of Mrs. Lewis, occupied 
by W. T. Jackson as a grocery store, the next store on the east from 
the drug store, was saved without material damage. 

The fire was evidently the work of an incendiary, as no fire had 
been in the store of Mr. Green since the Saturday night previous, and 
in the part of the building where the fire originated there was no stove 
or stove flue, and it is not known that there was any combustible sub- 
stance to create a fire. 

WHO OWNED THE HOUSES. 

The first house burned was the property of Mr. J. C. Shaefer. It 
was a two-story brick, brick front, about 40 feet deep by 21 feet wide, 
and had a wooden addition on the south end. It was insured in the 
Underwriters' Insurance Company of New York City for $1,500. 
The building is, of course, a total loss. 

The next house on the east was the property of James Wisdom. It 
was a two-story brick, about 40 feet deep, with a brick extension on 
the south. It was fitted up for a drug store, in a very complete 
manner, and was the best house for that purpose in the county. It 
was insured in the American Central, of St. Louis, for $2,500. 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 219 

On the corner stood the three-story brick which formerly belonged 
to the estate of John McCampbell, bnt which was purchased some 
time ago by Moses Heymann. This building was not insured, and 
is a total loss. 

HOW THE HOUSES WERE OCCUPIED. 

Moses Heymann occupied the first story of the corner building, as 
a dry goods and clothing store, and had on hand, he estimates, about 
115,000 in stock, on which there was an insurance in the following 
companies: Equitable, of Nashville ; Fire and Marine, of St. Joseph, 
and Underwriters, of New York — aggregating $8,000. His stock was 
partially saved, but of course more or less damaged in removing. His 
losses will be heavy, but cannot yet be approximated in dollars and cents. 

The second story of this building was occupied by Mr. J. G. Bibb as 
a saddle and harness-maker's shop. His goods were nearly all saved, 
and, we understand, not badly damaged in handling. 

The third story was occupied as a Masonic hall, and the Huntsville 
Lodge and Huntsville Royal Arch Chapter each had all their regalia 
and other fixtures there, which are a total loss, as nothing w^as saved 
from this part of the building. The records of both Lodge and Chap- 
ter were fortunately not in the building, but the charter of each of the 
institutions was burned. 

The first story of the next building was occupied by George T. 
Green, as a family grocery store, and he had on hand a full stock of 
goods in his line. As the fire originated in his back room, only such 
goods as were in the front portion of the store were saved. His losses 
will be heavy. He was insured in the St. Joseph Fire and Marine In- 
surance Company for $2,000 on his stock. The second story was 
occupied by Col. Denny as a law office, in which he kept his books 
and a considerable amount of office furniture. His books were for- 
tunately saved, but his furniture and some valuable papers were 
burned. No insurance. 

The first story of the next building was occupied by Messrs. Charles 
Semple & Co. as a drug store, in which they had a very complete 
stock of drugs, etc. We understand that only about $500 worth of 
their stock was saved, as the oils, etc., in the rear of their store 
burned very rapidly. They are insured in the New York Home Insur- 
ance Company for $2,500. 

The second story of the building was occupied by Mr. Charles 
Semple as a dwelling. He succeeded in saving all his furniture and 
household goods, only losing a little clothing. This completes the 
occupancies of the buildings burned. The above covers the buildings 
that were burned and their occupancy. In addition to this the stocks 
were removed from the remaining buildings in the row, and were of 
course more or less damaged. 

W. T. Jackson is damaged three or four hundred on grocery stock. 
No insurance. The bank moved out their desks and other movable 
fixtures, but there was no particular damage to them. The liquors 
and fixtures of John R. Belsher's saloon were all moved out, and iu 



220 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

the effort to take care of them, the liquors were nearly all drank up. 
He lost nearly all his stock which falls heavy on him. G. W, Taylor's 
goods were all moved out into the street, and will be damaged to the 
amount of a thousand or fifteen hundred dollars, covered by insurance. 
The stoves and hardware of V. B. Calhoun were moved out, but the 
damage will be slight, as was also the saddlery of A. J. Ferguson, and 
the stores and hardware of H. P. Hunter, The law books and office 
furniture of John R. Christian were removed, and more or less 
damaged, as were those of I. P. Bibb. 

The total losses by the fire Avill not be far from $20,000, at a very 
moderate estimate. A number of our citizens worked faithfully to 
stop the ravages of the fire, among whom none deserve more praise 
than William and Neal Holman, and R. J. Flouruey, also a man 
named Fowler, from Sedalia, and another named elohn N. Brison, 
from Shelbina. The roof on the house of Dr. J. C. Oliver was torn 
off to stop the fire in case it got that far, but fortunately this was un- 
necessary. 

We cannot close this without saying that a number of ladies who 
live in town did heroic service in assisting to save the goods, for which 
they deserve great credit. 

There have been other fires in Huntsville, but none perhaps more 
destructive than the fire above mentioned. 

SUBSCRIPTION TO YELLOW FEVER SUFFERERS. 

The people of Huntsville, ever generous and alive to the calls of 
suffering humanity, met at the court-house, August 31, 1878, during 
the prevalence of yellow fever in the South, and contributed of their 
substance, as will be seen bv the followino: notice : — 

At a meeting at the court-house, on August 31, 1878, to devise 
ways and means to assist the suffering South, G. H. Burckhartt was 
elected chairman; Charles Allin, secretary; and W. R. Samuel, 
treasurer. Committee appointed and following sums subscribed by 
those present : 

W. T. Austin, $5 ; G. H. Burckhartt, $5 ; J. N. Taylor, $5 ; C. H. 
Hance, $5 ; William Smith, $5 ; W. H. Williams, $5 ; W. R. Samuel, 
$5; J. C. Oliver, $5; Charles Allin, $5; Dr. Dameron, $5; I. J. 
Loeb, $2 ; V. B. Calhoun, $1 ; John Swetnam, $2 ; W. Sandison, $2 ; 
A. J. Ferguson, $1 ; J. H. Simms, $1 ; Edward Jackson, $2 ; A. H. 
Waller, $1; V. M. Baker, $1; R. Flournoy, $1; C. H. Hammett, 
$2.50; W. C. Kirby, $1 ; Mrs. Gillis, 25c; total, $67.75. 

Collected by V. B. Calhoun: Thomas B. Reed, $10; Dr. A. L. 
Bibb, $1 ; J. G. Bibb, $1 ; J. D. Head, 50c; T. B. Minor, 25c; J. 
S. Vancleve, 25c; total, $13. 

Collected by V. M. Baker: C. D. Vase, 50c; J. D. Oliver, 25c; 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 221 

J. M. Baker, 50c; G. W. Taylor, $1.50; Luther Cobb, 50c; total, 
$3.25. 

Collected by l*saac J. Loeb : William Sims, $1; A. Doffnir, 25c; 
M. Heymanii, 50c ; John Hunt, 25c ; L. B. Keebaiigh, 25c ; H. A. 
Clark, 25c; J. W. Hammett, $1 ; E. H. Hammett, 50c; J. Ashurst, 
50c; Henry Burton, 50c; Thomas Herndon, 50c ; Charles Semple, 
50c; Gray Lo wry, 50c; J. D. Moore, 50; John Vaughan, 25c; J. 
H. Smith, 50c; G. P. Dameron, 25c; Cash, 40c; J. H. Eeed, 25c; 
C. R. Ferguson, $2; H. L. Rutherford, 50c; J. G. Dameron, 25c; 
William Cave, 25c ; W. G. Lea, 25c ; George Malone, 25c ; F. M. 
Hammett, $2 ; W. T. Rutherford, $5 ; Jo. Kirby, 40c ; Robert Rains, 
25c ; E. E. Samuel, 50c ; J. G. Baker, 50 ; J. Burk, 50c ; total, $21.30. 

Collected by Mrs. Elmore and Miss Kiernan : Dr. Kiernan, $1 ; 
Mrs. Eberle, 10c ; Mrs. Rebecca Rutherford, 50c ; Mrs. Denny, $1 ; 
Mrs. Gillis, 25c ; Rev. W. Penn, $1.50 ; T. D. Bogie, printing, $2.50 ; 
total, $6.85. 

Collected by J. H. Simms : Edward Stephenson, 50c; S. Harri- 
son, 25c ; J. A. Heether, 90c ; James Murry, $1 ; J. R. Belsher, 50c ; 
G. V. Wright, 50c ; W. Boniface, 25c ; J. N. Stewart, 50c ; W. T. 
Jackson, $1; C. B. Shaefer, 25c; G. W. Crutchfield, 25c; William 
Meyer, 25c; L. M. Hunt, $1; H. P. Hunt, 50c; A. Jordan, 25c; 
A. W. Scott, 25c ; A. Cox, 50c ; G. A. Wright, 25c ; N. J. Smothers, 
50c; total, $9.40. 

Collected by W. H. Williams : A. P. Terrill, $5 ; A. J. Miller, 
$1 ; John Murry, $1.75 ; T. B. Kimbrough, $1 ; Thomas Elmore, $1 ; 
G. W. Keebaugh, $1 ; P. Y. Swetnam, $5 ; Jo. W. Taylor, $1 ; J. 
R. Christian, $1 ; H. Woodbury, $1 ; J. D. Hammett, $2 ; A. J. 
Rambury, 50c ; C. Boyd, $1 ; James Alderson, 50c ; H. Ficklin, 50c ; 
J. R. Terrill, $1; C. F. Rigg, $1; W. H. Taylor, $2.50; John H. 
Penny, $1 ; Joseph Allin, $1 ; W. A. Thomas, $1; W. B. Crutchfield, 
50c ; W. G. Wilson, $1 ; J. R. Hull, 50c ; Miss Dunlap, 15c ; Mahlon 
Hix, $1; James Hardin, $1; I. P. Bibb, $1; E. P. Kirby, $5; 
total, $4i.90. 

Total at court-house, $67.75 ; collected by Williams, $41.90; col- 
lected by Calhoun, $13 ; collected by Baker, $3.25 ; collected by Mrs. 
Elmore, $6.85; collected by J. H. Simms, $9.40; collected by I. J. 
Loeb, $21.30; total, $163.45 ; deduct printing, $2.50; total $160.95. 
This sum was sent to Howard Association to be distributed where 
most needed. 

G. H. Burckhartt, president; Charles Allin, secretary; W. R. 
Samuel, treasurer. The 1. O. O. F. Lodge sent $15 in addition to 
the above. 



222 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 



BANKS AND BANKERS. 

The first banking enterprise in Huntsville was inangurated about 
the year 1866 by William M. Wisdom and Courtney Hughes. It was 
a private institution, and continued until the death of Mr. Hughes, 
which occurred in 1867. The bank then did business under the name 
of C. Wisdom & Co., until December 31, 1874, when it was succeeded 
by the Huntsville Savings Bank. The bank was again changed in 
1878, to the private bank of J. M. Hammett & Co., with the follow- 
ing directors and stock-holders : F. M. Hammett, president ; James 
W. Hammett, vice-president; C. H. Hammett, cashier; B. F. Ham- 
mett, J. D. Hammett, W. R. Samuel, M. J. Sears, John R. Christian. 
The bank is supplied with a time-lock, and is in a flourishing condi- 
tion, as the following statement will show: — 

Official statement of the flnancial couditiou of J. M. Hammett & Co., at Huntsville, 

State of Missouri, at the close of business on the 31st day of December, 1883: 
Eesources — 

Loans undoubtedly good on personal or collatei'al security . . # 96,409 36 

Loans and discounts undoubtedly good on real estate security . . 24,000 00 

Overdrafts by solvent customers 10,095 36 

Other bonds and stocks at their present cash market price . . . 3,450 00 

Due from other banks, good on sight draft 8,3S1 00 

Real estate at present cash market value \ , r,nn nn 

Furniture and fixtures J '"" 

Bills of National Banks and legal tender United States notes . . 12,987 00 

Gold coin 3,000 00 

Silver coin 2,4(!0 42 

Total $164,983 14 

Liabilities — 

Capital stock paid in $ 15,900 00 

Surplus funds on hand 3,341 93 

Deposits subject to draft — at sight 145,741 21 

Total $164,983 14 

State of Missouri, \ 
County of Randolph, j 

We, C. H. Hammett and James W. Hammett, two of the partners in or owners of 
said banking business, and each of us, do solemnly swear that the above statement is 
true to the best of our knov/Iege and belief. G. H. Hammett, 

J. W. Hammett. 

Subscribed and sworn to before me, this 8th day of January, A. D. eighteen hun- 
dred and eighty-four. 

[l. s.] Witness my hand and notarial seal hereto affixed, at office in Huntsville, 
the date last aforesaid. (Commissioned and qualified for a term expiring March 15th, 
1887.) Will C. Kirby, Notary Public. 

SECRET ORDERS. 

Huntsville Lodge No 30, A. F. and A. M. — Was chartered by the 
Grand Lodge of Missouri October 8, 1840. The following are the 
only three names of the charter members that appear upon the records : 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 223 

Edward Slater, Fleming Terrill, Thomas P. Coates. This lodge owns 
a hall equal to any similar institution to be found in any town not ex- 
ceeding 3,000 inhabitants. 

Huntsville Royal Arch Chapter No. 13 — Was chartered by the 
Grand R. A. Chapter of Missouri, May 23, 1849. Charter members : 
Priestly H. McBride, Edward Slater, William B. Giddings, N. B. 

Coates, Halstead, Garland Ried, John Grigler, James Shirley, 

Milton Bradley and others, whose names could not be obtained, the 
record having been destroyed by fire. 

Randolph Lodge No. 23, 1. 0. 0. F. — Was chartered April 29, 
1847, and organized and officers installed June 10, 1847, by Grand 
Master Isaac M. Veitch, of St. Louis, assisted by Clark H. Green, D. 
D. G. M. Number admitted to membership since organization, 258. 
Charter members were: Henry Bagwell, N. G. ; Thomas Adams, V. 
G. ; William M. Withers, S. ; George Gentry, T. ; William Ander- 
son.^ Present officers : Charles Cartwright, N. G. ; William Pool, V. 
G. ;. James Farquarson, S. ; J. H. Miller, Per. S. ; B. W. Malone, 
T. Term of office expires March 31, 1884. 

Huntsville Lodge No. 101, A. 0. U. W. — Organized in January, 
1879. Charter members: Thomas D. Bogie, Will C. Kirby, H. G. 
Bourn, Joseph Allin, R,. E. Kiernan, August Doffnir, R. F. Poison, 
Charles H. Hance, V. M. Baker, William F. Meyer, D. T. Gentry. 
Officers : D. T. Gentry, P. M. W. ; T. D. Bogie, M. W. ; R. F. Pol- 
son, G. F. ; V. M. Baker, O. S. ; William F. Meyer, Guide ; Will C. 
Kirby, Recorder ; Joseph Allin, Financier ; C. H. Hance, R. ; H. G. 
Bourn, I. G. ; A. Doffnir; O. G. ; R. E. Kiernan, M. E. Trustees : 
R. E. Kiernan, M. D. ; T. D. Bogie, W. F. Meyer. The list of offi- 
cers for 1884 is : W. C. Kirby, P. M. W. ; T. M. Elmore, M. W. ; J. 
A. Heether, Gen. F. ; August Schunaman, O. V. S. ; J. M. Shaefer, 
Recorder; John R. Hull, Financier; William Meyer, Receiver; E. S. 
Bedford, Guide; T. L. Haggard, I. W. ; Moses Rothchild, O. W. ; 
A. Schunaman, William Meyer and T. M. Elmore, trustees. 

Huntsville Lodge No. 2589, K. of H. — Was organized October 24, 
1881. The charter members were: J. W. Heist, L. V. Heether, J. 
P. Hurry, W. V. Hall, G. L. Alexander, J. H. Miller, J. W. Brook- 
ing, J. R. Belcher, F. T. Payne, W. C. Kirby, W. H. Balthis, S. 
C. Matlock, William Isles, J. A. Heether, E. S. Bedford, F. G. 
Parker, A. D. Asbell, F. P. Baird and Charles Sandison. The 
first officers in October, 1881, were: J. W. Heist, Dictator; W. V. 



1 Father of " Bill " Anderson, the guerrilla chief in the War of 1861. 



224 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

Hall, p. Dictator ; L. V. Heether, Vice-Dictator ; J. P. Hurry, 
Assistant-Dictator; L. G. Alexander, Chaplain; J.Horace Miller, 
Eeporter ; J. W. Brooking, F. Reporter ; J. R. Belcher, Treasurer ; 
F. T. Payne, Guide; W. V. Hall, D. G. D. Present officers 
(1884): J. P. Hurry, D. ; J. W. Taylor, V. D. ; J. L. Chapman, 
A. D. ; E. E. Samuel, Jr., R. ; W. E. Wade, F. R. ; W. C. Kirby, 
Treasurer; J. C. Samuel, Chaplain; T. C. Jackson, Guide; Eugee 
Jackson, Guardian; R. E. Treloar, Sentinel; W. V. Hall, E. S. 
Bedford, J. H. Miller, Trustees ; E. S. Bedford, Rep. ; Alternate, J. 
Heist. 

BUILDING ASSOCIATION. 

The Huntsville Building and Loan Association was chartered 
February 17, 1882. The first officers were William Sandison, 
President; T. M. Elmore, Vice-President; C. H. Hammett, 
Treasurer ; J. C. Shaefer, Secretary. The same officers were con- 
tinued at the last annual election until February, 1885. The Associa- 
tion is in a good and flourishing condition. About 15 family 
residences have been built during its two years' existence by the aid 
of this association, and it is expected that as many, or more, will be 
built during the present year — 1884. 

PIONEER CHURCH AND SUNDAY SCHOOL. 

The Huntsville Baptist church (Missionary) was organized at the 
house of Brother Zephaniah Waldeu, near Huntsville, in August, 
1837, with seven constituent members, to wit : Theophilus Eddine, 
Zephaniah Walden and wife, Mary Thomas, Martha Dameron, Ben- 
jamin Terrill and James Terrill. The first church house in the town 
was erected about 1840. 

The first additions to the church were J. C. Shaefer and wife, in 
September, 1837, on letters of commendation from the Baptist church 
at Charlotfesville, Va. Since then, nearly all the Baptist churches in 
the county have been organized by members dismissed from the Hunts- 
ville church. The present membership is 140. Present clerk, W. R. 
Samuel ; pastor, S. Y. Pitts. The first Sunday-school in the town 
or county was organized by J. C. Shaefer, in August, 1839, and has 
been successfully carried on without intermission to the present time. 
The present superintendent is W. R. Samuel. 

SEMPLe's opera HOUSE. 

This eleo-ant buildino; was finished in Februarv, 1884, and is the 
property of Charles Semple. The building has a frontage of 42 feet 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 225 

on Court Square, and a depth of 90 feet, with 19 foot ceiling. The 
lower story of the building is divided into two store rooms, each 21 
by 90 feet. The stage is 42 feet wide and 20 feet deep, and is supplied 
with drop curtains and fly-wings, which have been gotten up in the 
best style of the scenic art. The building is a monument to the good 
taste and liberality of Mr. Seniple, and a great credit to the city of 
Hunts ville. The builders of the Opera House were Frank and Jake 
Walsh, stone builders. The architect was Mr. E. Cook, of Moberly ; 
stage architect, W. O. Thomas ; scenic artists, W. O. Thomas & Co., 
of Kansas City; decorative artist, E. Viets, of Moberly; painter, E. 
W. Stradley, Huntsville ; cornice work, H. Wiles & Co., Kansas 
City ; iron work. Smith, Hill & Co., Quincy, III. ; plasterer, James 
Domm, Huntsville ; gas fitting, P. H. Nise, Moberly ; gas fixtures. 
Fay Gas Fixture Co., St. Louis and William Sandison, Huntsville; 
tin work and heaters, Holman & Payne, Huntsville. The carpeting, 
matting, and chairs were all special orders from St. Louis, and were 
obtained through the agency of Mr. John N. Taylor, of Huntsville. 

HUNTSVILLE BRASS BAND. 

This band was organized in November, 1883, and is composed of 
the following persons : J. P. Hurry, E. W. Taylor, J. W. Taylor, 
E. E. Samuel, B. E. Treloar, Philip Maniel, J. O. Simms, Eddie Cal- 
houn, Ed. St. Clair, M. A. Cooley, William Skinner, Prof. Jonahan 
Goetz. 

HOME DRAMATIC COMPANY 

gave its first public performance in January, 1884. The following 
are the members of this company: Prof. B. F. Heaton, J. M. 
Wright, H. L. Ellington, W. K. Smith, J. P. Hurry, Dr. W. B. 
Abbington, B. E. Treloar, Church Brooking, John McClary, D. P. 
Hall, Eugene Jackson, Mrs. V. B. Calhoun, Mrs. J. M. Wright, Miss 
Anna Sears, Miss Minnie Sears, Miss Dora Shaefer, Miss Ella Good- 
ding Miss Maggie Williams, Miss Annie Smith, Miss Jeffie Jones. 
This company, composed exclusively of home talent, has given two 
entertainments, which were largely attended and highly appreciated 
by the citizens of Huntsville. The first earnings of the company are 
to be used to pay for the town clock. 

HUNTSVILLE FLEMING RAKE AND STACKER MANUFACTURING COMPANY 

was formed in November, 1883, with a capital of $10,000, held by 22 
stockholders. Its present officers are W. T. Rutherford, president ; 
T. M, Elmore, vice-president, and J. A. Swetnam, treasurer. This 
company, although it has been doing business but a few weeks, has 



226 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

now 100 agents and 116 sub-agents in cliflferent States. Twenty-five 
men are employed, who make about 16 machines per day. 

Huntsville was incorporated March 12, 1859. March 10, 1871, the 
corporation limits were extended. 

L. S. Barrad was the first mayor, and held his office in 1859, 

PRESENT MAYOR AND COUNCILMEN. 

W. V. Hall, mayor ; W. T. Rutherford, J. W. Hammett, Thomas 
M. Jones, G. M. Keebaugh, councilmen. 

CITY OFFICERS. 

G. M. Keebaugh, clerk; W. T. Rutherford, treasurer; A. M. 
Ellington, city attorney ; J. C. Shaefer, assessor ; T. C. Jackson, 
marshal. 

PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 

The public schools were partially organized in Huntsville some 
little time after the close of the war, but the organization was not 
completed until 1877, when the new school building was erected. 
The building and grounds cost about $3,500 ; it is a two-story frame 
structure, and contains eight rooms. In 1877, Prof. M. C. McMellen 
took charge of the school as principal. The white pupils enrolled at 
that time numbered 225, and the colored 75. 

The present enrollment of white pupils numbers 350, colored 
pupils 125, showing an increase over the year 1877 of 145. Under 
the management of Prof. Benjamin F. Heaton, the accomplished and 
popular principal, the schools, both white and colored, are doing Avell. 
Prof. Heaton's aim, from the beg-innino; of his connection with the 
schools, has been to not only raise them to a higher grade, but to so 
conduct them that their utility would soon be recognized and acknowl- 
edged by all. HoAV well he has succeeded is seen in the interest which 
is now manifested upon the part of the citizens of Huntsville. 

The teachers are Prof. Benjamin F. Heaton, principal: Miss 
Bettie Reed, Miss Anna Sears, Miss Dora Bibb, Miss Dora Shaefer, 
Miss Bettie Kiernan. 

MOUNT PLEASANT COLLEGE. 

In 1853 the citizens of Randolph county, impressed with the need 
of an institution of learning, and wishing to secure to themselves its 
benefits, determined to erect suitable buildinjrs at a cost of not less 
than $10,000. Acting on the advice of Hon. William A. Hall, to put 
the institution under the care and patronage of Mount Pleasant Baptist 
Association, a letter stating the above jDroposal, signed by William A. 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 227 

Hall, H. Austin and P.P. Ruby, in behalf of the citizens of Randolph 
county, was addressed to and accepted by the Association, and the 
institution took the name of the Association. Under this arrange- 
ment the money was secured and the building erected. February 28, 
1855, the charter was obtained. In 1857, the building having been 
completed at a cost of $12,500, and a school of 170 pupils under 
Rev. William Thompson, LL. D., President, and Rev. J. H. Carter, 
A. B., Professor of Mathematics, and Miss Bettie Ragland, Principal 
of female department, having been taught with gratifying results one 
year, the institution was formally tendered by the board of trustees to 
the Association and accepted ; the Association at the same time 
promising to endow the college remotely with $25,000, and within 
two years, with $10,000, appointed Rev. Noah Flood to proceed at 
once to secure the last named amount, and pledged himself to main- 
tain sufficient and efficient teachers until the $10,000 endowment was 
secured. Rev. W. R. Rothwell succeeded Dr. Thompson in the 
presidency, and the college ran till 1861, filling the most sanguine 
expectations of its friends. President Rothwell gathered quite an 
extensive library, provided apparatus for chemical, philosophical and 
astronomical purposes, secured a considerable cabinet of minerals and 
fossils, and established the character and reputation of the college. 
The war in 1861 crippled the resources of the school, by cutting off 
students, and a deficit of $580 in teachers' salaries was imposed, which 
failing to be met by the Association, the trustees of the college let it 
to President Rothwell, who, at his own risk, and mainly by his own 
effort, carried the collesre through the clouds of war into the sunshine 
of 1868. The school which had hitherto been self-sustaining, or 
carried by the magnanimity of President Rothwell to 1866, now being 
cut down by the impoverished and unsettled state of the country, 
made a move for an endowment a necessity, and the call became 
imperative. The board of trustees at Mount Gilead church in 1866, 
with emphasis called upon the Association to redeem her past pledges 
for endowment. 

Y. R. Pitts and Wade M. Jackson were appointed solicitors to raise 
$10,000 in twelve months. The next year (1868) the Association at 
Keytesville, through Y. R. Pitts, reported as endowment : — 

In notes $ 5,640 50 

In cash 200 00 

Jerry Kingsberry bequest 2,500 00 

Balance unprovided for •=• 1,660 00 

$10,000 50 



228 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

The balance, $1,660, was raised by subscription at that sitting of 
the Association. 

In 1870, Mount Pleasant Association, wishing further to endow the 
college, and learning that Macon Association was contemplating build- 
ing a similar institution of learning at Macon City, m the adjoining 
county, and within 30 miles of Huntsville, proposed to Macon As- 
sociation to consolidate upon Mount Pleasant College, offerinof them 
first, one-half of the board of trustees, and second, requiring them to 
raise $5,000 to be blended with the endowment fund. W. R. Roth- 
well, Benjamin Terrill, Joshua W. Terrill, W. R. Samuel and W. T. 
Beckelheimer were appointed a committee with discretionary power to 
confer with Macon Association. In 1872, Macon Association havinsf 
canvassed her ability to build, and the proposal of Mount Pleasant 
Association, agreed by resolution to co-operate with Mount Pleasant 
Association, in building up Mount Pleasant College, when the com- 
mittee from Mount Pleasant Association guaranteed them one-half of 
the board of trustees except one, leaving a majority of the board in 
Mount Pleasant Association. In 1869, Rev. James W. Terrill suc- 
ceeded President Rothwell. The war being over, confidence restored, 
and the times being prosperous and inviting, the college with other 
enterprises, took new life. Added to this. President Terrill brought 
to the institution a combination of merit, enterprise and energy, 
rarely found in one man, and in producing a new, popular and success- 
ful method of teaching, carried the college to its highest point of suc- 
cess. The question of repairs, additions and betterments (for the 
building had been used for military quarters during the war) now 
arose, and the terms, patronage and success of the school, and the 
earnest protestations of both Mount Pleasant and Macon Associations, 
seemed to demand and encourage immediate action in this direction. 
The trustees concluded to make ample improvement and additions, 
and to the main building added two wings, running out and back of 
the main building, giving in rooms, halls, stairways and closets, a 
building whose size, arrangement, decoration and stability which would 
rank with any in the State. Added to this the patronage and liber- 
ality of the citizens of Randolph county, and especially the citizens of 
Huntsville to the institution, which had ever been marked, the board 
of trustees were induced to build a commodious and tasteful boarding;- 
house, three stories, besides the basement. The citizens of Hunts- 
ville for this purpose furnished $3,000 cash, by which with a loan on 
first mortgage, assisted by a loan of $3,500 endowment fund, secured 
by second mortgage on the building, it was completed. 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 229 

These buildings and additions were completed in 1871, and a con- 
siderable debt incurred. In 1873, the financial trouble which had 
been threatening overwhelmed the country, and a wave more damag- 
ing and blighting than war passed over the college. For two years 
longer, under President Terrill, it stood bravely on its feet carrying 
the heavy pressure. But the boarding-house was sold under first 
mortgage, and failing to bring the debt, the second mortgage, $3,500 
endowment fund, was lost and the Jerry Kingsbury bequest, $2,500, 
being swept away, when the bank failed, and the parties failing to 
come to time on their notes, from financial embarrassments, the $10,- 
000 endowment was never realized. 

In 1876, Rev. M. J. Breaker came to the head of the institution, 
and like his worthy predecessor, Rothwell, stood by it in a dark hour 
of peril, and by effort and sacrifice bore her on in her noble mission 
for three years longer, till March 21, 1879, when a judgment haVing 
been obtained against the college for debt, and looking for the execu- 
tion to be levied in June following. President Breaker resigned and 
the school closed — the second time in its existence of 23 years ; once 
before after the close of the war in 1869, under President Rothwell ; 
both times at the spring term. 

Mount Pleasant College, during her 23 years of existence, had been 
presided over by Rev. William Thompson, LL. D., one year; Rev. 
W. R. Rothwell, D.D., twelve years; Rev. J. W. Terrill, seven 
vears, and Rev. M. J. Breaker, three years ; it instructed hosts of 
youths, turned out 109 graduates, blessed the cause of education, ele- 
vated the community, and demonstrated the co-education of the sexes, 
as the fittest and best. 

Rev. A. S. Worrell, D.D., succeeded Mr. Breaker, and was presi- 
dent of the college in 1880-81. Rev. James B. Weber succeeded Dr. 
Worrell, and had charge of the college as its president when the build- 
ing was destroyed by fire (July 13, 1882). At the time the college 
building was destroyed there was a debt on it of $3,000, which was 
known as the (Wiley) Ferguson bequest. All other debts had been 
paid by the friends of the institution. The Ferguson bequest was 
secured by a mortgage on the building and grounds, and in order to 
pay this, the college and grounds were sold in 1883, and Avere pur- 
chased by the court-house building committee. 

There has been no special efi"ort to rebuild the institution, but it is 
hoped that steps will soon be taken in this direction, especially since 
the new court-house which was destroyed soon after the college, b}' fire 
also, has been completed. The college was one of the best and most 



230 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

convenient school structures in tlie State. Besides closets and ward- 
robes, the entire building contained 14 large, airy rooms. Its working 
capacity was amply sufficient for 500 students. 

The board of directors and faculty at the time the college was burned 
down in 1882, was : H. T. Fort, President ; T. B. Kimbrough, Sec- 
retary ; W. K. Samuel, Treasurer; J. D. Brown, Stephen Connor, 
J. F. Finks, P. T. Gentry, J. D. Humphrey, G. W. Keebaugh, R. 
J. Mansfield, W. A. Martin, W. D. Wilhite, Alfred Coulter, W. F. 
Elliott, J. T. Fort, W. J. Horsley, W. B. McCrary, S. Y. Pitts, T. T. 
Elliott, J. C. Shaefer. These trustees held the college for the Mount 
Pleasant Baptist Association. Faculty : — Rev. J. B. Weber, A. M., 
President, Professor of Greek, Moral Philosophy and English ; Miss 
Nannie L. Ray, B. A., Assistant in Mathematics and Latin; J. B. 
Weber, Acting Professor of Natural Science ; Mrs. A. E. Weber, 
Principal Preparatory and Primary Departments ; Mrs. M. E. Lasley, 
Principal of the Music Department. 

FEMALE COLLEGE MEETING. 

At a meeting of the citizens of Huntsville, held on Tuesday even- 
ing, March 8th, 185 — , for the purpose of taking into consideration 
the building of a Female College, W. R. Samuel, Esq., was called to 
preside over the meeting, and S. T. Morehead was appointed Sec- 
retary. 

Aleck Phipps, Esq., was called upon to explain the objects of the 
meeting, which he did in a brief and appropriate manner. 

Col. Barrows, of Macon City, was called upon and made a very in- 
teresting and earnest address in behalf of the cause of education, and 
the necessity of a Female College in this community. 

Mr. Overall, of Macon City; G. F. Rothwell and I. B. Porter 
were also called for, and responded in appropriate speeches. 

Capt. W. T. Austin then offered the following resolutions, which 
were adopted : — 

Resolved, 1. That while the Female College, proposed to be erected 
at Huntsville, by the citizens of Randolph and adjoining counties, is 
not designed to be sectarian in its 2:overnment and control, vet we be- 
lieve that the successful establishment of the proposed college demands 
that it be placed under the control of some religious denomination. 

Resolved, 2. That as the Baptist brethren have their Mount Pleas- 
ant College in Huntsville, Randolph county, the Presbyterian brethren 
their McGee College in Macon county, and the Methodist brethren 
their Central College in Howard county, we therefore do declare it to 
be the sense of this meeting that the proposed college would be more 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 231 

conducive of success by placing said college under the control of the 
brethren of the Christian church. 

A motion was made and carried that a committee of four gentlemen 
and four ladies be appointed to solicit subscriptions for the proposed 
college. The chairman then appointed the following named gentle- 
men and ladies : — 

Gentlemen — W. T. Eutherford, M. J. Sears, Charles AUin, J. M. 
Baker. 

Ladies — Mrs. Annie Wisdom, Mrs. Goodding, Mrs. A. J. Fergu- 
son and Mrs. V. B. Calhoun. 

On motion the meeting adjourned until the following Monday even- 
ing. W. K. Samuel, President. 
S. T. MoREHEAD, Secretary. 

This college was never erected. 

AGRICULTURAL FAIR. 

The first fair was held at Huntsville in the fall of 1854. D. C. 
Garth was president, Wallace McCampbell, vice-president ; William 
D. Malone, secretary ; Robert Y. Gilman, treasurer. The directors 
were: Dr. W. T. Dameron, James M. Hammett, Col. Thomas P. 
Ruby, Hon. James F. Wright, F. M. McLean, N. B. Christian. The 
last fair was held in 1876. The officers were: H. T. Rutherford, 
president ; J. M. Summers, first vice-president ; F. M. Hammett, 
second vice-president. The directors were Louis Heether, W. T. 
Rutherford, James F. Robinson, Capt. Thomas B. Reed, James M. 
Baker, Neal Holman, G. H. Burckhartt, S. T. Morehead. 

The following includes the business and professions in Huntsville : 
Four dry goods and clothing stores, one newspaper, four groceries, 
two shoemakers, two meat markets, three tobacco factories, three 
wagon makers, four saloons, one tailor, one tobacco and cigar store, 
three carpenters, one furniture store, one barber, three millinery, 
two insurance agents, one bakery and tobacco, four ministers, one 
shoe store, five lawyers, two drug stores, five physicians, one bank, 
two dentists, two hardware, three hotels, one sewing machine, one 
restaurant and confectionery, two jewelers, three blacksmiths, one 
harness shop, one livery and feed stable, two flour mills, two saw 
mills, one woolen mill, one lumber and hardware. 

The population of the place is 2,000. 
10 



CHAPTEE XII. 

EARLY BENCH AND BAR. 

Introductory Remarks — Judge David Todd — Judge John F. Ryland — Hon. Joseph 
Davis — Gov. Thomas Reynolds — Gen. Robert Wilson — Gen. John B. Clark, Sr. — 
Robert W. Wells. 

Horace Greeley once said that the only good use a lawyer could be 
put to was hanging, and a great many other people entertain the same 
opinion. There may be cause for condemning the course of certain 
practitioners of the law, but the same may be said within the ranks of 
all other professions. Such men should not be criticised as lawyers, 
doctors, or the like, but rather as individuals who seek, through a pro- 
fession that is quite as essential to the welfare of the body politic, as 
the science of medicine is to that of the physical well being, or theology 
to the perfection of the moral nature, to carry out their nefarious and 
dishonest designs, which are usually for the rapid accumulation of 
money, although at times for far more evil and sinister purposes, and 
which are the instincts of naturally depraved and vicious natures. 
None of the professions stand alone in being thus afflicted. All suffer 
alike. The most holy and sacred offices have been prostituted to base 
uses. And it would be quite as unreasonable to hold the entire medi- 
cal fraternity in contempt for the malpractice and quackery of some 
of its unscrupulous members, or the church with its thousands of sin- 
cere and noble teachers and followers, in derision for the hypocrisy 
and deceit of the few, who simply use it as a cloak to conceal the in- 
tentions of a rotten heart and a corrupt nature, as to saddle upon a 
profession as great as either the shortcomings of some of its individual 
members. 

By a wise ordination of Providence, law and order govern every- 
thing in the vast and complex system of the universe. Law is every- 
thing — lawyers nothing. Law would still exist, though every one of 
its professors and teachers should perish from the face of the earth. 
And should such a thing occur, and a new race spring up, the first 
instinctive desire of its best men would be to bring order out of chaos 
by the enactment and promulgation of wise and beneficial laws. Law 
in the a1)stract is as much a component part of our planet as are the 
elements, earth, air, fire and water. In a concrete sense, as ap^Dlied 
(232) 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 233 

to the government of races, nations and people, it plays almost an 
equally important part. Indeed, so grand is the science and so noble 
are the objects sought to be accomplished through it, that it has in- 
spired some of the best and greatest men of ancient and modern times 
to an investigation and study of its principles ; and in the long line of 
great names handed down to us from the dim and shadowy portals of 
the past, quite as many great men will be found enrolled as members 
of the legal profession as in any of the others, and owe their greatness 
to a sound knowledge of the principles of law, and a strict and impar- 
tial application of them, Draco, among the first and greatest of 
Athenian law-givers, was hailed as the deliverer of those people 
because of his enacting laws and enforcing them for the prevention of 
vice and crime, and looking to the protection of the masses from 
oppression and lawlessness. It is true that many of the penalties he 
attached to the violation of the law were severe, and even barbarous, 
but this severity proceeded from an honorable nature, with an earnest 
desire to improve the condition of his fellow-men. Triptolemus, his 
contemporary, proclaimed as laws : "Honor your parents, worship 
the gods, hurt not animals." Solon, perhaps the wisest and greatest 
of them all, a man of remarkable purity of life and noble impulses, 
whose moral character was so great, and conviction as to the public 
good so strong, that he could and did refuse supreme and despotic 
power when thrust upon him, thus replied to the sneers of his 
friends : — 

Nor wisdom's plan, nor deep laid policy, 
Can Solon boast. For, when its noble blessings 
Heaven poured into his lap, he spurned them from him. 
Where were his sense and spirit, when enclosed 
He found the choicest prey, nor deigned to draw it? 
Who to command fair Athens but one day 
Would not himself, with all his race, have fallen 
Contented on the morrow? 

What is true of one nation or race in this particular is true of all, 
viz. : that the wisest and greatest of all law-makers and lawyers have 
always been pure and good men, perhaps the most notable exceptions 
being Justinian and Tribonianus. Their sfreat learning; and wisdom 
enabled them to rear as their everlasting monument the Pandects and 
Justinian Code, which, however, they sadly defaced by the immoralities 
and excesses of their private lives. Among the revered and modern 
nations will be found, conspicuous for their great services to their 
fellows, innumerable lawyers. To the Frenchman the mention of the 



234 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

names of Tronchet, Le Brun, Portalis, Roederer and Thibaudeau 
excites a thrill of pride, of greatness, and of gratitude for theit good- 
ness. What Englishman, or American either, but that takes just pride 
in the splendid reputation and character of the long line of England's 
loyal lawyer sons? The Bacons, father and son, who, with Lord Bur- 
leigh, were selected by England's greatest queen to administer the 
affairs of state, and Somers and Hardwicke, Cowper and Dunning, 
Elden, Blackstone, Coke, Stowell and Curran, who, with all the bold- 
ness of a giant and eloquence of Demosthenes, struck such vigorous 
blows against kingly tyranny and oppression ; and Erskine and Mans- 
field and a score of others. 

These are the men who form the criterion by which the profession 
should be judged. And in our own country have we not names 
among the dead as sacred and among the living as dear? In the 
bright pages of the history of a country, founded for the sole benefit 
of the people, and all kinds of people, who, more than our lawyers, 
are recorded as assisting in its formation, preservation, and working 
for its perpetuity? 

The American will ever turn with special pride to the great Web- 
ster, Rufus Choate, William Wirt, Taney, Marshall, and a hundred 
others, who reflected the greatest honor upon the profession in our 
own country. And among the truest and best sons of Missouri are 
her lawyers, and even in the good old county of Randolph, some of 
her most highly esteemed and most responsible citizens are members 
of this noble profession. 

The following sketches include only some of the earliest attorneys, 
who either presided upon the bench or practiced at the bar of the 
Randolph circuit court : — 

JUDGE DAVID TODD. 

Judge Todd presided over the first circuit court that was held in 
Randolph county, in 1829. Few of the early judges of Missouri 
were better known than him. He was a native of Kentucky, and was 
born about the year 1790, in Fayette county. He came to Missouri 
at an early day, and located in Old Franklin, in Howard county, 
where he had to contend with such men as Judge Leonard, Charles 
French, Gov. Hamilton R. Gamble, and others no less distinguished 
as eminent lawyers and jurists. He was appointed judge of the 
Howard circuit, which afterwards included Randolph county ; he 
was an impartial, conscientious, and upright judge. He died in 
Columbia, Boone county, Missouri, in 1859. 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 235 



JUDGE JOHN F. RYLAND. 

King and Queen county, Virginia, was the birthplace of Judge 
Ryland — that event occurring in November, 1797. He also settled 
in Old Franklin, in the year 1819, and practiced law until 1830, when 
he was appointed judge of the sixth judicial circuit. In 1848 he 
was appointed judge of the supreme court. He died in 1873. He 
was one of God's noblemen, and bore the judicial robe with a dig- 
nity suited to the high and responsible position — neither strained 
nor assumed, but easy, natural, and commanding. Judge Ryland 
was one of the lawyers who appeared at the Randolph county bar in 
1829, the year before he was appointed judge of the sixth district. 

HON. JOSEPH DAVIS. 

He was born in Christian county, Kentucky, in January, 1804, and 
came with his parents to Missouri in 1818, and settled near Fayette, 
in Howard county. He was a clerk in the land office at Old Frank- 
lin — pursued the study of his profession a part of the time with 
Gen. John Wilson, and the remainder with Edward Bates, of St. 
Louis. He first opened an office in Old Franklin, but afterwards 
moved to Fayette. He was one of the commissioners to lay out a 
road from Missouri to Santa Fe, New Mexico. He was made colonel 
of a reo-iment in the Indian War, and commanded a brigade in the 
Morman difficulties. He served in the Legislature from 1844 to 1864, 
and died in October, 1871. 

GEN. ROBERT WILSON. 

In November, 1796, near Staunton, Augusta county, Virginia, Gen. 
Robert Wilson was born. In the spring of 1820, he located at Old 
Franklin. After the removal of the county seat of Howard county 
to Fayette, he located there. He was appointed probate judge of 
Howard county in 1823. About 1829 he was appointed clerk of the 
circuit and county courts of Randolph county. He was appointed 
brigadier-general of militia in 1838. He was a member of the Leg- 
islature in 1844-5, and soon after, of the State Senate. He was a 
member of the Constitutional convention in 1861, and a member of 
the U. S. Senate in 1862. His death occurred in St. Joseph, Mo. 

GEN. JOHN B. CLARK, SR. 

Among the many distinguished professional men of the early bar of 
the Western country was the subject of this sketch, who still survives 
at his home in Fayette, Missouri, at the advanced age of 82 years. 



236 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

He was born in Madison county, Kentucky, in 1802, and came with 
his father's family to Howard county, Missouri, in 1818. He was 
appointed clerk of the Howard county court in 1823 ; elected captain 
of militia in 1823 ; colonel in 1825 ; participated in the Indian War 
in 1829 ; in the Black Hawk War in 1832 ; was twice wounded ; 
elected brigadier-general of militia in 1830, and ma]'or-genei;al in 1836. 
In 1849 he was elected to the Legislature ; in 1854, elected to 
Congress, whither he went for three successive terms. 

He became brigadier-general in the Southern army in the War of 
1861, and was a member of the Confederate Congress and Senate. The 
General even now (1884) possesses a strong mind and vigorous mem- 
ory, and were it not for the fact that he is blind, he would still be an 
active man. During many years of his eventful life, he was one of the 
most prominent Whig politicians of Missouri, and made in behalf of 
his party some of the ablest and most aggressive campaigns ever 
made in the State. He has affiliated with the Democratic party since 
1854. As a lawyer. Gen. Clark was very successful, and was always 
strong before a jury. ^ 

ROBERT W. WELLS. 

As Mr, Wells was the first prosecuting attorney who appeared be- 
fore the Eandolph county circuit court, we shall present in this 
chapter a sketch of his life. 

We are conscious, however, that any sketch of the early life and 
career of this able jurist and long tried public servant which may be 
prepared from the scanty material on hand, must necessarily be very 
imperfect. 

He was a son of Richard Wells, of Winchester, Virginia, and was 
born there in 1795. The impression that his education was classical 
and thorough seems to have been generally entertained, but the con- 
trary is true, for the only school he ever attended was an ordinary 
common-field school, such as prevailed at that early day throughout 
the Old Dominion. None but wealthy planters and gentlemen of 
fortune were able to send their sons to a college, and as Richard 
Wells did not fall within either of these classes, he was forced, from 
necessity, to deny his son the benefits of a liberal education. But he 
instilled into his young mind the necessity of self-exertion, and en- 
couraged him by pointing to the brilliant career of many self-made 
men, who had attained the highest distinction in the various pursuits 
of life, with no adventitious circumstances to aid them. Young Wells 
was fond of his books, being a constant reader, and with the assistance 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 237 

of such translations of ancient authors as fell in his way, he acquired 
a fair knowledge of the classics. He must have studied Latin under 
some private tutor — most probably about the time he was preparing 
himself for admission to the bar — for in after years, in his large 
library, many Latin works were found, which bore evidences of much 
use, with marginal notes and references in his own handwriting. 

When he reached his nineteenth or twentieth year, he entered upon 
the study of law with Judge Vinton, of Marietta, Ohio, and nearly 
completed his studies with that gentleman. He then came to Mis- 
souri and commenced his professional life at St. Charles. This was 
during our Territorial government, and was probably as early as 1818 
or 1819, if not before that time, for upon the admission of the State into 
the Union he had acquired considerable practice, and was appointed 
prosecuting attorney in the St. Charles circuit, embracing St. Charles, 
Lincoln, Pike, Kails and other counties. Judge Rufus Pettibone 
was the judge of the circuit, and the first appointed under the State 
government. 

The political trouble growing out of the admission of Missouri, 
formed one of the most exciting and important epochs in our nation's 
history, and came very near precipitating us in a bloody revolution. 
Some of the strongest articles which appeared upon that subject in 
the Missouri press were attributed to the pen of Mr. Wells. He was 
certainly a writer of more than ordinary ability. We are unable to 
state how long he filled the office of circuit attorney, but most proba- 
bly until the time he was appointed Attorney-General of the State, which 
was January 21, 1826. This responsible and highly honorable office, 
which had previously been filled by Edward Bates and Rufus Easton, 
was held by Mr. Wells for a period of ten years. It was no sinecure, 
for the Attorney-General was ex-officio reporter of the decisions of the 
Supreme Court, Prosecuting Attorney for the Cole Circuit, superin- 
tendent of common schools, one of the Advisory Board of the Peni- 
tentiary, and legal adviser of the Legislature, Governor and all other 
State officers. The long period for which his services were retained 
is the best evidence of his diligent and faithful discharge of the com- 
plicated and laborious duties of the office. 

Upon retiring from the office of Attorney-General he was appointed 
Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Missouri, 
and continued in this position until his death, which occurred April 2, 
1865, at Bowling Green, Ky., while on a visit to his married daugh- 
ter. He had nearly reached his seventieth year. 

Judge Wells was twice married, the first time in 1832 to a daughter 
of Major Elias Barcroft, of St. Louis county. Major Barcroft was 



238 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

State Auditor from 1823 to 1833. By this marriage he had a son and 
two daughters. A few years after the death of his first wife, in June, 
1840, he married Miss Covington, of Lexington, Ky., a very estima- 
ble lady, who was living in 1878, and by this marriage he had two 
daughters. One of his daughters, by his first marriage, married 
Gen. Monroe Parsons, who was waylaid and murdered by Mexican 
outlaws. Though a slave-holder during most of his life, Judge Wells 
became satisfied that the institution became a stumbling block in the 
progress of this State, and at a very early time advocated a gradual 
system of emanciiDation. With him it was a question of interest, for 
he had no prejudices to encounter in opposition to slavery. He saw 
no hope for the development of our agricultural and mineral resources 
except through free labor and capital, neither of which would en- 
counter slave labor. With him, therefore, it was a question of dollars 
and cents, of local interest, and he was ready to adopt any policy 
which, in his judgment, would invite immigration, labor and capital. 
In 1845 a State convention was called to revise the constitution, 
and Judge Wells was elected a delegate from the Cole Senatorial Dis- 
trict, and upon the reassembling of the convention was selected as its 
presiding officer. During the session he made several speeches, evinc- 
ing much knowledge of constitutional law. He was a close, logical 
reasoner, and always secured the full attention of his hearers, but he 
had but few of the elements of oratory. His voice was sharp, shrill, 
and effeminate, and he was anything but graceful in his gestures or 
delivery. He never spoke without ample preparation, and was happy 
and effective in his illustrations. 

A constitution was framed and submitted to a vote of the people, 
but, by reason of one or two unfortunate provisions, became ob- 
noxious, and was rejected at the polls. Judge Wells was a consistent 
Democrat through life, and though not a man who had many warm 
personal friends, was greatly admired for his general learning and 
legal erudition. He intended, after completing his visit to his 
daughter in Kentucky, to spend a few months in the East to recruit 
his health, but he never left her house alive. As soon as his death 
was telegraphed to St. Louis a bar meeting was held in the city and 
appropriate resolutions adopted, eulogistic of his character as a man 
and as a jurist. These resolutions were spread upon the records of 
the Federal and State courts held in St. Louis. A committee was 
also appointed to receive his remains at the depot, on the opposite 
side of the river, and to escort them through St. Louis on their way 
to Jefferson City. The bar of Cole county also assembled and paid 
a suitable tribute to his memory. 



CHAPTEK XIII. 

CRIMES, SUICIDES, INCIDENTS. 

First and Second Executions which occurred in the County under Sentence of Law — 
Melancholy Affair— A Man Shot and Killed near Moberly— The Murder— Peter 
Casper — Woman Shot and Man Hung — Railroad Collision — The last of Corlew, 
l^e Ravisher — James Hayden Brown Pays the Penalty of his Crime — Brown's 
Wife Commits Suicide — Murder most Foul — Distressing Fatal Accident — James 
A. Wright Commits Suicide. 

There have been but three legal executions in Randolph county. 
As a community, the people of the county are as law-abiding in their 
character as the people of any county in the State. Yet there have 
been many crimes committed within her borders, a full and complete 
history of which would occupy too much space in our book for record. 
We have, therefore, recorded only some of the most prominent of 
these, including a few suicides, believing that a perusal of the same 
will be of great interest to the reader. 

The first man who was executed iu the county, under sentence of 
law, was George Bruce, a slave, for killing his master Benjamin 
Bruce. 

The next person was John Owens, a free negro. Both of the above 
named persons were hanged between the years 1853 and 1860. 

A MELANCHOLY AFFAIR. 

[From the Citizen of 1861.] 
Perhaps there is no feature more alarming in our social history than 
the rapid increase of the mania for self-destruction. Within the last 
few years it has been reaping a rich harvest of victims, and the com- 
munities are rare which can plead a total exemption from the effects 
of this fatal delusion. It becomes our painful duty to chronicle a case 
which has just occurred in our own county, the facts of which are 
about as follows : Mr. Robert Trimble, an old gentlemen, some 75 or 
80 years of age, possessed of a fine property, surrounded by a 
respectable family of sons and daughters, and enjoying the respect 
and esteem of all his neighbors, was found dead, on Saturday last, 
suspended to a limb of an oak tree near a small ravine in a Mr. 
Baker's field, about two miles south of Durkville, in this county. 
When found, a rope was twisted tightly about his neck ; he was on 
his knees, and no marks of violence were perceivable. 

(239) 



240 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

Coroner Calhoun, on being notified of the sad occurrence, promptly 
repaired to the scene Sunday morning, and proceeded to hold an 
inquest. The verdict rendered was, in substance, that the deceased 
came to his death by his own act by hanging. We append the testi- 
mony elicted at the inquest, from which it will be seen that the old 
gentleman had been laboring under some mental derangement, super- 
induced, perhaps, by a severe chronic affliction, and had repeatedly 
meditated self-destruction before the rash act was finally consum- 
mated. It is truly a melancholy affair, and the surviving relatives 
have our deepest sympathy in their great sorrow. 

THSTIMONY AT THE INQUEST. 

G. W. Chapman, of lawful age, being sworn, said: I went with 
Mr. Trimble, Mr. Waters and Mrs. Wright to hunt Mr. Kobert 
Trimble. We found him in a branch on the farm of Mr. A. Baker; 
found him dead with a rope around his neck, and attached to a limb 
above his head ; appeared to have been strangled to death ; we found 
him on his knees; no marks of violence perceivable ; I think he came 
to his death by the rope ; it was tight around his neck ; I helped to 
take the body down, and helped to bring him to Mrs. Wright's house. 

E. Waters, of lawful age, being duly sworn, said : I was out on the 
hunt of Mr. Trimble with Preston Wright, E. H. Trimble and George 
W. Chapman. We found him in a branch in A. Baker's field ; he was 
hanging on a limb ; I helped to take him down and put him in a 
wao;on. 

E. H. Trimble, of lawful age, being duly sworn, said : My father has 
been sufiering for some years with chronic diarrhoea, and for the last 
five or six months has shown repeated signs of a deranged mind, more 
especially in regard to his financial matters. He has lived with me 
the greater portion of the time since the 15th of Ma}^ and on several 
occasions has talked of putting an end to himself, which gave me a 
great deal of uneasiness when he was not in my sight. I was with E. 
Waters, Preston Wright and George W. Chapman. We found him 
suspended to a limb by a rope around his neck, to a burr oak tree in 
a small ravine, in A. Baker's field. I have no doubt but that he came 
to his death at his own hands. I was present when he was removed. 
I never knew him to attempt to commit suicide before. There were 
no other tracks discernable about where he was hung. We found him 
by his tracks. 

Mrs. Eliza J. Wright, being of lawful age, and duly sworn, said: 
My father has been staying with me for the last two weeks. I heard 
him say several times that he wished he was dead, and that he thought 
it best to kill himself. Last Wednesday morning he went up stairs 
and got his pistol and stepped out, and I went up stairs to see if his 
pistol was gone, and found it was. 1 saw him up in the field, and I 
ran and called him, and he answered. I managed to get the pistol 
away, and locked it up. He slipped out yesterday a little after three 
o'clock. I was not very uneasy as I knew he had no weapons. I 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 241 

never thought about a rope. They all hunted, and reported his 
absence until about twelve o'clock last night. I went with them to 
fetch him home after they had found him. He did not say what he 
was going to do with his pistol, but I believe that he was going to kill 
himself, and if I had not run and called him, I believe that he would 
have performed the deed then. I have reason to believe he wanted 
to kill himself. He showed no sign of self-destruction yesterday until 
he was missing. I have been watching him heretofore, suspecting 
that he wanted to kill himself, and I believe he came to his death of 
his own accord. 

A MAN SHOT AND KILLED NEAR MOBERLY. 
[From the Citizen.] 

On Sunday morning last, 1869, near the residence of John A. 
McDaniel, Esq., in the neighborhood of Moberly, in this county, 
John Duggan, a laborer on the Hannibal and Moberly Railroad, came 
to his death under the following circumstances : He had been loiter- 
ing around Mr. McDaniel's house for several days, apparently crazy, 
and on Sunday morning his movements were such as to occasion some 
alarm, and Mr. McD. determined to have him arrested, and started to 
Moberly for an officer, charging his sons (two little boys) to keep a 
watch upon Duggan until his return with the officer. The boys went 
to a neighbor's house and called upon George Boyd, a young man 
employed in the neighborhood, to come and assist them, telling him 
to bring a gun, as it might be needed to defend themselves. The 
boys returned, when Duggan made for them with a stick. The boys 
ran (McDaniel's sous in front), and Boyd, with his gun, between 
them and Duggan. The latter continued to gain upon them, when 
Boyd stopped, and after repeatedly halting Duggan and warning him 
that he would hurt him, fired upon him, the shot taking fatal effect. 
Mr. McDaniel heard the report of the gun, when about a half mile on 
his way, and returned to find Duggan dead. Coroner Calhoun, of 
this place, was sent for to hold an inquest, by which these facts were 
elicited. Boyd surrendered himself to a justice of the peace at Mo- 
berly and was discharged. Duggan is said to have been indulging 
strongly in liquor for several days, and his insanity was attributable 
to this cause. It is reporte^l he leaves a family in St. Louis. 

A MURDER. 

Editor Citizen : I feel it a duty I owe to the citizens of Randolph, 
and perhaps kindred and friends, to give an account of such a scene 
of horror as never occurred before in our community, to my recollec- 
tion . 

On the 22d of May, 1870, a man was found dead in the neighbor- 
hood of Mrs. Betsy Elliott's, in this county. The way in which he 
was discovered was by the stench that came from his body. Two of 
Mrs. Elliott's sons walked out from the house to see about something 



242 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

pertaining to their business, when they were arrested by a very offen- 
sive smell, which caused them to examine from whence it came, and 
upon examination found the body of a strange man concealed in a 
tree-top. One of the boys immediately repaired to the residence of 
M. H. Rice, a justice of the peace, and the justice, supposing that 
the body found was over 10 miles distant from the coroner of the 
county, issued his writ commanding the constable of Chariton town- 
ship to summon a jury to hold an inquest on the body of the deceased, 
and after the jury was sworn and received their charge, they brought 
in the following verdict : — 

*' We, the undersigned, a jury summoned to hold an inquestupon the 
body of an unknown man found dead near the premises of Mrs. Elli- 
ott, find that the deceased came to his death by being murdered by 
some unknown person or persons. As revealed by n post moi'letn ex- 
amination, his skull had been broken in five different places ; no other 
marks of violence were found on his body, and he is supposed to have 
been dead some 10 or 15 days. 

" Mc. B. Broaddus, Henry Brogan, 

" A. M. Brogan, George Summers, 

«' H. F. Dennis, David Wright, 

" Robert Terrill, M. D." 

Since this thing has come to light in the shape that it has, it has 
caused considerable excitement, from an occurrence that took place in 
the neighborhood somewhere about the 12th of this month. In the 
evening of that day a two-horse wagon, with one man in sight (it is 
supposed there were more in the wagon, but they could not be seen, 
as it was covered), passed through Darkville about dusk and inquired 
the way to Macon City. They were directed to that place. The 
next we hear of them is at Hugh Trimble's, where they stopped and 
asked him if he could tell them where a man by the name of Frank 
Davis lived, telling Mr. Trimble that he had sold Mr. Davis a piece of 
land, and that Davis had sent him word that. if he would come and see 
him he would pay him (the traveler) some money on the land, and he 
had heard that Davis lived about 8 or 10 miles from Huntsville, 
and although coming from the direction of Huntsville at the time, he 
asked Mr. Trimble jf there was not a road east of that, that led to 
Huntsville. The next we hear of them is at Mrs. Elliott's, between eight 
and nine o'clock at night. Stopping the wagon before approaching the 
house, one of the men went to the house and inquired for this same 
Frank Davis. On being informed that they knew nothing of such a 
man, he asked if there was a house ahead that he could stay at. They 
told him they did not know. He then hallooed, " Come on, boys," 
when the wagon advanced in the direction of the house and passed by, 
and about half a mile from the spot where the dead man was found 
secreted by the side of the road — a road that is but very little trav- 
eled. The next account that we have of them is at A. H. Rice's, 
still later at night, inquiring for this same Davis. They were in- 
formed that they knew nothing of such a man, and they passed on. 



HIS'TORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 243 

The next account Ave have of them was at Silas Wright's, near Dark- 
ville, where they asked if they were on the road to Hiintsville, when 
the said Wright directed them the right way, and they proceeded in 
that direction. On this road that they passed over tliat night, close 
to the residence of Jesse Rutherford, a day or two after, it was discov- 
ered there had been some things burned, supposed to have been 
clothes, as a piece of goods was found that was not consumed. A 
pocket-book was also found, and in addition some plates of ambro- 
types, together with the irons of a satchel or trunk. These, Mr. 
Editor, are the facts in the case as near as could be given under the 
circumstances, and we hope the citizens of Huntsville and vicinity 
will take this matter into consideration and endeavor to ferret it out. 

Respectfully, 
A Citizen of Chariton Township. 

PETER CASPER. 
[From the Herald.] 

Our readers will doubtless many of them recollect the circumstances 
of the killing of Clement Jeter, in 1871, by Peter Casper, on the farm 
of the latter, in Union township, in this county. The death of Jeter 
was caused by a gun-shot wound, produced by a small single barrel 
shot-gun in the hands of Casper. At the time the affair occurred, 
Casper was arrested and taken before a justice of the peace, but as 
Jeter's wound was not considered fatal, he was released on $600 bail. 
Afterward, when it became evident that Jeter would die, Casper were 
scared into running off from the county rather than stand a trial, and 
his $600 bail bond was forfeited and paid. His whereabouts were 
discovered by Dick Powell, of Moberly, and after the Governor had 
offered a reward for Casper's apprehension, Dick went over to Illinois 
and brought him back, the circumstances of which we gave in this 
paper a short time since. 

On a Thursday morning in .Tuly, 1875, the day agreed upon, the 
trial of Peter Casper for murder in the first degree, for the killing of 
Clement Jeter, was commenced in our circuit court. Messrs. W. N. 
Rutherford, J. C. Crawley, G. F. Rothwell and W. T. McCanne, all 
of Moberly, appeared for the prosecution, and William Hinkleman, 
of Belleville, Illinois, and J. R. Christian, of Huntsville, for the 
defense. 

The following jurors were selected to decide the case : — 

M. S. Turner, Joel Rucker, Thomas Stockton, W. B. Hardister, 
John Hendrix, George D. Brock, M. T. Halliburton, A. L. Miller, W. 
C. Kirby, P. S. Baker, L. D. Maupin, Charles H. Hammett. 

The jury were duly charged and placed in charge of Sheriff Will- 
iams, and were not permitted to separate again until after they had 
rendered a verdict, which they did on Saturday evening, having been 
guarded by the sheriff three days. 

We have not space to give the evidence in detail, but the sum and 
substance amounts to about this : Casper had an oat field that a mare 



244 HISTORY or Randolph county. 

of Jeter's had been trespassing upon, and an unfriendly feeling had 
sprung up between them on this account. Casper went with his gun, 
accompanied by his wife, to Jeter's house on Sunday morning, a few 
days before the shooting, and notified Jeter to keep his mare out of 
his oats, and it is also said he threatened to shoot Jeter. A few days 
later, Jeter's mare again got into Casper's oat field, and Casper sent 
for two of his neighbors to come and assess the damage done, but be- 
fore they arrived Jeter came for the mare. Casper told him he could 
not get her until the neighbors came and assessed the damage, and 
ordered Jeter out of the field and off his premises. Jeter started to 
comply with this order, but when he got to the fence, he changed his 
notion and again returned for his mare. Casper saw him coming, and 
endeavored to keep between Jeter and the mare, but Jeter advanced 
on him, and grabbing the muzzle of his gun with his left hand, struck 
Casper over the head with the bridle and bridle bit he held in his right 
hand. After this lick Casper fired the fatal shot. This is as good an 
account of the evidence as we can give in so short a space. 

The evidence was all in, the jury was first addressed by Mr. Mc- 
Canne, for the prosecution, in an able speech of about an hour's length. 
He was followed by Mr. Hinkleman, in a speech of one and three- 
quarter hours in length, which was well delivered and was considered 
a masterly speech for the defense. He was followed by Mr. Rutherford 
in a speech of about one hour for the prosecution, which set forth the 
evidence in some points very clearly, but as a whole was more of an 
appeal for law and order than a prosecuting speech : then followed J, 
R. Christian for the defense in the master speech of the whole trial, 
it requiring two and a half hours for its delivery. John astonished 
his most intimate friends in the clearness and force with which he 
brought the evidence and circumstances of the case clearly and vividly 
before the jury, and we were confidentially informed by one of the 
jurymen that this speech saved Casper from the penitentiary. Mr. 
Crawley closed the case for the prosecution, but we had heard so much 
speech-making that we only remained to hear a portion of his speech. 
The case was then given to the jury. 

The jury returned to court after an absence of about one hour, with 
the following verdict : — 

" We, the jury, find the defendant not guilty." 

George D. Brock, Foreman. 

After the reading of the verdict, the defendant, as well as the jury, 
were discharged, and all felt free again. 

WOMAN SHOT AND MAN HUNG. 
[From the Huntsville Herald.] 
We are called upon this week to record a terrible tragedy and its 
sequel, which followed close after and is no less horrible. John W. 
Green, a farmer living on the farm of William Embree, two miles 
north-east of Roanoke, in this county, on Saturday morning last, July 
12, 1877, about one o'clock, shot his wife, so badly wounding her that 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 245 

she died in about 10 hours afterwards. Green ckiimed that he was 
trying to shoot a dog, and in passing through a door the gun was ac- 
cidentally discharged, with the result stated. The ante mortem state- 
ments of Mrs. Green and other circumstances led people to believe 
that a foul murder had been committed, and on proper process being 
issued, Mr. Dameron, the constable of Silver Creek township, arrested 
Green on Saturday night last. He brought him to the residence of 
the constable's father, Mr. G. W. Dameron, near Silver Creek church, 
where he kept him under guard until Monday evening. Having sus- 
picions that an attempt would be made on Monday night to lynch the 
prisoner, the constable mov(jd him for greater safety to the residence 
of H. S. Newby. He was right in his surmises, for about twelve 
o'clock that night a body of men, variously estimated at from 40 to 
75, visited the residence of Mr. G. W. Dameron, in search of the 
prisoner. On being told that he was not there, they searched some 
barns and outbuildinofs, and not findins; him returned and searched 
the house. But they were not to be thus baffled, for they immedi- 
ately began to search the neighborhood, and about two o'clock in the 
night found him. They were not long in overpowering the constable 
and guard and soon secured the prisoner. They then issued a writ- 
ten order to the constable not to follow them, and also stating that 
his body would be found next morning near Silver Creek church. 
This last statement proved true, for early Tuesday morning Green 
was found dead, suspended by the neck, where they had stated, his 
feet not being more than two feet from the ground. He was hung 
with an ordinary plow line, and in such a manner as to make sure 
work. Up to this time nothing is known of the men who composed 
the mob, but it is supposed that they were from the neighborhood of 
Washington church, in Howard county, as many of the dead woman's 
relations dwell in that section. The man hung was a son of 'Squire 
Green, a farmer living near Sturgeon, Avho is a quiet, well disposed 
man, much respected in his neighborhood, and the sad fate of his son 
is much to be regretted on his father's account. 

The people of Eandolph are peaceable and law-abiding, and while it 
is the general belief that this mob was from Howard, yet it is painful 
to us to be called upon to record such a i)roceeding on our own soil, 
tho' we doubt not that every man who engaged in hanging this man 
felt that he was discharging a sacred duty conscientiously and for the 
good of the community and his fellow man. 

It is our hope that Randolph may never again have such an occur- 
rence within her borders. 

RAILROAD COLLISION. 

[From the Herald.] 

Two trains tried to pass each other on the same track, in the south 
part of Huntsville on Tuesday night, November 28, 1879, about six 
p. M. One was the regular eastern bound freight train drawn by engine 
No. 25, with C. Blessins; as euo-ineer. The other was a construction 



246 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

train drawn by engine No. 71, with Engineer Johnson as driver. 
When the collision occurred the construction train was nearly at a 
dead stand but the freight train was moving very rapidly. The 
engineer of the freight train, Mr. Blessing, was caught between the 
engine and tender and so horribly crushed that he died in a short time. 
If he had remained on his seat he would possibly have escaped without 
serious hurt. No other person was seriously hurt, though some work- 
men on the construction train ran a narrow risk of instant death, as 
they were on a flat car in the rear of the tender which telescoped with 
the car. Fortunately they were sitting on a tool-box which was 
knocked out of the way. 

The accident was caused by the freight train passing the depot 
without orders. 

The damage to the trains is much smaller than usual with railroad 
accidents, as none of the cars were thrown from the track, and none 
of them damaged beyond the loss of draw heads. The cow-catchers 
and front portions of the engines were torn up and very much 
damaged, but we think none of the fine machinery about either engine 
was seriously damaged. 

The wreck was cleared away that night and no trains were seriously 
delayed by it. 

The dead man leaves a wife and probably a family at Kansas City. 

THE LAST OF CORLEW, THE RAVISHER. 
[From the Moberly Headlight of July 29, 1880.] 
Another horror has been added to the list possessed by Moberly. 
A deed has been done, which, though just in the eyes of all men ac- 
quainted with the provocation, will make the name of our fair city a 
by-word and a reproach in other States, furnish political capital for 
unscrupulous politicians, and cause law-abiding men to look with dis- 
trust upon the county of Kandolph. 

This morning about 8 :30 o'clock Sheriff Matlock brought the 
prisoner, Corlew, over from Huntsville, to stand his trial for rape, in 
the Moberly court of common pleas. The prisoner, guarded by the 
sheriff and deputies, came from the jail in a light two-horse spring 
wa^on, and just alighted on the corner of Fourth and Reed streets, 
at the fo©t of the steps leading to the court-house, and had turned to 
o-o up the steps when Mr. Crump, the woman's husband, who had 
just come across the street with Mr. Waller, the prosecuting attorney, 
drew a self-cocking revolver and fired at the prisoner. His aim was 
disconcerted by Mr. Waller grabbing hold of his arm, and the ball 
passed through the right sleeve of Corlew' s coat, setting it afire, 
burnino" quite a hole. The thoroughly frightened man ran up the 
steps into the court-room, pursued by Crump. In the meantime 
Marshal Lynch and others grabbed hold of Mr. Crump, but the 
o-leam of revolvers in the hands of his friends made them let go. The 
court-room had but few spectators in it. Corlew ran through, or 
around the room, and was caught by Esquire Clarkson, who supposed 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 247 

the mail was trying to get away. Corlew broke loose from his grasp 
and ran again, catching hold of an old man named Trimble, pulling 
him down on top of him. Rising hastily he ran out of the room, 
down the stairs and diagonally across the street in the direction of 
Hance & Hardin's store. While in the street he was shot in the back 
by Crump, but the ball did not check his speed. He returned and 
ran up street, through Werries' dry goods store, followed by Crump, 
who endeavored to shoot him there, but could not get his pistol to 
work. The prisoner ran into the alley, next to Nise's building, 
across Reed street, through Harvey's grocery store, across Fourth 
street and darted up the steps leading to August Nitzsche's shoe shop, 
over Chris & George's saloon. He ran through the shop into the 
room adjoining, used as a store room, where Crump emptied his revolver 
into the poor wretch, finishing him, as he supposed, but he lived for 
at least half an hour afterwards, wholly unconscious. Crump then 
went down stairs, mounted his horse and rode off. 

From the appearance of the room there must have ensued a des- 
perate struggle, as there were several shots in the ceiling and wall, 
showing that Crump's pistol must have been struck, and it is probable 
that he was clinched by Corlew, The last wound, made back of the 
left ear, was badly powder burnt, and the pistol must have been 
shoved against his head. 

The room was quickly thronged with excited individuals, anxious to 
catch a glimpse of the miserable wretch Avho was gasping his life away. 
He lay upon a lounge, upon the slats only, his feet hanging over the 
end, his coat rolled up for a pillow under his head, the head of the 
lounge lifted and resting upon a box. Cold, clammy sweat stood out 
in big beads over his face and neck ; his lips were white, and his eyes 
had a vacant, wandering look, and not a gleam of intelligence escaped 
from them ; though when he was moved, bystanders could see he was 
conscious and suffering terribly. His pulse was strong and full 
almost up to his last breath, which was drawn so quietly that it 
seemed as if he had gone to sleep ; his features were not distorted 
at all, but bore the calm, placid expression so noticeable in all who die 
from the effects of o-un-shot wounds. Before he died the room was 
cleared of all except physicians and reporters. An examination 
showed that he was shot three times in the head and once in the small 
of the back, near the spinal column, any of which wounds would have 
caused death. 

The excitement attending the shooting was intense, though it seemed 
to be the general verdict that the fiend met with the punishment he 
deserved, though all regret that the law was not allowed to take its 
course, for the man would have undoubtedly been hanged. 

The remains were taken in charge by the coroner and an inquest 
held. The jury returned the following verdict : — 

" We, the jury, having viewed the body of Corlew, deceased, find 
that he came to his death by gun or pistol shots fired by unknown 
hands to the jury." 
11 



2-i'6 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 



HISTORY OF THE CRIME. 



The crime for which Corlew met his fate is fresh in the minds of 
many of our readers, but as there are some who may not be acquainted 
with the facts a short account of the transaction is given : — 

Tuesday night, the 17th of February last, a woman with two chil- 
dren arrived at Moberly from some phice north of here, coming in on 
the north branch of the Wabash, St. Louis and Pacific Road. The 
train reaches here about midnight. The woman and her children 
were sitting in the ladies' waiting room at the depot. She was ap- 
proached by a stranger who told her there was no train going east 
for some time and that she had better accompany him to a hotel. He 
said his mother was keeping a hotel just across the street, and that he 
would take pleasure in giving her and the children a bed free of charge 
until morning. By such persuasions he induced the woman to accom- 
pany him to the Depot Hotel, and, representing to the clerk that the 
woman was his wife, he secured a room, and taking one of the chil- 
dren in his arms carried it up stairs, depositing it in the room. Im- 
mediately locking the door, he drew a pistol and forced the woman to 
submit to his hellish lust. The woman and children left next morn- 
ing after telling her story to the landlady of the hotel. A representa- 
tive of this paper traced the matter up and caused Corlew' s arrest, but 
as nothing could be proven against him then, he was released and went 
to Huntsville, where he was subsequently arrested and lodged in jail. 
On the preliminary examination he was identified by the woman, 
picked out of a number of men, and was bound over for trial, being 
removed to Kansas City for safe keeping. The case has been post- 
poned again and again on account of the illness of Mrs. Crump. 

When Corlew was arrested he gave his name as Burton, and had a 
woman with him who claimed to be his wife, and probably was; at 
least she was a wife to him in all that the name implies. 

An attempt was made to mob Corlew once, but the jailor was noti- 
fied in time and removed his prisoner out of harm's way. It has 
been a conceded fact in the minds of many that Corlew would never have 
a trial, and they were correct. 

It seems the prisoner had a premonition of his fate, for while in the 
Kansas City jail he was made the recipient of a little Testament, the 
front fly-leaf of which has the following : — 

" CHAS BURTON : 

"May you take into your heart the words of this precious little book, 
as they have eternal life through the Son of God. 

" M. M. RoBSON. 
" See Luke xv : 17-20." 

On the back fly-leaf and on the inside of the back is the following 
letter, probably written for his wife : — 

" Artie, Darling: When you read these lines I may be with our 
little Willie, and I hope you may meet me and him in a better land. 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 249 

You can if you put all your trust in our great God. Remember 
Charlie. If anything should happen to me I want my dear wife 
Artie to have this little book, and may it do her good. 

" Charlie M. C." 

The letter and inscription are both undated, and there is nothing to 
tell when they were written. Several poems clipped from news- 
papers are found between the pages of the Testament, and several 
pressed flowers. In the poem of Moore, beginning, " Come rest on 
this bosom, my own stricken dear," under the line, " Thro' the fur- 
nace thy steps I'll pursue," he has penciled, " If, Artie, you're 
true." 

A tin type of his wife and a photograph, probably of his mother, 
were also found in the book. A postal card from his mother, dated 
July 27th, 1880, is as follows : — 

" My Dear Boy : Your cards came to hand, but will not try to 
express my feelings ; they are too sad for words. I can do nothing 
without money — have done all I can. (Name illegible) lied to me. 
Told me he would go down until the last moment, then refused to aro. 
I knew " Ai't " was with you. Heard she was in La Plata. I will try 
if I can come down. Try and keep your trial oft' as long as you can. 
At least until I see if I can get there. 

"Your Mother." 

Several letters from his wife while she was at Huntsville are also in 
his effects. The letters are all full of devotion, but are miserably 
written and poorly spelled. Among his papers is a letter written 
June 3d, by. himself, to his wife. It is too long to give, })ut the tenor 
of it is despair for her desertion of him, A letter from Hade Brown 
is also found, which is given : — 

"Kansas City, June 2, 1880. 

"Dear Friend Burton: You must not give up. You must keep 
up, and if your wife has gone home, let her go. Mr, Haley says she 
can't do you no good if she was here. He says that clerk and the 
hotel keeper are all the witnesses you want. He says they can't con- 
vict you on her evidence to save the world. Burton, you must not 
give up ; you must keep up in good heart ; you will get out all right, 
Terry Jackson said he was going to see you would geV out all right. 
Burton, if Artie has gone, let her go ; she is not true if she has gone 
home. She ain't no true wife, I would be glad she was gone, if she 
was a wife of mine, for that showed she wanted your money, and when 
your money is gone she leaves you. Ah ! I hope she is not gone, I 
hope she will be true and stand to you while you are in your trouble, 
is my wishes. Burton, keep up in your spirits, and whenever old 
Ferald will let my wife come around I will send her around to you. 
She wanted to go and see you Sunday, but Ferald would not let her 
go around. Keep in good spirits. You are young and can get another 
wife if she is gone home. Goodnight, Your true friend, 

"J, H, Brown," 



250 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

Brown's letter is chiefly remarkable from his never once alluding to 
himself, but it showed he was no true prophet, however good he might 
be at consoling. 

Well, the deed is done. "We regret that Moberly was made the 
scene of such a bloody transaction, but the way of the transgressor is 
hard, and Corlew deserved death, but not that way. Comments are 
useless and we will let it rest. We have tried to glean the facts in the 
case, but not being an eye-witness have to depend on the statement of 
others, and they disagree in some minor particulars. However, our 
version of the tragedy will be found to be, in the main, correct. 

Corlew' s mother came down from Kansas City on the twelve o'clock 
train. She knew nothing of the fate of her son till arriving in the 
city. His two brothers, living in Kansas City, have been telegraphed 
for and will come down on first train. It is not known where he will 
be buried. 

JAMES HAYDEN BROWN PAYS THE PENALTY OF HIS CRIME. 

[From the Huntsville Herald.] 

On Friday morning last, June the 25th, 1880, the day fixed by the 
Supreme Court of the State for the execution of James Hayden Brown, 
the murderer of his mother-in-law, Mrs. Dr. Parrish, the sun rose clear 
and beautiful — not a cloud was visible in any part of the horizon. 
All nature seemed to smile approvingly upon the incoming day, as if 
rejoicing that, at last, retributive justice was about to be meted out 
to the red-handed assassin and mul'derer, who had willfully and 
wickedly violated the laws of God and man. Years had elapsed since 
the commission of the horrible crime, but justice at last stood ready 
and determined to demand the full penalty of the law — a life for a 
life. 

On Thursday before the day of execution, Sheriff Matlock, accom- 
panied by L. V. Heether, J. K. Belsher, James Eagsdale, E. L. Duval, 
Harry Wallace, Henry Herndon and G. L. Alexander, returned from 
Kansas City with the condemned murderer. A large crowd of men, 
women and children, attracted by that morbid curiosity that creates 
in human nature an uncontrollable desire to behold the doomed or the 
dead, awaited them at the depot, all excited and anxious to feast their 
eyes upon the'poor doomed criminal who was so soon to pay the just 
penalty of his awful crime. He was taken from the cars pale and 
trembling, for the first time seeming to realize his true situation. He, 
however, soon recovered his usual levity, and greeted cordially all whom 
he recognized. He expressed great anxiety to have all persons whom 
he had wronged or offended to come forward and forgive him. He 
was incarcerated in the county jail, and securely guarded to await the 
hour of his execution. 

brown's FIRST REALIZATION OF HIS TERRIBLE POSITION. 

At the jail in Kansas City Sherifi" Matlock had an interview with 
Brown, and although he had on many occasions sworn vengeance 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 251 

against Mr. Matlock, he promised to do all that would be asked of 
him. He was in a very pensive mood, exhibiting no signs of anger, 
but on the contrary melting to tears when he spoke with the officer in 
regard to the execution. He asked the sheriff to forgive him for all 
the hard things he had said about him and trouble he had given him, 
and then remarked : " I've got to die and I propose to show the world 
that I can die like a man. I know it is just, and if anybody had 
killed my mother I should want him to be hung." 

A Kansas City Times reporter had the following interview with him 
the day previous : — 

" Well, Mr. Brown, how do you feel to-day? " 

" Very well, thank you. I am all right as far as I know." 

" You had quite a lively time down here tlie other night? " 

" Yes, I was angry and did'nt know what I was doing. One of the 
men calTed me a bad name and I didn't like it. If they had asked me 
for that poison I should have given it to them." 

" Did you have any poison the officer did not get? " 

" Of course I did. They thought they were very smart, and as 
soon as they got the stuff out of my mouth thought they had it all but 
they hadn't," with a sly twinkle of his eye. "I had some more, 
enough to kill all the men in this jail, in my shoe, and when they 
went away I took it out and showed it to Hoge, here.'^ 

" Have you taken any since thatinight? " 

" Yes. I took some on Tuesday morning, but it was an overdose, 
and I threw it up." 

" How did you get the poison? " 

" Some of it was handed to me through the bars when one of the 
deputies was standing beside my friend but he didn't see it. That 
wasn't all, either. Some came in here under a plate of victuals, sent 
b}'^ one of my friends." 

" Did your wife bring any of the morphine to you? " 

" No, sir. She bought it though, and sent it by her friends. She 
bouo;ht it at Dr. Morrison's drus; store." 

" Did you ever have any other poison? " 

" I should say I did. When I came from St. Louis I had a lot of 
it tucked under the lining of my cap, and the officers searched me but 
didn't find it. I had enouoh to kill 100 men — it was arsenic." 

" Did you ever use any of it? " 

" Certainly, I have a dozen times or more, but every time 1 threw 
it up, I couldn't make it stick on my stomach." This w,ith a smile. 

" What made you think of committing suicide? " 

"Well, I saw in some of the papers that I was to be hanged in a 
wigwam and that there were tickets being sold for people to see me 
executed, and I didn't like that, and I made up my mind that I would 
not hang, but I know that it is all right now and I shall submit and 
not try to do anything bad." 

"You are a Catholic, are you not, Mr. Brown?" 

"Yes, lam. The priests used to come and see me before this 
scrape Monday night, but since that they have kept away. I shall 



252 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

telegraph to Father O'Shay, of St. Louis, to come and see me before 
I die. I used to go to church when I was there." 

" You won't attempt any more trouble? " 

" No, I shall not, I have made up my mind that I am going off like 
a man." Turning to the marshal, he said: "Mr. Ligget, I want 
everybody to forgive me, and I forgive everybody that has injured 
me. I want to go olF now without any trouble, and shall go with the 
officers when they want to take me. I know I have done wrong, but I 
know I shall be forgiven. If not in this world in the next," and his 
eyes filled with tears. 

THE DAY OF EXECUTION. 

At early dawn Friday the eager crowd came pouring into town from 
every direction and in every conceivable way, until by noon the streets 
and alleys were completely packed and jammed with one living mass 
of human beings, all anxious to get a look at the doomed man. Early 
in the morning Brown swallowed a white powder from a paper sup- 
posed to contain morphine. Dr. W. H. Taylor was called in, but 
found upon examination that the drug h^id no perceptible effect upon 
him. Brown sent for Dr. Oliver and gave him a druggist's envelope, 
carefully folded up, requesting him not to open it until he (Brown) 
was dead, saying the doctor would then learn the cause of his death. 
He evidently desired to produce the impression that he had taken 
poison with the intention of committing suicide. Upon inspection. 
Dr. Oliver found the envelope marked, "Morphia; Dr. H. C. Mor- 
rison, Druggist, 12th St., between Locust & Cherry, Kansas City, 
Mo," but it contained nothing, having been previously rifled of its 
contents. 

During the morning the little three-year-old orphan child was taken 
to the cell of his doomed father to bid him an eternal farewell. The 
meetino; was heart-rending and bevond description. The anguish of 
the father as he clasped to his breast the innocent child whom he had 
doubly orphaned, covering his face with kisses and tears, was ex- 
treme. His brother Frankie, a boy about 15 years of age, was also 
admitted to the cell. Hade presented him with his breastpin and 
asked him to wear it for his wretched brother's sake. He also ad- 
vised Frankie to take warning from his fate, and shun all dissipation 
and wickedness, they having been the cause of his disgrace and ruin. 

His mother, who is a good and true woman, was not present to wit- 
ness the sad fate of her wayward and undutiful son. Had he heeded 
her nurture and admonitions this sad fate would never have befallen 
him. 

His last night on earth was a restless and sleepless one, spent 
principally in conversation with the guards and a few friends and 
acquaintances who were permitted to visit him. His mood was ex- 
tremely versatile — sometimes joking and laughing, telling anecdotes, 
relating his exploits before and since the commission of his crime; 
but when the subject of his wife and child was mentioned he became 
unmanned, and gave way to feelings of grief and despair. 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 253 

About nine o'clock Rev. W. T. Ellington, of the Methodist church, 
was sent for, and administered to the criminal the rite of baptism. 
The scene was one that impressed the audience with great solemnity, 
which was made manifest by the free effusion of tears from the eyes 
of all who witnessed it. The doomed man seemed to be exceedingly 
penitent, and expressed faith in Jesus. 

A few minutes after twelve, shackled and accompanied by armed 
o;uards, Brown came out and climbed into the wao^on, takino; a seat on 
his coflSn, which was lying on the bottom of the open wagon. The 
vehicle did not start for some minutes, during which a number of 
Brown's old acquaintances came up and shook hands with him. He 
received them pleasantly, betraying little or no emotion but showing 
a firmness that betokened the great change that had recently taken 
place in his disposition. Slowly the procession marched to the place 
of execution along a dusty road crowded with vehicles of all kinds, 
horses ridden by eager spectators, and still more eager men on foot 
walking to the place of death. 

Arriving at the scaffold, which was erected in a woodland pasture, 
distant about one mile east of the court-house, on the Moberly road. 
Brown ascended to the platform with a firm step and seated himself 
on a bench placed at the north side. He was accompanied by Sheriff 
Matlock, Deputy Sheriff William Matlock, Sheriff Glasscock, of 
Audrain county. Rev. W. T. Ellington, and a number of reporters. 
Brown looked about him at the vast crowd, which is estimated to have 
numbered 15,000, and seemed to search the vast concourse for faces 
that he knew. His countenance was that of a person deeply inter- 
ested but fearless. He looked like he had been contending with him- 
self, and had conquered. After prayer by Mr. Ellington, the sheriff 
asked Brown if he had anything to say, to which the condemned man 
answered affirmatively. He stepped to the railing and said : — 

" If you all will keep still a few minutes I will say a few words in 
regard to myself, to both young and old, men, women and children. 
I was a free man once, and never thought to be hung as I am to-day. 
As I was on my way out here awhile ago, I noticed several young 
men I used to know and was raised with, riding along near the wagon, 
coming to my — funeral, so to say, reeling on their horses. I was 
sorry to see them, and it made me shudder, for it was this that 
brought me where I am. Oh, God, the trouble it has brought in the 
world. I feel as though I hadn't an enemy in the crowd. I hope 
you all have forgiven me, as I have forgiven everybody. My God 
is the only one who has given me strength to believe this, and I 
hope it is so. I am going to meet my dear, sweet wife, who died for 
me. She loved me better than all the world. They say I put her up to 
it, but as my God in Heaven knows I never did it, and knew nothing of it. 
I committed a heinous crime, but didn't know it. It was done, and 1 
must suffer for it on the gallows. I hope I have not an enemy here to- 
day. I forgive everybody and hope everybody forgives me. I ask pardon 
of Dr. Parrish and all his family. Oh, God ! the trouble Icaused them. 



254 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

If MissLutie Ptirrish, Sarah Parrisli, Dr. Parrish, Mr. Chris. Parrish, 
Mr. Henry Fort, or any of the rest of the family are her&, won't they 
please to hold up their hands to show that they have forgiven me? 
[Here Mr. Chris. Parrish held up his hand.] Thank God! there is 
one. Are there any others? I see none. If any of you should 
meet my mother, brother, or darling child, don't snarl at them, but 
meet them in a nice way. It was the dying I'equest of my wife that 
we be buried together in the same coffin, in the same grave. I want 
her family's consent to be buried by my side, and if they object let 
some of them say so now. I hope every one of you may remember 
the poor creature who stands here to-day, and I hope none hold 
malice, for I would die the most miserable of men if I thought so. 
Now, I have here some flowers that I want placed in my wife's sweet 
hand. If there is any lady in the crowd who will attend to this for 
me will she please raise her little hand? [One does.] Thank you. 
Now here are some others I want put on the breast of my coat. Will 
some one attend to this for me. Jesus Christ has given me courage 
to stand here to-day. I want you ail to see that I am buried with my 
dear, sweet wife ; and pray God for me, as wicked a man as I am. 
May God have mercy on every one of you." 

Having finished his remarks, the prisoner took a seat on the scaf- 
fold bench and looked around over the immense crowd, while Deputy 
Sheriff Will Matlock read in a clear, distinct voice the death warrant, 
after which Brown was asked to take his stand on the fatal trap. 
He complied with this requirement promptly and like a brave man, 
and as Deputy Sherifi" Will Matlock placed the black cap over his head 
he remarked, " Now, Will, don't make a botch of it," which were his 
last words. The noose was adjusted by Sheriff Glasscock, of Audrain 
county, and at 1:28 o'clock the trap was sprung by Sherifl" N. G. 
Matlock, resulting in instant death from a broken neck. Drs. Taylor, 
Oliver, Dameron and Aldridge examined the body and pronounced 
life extinct in 6V2 minutes. The body was cut down in 20 minutes, 
placed in a handsome double coffin and turned over to his relatives, 
who conveyed it to the depot to await the arrival of the remains of 
his wife, who committed suicide in Kansas City the Monday night 
previous, a full account of which appeared in last week's Herald. 
The bodies of the two unfortunates were conveyed on the night ex- 
press train to Moberly, and at the depot in that city the remains of 
the two were placed together in the same coffin, according to 
their dying wish. The most perfect repose rested upon the face of 
the dead woman, the features wearing a pleased expression and being 
in a perfect state of preservation. I^rown's face wore a look of calm- 
ness and presented only slight discoloration. The lady who promised 
the doomed man on the gallows to place the bunch of flowers in the 
dead hands of his wife was present and performed her mission faith- 
fully, after midnight, when the vast throng who observed her make 
the promise were wrapped in slumber. She refused to give her name, 
but it is said she resides at Higbee. The two ])odies were placed in 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 255 

each other's arms, and the roses lay between them . They were shipped 
on the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Road to Madison, Monroe county, 
and were buried the following day at a family burying ground three 
miles from Milton in this county. The coffin, transportation, etc., 
were paid for out of private subscriptions raised in Huntsville and 
Moberly, the citizens of each place contributing about 



HISTORY OF THE CRIME, ETC. 

» 

James Hayden Brown, the murderer of Mrs. Dr. Parrish, was born 
in Cairo township, Randolph county, Missouri, July 12, 1856, near 
the place where the crime was committed. He was a son of the 
notorious Bill Brown, who murdered William Penny at Jacksonville, 
in this county, in 1865, and who was afterwards shot and killed by 
his brother-in-law, young Hayden, for the brutal abuse of his wife. 
He was endowed with an ungovernable temper, had been an unruly, 
turbulent, bad boy during his whole life, ever ready to shoot, cut or 
kill whoever or whatever crossed his path, and always boasted of his 
ability to whip or kill any one who dared to insult him. At the age 
of nineteen he married, against the will of her parents. Miss Susan 
Parrish, the daughter of Dr. J. C. Parrish, a respectable and highly 
esteemed gentleman of this county. Soon after the marriage Hade's 
devilish temper and cruel disposition was manifested towards his wife, 
which resulted in his whipping and otherwise cruelly treating her, all 
of which she bore with fortitude until forbearance ceased to be a 
virtue, when she left home and appealed to her parents for protection. 
They advised her to return home and live with him if possible. She 
returned, but his cruel treatment soon again compelled her to flee for 
safety. She naturally sought that protection which is due from loving 
parents to their children. She appealed to their sj'mpathies, protested 
against again returning home to be beaten and cursed like a cur. 
The parents, in their goodness of heart, yielded to her entreaties, and 
her father carried her otf to his son's home in Howard county. When 
Brown found that his wife had gone out of his reach, he became en- 
raged and threatened to kill his wife's parents for affording her 
shelter and protection against his cruelty, which threat he carried into 
execution on the 23d of July, 1877, by shooting the Doctor and killing 
Mrs. Parrish, the mother of his wife, one of the kindest and most 
affectionate mothers that ever lived, thus committing one of the most 
cruel and cold-blooded murders that marks the annals of crime. 
After the murder Brown made his escape, eluding the most diligent 
search of the officers of the law, and 11 months afterwards was 
captured in the distant State of Minnesota, and returned to this 
county for trial. 

Brown's first trial was in February, 1879, and resulted in a hung 
jury. The case was again set for December, 1879. The jury had 
been selected and the taking of testimony commenced, when one of 
the jurvmen was taken seriously ill. The judge discharged the re- 
maining jurors, ordered the sheriff to summon another panel of 40 



256 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

men, and set the case for trial January 26, 1880. The greater part 
of the first two days was occupied in an effort to get a change of venue. 
The trial proper commenced Thursday at one o'clock p. m., and by 
Monday night following the testimony was all in. Tuesday and the 
early part of Wednesday was consumed in arguing the case. The 
defense was most ably represented by Messrs. Martin, Priest, 
Christian and Provine, while the prosecution was well conducted by 
Messrs. Porter, Hall and Waller. 

The case was given to t^ie jury Wednesday morning, and they were 
only out some 15 minutes when they returned a verdict of guilty of 
murder in the first degree. 

The Supreme court was appealed to by the defense, with the hope 
of having the case reversed. But on the 6th day of May, a decision 
was rendered affirming the finding of the court below. The day of 
execution was fixed for June 25, 1880. 

Below we give a synopsis of the important testimony in the case : — 

J. BENNETT. 

On the 23d of July, 1877, I was in the lane east of my house ; 
Brown was there in my lane ; the old lady Parrish came driving up 
the lane from the east: Brown said here comes the d — d old b — h 
now, I'll go and give her a couple of loads ; I said Brown you wouldn't 
shoot an old woman ; he said yes I'll finish her ; he reached the wagon, 
and ffot off his horse ; Mrs. Parrish dumb out of the wao;on and 
seemed to try to keep the wagon between Brown and her ; he shot her 
once and she started to run when he shot her again, when she was 
brought to my house ; the middle of the lane running by my house is 
the line between Cairo and Salt River township ; the shooting was in 
Cairo township. 

Mr. Priest here objected to the indictment, on the ground that the 
court had no jurisdiction in Cairo township. 

Prior to the shooting of Mrs. Parrish, Brown was at my house, about 
noon ; I didn't hear Brown sav anvthino; about the shooting of Dr. 
Parrish ; I didn't see Brown shoot Dr. Parrish ; heard the report and 
saw Dr. Parrish l)leeding ; it wasn't but a few moments till Brown 
made the remarks al)out Mrs. Parrish until he shot her; I was about 
300 yards from where he shot Mrs. Parrish ; there was nothing to ob- 
struct my view ; my eyesight is g(»od ; I have never had to wear glasses 
until the last year. 

Crt)ss-examined : The first time I ever saw Brown was the day of 
his father's sale ; have known him for several years ; I saw Brown 
first that day about noon ; I was sitting at the table ; he drove up to 
the house and stopped; I told my wife to tell him to come in and eat 
his dinner ; had no conversation with Brown that day, prior to his 
difficulty with Dr. Parrish ; my wife was talking to him but I do not 
remember any of the conversation ; he had a donble-l)arreled shot-gun 
in his buggy ; did not see him just previous to the difficulty ; did not 
see Dr. Parrish before I heard the gun ; did not see the shots fired but 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 257 

heard two shots, and when I went to the hme I saw Brown riding oflf 
with his gun in his hand ; Dr. Parrish came to my house and ran in ; 
did not follow the Doctor into my house until Brown shot the old lady ; 
the Doctor said nothing to me as he passed me ; while Dr. Parrish was 
in my house I saw no lire arms in his possession. 

I stood in the lane until Brown went to his house and returned ; his 
house is in full view of me ; he was riding fast; Brown's house and 
Dr. Parrish's house are in view of each other; do not know what 
Brown said when he came back to my house, but think he said some- 
thing about shooting him again for taking otf his wife and child ; he 
hitched his horse a little south of my house, went round in the pas- 
ture and said he would shoot Parrish again if he had to shoot him 
through the window ; he had just returned from the pasture when he 
saw Mrs. Parrish coming ; he then made the remark: There comes 
the d — d old b — h ; he was walking about, talking about Dr. Parrish 
taking off his wife and child ; did not hear Brown swear, laugh or 
cry ; before she came he picked up a wagon seat and slammed it over 
the fence a time or two, I cannot recollect what he said ; it was Par- 
rish's wagon seat ; didn't see him tear off or break any palings ; didn't 
see him load his gun after shooting Dr. Parrish ; Lou Patten, Jack 
Amick, young Jack Amick, George Amick and John Will Smith were 
in the lane. Lthink there were but three in the lane when Brown 
came up. Patten said to him : Hade, leave that old woman alone. 
He (Brown) then started for his horse with his gun in his hand. When 
Brown and Dr. Parrish met, I suppose Parrish was going home. I 
did not state at the former trial that Dr. Parrish was going home and 
that Brown was going to Cairo with a cow. It was a mistake. I did 
not say so. When Brown returned from his house he appeared to be 
out of humor. Did not seem to be excited. He wasn't swearing, at 
least in ray presence. Will Palmer was in the yard. Did not see him 
in the lane. My wife met Brown at the fence. I think Mrs. Amick 
met him at the gate. It is prairie in front of my house. There was 
no wagon in the lane or anj^thing else to obstruct my view. When 
Brown shot Dr. Parrish it frightened the horses and they ran off. Do not 
know what speed Brown was going when he left my house to meet Mrs. 
Parrish. Don't know what speed the wagon was coming. Think a negro 
was driving. Beatty Clutter was riding horseback behind the wagon. 
Did not see Clutter stick a rifle through the fence just before Brown 
met the wagon. Don't know if Clutter was working for Dr. Parrish. 
Don't know what became of Brown after he shot Mrs. Parrish second 
time. I saw him no more. Mrs. Parrish was riding on the west side 
of the wagon and Brown was sitting on his horse on the east side of 
the wagon. Mrs. Parrish walked towards the heads of the mules in a 
stooping posture and then walked and raised her head when Brown 
shot her. George Amick went with Brown to his house from mine. 
I do not know what he went for. While at my house Brown was talk- 
ing of some diflBculty with Dr. Parrish, I did not pay particular at- 
tention to what he was talkino; about. Saw some of the shot extracted 



258 HISTOEY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

from Dr. Parr ish's face. They were small shot, not the smallest or 
the largest. 

Re-direct : I do not know where William Palmer was when Brown 
started down to meet Mrs. Parrish. When I went back into the yard 
he was in rear of my kitchen. Did not see him in the lane at all. 
He would have had to pass by me had he gone into the lane. He did 
not pass me. Plat of ground shown. 

Objected to by defense, objection sustained. Questions asked as 
to height of fences and other questions of minor importance. 

MISS LUTIE PARRISH. 

Am a daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Parrish. I was present in the lane 
near Mr. Bennett's the day mother was killed. I first saw Brown 
within a quarter mile of Mr. Bennett's. He was in front of Mr. Ben- 
nett's. When Brovvn met us he said, by G — d stop that wagon. 
Mother said O, go on he didn't want us to stop. He said yes, 1 do. 
Get out of the wagon. Ma said don't shoot me. He said yes I will. 
Ma ofot out of the waggon on the west side and went toward the liead 
of the mules, then came back and he shot her. After shooting her 
she came back and rested her head on the wheel of the wagon ; I asked 
her if she was shot and she replied that she was, "right here," point- 
ing to her neck. I said don't shoot any more. His answer, oh, by 
G — d she ain't dead yet. I told her to run which she did, up the fence, 
when he fired again. I reached my mother's side and asked her to 
speak and she tried to and couldn't. There was present in the lane 
at that time, Mrs. Osborne, my sister, Jack Amick, Beatty Clutter 
and the negro. That was all there until Mrs. Bennett came. She 
told me to run to the house, which I did. 

Cross-examination : I am a sister-in-law of defendant. They had 
been married for about two years. They did not marry at home. 
They ran off and got married. They first visited at our house. There 
was not very kindly feeling between Mr. Brown and my father. It 
was at Brown's solicitation that father let him live on the place. I 
once saw a difficulty between Brown and father, vvhen he attempted 
to shoot Brown but was prevented from so doing by my brother-in- 
law. Father always carried a pistol ; had one the day he was shot by 
Brown; never heard him say he would kill Brown; we met. Beatty 
Clutter and he joined us ; asked if he had a gun, answered in the 
affirmative, but the question was objected to and objection sustained. 
When Brown came up to the wagon he spoke about shooting, nothing 
else that I heard; said nothing about mother having tried to poison 
him ; if he said anything to Mrs. Osborne about his wife and child I 
did not hear it. Beatty Clutter and I never talked about what our 
testimony would be on the trial. When at the wagon he told ma he 
was going to kill lier ; my sister asked him not to kill her. He replied : 
" Hush up, or I'll kill you." The horses to wagon were going in a 
trot, his horse was walking. I just saw Mr. Brown. Ma made Mr. 
Clutter put his gun away. Do not know why he had it, it was father's. 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 259 

Do not know when he got it. When we first met him he had been up 
towards Mr. Bennett's with the gun, but on turning around to accom- 
pany us mother made him leave the gun. Do not remember of mother 
telling him she would tell him where his wife and child were if he would 
not shoot her. If I stated at former trial that Brown seemed to be 
very mad it is correct. Did not hear him say ; " I am a dying sinner 
of the cross, I am going to die and go to hell and want to carry a few 
passengers with me." I heard Brown tell mother that he had father. 
I have told all I know. Am not conscious of remembering anything 
I have not told. 

Re-direct: I met Beatty Clutter at the bridge, this side of our 
house, going towards the house. It was about a quarter of a mile 
from our house when he put the gun away at mother's request. The 
diificulty between father and Brown happened at our yard fence two 
months before mother was killed. Do not know if Brown and father 
ever met afterwards. Mrs. Brown came to our house. Mother never 
went there, I and my sisters visited there. Father took Brown's wife 
away from him the Saturday before mother was killed. She came to 
our house and left from there with father. Sister Sarah went with 
Mrs. Brown and father when they left. 

MRS. BENNETT. 

I was at home on the 23d of July, 1877. I first saw Hade Brown at 
my house that day. I was on my porch when Dr. Parrish was shot. 
It was near five o'clock that day. He saw Dr. Parrish and shot him. 
He came back to the house and tried to shoot him again. When he 
saw the wagon coming he said, " There they come now." He made no 
threats. I then left to take Mrs. Brown, his mother, some things, 
which put my back to him. I met John Will Smith ; he told me to go 
down there as there would be trouble. When in about 25 yards of the 
wagon I saw Mrs. Parrish in a stooping posture on the west side of 
the wagon. Brown was on the east side. When she raised her head 
he fired, she then started to run towards me when he fired again. She 
fell at the crack of the second barrel. Mrs. Osborne, Lutie and my- 
self reached her about the same time. Lutie first. They were afraid 
of Brown and ran to my house. I staid with her till she died — about 
20 minutes. Mrs. Osborne, Lutie Parrish, Beatty Clutter, Jacky 
Amick and the negro, Frank, were all that were there in the lane. 

Cross-examination : It was about noon when Brown was at ray 
house ; there was quite a good many there when he was, his mother, 
sister and others. I heard at church Sunday that his wife had 
left him. His mother told me that day that Susan had left him. 
He seemed in cheerful spirits that day, and said he was going to have 

his child, that he didn't give ad d for his wife. When Dr. Parrish 

was coming up, his mother said, " There comes Hade, and they will 
meet." Dr. Parrish was in a two-horse spring wagon with his daugh- 
ter Sarah. When Brown shot the second time, the horses ran away. 
We took the Doctor in the house and cared for him, as he looked like 



260 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

he would die. When Hade left, after shooting the Doctor, he left in 
a hurry, but soon came back. I saw a pistol taken from the Doctor's 
person ; it was a small one. Know it was not a five or six-shooter ; 
do not know what kind of one it was. When he came back, he ripped 
around, and made threats that he would finish Dr. Parrish ; he tried to 
get in, but did not try very bad ; he was prancing around and making 
threats. I saw him cry once ; it was when he said his mother had 
thrown him away, and his wife and child had been taken away from 
him. I stated last winter that he acted like a wild fool ; I meant a 
mad fool. He did not act like a crazy fool. Saw him break up the 
wagon seat, and he said what he could not destroy one way he would 
another. I went down to see if Hade would not let Mrs. Parrish 
come and see the Doctor. I was not near enoug^h to hear anvthino; 
that was said. I did not see him stop the wagon. After he shot Mrs. 
Parrish, he loaded his gun, got on his horse, and called Lou Patten 
to him, and told him to see that Frank had his horse, and to kiss his 
wife and child. He then rode to Mrs. Kunnell's and stopped awhile ; 
rode in a canter when he left. If 1 said last winter that Brown said 
give the black horse to Frank Wilson, I don't think I knew the 
negro's name was Wilson. I said last winter that he acted like a gen- 
tleman while at the house ; I meant at dinner. I am not an enemy to 
Brown, only to the crime he has done. He has always treated me 
gentlemanly. When he was talking about his mother, while on the 
fence, I saw the spittle flying from his mouth ; did not see the slobber 
running down his mouth ; if I said slobber last winter, I meant spit. 
He said that he meant to kill that many more, throwing up his hand, 
and then die in the same house old Bill Brown died in, the bravest 
man that ever lived. I asked him if he was prepared to die ; he said, 
" Hell, no ! " I don't know how fast he rode when he left after kill- 
ing Mrs. Parrish. 

Re-direct : When examined last winter I was so hoarse I could not 
speak, and Sheriff Williams had to interpret what I said. When he 
came back he called his mother, and she left, saying, " I will have to 
get away from here." When he called her, she would not go. 

JACK AMICK, JR. 

I was present on the 23d day of July, 1877, when Mrs. Parrish was 
killed. I was in Mr. Bennett's field when Dr. Parrish was shot. I 
then went to Dr. Parrish' s house after Mrs. Parrish. I left the house 
with Mrs. Parrish, the girls, and the driver in a wagon. When close 
to Mr. Bennett's I met Brown. He stopped the wagon and told Mrs. 
Parrish he was going to shoot her, and did shoot her. When I first saw 
Brown he was about 200 yards distant at Mr. Bennett's. When he 
came to the wagon, he told Mrs. Parrish if she had anything to say to 
Lutie, she had better say it, as he was going to kill her; told me and 
the negro man to get out of the wagon. Brown was on the east side 
of the wagon when he shot. When Brown first shot Mrs. Parrish was 
standing near the front of the mules ; she ran north, and he shot her 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 261 

a^ain. He walked around to the back part of the wagon to get to her. 
Before he shot Mrs. Parrish, Brown said to her that she had taken his 
wife away. She said she would like for them to live together if they 
could ; she begged him not to kill her and to let her go to the house 
and see Dr. Parrish. I was sitting on the spring seat of the wagon. 
He told Mrs. Osborne he was going to kill her, too, for giving a couple 
of dresses to his wife for his child. Mrs. Osborne told him his wife 
wanted them and she thought she would give them to' her. Those 
present at the time of the shooting were: Mrs. Osborne, Sarah Par- 
rish, Lutie Parrish, Beatty Clutter, Mrs. Osborne's children, Mrs. 
Parrish, the negro Frank, and myself. After Mrs. Parrish was shot 
the second time, others came down ; Mrs. Bennett was one. Brown, 
after shooting Mrs, Parrish the second time, went towards the black- 
smith shop. 

Cross-examination : I testified at former trial. All the part of the 
clitEculty I saw was at the wagon. First saw Beatty Clutter at Dr. 
Parrish's. Mrs. Parrish asked him to come and go along with us to 
Mrs. Bennett's. I saw Brown shortly before he shot Mrs. Parrish 
sitting on his horse in the road, between the blacksmith shop and Mr. 
Bennett's. When he came to the wagon, he said something about 
his wife and child ; did not ask where they were ; do not remember 
of her telling him she would tell him where his wife and child were 
if he would let her go to her husband ; remember something of the 
kind. Heard Brown say to Mrs. Parrish that she had tried to poison 
him, and he could prove it by the doctors at Cairo. She denied it, and 
he said he was going to kill her; saw Brown laugh ; don't remember 
what he said before laughing ; did not hear Mrs. Osborne say she would 
have Mr. Osborne to whip him for talking : did not see Brown talking 
with Lou Patten ; don't remember of Brown's having any c(^nversa- 
tion with Mrs. Osborne. I heard him tell Beatty Clutter he believed 
he was taking the Parrish's part, and threatened to shoot him. I 
asked Brown to let Mrs. Parrish go to the house. He drew his gun 
on me and told me to hush or he would shoot me. I don't remember 
of seeing Palmer ; heard Brown say that he had killed Dr. Parrish, 
was going to kill Mrs. Parrish, and expected to die before sunrise 
next morning, and that they would be buried together. Did not see 
Clutter put the gun down ; it was a rifle. Saw no revolver in the 
party. Clutter had the gun when he came to the house ; do not know 
whose gun it was ; have not heard since ; don't know if I ever saw it 
before. Miss Lutie Parrish was at home when I got there ; don't know 
whose horse Clutter was riding. I was at Mrs. Bennett's when Brown 
took dinner ; he ate before I did. Had no conversation with Brown 
that day. Met Brown that day close to Cairo in a buggy ; if he had a 
gun I did not see it. Don't think I saw Brown the day before. I 
was not at church. Did not see him on Saturday as I remember of. 

About the 1st of April last, the Sherifl' believing it unsafe for Brown 
to remain in the county jail, removed him to Kansas City for safe 
keeping. During his incarceration at Kansas City he kept up the 



262 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

character he had established, defying God and man, and showing no 
signs of contrition for his dreadful deeds up to a short time before 
the day fixed for his execution. When the paper was handed him 
containing the last decision of the supreme court in his case, he called 
his fellow prisoners around him, and with curses upon the courts and 
the officers of the law, read in mock judicial tones the decision that 
doomed him to die upon the gallows, and made his little child the son 
of an executed felon. Later, as her letters unquestionably indicate, 
he conspired with his true and devoted wife to simultaneously commit 
suicide, thereby doubly orphaning his innocent and helpless child. 
His never faltering wife, brave little woman that she was, had the . 
courage to fulfill her part of the compact, but he seems to have shrank 
from his, and clung to life to the last possible moment, and died an 
ignominious death upon the scaffold. 

brown's wife commits suicide. 

[From the Kansas City Times, June 22d, 1880]. 

It was half-past seven o'clock last evening that the rej^ort of a pistol 
shot was heard near the corner of Cherry and Thirteenth streets. 
Mrs. Fisher, who resides at 1305 Cherry street, was sitting on her 
front porch at the time. It seemed to her as if the shot had been fired 
near the rear of her house. Her first thought was of burglars, and 
she stepped quickly through the hall into her bedroom. From the 
threshold of the door she saw the sight that explained the mysterious 
shot. A woman lying dead on the floor, a pistol by her side, a hole 
in the forehead, and the thin clouds of smoke curling up to the ceil- 
ing — that was all, yet it told the story of the last act of a brave, 
faithful little woman. Hade Brown's wife dead — dead by her own 
hand, just four days before the time appointed for the execution of 
her unworthy husband. Hers, had been a sad, weary life, full of 
anxiety, care, excitement, sufi"ering, disgrace and sorrow. For three 
years past, during all the while her husband had been hunted by the 
officers of the law, during his trial, during the suspense of waiting for 
the final decree of the highest tribunal, and during the last weeks of 
the doomed man's stay on earth, this wife had been true to him, cease- 
less in her attentions, tireless in her devotion, unremitting in her love. 
A more beautiful and touching instance of womanly fidelity and wifely 
devotion the world never knew. 

The story of Hade Brown's crime is familiar to every one. In a fit 
of passion he slew his mother-in-law. He fled to Iowa and for a year 
lurked about, pursued by detectives. He was finally captured and 
taken back to Randolph county, the scene of his crime. He was 
doomed to death on the gallows. The supreme court was appealed 
to as a last resort. Pending their decision he was removed to Kansas 
City. The supreme court refused to interfere in his behalf, and the 
Governor declined to interpose his executive clemency. The date of 
the execution was fixed for Friday, the 25th, only three days hence. . 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 263 

When the wife heard that her husband must die, she came at once 
to Kansas City, bringing with her an only child, a little boy just past 
his third birthday. The meeting between the doomed man and his 
family was touching in the extreme. The woman gave vent to her 
sorrow in heartrending shrieks and a flood of tears. Hade Brown — 
the careless, blasphemous and scared wretch that they called him — was 
overcome by emotion. The woman and the child were all he loved. 
During his trial and when sentence was passed on him he had expressed 
himself only in oaths and threats. Now the sight of the woman and 
child unnerved him. He was the braggart no longer. He dropped on 
his knees and wept and sobbed as though his heart would break. 

That was four weeks ago. Ever since that time the woman has been 
a ministerino; ang-el to the man. Each day she has trudged to the 
jail, through rain or shine, to renew her pledges of devotion and offi- 
ces of love to the husband already under the shadow of death. 

The woman loved the man . He had disgraced her. He had blighted 
her young life. He had amassed a heritage of shame for her child. 
He had broken her heart. And yet she loved him, and Avhen the 
hope that he might be spared was dead, the resolve came upon her 
that she would die too and sleep in the same grave with him. The 
end came quickly. A pistol shot — a gasp — a sigh — and the 
troubled soul was at rest. 

THE CONSPIRACY OF DEATH. 

Yesterday afternoon Hade Brown was visited in his cell by his wife. 
What passed between them is not known and probably never will be. 
It is known, however, that both man and woman had made up their 
minds to perish by suicide. This plan had been discussed before. 
All along Hade Brown has, with the most hideous oaths, declared he 
would never perish on the gallows. These declarations did not par- 
ticularly impress the authorities, as Brown was supposed to be more 
expert at threatening than at executing. Nevertheless, as is usual in the 
case of criminals about to die, he was closely watched, and no means 
for accomplishing his self-destruction were suff*ered to come within 
his grasp. There was no suspicion that the wife would convey to him 
any weapon or poison by which his threats at suicide might be carried 
into efiect. Sue Brown was regarded as a quiet, modest, shrinking 
little woman, one who would naturally revolt at any such action, which 
it now appears she was so ready to perform, and of course was not 
watched. The visit to the jail yesterday was for two purposes. The 
first was to bid her husband an eternal farewell, for she had resolved 
to die. The second was to provide him with means whereby he might 
end his life and thus escape the gallows. The means she had to offer 
him were poison — a heavy dose of morphine, which, secreted in the 
folds of her dress, she had no difficulty in conveying to his cell. 
Where she obtained the morphine has not yet been developed. That 
may come out among the dry details of the coroner's inquest, but 
probably not. Hade Brown took the deadly powder and placed it in 
12 



264 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

his vest pocket. It was decided between the two that the wife was to 
die first ; she probably told him how she intended to end her wretched 
lite. She was to leave a note for a friend, and the friend was to hasten 
to the jail and "tell Hade that Sne was dead." That was to be the 
signal for the husband's preparations for death to begin. He was 
then to take the poison, retire to his pallet and pass to his eternal 
sleep. The morning was to find his body dead and stark and stiif in 
the cell. 

When the two parted there was no unusual display of emotion be- 
tween them. There Avas not a look nor a gesture nor a word that was 
calculated to excite suspicion. They kissed each other good-bye, and 
the wife said : " We will see each other in the morning," and these 
were her last words to him. She had said the same words many times 
before, and the guards took no particular notice of them. 

At the door she turned and looked back at him, but said nothing. 
The door closed, the man went to his cell and the woman went to her 
death. 

THE SCENE OF DEATH. 

Upon her return to Mrs. Fisher's residence on Cherry street, there 
was nothing in Mrs. Brown's appearance or actions to convey even the 
remotest hint of the dreadful purpose she had in mind. She ate her 
supper with the family and conversed as usual. After supper she 
took the child over to a neighbor's and left him there to play. She 
was observed to embrace him and kiss him before she left him. The 
child went about his play in his bright, nervous way. 

She returned to Mrs. Fisher's house and found Mrs. Fisher sitting 
on the front porch talking to a lady friend. She passed into the house 
and was not seen alive again. From the evidences at hand, it is clear 
that upon leaving Mrs. Fisher she went into the bedroom, near the 
rear of the house, and wrote the two letters found after her death — 
wrote them in the dim, uncertain light of day, upon two slips of com- 
mercial bill-heads, and in very uncertain scrawling chirography. This 
accomplished, she took a comforter from the bed and with it made a 
pallet on the floor. In one of the bureau drawers there was a small 
thirty-eight caliber five-shooter. The woman opened the bureau 
drawer, took out the weapon, stretched herself out on the pallet, 
placed the weapon to her right temple and discharged it. The bullet 
crushed through the bone and lodged in the brain. Death was instan- 
taneous. 

When Mrs. Fisher found her lying there dead, the body was turned 
slightly over on the left side, but the attitude was so natural and easy 
that the repose might have been mistaken for that of sleep instead of 
death. Mrs. Fisher was terribly shocked. Her cries soon attracted 
the neighbors, who came pouring in, and among them the little boy 
whom his mother had but a half hour previously kissed good-bye for 
the last time. 

What did the child know of death? When he saw the woman lying 
there, he tip-toed softly back to the staring, frightened group of women 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 265 

and said softly, *' Mamma is asleep — we mustn't talk or we'll wake 
her up." 

Everybody wept — the strong men as well as the weaker women. 
A lady took the child up and carried him out into the street and there 
he romped and played as gaily as if he were not indeed the loneliest 
and most blighted of orphans. 

THE TWO LETTERS. 

Two letters were found, conveying the last wishes of the unhappy 
woman. The first was pinned on the bosom of her dress and read as 
follows : — 

" Mrs. Fisher. — Please tell my darling husband immediately, will 
you, that these are my dying words. Please see that Hade's relations 
take me to Sundell graveyard and bury me with my dear husband, 
and in the same grave and coffin. These are my dying words, good- 
bye forever and ever. Please see that my child is raised right no 
matter who takes charge of him. I forgive every one who has 
wronged me and ask forgiveness. Good-bye to Chris and his family, 
and to Moses and those sweet children ; also my sister and dear old 
father and Mr. and Mrs. Fisher, and last of all my dear, sweet child 
and husband. Oh forgive me, God, is my prayer, for the time draws 
near when I must die. Good-bye, my dear, darling child and hus- 
band. This is written by Sue Brown." 

The other letter was found on the bureau and was as follows : — 

" To MY darling husband and child and my fried Belle Fisher, 

THE ONE WHO HAS BEEN SO VERY GOOD AND KIND TO ME. My darling 

husband and I will both die to-night. My life is a misery to me for I 
know that James is to hang, and I am ver\'^ near craz}'^ over my troubles, 
they are more than I can bear. Oh, how T hate to leave my darling, 
precious babe. I hope my relations will take charge of him, and 
raise him right, and always be good and kind to him and for my sake 
never let him be imposed upon. I love my dear husband better than 
the whole world, and he can't live and I won't — we Avill both die' 
together. I want to be buried in my darling's arms, and in the same 
coffin with him. 

" Mrs. Fisher, will you please see to us and not let them separate us 
in death is my dying wish. That God will forgive me and take me 
safely home is my dying prayer. I want my sisters, Sarah and 
Luta, to have my things between them. A farewell kiss to my dear 
old father, one I love. Mrs. Fisher, will you please for my sake have 
this published. I want you to take the news to Hade, it makes no 
difference who says no." 

THE SCENE AT THE JAIL. 

The discovery and perusal of the two letters left by Mrs. Brown 
let the authorities into the secret that there was an understanding 
between the murderer and his wife, and that the murderer himself con- 



266 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

templated suicide and was probably in possession of the means 
whereby to accomplish that result. To frustrate any such design, 
Deputy Marshal Freeman, accompanied by Jailor Farrell, Sergeants 
Deitch and Snider, officer Barrons and several other patrolmen, made 
haste to the jail and quietly slipped up in front of Hade Brown's cell. 

" Come outside, Hade," said Freeman, in as careless a tone as he 
could feign. 

Brown looked up and saw the squad of officers. In a flash he 
divined that something deeply affecting him had transpired. He did 
not know what, nor did he care. As quick as lightning he plunged 
his hand in his vest pocket, drew out the package of morphine and 
crammed it into his mouth. Before he could swallow the fatal drug, 
however, the officers had seized him and powerful hands had fastened 
their vice-like clutch about his neck. Then ensued a frightful 
struggle. The baffled wretch floundered and fought with the despera- 
tion of a madman. His blasphemies and oaths and imprecations 
were too terrible for recital in a public print. Alternately he cursed 
himself and his assailants. 

" Kill me, you dogs of — ! " he shrieked. *<I've got to die any- 
way next Friday, and I might just as well die here and now." 

It was a dreadful scene. The struggle lasted several moments, till 
absolutely exhausted, blue in the face, his eyeballs protruding from 
his head and the froth bubbling from his mouth, the miserable wretch 
lay feebly writhing on the jail floor. As if he had been a beast, his 
mouth was pried open and the poisonous package dragged forth. 
Then he was hauled to his cell and placed under heavy guard, and 
even then, exhausted as he was, he continued to utter the most revolt- 
ing blasphemies and imprecations. 

It was decided not to communicate to him the fact of his wife's 
death till to-day. * 

MURDER MOST FOUL. 
[From the Moberly Headlight.] 

One of the most dastardly, cold-blooded and unprovoked murders 
on record has just come to light in this county, and speedy justice 
has already been meted out to the bloody perpetrators by an infu- 
riated mob, composed almost wholly, if not entirely, of colored 
men. 

Some three weeks ago, George Matthews, an old negro man of in- 
dustrious habits and good character, living four or five miles east of 
Moberly, suddenly disappeared from his home, and his continued 
absence aroused the suspicion that he had been foully made way with, 
and the people of the neighborhood, enlisting the aid of officials, set 
to work last Saturday to ferret out the mystery, and they were not 
Ions: in brin^ins: to lio;ht one of the most brutal murders on record. 
On Monday the body of old George was found in Elk fork, a creek 
close to his late residence, with a bullet hole through the head and the 
head badly beat up. 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 267 

Abe Lincoln, a stepson of the murdered man, aged about 20 years, 
Henry, a negro boy about 17 years old, Alfred Cason, a negro neigh- 
bor, the wife of the victim and another negro were arrested and taken 
to Moberly, charged with the crime. At the coroner's inquest in Mo- 
berly, Tuesday, Abe Lincoln, the stepson of the murdered man, con- 
fessed to having shot his stepfather, and implicated the boy Henry 
with him in the murder. According to his confession, they went to 
the residence of the old man in the afternoon of the day of the mur- 
der for the express purpose of killing him. They found him alone, 
and sat and talked with him for an hour or two, when they arose and 
set about their bloody work. The stepson put his pistol to the old 
man's head and fired, inflicting a deadly wound and causing the old 
man to fall to the floor in a heap. The boy Henry then stepped to 
the door, gathered a club he had left on the outside, and dealt the 
dying man several heavy blows on the head with it. The stepson then 
took the club and proceeded to beat the last spark of life out of the 
prostrate body, after which the two dragged it from the house into a 
fence-corner near by, and then went to Cason' s and stayed all night. 
They returned about sunrise the following morning, dragged the body 
to the creek and threw it in. 

No cause whatever is assigned for the brutal deed, but the negro 
Cason is supposed to be the principal instigator and the planner of the 
affair, and all the parties arrested and some others are believed to be 
more or less implicated. It seems that Matthews' wife and his step- 
daughters are of a very loose character, and that he protested against 
feeding and entertaining the worthless characters that this case of 
affairs drew aroun.d him, which, no doubt, led to the bloody deed. 

Between eleven and twelve o'clock Tuesday night a body of heavily 
armed men rode up to the Moberly calaboose and made the guards give 
up the prisoners — Henry Mitchell, Dick Yancy (Abe Lincoln) and 
Alfred Cason. They were taken to a trestle bridge, about a 
mile east of town, on the Missouri, Kansas and Texas, and all 
three swung up. Cason was let down and then swung up again. 
He would not or could not confess anything, and was let down 
and sent back to the calaboose. Mitchell and Yancy were left 
hanging until the following morning, when they were cut down 
and an inquest held over them. The jury returned verdicts to 
the efiect that deceased came to their deaths at the hands of un- 
known parties. The mob was not masked, and a good many are 
known, but the ones who know will not tell. The negro, Cason, is 
scared half to death, and will answer no questions. The bodies were 
taken in charge by an undertaker and buried. Everything was con- 
ducted quietly, and few in Moberly knew anything had happened 
until the following morning. 

DISTRESSING FATAL ACCIDENT. 

[From the Herald.] 
The old tank pond just east of the corporate limits of Huntsville, 
which contains a large body of Avater, from 10 to 12 feet in depth, was 



268 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

the scene of a most distressing accident between five and six o'clock 
on Wednesday evening of last week, January 13, 1881, whereby one 
happy home was made suddenly desolate by the loss of its head and 
protecter. Mr. Richard Hotchkiss, an industrious and hard-working 
coal miner, living in the east side of the town, having finished his day's 
work in the pit, hitched his horse to his buggy, and with his two 
little boys drove to this pond for the purpose of washing off the 
vehicle. Not knowing the depth of the water, and being unable to 
swim, he unhitched the horse and rode him in to try it before driving 
the buggy in. He had only got a few yards from the bank when his 
horse suddenly struck deep swimming water. The first plunge of the 
animal jerked the rider's hat off, and in attempting to recover it, he 
fell off the horse and was drowuied. The only witnesses to this sad 
tragedy were the two little boys, who, upon seeing their father sink 
beneath the water the third time, ran for their home screaming at the 
top of their voices. As soon as the sorrowful news reached the ears 
of the unsuspecting wife, she was almost crazed with grief, and rush- 
ing wildly to the pond she attempted to plunge into the deep water 
after the body of her husband, whose face she had looked upon but a few 
moments before in perfect health ; but, happily, a number of persons 
were attracted to the place before her by the screams of the children 
and prevented her from becoming a victim of her own rashness. It was 
only a short time until the banks of the pond were lined with pe()[)le, 
and the work of dragging the pond was at once commenced and kept up 
until between eleven and twelve o'clock, when the b(Kly was recovered. 
The face showed a number of bruises and cuts, and bled freely for 
hours. It is more than probable that these injuries were inflicted by 
the horse's fore feet, for it is an established fact that all horses become 
greatly frightened Avhen they first strike swimming water, and if a 
rider falls off at such a time the horse will in every instance claw the 
water desperately to get to him. 

The deceased was 31 years of age, and leaves a devoted wife and 
three interesting little boys to mourn his untimely death ; and these 
have the sincere sympathy of our entire people in this their hour of 
sad affliction. He was an honest, upright man ; was loved by his 
friends, and respected by all. His remains were buried Thursday 
evening in the city cemetery by the Odd Fellows, of which fraternity 
he was an honored member, and were followed to their last resting 
place by a large concourse of people. 

Peace to his ashes, and may the good God comfort the bereaved 
ones. 

JOHN H. WRIGHT COMMITS SUICIDE. 

John H. AVright, a young married man about 32 years of age, re- 
siding with his wife and two children four miles south of Huntsville, 
on a farm adjoining the one occupied by his father,Mr. James Wright, 
committed suicide about nine o'clock Tuesday morning, January 29, 
1884, by hanging himself to a tree in a woods pasture about a half a mile 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 



269 



from his house. He got up Tuesday morning and dressed himself 
and walked over to see his father. Finding that his father had gone 
to see a neighbor, a Mr. Yager, he returned home, told his wife that he 
was going over to Mr. Hunt's, another neighbor, and started in that 
direction. He walked down the road over which his father would have 
to return to a point about half a mile from his house, climbed over 
the fence, walked about 50 yards to the edge of the woods pasture, 
tied a comfort around his head and deliberately hung himself with a 
rope which he had with him, dying from strangulation. Life could 
not have been extinct very long when his father returned over the road 
in company with Mr. William Bagby, who noticed the dangling 
object and called Mr. Wright's attention to it, saying he believed it 
was a man. Mr. Wright replied, he guessed not — it was only a " scare- 
crow." But Mr. Bagby kept his eye on the object, and again de- 
clared his belief with more firmness, when Mr. Wright thought it 
might be and that they had better go over and investigate, and they 
did. Finding that it was a man in fact, but not knowing who it was 
because of the face being concealed by the comfort tied over it, Mr. 
Wright suggested that they had better go and get some of the neigh- 
bors before interfering with the body, and they each started in dif- 
ferent directions for neighbors. Mr. Bagby and his companions 
returned first and cut the body down and removed the comfort, 
when they recognized the face, and the body of the dead man was 
at once removed to the home of his parents. A note found pinned 
on the coat stated that the deceased was tired of living, asked to be 
buried in the clothes he had on and that no inquest be held on his 
body. 

The cause is ascribed to physical infirmities. He had been in poor 
health for several years and a few months before he had a severe 
spell of sickness, which left him in a still more enfeebled condition. 
He had been quite despondent for some time, and about a month 
previous bought laudanum with the view of taking his life, but his wife 
persuaded him from it. His wife says their domestic relations were 
the most pleasant and happy, and that he had never given her a cross 
word. 

At an inquest held on the body a verdict in accordance with the 
above facts was found. 



CHAPTEK XIY. 

"War of 1812 — ludian War of 1832 — California Emigrants — Mexican War — Address 
of W. R. Samuel — The Civil War of 1861 — Officers Commanding Companies — 
Non-combatants Killed in tiie County. 

** Our heroes of the former days 
Deserved and gained their never fading bays." 

Randolph county has never been wanting in patriotism, but, upon 
the contrary, her citizens have always been among the first to respond 
to the call of their country when its honor or its liberty were im- 
periled. Whether they were called to meet the savage Indian at 
home, or the scarcely less civilized Mexican under the burning suns 
of a foreign clime, they have responded with the same alacrity, and 
gone forth to do battle with an enthusiasm and courage that have ever 
characterized the true soldier. 

A few of these men have seen service in four different wars. The 
veterans of 1812 have all passed away except Durett Bruce, William 
McCanne and Elijah Williams, who will, ere long, join their comrades 
on the other side of the river. 

THE OLD SOLUIERS OF 1812 HAVE A MEETING. 

In answer to a call which had been generally made by the papers 
of North Missouri, the surviving soldiers of the War of 1812 assembled 
together at Moberly, October 20th, 1871, and were royally entertained 
by the patriotic citizens of that place. There were in all about 30 
of the old heroes, and they enjoyed the reunion after the good old 
fashion of the past. 

The meeting was appropriately opened with prayer by Elder F. R. 
Palmer, himself one of the veterans, breathing a spirit of thankfulness 
that so many of those who had breasted the tide of British invasion in 
those trying times were permitted to meet and greet each other at so 
late a period of life, and invoking the blessings of heaven to rest upon 
the land which they aided in rescuing from the domination of a 
haughty tyrant. An able, entertaining and beautiful address was 
delivered by Col. W. F. Switzler, of the Columbia Statesman, and 
the party repaired to the Tate House to partake of a magnificent ban- 
quet which the munificence of the landlord in conjunction with that of 
the good people of the place had provided for their entertainment. 
(270) 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 271 

The utmost good feeling and social cheer characterized the occasion, 
and marked it as one of the most interesting epochs in the history of 
the county. Following are the names of the glorious old gray-beards 
who were in attendance, with their ages and places of residence : — 

B. C. Wright, aged 85 ; William McCanne, Sr., aged 76 ; William 
Eoiltree, aged 76 ; William Haines, aged 83 ; Durett Bruce, aged 81, 
now (1884) resides in Moberly ; Elijah Williams, aged 74, now 
(1884) resides in Moberly; B. Owen, aged 76; Abraham Goodding, 
aged 76 ; Robert Boucher, aged 77 ; S. C. Davis, aged 76 ; Louis 
Osburn, aged S2 ; all of Randolph county. F. R. Palmer, Clay 
county, aged 82. George Brown, aged 72 ; William Sulson, aged 76 ; 
both of Macon county. William Woodruff, aged 82, Linn county. 
Abajiah Woods, Grundy county, aged 75. Thompson Hardin, aged 
84; F. Herndon, aged 78; William Acton, aged 77; John Daven- 
port, aged 77 ; Gabriel Parker, aged 77 ; William Summers, aged 80 ; 
Martin G. Buckler, aged 74 ; Brice Edwards, aged 79 ; all of Boone 
county. Robert P. Jones, Callaway county, aged 79. J. M. Chadsey, 
aged 73 ; Thomas G. Grant, aged 72 ; John Adkinson, aged 84 ; 
George T. Naylor, aged 84 ; all of Monroe county. 

INDIAN WAR OF 1832. 

The following are the names of a number of soldiers who enlisted 
in the Lidian War from Randolph county: Iverson Sears, James 
Ratcliff, Joseph Holman, James Holman, Capt. Robert Boucher, Jo- 
seph Goodding, Capt. Abraham Goodding, Joseph M. Hammett, 
Thomas J. Samuel, Tarrett Rose, John Dysart, Ignatius Noble, Dr. 
C. F. Burckhartt, May Burton, Jefferson Hockersmith, Benjamin 
Hardin, Samuel Hardin. 

CALIFORNIA EMIGRANTS. 

The years 1849 and 1850 will be remembered by the old settlers of 
Randolph county as the periods when the gold excitement in Cali- 
fornia reached its highest point, and as the years when the people 
generally throughout the American Union, as well as Randolph coun- 
ty, were alike smitten with the gold fever. The early settlers, like 
their descendants of to-day, soon learned that 

" Gold is the strWgth, the sinew of the world ; 
The health, the soul, the beauty most divine;" 

and manifested their love and appreciation of the saffron-hued metal 
by separating themselves from their homes and friends, and taking up 
their line of march to the gold fields of California. 



272 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

Randolph county sent forth many of her sons, some of whom were 
men with gray beards, and others were boys still in their teens, to 
that far distant region, all animated with the hope that their labors, 
their sacrifices, and their bravery would be rewarded with an abun- 
dance of the glittering and precious ore. 

Very few of these gold-hunters ever accumulated anything, and a 
number lost all they had, including even " their lives, their fortunes, 
and their sacred honor." The persons who really gained by the gold 
excitement were those who remained at home and sold their produce 
to the infatuated emigrants. The rush which had commenced in the 
spring of 1849 continued until about the first of June, 1850, when 
the great surging tide began to abate, although belated gold-hunters 
continued to pass through the country for some time. 

But the excitement began to die away, and those citizens who had 
judgment enough to resist the contagion, now settled down in quiet 
to pursue the even tenor of their way. 

The following list embraces the names of many of the parties who 
went from Randolph county to California in 1849 and in 1850 : — 

CALIFORNIA EMIGRANTS. 

G. W. Taylor, John Taylor, E. T. Owen, Thomas H. B. Owen, 
James Murphy, Joseph Murphy, H. Lassiter, Thomas J. Gorham, R. 
T. Gorham, Abraham Lassiter, Tony Fort, Dr. G. T. Fort, A. J. 
Fort, A. G. Lea, James P. Dameron, James Collins, Granvil Wilcox, 
Jerry Taylor, E. B. Cone, George Hunt, Milton Hunt, J. B. Hunt, 
F. M. Hammett, Daniel Hunt, Major Hunt, William Hunt, Charles 
Hunt, John Gaines, John Dameron, Willis Dameron, Jeptha Baker, 
Charles Fletcher, F. M. McLane, William Dunn, J. V. DunU, John 
Callahan, John Tillotson, William Hardister, Capt. W. T. Austin, J. 
H. Austin, Felix Austin, Henry Austin, Sr., James Atterbury, Uras- 
mus Atterbury, Asa Fidler, J. A. Brown, Henry Austin, Jr., Joseph 
Yowell, James Emerson, Sr., James Emerson, Jr., Rufus Emerson, 
George Pool, J. C. Boney, Hugh McCanne, Charles Ragsdale, Julius 
Ragsdale, John Maupin, Z. P. Gray, William Gladwell, William Al- 
verson, Robert Brown, Ban Hutchison, Robert Skinner, Samuel Skin- 
ner, Randall Sears, James Summers, Doc. Summers, Frank Summers, 
James Head, Charles Turner, Jesse Suimiiers, Joseph Yowell, Martin 
Shriver, Gabriel Austin,^ William Austin,^ Lewis Austin^ (colored). 



1 Were given their freedom in California. 



HISTORY or RANDOLPH COUNTY. 273 



MEXICAN WAR. 



Ill July, 1846, upon the call of the President of the United States, 
a company of men was organized in Randolph county for the Mexican 
War. The company consisted of about 100 men, and left Huntsville 
on the first Monday in August, 1846. Before leaving the company 
was presented with a beautiful silk flag, made by the ladies of Ran- 
dolph county. This flag was carried by the men through all their 
long marches and engagements, and when they returned home, in No- 
vember, 1847, it was, with a list of the names of the men, stored 
away in the court-house for safe keeping, and, unfortunately, de- 
stroyed by fire when the court-house was burned. This list, being 
thus destroyed, we are unable to give all the names of the men who 
made up the company ; the list, however, is as complete as we can 
make it : — 

Hancock Jackson, captain, dead ; Clair Oxley, first lieutenant, dead ; 
R. G. Gilman, second lieutenant, dead ; W. R. Samuel, third lieuten- 
ant, living; William Ketchum, first sergeant, died in the army; W. 
L. Fletcher, first sergeant, died in Texas in 1883; L. W. T. Allin, 
second sergeant, died in the army ; Eldridge Cross, second sergeant, 
died in Adair county ; Vincent Barnes, fourth sergeant, died in the 
army ; Isaac Larrick, fourth sergeant, died in the army ; Thos. L. 
Gorham, first corporal, died in Montana ; Robert C. Reed, third cor- 
poral, died in California ; E. C. Montgomery, fourth corporal, died in 
North Carolina; R. M. Proffitt, first bugler, dead; W. C. Holman, 
second bugler, dead; Harrigan Barnett, dead; A. Bradigan, black- 
smith, Lincoln county ; N. B. Bris well, dead ; W. P. Baker, dead ; 
John W. Burris, dead ; James H. Brown, dead ; Francis Condon, 
dead ; George R. Caton, dead ; Jeremiah Clarkston, in Macon county ; 
Asa K. Collett, in Adair county ; James Cole, dead ; Lewis R. Col- 
lier, in Rudolph county; William Embree, in Randolph county; O, 
N. P. Flagett, dead ; David A. Gray, dead ; Samuel P. Gray, dead ; 
William N. Gist, dead ; Benjamin F. Heaton,dead ; Lewis Haggard, 
dead ; James Heaton, dead ; A. O. John ; N. T. Johnson, in Randolph 
county; F. M. Morris, dead ; John F. Miller, dead ; Daniel C. Moore, 
dead ; E. A. Matney, in Macon county ; James N. Marshall, in Macon 
county; William Murley, Adair county; Monroe Mullion, Monroe 
county ; John F. McDavitt, died in the army ; O. P. Magee, died in 
T^xas; A. McDonald; John O. Oxby, dead; F. E. W. Patton, in 
the mountains; James Phillips, Macon ; M. H. Parker; E. W. Par- 



274 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

sels, Adair ; John Roberts ; H. H. Richardson, in Chariton county ; 
John W. Richardson, in Texas; W. T. Redd, in California; W. G. 
Riley, in Randolph county; S. D. Richardson, dead; Martin Riddle; 
P. M. Richardson ; John W. Latta, in Illinois ; Harvey C. Ray ; 
James Ramy, in Platte county ; James G. Smith, in Randolph county ; 
W. R. Shiter; Paul Shirley, in California; E. K. Wilson, in Macon 
county; G. H. Wilson, in Randolph county; William H. Wilson, in 
California ; O. H. P. Fizell ; William Roberts and A. M. C. Donald. 

This company belonged to the Second Regiment Missouri Mounted 
Volunteers, and was under the command of Gen. Sterling Price, and 
Lieut. -Col. D. D. Mitchell, two as brave and gallant officers as 
ever commanded a regiment in any war. 

The men were in two small engagements, one at Taos, and the other 
in the Moreau Valley, and like the American forces generally, came 
out victorious. 

Two young men from Randolph county, joined the army away from 
home. Their names were Chilton B. Samuel, and his cousin, Edmond 
T. Taylor. The former joined Capt. O. P. Moss' companjs Doni- 
phan's regiment, and the latter Captain Barber's company, of Linn 
county. They were true-hearted and brave ; one died with the con- 
sumption (Samuel), and the other (Taylor) died from an attack of 
measles, and was buried far away from home and friends, on the top 
of a lonely mountain in New Mexico. 

September 21, 1877, during the progress of the fair which was then 
being held at Huntsville, W. R. Samuel delivered the following ad- 
dress to many of the surviving soldiers of Capt. Hancock Jackson's 
company, who were on that day present : — 

Fellow Soldiers of the Mexican War : Thirty-one years ago, 
the first Monday in August last, after casting our votes as American 
freemen, for men of our choice to represent us in our State and 
National councils, we left for the seat of war. Our enlistment as 
soldiers in the Mexican War was only a few days prior to the close of an 
exciting contest in the political arena, in which the good old Whig and 
Democratic parties were the contestants. Our departure was postponed 
for a few days, in order that we might enjoy this inestimable privilege of 
voting, which no good citizen, we take occasion to say, should ever 
neglect. A company of about 100 men, raised and organized princi- 
pally by Capt. Hancock Jackson, was drawn up in line, mounted 
and equipped, in the public square of Huntsville, and was presented 
with a beautiful silk flag by the ladies of Huntsville and vicinity, the 
presentation speech being made by a handsome young lady, then a 
resident of Huntsville, now a resident of Randolph county. The la^y 
is now some older of course, but still good looking, and if you have 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 275 

fo¥gotten her I refer you to Judge Burckhartt who knows every lady, 
especially the handsome ones, that have lived in this vicinity since he 
was 10 years old, and that has been, / guess, nearly 50 years, but for 
fear he will not tell you, I will say that it was Miss Harriet Amanda 
Head, now the wife of our Representative, the Hon. James F. Wight. 
I being ensign and second lieutenant, was the happy recipient of that 
ilag, and also the bearer of it, and am glad to be able to say that it was 
never dishonored, trailed in the dust, surrendered or captured. We 
all made it a point to preserve it and defend it, not only because it 
bore the stars and stripes, emblematic of the American Union, our 
native land, but also as a valuable memento of the parting gift of our 
many fair friends left behind. We brouo:ht it back untarnished, it 
having waved in triumph in all the contests in which we were engaged. 
We started on our destination, we knew not where, but with strong 
resolutions to do our duty, and with many misgivings as to whether 
we would hold, out faithful. The whole people, en masse, vied one 
with another in loading us with presents of various kinds, and provi- 
sions in abundance, and after many warm expressions of regret at our 
departure and expressing the hope of our safe return, we were rapidly 
marched to Fort Leavenworth, then on the western borders of civili- 
zation, but now not far from the center of a populated empire. There 
we found Col. Sterling Price and Lieut. -Col. D. D. Mitchell, both 
noble men, generous, kind and brave, organizing a regiment of which 
we were to form a part. We were kept at the Fort drilling, breaking 
mules and oxen, and doing camp duty in the heat and dust for a week 
or ten days, which some of us at least considered hard work, still not 
knowing whether we were destined for New or Old Mexico, or whether 
we were to embark by land or water, all becoming, in the meantime, 
restless and anxious to be started to some point. If the order had 
come to disband and go home, some of us would have rejoiced more 
than we did when the order was finally promulgated to be ready to march 
at daylight next morning. It was, however, a great relief to be able to 
leave the abominable Fort. We were, while there, under the orders 
of regular army officers, and the discipline was rather severe for raw 
volunteers, and although we were considered a part of the garrison of 
the Fort, we were neither permitted to eat or sleep inside its walls, 
but were to do our eating and sleeping on the bleak hills a mile or so 
beyond. We started out 1000 strong, our destination proving to be 
Santa Fe, in New Mexico, whither Col. A. W. Doniphan's regiment 
had preceded us a short time, and whose place in that country we 
were to supply. We had a weary march of 1000 miles, harassed oc- 
casionally by the wild savages then inhabiting the foot hills of the 
desert plains. We were frequently short of provisions, and some- 
times almost famishing for water, but I can say with sincerity and 
truth, we had no murmuring, for no company had a better set of men 
than Co. C. Others may have had as good, none better. It is 
true that we had a few that were unruly and turbulent, but the good 
and true so greatly predominated that such hard cases were held in 



276 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

check. We had but one man in our company that so disgraced the 
name of a soldier that we had to drum him out of the service, and 
never permitted him to enter the ranks again. He afterwards, I be- 
lieve, joined the Mexicans; but the quick dismissal of this one from 
the ranks by unanimous consent (for he was not court-martialed), 
only showed how severely any dishonorable act would be condemned 
and punished. 

Although the troops occupying New Mexico never had to fight any 
such hard battles as were fought at Cerro Gordo, Resaco de la Palma, 
Buena Vista, Churubusco, and Monterey, and in which it was proven, 
beyond question, that American soldiers are unrivalled, yet what little 
fighting we did, though greatly outnumbered, we always came ofi" 
victorious ; and then we were at all times ready to go where danger 
or duty called, and that was all that could be expected of us. We 
were constantly exposed to armies larger than ours, and it frequently 
happened that small detachments were taken prisoners, and notwith- 
standing the Mexican treachery and the many outrages committed on 
our men who were captured, and notwithstanding the causes thus 
given for retaliation, we committed no acts of vandalism, nor punished 
the innocent for acts of the guilty, but when parties fell into our 
hands who were proven, beyond doubt, to be the leaders in murdering 
small detachments of our men, whom they had taken prisoners, you 
may be sure speedy justice was meted out to them. 

While we had many hardships and privations to encounter in this 
campaign, which were sometimes severe and trying, we enjoyed many 
seasons of pleasure and satisfaction. Our company was, comparatively 
speaking, a band of brothers or a family. We were in a foreign land, 
many miles from home, surrounded on every hand by bitter and 
relentless enemies. These circumstances, perhaps, knit us together 
more closely as friends — at any rate we were friends, and fast ones 
too, and I am truly proud to be able to say on this occasion, that as 
an officer of the company, I had the unbounded confidence of nearly 
the entire company ; they had mine also. I never called upon any of 
you, or those who have gone from us, for a favor that you did not 
cheerfully grant, nor did I ever give an order that was not promptly 
obeyed, but I was always careful not to make an order that was not 
necessary to be executed, nor one I was not willing to help to execute 
myself. In -this way mutual confidence was established and fully 
maintained, and no honors of the war are so gratifying as this reflec- 
tion to-day. We went forth 100 strong. We came back many short 
of that number. We buried rudely, though tenderly, some of our 
noble men on the sandy plains and on the hills around Santa Fe and 
Las Vegas. Many more since our return have crossed the turbid 
stream, and gone to that bourne whence no traveler returns. I am 
the only commissioned officer of the company now living, and of the 
rank and file not more than 20 now survive. It seems, in imagina- 
tion, but a short time since we chased together buffiilo and antelope 
on the plains, and Mexicans in the mountains around Moreau and Taos. 



1 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 277 

But what wonderful events have transpired in the intervening period? 
I have no idea that five men in our company had ever seen a raih'oad 
track or a steam car. Now our country is dotted all over with them, 
and the whistle of the iron horse has echoed in the mountains of the 
Far West, and the two oceans are brought apparently in close prox- 
imity, when in reality they are 3,000 miles apart. And as for 
telegraphing, they had never dreamed of such a thing. And now 
the Atlantic cables enable the Old World and the New to communicate 
in an instant; of time, and from the signs of the times it is thought 
conversation can actually be carried on by two persons thousands of 
miles apart, orally, by means of the telephone. 

Since that time the great Civil War raged in our own hitherto 
happy and united country. Its results and consequences are well 
known to us all. But to enumerate all the wonderful events and 
changes that have taken place even in our own land and country, 
would occupy too much time, and weary your patience, hence I will 
pass on to say that those of us who were fortunate enough to reach 
our old homes were given a hearty welcome. A grand barbecue was 
given in our honor, attended by a vast concourse of the good people 
of Randolph, for which we are still thankful. In behalf of you all, I 
tender our sincere thanks to the Fair Company for so kindly remem- 
bering: us so long after the events to which I have referred. But it is 
right to honor men who have thus gone forth to battle for their coun- 
try's honor or their country's rights. It has been the custom, of all 
nations to do so, especially when the benefits resulting from the war 
in which they have been engaged are of such magnitude as were t he 
events resulting from the Mexican War. And if the benefits resulting 
from the war with Mexico were to be paid for in dollars and cents, and 
if the soldiers who did the fighting were to receive the pay, it would 
make them all rich. Whatever was the primary cause of the war and 
whether right or wrong to wage, the American armies were every- 
where victorious, and on the 13th of September, 1847, the frowning 
citadel of Chapultepec was carried by storm, and in the darkness of 
that night Santa Anna and his officers fled, and on the morning of the 
14th, the regiments of Gen. Scott filed through the streets of the 
beautiful City of Mexico, and at six o'clock the flag of the United 
States floated over the halls of the Montezumas, and as history tells 
us, so ended one of the most brilliant campaigns known in modern 
history. The United States acquired, as the result of this war, 
1,000,000 square miles of territory, including within the boundary 
California and the fertile valleys and mining country of the Pacific 
slope as well as New Mexico. Mexico was also severely chastised 
for its barbarity to Texas, and taught them a lesson which they 
will doubtless long remember ; that she must respect American 
rights as well as American citizens. And while the moral sense of 
the world should be shocked by war, it sometimes seems to be the 
least of two evils ; let us hope such was the case in the Mexican 
War. Notwithstanding the great expanse of territory, rich, not only 



278 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

in minerals, but also in agricultural resources, and now settled up 
by many thousand pioneers, belonged to us by right of conquest, 
yet the General Government, in its generosity and magnanimity, paid 
to the Mexican government over $18,000,000 for it, thus indicating 
that in this case, at least, the ordinary sense of justice was not alto- 
gether quenched or smothered. And while this magnanimity to a con- 
quered foe was all right and highly commendable, the government 
ought also recollect that it ought to be magnanimous to the soldiers 
who did the fighting, and to their widows and orphan children at least, 
and give to each surviving soldier of that war, or to his widow or 
children under 16 years of age, not less than eight dollars per 
month. This would be a great help to many who are old, and some 
of them, doubtless, quite poor. And we should urge upon our Con- 
gressmen and Senators the justice of our cause. Let Congress pass a 
law taxing government bonds as other property, which should have 
been done long ago, and also making silver and greenbacks legal ten- 
der for all dues, whether to bondholder or the government, and 
enough money would be saved in one year to pension all the surviving 
soldiers and widows of soldiers of the Mexican War as long as one of 
them are left in the land of the living. These measures are demanded 
by the great mass of the people ; and they ought to be proclaimed in 
thunder tones to the ear of the nation's representatives, until the ser- 
vants of the people obeyed the voice of their masters. If there ever 
was a time in the history of our nation when the great truth, uttered 
by the immortal Washington, " Eternal vigilance is the price of lib- 
erty," should be remembered and obeyed, it has come. 

And now, fellow-veterans of the Mexican War — so many of us and 
yet so few — may never have the pleasure of all meeting together 
again this side of the grave, let us hope and pray that we may meet in 
a brighter clime and a more glorious home, where war nor rumors of 
war are neither heard of nor seen» and where happiness will last for- 
ever. 

THE CIVIL WAR OF 1861. 

When the first gun was fired upon Fort Sumpter (April 12, 1861), 
little did the citizens of the remote county of Eandolph dream that the 
war which was then inaugurated would eventually, like the simul- 
taneous disemboguement of a hundred volcanoes, shake this great na- 
tion from its center to its circumference. 

Little did they then dream that the smoke of the bursting shells, 
which hurtled and hissed as they sped with lurid glare from rebel bat- 
teries upon that fatal morning, foreboded ravaged plains — 

"And burning towns and ruined homes, 
And mangled limbs and dying groans, 
And widows' tears and orphan's moans, 
And all that misery's hand bestows 
To fill the catalogue of human woes."- 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 279 

Little did they dream that the war cloud which had risen above the 
waters of Charleston harbor would increase in size and o-loora until 
its black banners had been unfurled throughout the leno;th and breadth 
of the land. 

Little did they imagine that war, with all its horrors, would invade 
their quiet homes, and with ruthless hand tear away from their fire- 
side altars their dearest and most cherished idols. 

Could the North and the South have foreseen the results of that in- 
ternecine strife, there would be to-day hundreds of thousands of hap- 
pier homes in the land, hundreds of thousands less hillocks in our 
cemeteries, hundreds of thousands less widows, hundreds of thousands 
less orphans, no unpleasant memories, and no legacies of hatred and 
bitterness left to rankle in the breasts of the living, who espoused the 
fortunes of the opposing forces. 

All that transpired during that memorable struggle would fill a large 
volume. Randolph county, as did the State of Missouri generally, 
sufi^ered much. Her territory was nearly all the time occupied by either 
one or the other antagonistic elements, and her citizens were called 
up(ni to contribute to the support of first one side and then the other. 
However much we might desire to enter into the details of the war, 
we could not do so, as the material for such a history is not at hand. 
Indeed, were it even possible to present the facts as they occurred, 
we doubt the propriety of doing so, as we would thereby reopen the 
wounds which have partially been healed by the flight of time and the 
hopes of the future. It were better, perhaps, to let the passions and 
the deep asperities which were then engendered, and all that serves to 
remind us of that unhappy period, be forgotten. We have tried in 
vain to obtain the number and names of the men who entered the Con- 
federate army from Randolph county. No record of them has ever 
been preserved, either by the officers who commanded the men, or by 
the Confederate government. 

Among those who commanded companies which were partially or 
entirely raised from Randolph county for the Southern army were 
Col. H. T. Fort, Col. John A. Poindexter, Capt. Frank Davis, Capt. 
John W. Bagby, Capt. Benjamin E. Guthrie, and Col. C. J. Perkins. 
Some of the above named officers were from adjoining counties, but 
recruited portions of their companies from Randolph county. 

Among those who raised companies for the Union army were Capts. 
T. B. Reed, C. F. Mayo, W. T. Austin, N. S. Burckhartt, W. A. 
Skinner, M. S. Durham and Alexander Denny. The number of men 
13 



280 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

entering each army was about the same — numbering between 600 
and 900. 

During the war a few non-combatants were killed in the county : 
James Harris, Martin Green, James K. Carter, Andrew J. Herndon, 
and two or three colored men were shot to death at their homes or in 
the county. 

The above statement, in reference to the number of men entering 
the two armies, does not in any manner indicate the political complex- 
ion of the county at the breaking out of the Civil War. 

There was among the people a strong Union sentiment, which was 
retained by them until Fort Siimpter was fired upon, and until the call 
for 75,000 men was made by the government to suppress the insurrec- 
tion. After that call was made, the people of Kandolph county, as 
did the people of Missouri generally, became the friends of the South, 
and so strong was the sympathy of the people with their Southern 
brethren that the number in favor of the South was about as twenty 
to one. 




CHAPTEK XY. 

RAILROADS. 

Man is so constituted that in order to make any appreciable progress 
in prosperity and intelligence he must live in a state of civil society. 
One's wants are so diverse and innumerable, and the physical con- 
ditions of the country in which he lives so varied, that he cannot 
possibly supply his needs, either by his individual exertions or from 
the products of any one district of country. Hence, trade and com- 
merce become necessities. One, with given talents and aptitudes, in 
certain territorial conditions, produces to the best advantage a partic- 
ular class of commodities in excess of what he needs, whilst he is able 
to produce only at great disadvantage, or not at all, other commodities 
quite as needful to him as the first ; another produces these needed 
commodoties in excess of what he personally requires, but none of 
those which the industry of his neighbor yields. Thus sprino-g up 
trade between the two, and to the advantage of both. As with indi- 
viduals, so with communities and peoples. Nations cannot live and 
prosper independent of each other, any more than families can live 
independent of their neighbors and prosper. So that, as prosperity 
constitutes the foundation of human progress and civilization, and 
since this cannot be attained except by means of trade and commerce, 
these become the indispensable conditions to advancement in material 
affairs and in intelligence. 

But neither trade nor commerce can flourish without practicable, 
efficient means of transportation. Products must be carried to the 
place of demand at a cost that will leave the producer just compensa- 
tion for his toil after they are delivered and sold and the cost of 
carriage paid. Hence, an adequate means of transportation, means 
sufficiently cheap and expeditious, becomes a matter of the first 
importance. Without some such system communities cannot be built 
up or be made to flourish. So we see that in earlier times and even 
yet, where regions of country were and are not thus favored, they 
have been and still are either uninhabited, or peopled by semi- 
civilized or barbarous populations. Take the map of the Old World 
and scan it ; it more than justifies what is here said. In the past 
most and, indeed, all of the more advanced nations inhabited regions 

(281) 



282 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

of country washed by the seas or drained by navigable rivers or other 
inland waters. Navigation afforded and still aifordsto such countries, 
to a measurable degree, at least, the means of transportation required 
for their prosperity and advancement. But the interior, or regions 
far removed from navigation, remained either unpeopled or in a savage 
or tribal state. So such regiens, not penetrated by railways, remain 
to-day, as for instance, the non-navigable districts of India and Russia 
and other countries. 

The problem of meeting this desideratwin of transportation into 
non-navigable regions, which constitute a large portion of the best 
lands of the globe, came to be looked upon in early times as, and 
continued up to our own time, one of the greatest with which man- 
kind had to deal. In every country were vast regions with every 
other advantage for supporting prosperous and enlightened commu- 
nities which, on account of their want of transportation facilities, were 
valueless, or worse than valueless — the homes of wild and warlike 
tribes. As more enlightened and progressive peoples sought td ex- 
tend themselves into those regions, the efibrt was made to supply 
their want of transportation facilities by means of canals, which were 
constructed on quite an extensive scale in some and, indeed, in most 
of the leading countries of Europe. But the districts of country 
through which canals could be constructed were, of course, compara- 
tively small, and the great problem of interior transportation, so far 
as non-navigable regions were concerned, continued open and to 
attract the thought and experiment of the best minds of all countries 
and of every age. At last Stephens' experiment, in 1825, solved the 
great problem. 

It is beyond question that no invention of the present century, and 
perhaps of all time, has proved so beneficial to, and mighty in its 
influence upon the material aflairs of mankind, if not for the general 
progress of the human race, as that of land transportation by steam, 
as represented in our present railway system. An eminent French 
writer has said that " the railway trebled the area of the inhabitable 
globe." It has not only brought and is bringing vast regions hith- 
erto valueless under the dominion of civilized man, but has quickened 
and is quickening every movement of humanity in the onward march 
of civilization. Wonderful as have been its results in the develop- 
ment and civilization of our own continent, results at which the world 
stands struck with astonishment and admiration ; wonderful as have 
been its results elsewhere, and wherever it has penetrated, its achieve- 
ments in the past compared to what it is destined to accomplish in 



\ 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 283 

the future, are as the dust that floats in the air to the suns that people 
the infinity of space. 

The railway has been chiefly instrumental in transforming the wilds 
©f this country into great and prosperous States, and in placing the 
American Union in the front rank of the great nations of the earth. 
Speaking of this, in an article in the February number (1884) of the 
Nineteenth Century, in which he strongly urges the establishment of 
an extensive railway system in India, as the surest means of develop- 
ing the natural resources of that magnificent country, Hon. William 
Fowler, Member of Parliament for Cambridge, says : " But if encour- 
agement be needed, it is well to consider what has been done on the 
other side of the Atlantic. Before the railway came to Illinois, it was 
little more than a prairie. In a very few years its produce doubled, 
and now it stands as one of the first producing States of the Union, 
and can point to Chicago as an evidence of its progress. It is difficult 
to imagine what would have been its present condition had not the rail- 
way come to its aid. Missouri had much facility of water carriage, 
but its progress was very slow until railways traversed it. Nebraska, 
now a most flourishing young State, has been created by the railway. 
Its vast agricultural wealth must have been locked up indefinitely Init 
for the locomotive. The same remark applies to Kansas, now ad- 
vancing with rapid strides. 

" Shareholders may grumble at competition in America, and bond- 
holders may tremble, but the producer flourishes in low rates of 
carriage, and no economical facts are so wonderful as those pre- 
sented by the progress of the United States since the development 
of the railway system. The experience of Canada is hardly less 
remarkable, for I am informed by Mr. Macpherson, of Ottawa, 
that during last year 25,000,000 acres of land were allotted by the 
Dominion Government to settlers or companies. The great temp- 
tation of those who settle in that severe climate is the excellence 
of the wheat land, but it is obvious that without cheap carriage 
no such settlement would be possible, for the produce would be 
unsalable." Thus, the railway is rapidly peopling and developing 
this continent. What it is doing here, it can do elsewhere — in 
India, Australia, Interior Russia, South America, and everywhere, 
where the physical conditions of territory and climate render possibl.- 
the abode of man. It is the great civilizer of modern times, and 
wherever the headlight of its locomotive gleams out or the shrill echo 
of its whistle is heard, barbarism falls back as the darkness of ignor- 
ance before the light of knowledge. . 



284 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

By the railway communities and States, separated from each other 
by thousands of miles, are made neighbors and the populations of 
whole continents are not only enabled to intermingle and thus benefit 
by association and interchange of ideas, but trade and commerce be- 
tween them, the life-blood of all prosperity and advancement, are 
reduced to a perfect system and to the minimum of expense. Under 
its influence the nations of Europe have been brought more nearly 
under the government of common interests and ideas — in fact, are 
nearer one people, — than the shires and manors of England were 
under the feudal system. And its influence in this direction, as in all 
others for the betterment of the condition of mankind, will go on 
and on, as the ages roll away, until ultimately the dream of the 
noblest philosophers who have conned the afliiirs of men shall have 
been realized — the universal brotherhood of man. 

By the railway space is already practically obliterated. To illus- 
trate this, a fact or two will suflice : The present rate on a bushel of 
wheat from Huntsville, Missouri, to St. Louis is about 8V2 cents ; the 
rate on to New York is IOV2 ; and from New York to Liverpool, or 
Glasgow, 4 cents — thus making the rate from Huntsville to Great 
Britain about 22 cents per bushel, or about $7.25 per ton. This is 
but little more than it cost, before the era of railroads, to haul the 
same amount of wheat from Randolph county to Glasgow, Missouri ; 
so that, practically, the market at Glasgow, Scotland, and, indeed, 
the markets of the whole world have been brought nearly as close to 
the farmers of this county as the market at Glasgow, "on the Missouri 
river, only twenty or thirty miles away, was in former times. What 
is true of wheat is true, in a greater or less measure, of other products 
and of merchandise, and of everything that ministers to the comfort 
and happiness of man. 

But without this system of railway transportation the present vast 
products of agriculture in the interior would have been impossible, 
and population would still have been compelled to hug closely to the 
coasts of seas and to the shores of inland navigable waters. "Had 
one been asked ten years ago," says Mr. E. Atkinson, of Boston, in 
his paper, in 1880, on " The Eallroads of the United States and their 
Effects on Farming and Production," " 'Can 150,000,000 bushels of 
grain be removed from the prairies of the West 5,000 miles in a single 
season, to feed the suffering millions of Europe, and prevent almost a 
famine amongst the nations?' he who ansAvered 'Yes; it is only nec- 
essary to apply the inventions already made to accomplish that,' would 
have been deemed visionary.. It has been accomplished." And, 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 285 

illustrating the same point, a writer, under the caption " The Railroad 
and the Farmer," in the ^me?7ca?i Agricultural Revieio for August, 
1882, speaking for Oregon, says: " Our export of wheat to Europe 
had hardly begun ten years ago for lack of cheap transportation to 
the ship. * * * Before the advent of railroads the nominal price 
of farm land was from $5 to $10 per acre, yet its average productive- 
ness was from 25 to 30 bushels of wheat per acre. * * * When 
railroads were built, or since 1873, improved farm land sells readily 
at from $15 to $100 per acre. Wheat has become the principal prod- 
uct. The export of wheat and flour, mostly to Europe, has risen from 
zero to about 5,000,000 bushels per annum, with regular yearly 
increase." 

It is this means of getting the products of the interior to market 
that renders the land of non-navigable regions valuable, and indeed 
inhabitable, by civilized man. Ten years ago Oregon exported no 
wheat, for want of railwa}^ facilities of transportation. In 1880 
she exported $5,000,000 worth, and her exports will continue to in- 
crease until her vast wheat lands, hardly touched yet with the plow, 
are covered with rich harvests, and all her territory is filled with a 
prosperous and enlightened population. Who can be found, then, 
bold enough to say that that great Commonwealth will not owe its 
greatness more directly to the railway than to any other and all other 
physical causes combined ? What is true of Oregon is true of all the 
States of the West, and, in only a less measure, of the other States of 
the Union. Missouri, though essentially a river State, has been built 
up almost alone by the railway since the war. Her vast area of grain 
and stock lands and her other resources have been opened up by the 
railway to industrial development, for by it the markets of the world 
have been brought to her very door. So of Kansas and Nebraska, 
and of Arkansas and Texas. Texas, although with a vast extent of 
sea-coast, has been developed by railway transportation, and there is 
hardly a parallel, even in the history of the Great West, to the won- 
derful progress that State has made in material development, and in 
population, and in wealth and in intelligence. 

No people under the sun have shown the enterprise, even by com- 
parison, shown by the people of this country in railroad building, and 
no people have increased in population and in every measure of ad- 
vancement in a ratio even approaching the progress made by the 
United States. But for railroads this could not, of course, have been 
done, for the regions accessible by navigable waters would long since 
have been taken up and overcrowded. This country, or rather, the 



286 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. ' • 

people of the country, s;iw iit a glance the importance of railway 
transportation to their material prosperity and general interests. 
Every community, wherever settled, turned its attention to railroad 
building in order to open up the territory tributary to it. The result 
was that railroads were pushed in all directions, and are still being 
extended, so that the whole land is rapidly being warped and woofed 
with a perfect labyrinth of railway tracks. Speaking of this, a recent 
English writer says : " The American, confident of the future, pushes 
forward the railway into the wilderness, certain that the unoccupied 
land will be settled, and that he will get his reward in the increased 
value of this land, as well as in the traffic on his railway." At first, 
in order to make his road self-sustaining, on account of the sparseness 
of population (indeed, there is often no population at all in large 
regions through which his road passes), and the consequent lightness 
©f business, he is compelled to charge high rates of traffic and of 
travel, and often these rates do not save him, for it is the experience 
of most roads through new States and Territories that in their early 
years they pass into the hands of a receiver. But soon the country 
tributary to them settles up and the volume of business increases, so 
that they become prosperous enterprises. 

And it is a remarkable fact that, although railroads in this country 
have had more to contend against and more to discourage them than 
those in any other, they have shown a degree of public spirit and a 
regard for the interests of the communities through which they pass 
unequaled by any other roads on the globe. To those who get their 
information from the average politician, anxious for an office or solici- 
tous to retain one, and who has been refused a pass, this statement 
may sound strange. To begin with, the rates of traffic on railroads 
were higher here than those on the roads of any country in Europe, 
as it would seem they ought to be, for wages and everything else are 
higher, and in most of this country traffic is much lighter than it is in 
Europe. But to-day railway freight rates in the United States are 
lower than the rates in any other country. 

And it is this fact that has proved the salvation of the American 
farmer and, therefore, of the prosperity of the whole country. But 
for the high railway rates in India and Russia and in Australia, Ameri- 
can wheat would long since have been driven from the markets of 
Europe. "It costs considerably more," says a recent writer, "to 
carry a ton of wheat 600 miles over the Great Indian Peninsula Rail- 
way than it does to carry the same quantity 1,000 miles over an 
American line." There labor is incomparaV)ly cheaper than it is in 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 



287 



this country, the hinds are quite as fertile and cheap, and the ship 
rates to Europe are nearly or quite as favorable as ours. But here 
wheat can be carried from Iowa to New York by rail so cheap that the 
Indian grower, with his present railway rates, cannot compete to 
advantage with the American farmer in European markets. In the 
United States rates have been reduced to less than one-fourth of what 
they were in 1865. This reduction is still going on, and with the 
improvements constantly being made in the railway system, it will 
doubtless continue to go «n until rates are far below what they are 
to-day. The following table, in which are given the average pas- 
seno;er and freisfht rates of six leadinsr Western roads since 1865, 
shows the steady reduction in tariffs : — 

TABLE OF RATES. 







Passenger 


Freight Rate 






Bates Per 


Per Ton 


Year. 




Mile, 


Per Mile, 






Cents. 


Cents. 


1865 




4.81 


4.11 


1866 




4.58 


3.76 


1867 




4.32 


3.94 


1868 




4.17 


3.49 


1869 




3.91 


3.10 


1870 




3.80 


2.82 


1871 




3.58 


2.54 


1872 


• •••.••..•• 


3.46 


2.39 


1873 




3.38 


2.30 


1874 




3.15 


2.18 


1875 • 




3.09 


1.97 


1876 




3.01 


1.89 


1877 




2.94 


1.63 


1878 




2.89 


1.61 


1879 




2.63 


1.47 


1880 




2.56 


1.32 


1881 




2.49 


1.20 


1882 




2.41 


1.07 


1883 





2.88 


.97 


1884 





2.35 


.89 



These are the general averages of rates of Western roads, the dif- 
ferent classes and the relative amounts of each class considered, and 
both through and local rates computed. Similar estimates for East- 
ern roads would of course show much lower rates, as would estimates 
of through rates from the West to the East, as, for instance, grain is 
now being shipped (April, 1884,) from St. Louis to New York at 
171/2 cts. per 100 pounds, and from Chicago to New York at 15 cts. 
These are the present pool rates, which show a ton-rate per mile of 
about .33 of a cent, instead of .89, as given above. Surely, when a 



288 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

ton of grain can be hauled three miles for a cent, rates ought to be 
satisfactory to the producer. It is not, therefore, surprising that 
American farmers are the most prosperous class of agriculturists 
on the globe. If, on account of the cheapness, fertility and abun- 
dance of land they can raise produce at a comparatively nominal cost, 
and, by the cheapness of transportation rates, they are placed almost 
as near the markets of Europe as the farmer of France, England or 
Germany, why should they not prosper? The saving to the producer 
and consumer in this country in a single year from the reductions of 
freight rates made between 1865 and 1879, according to Mr. Poor, an 
American statistician recognized as authority in both America and 
Europe, amounted to over $35,000,000. During the same period the 
rates from Chicago to New York were reduced over $13.50 on the ton. 

Nor does it follow that because these reductions have been made, 
freights could have been carried at lower rates than were previously 
charged. As has been said, the increase of population and traffic and 
the improvements made in the railway system have made these re- 
ductions possible. Freights can now be carried at little more than, if 
indeed not half the rates charged ten years ago. Explaining this, a 
prominent Eastern railroad official recently said: "The economies 
that are being introduced in the management of the railroads of this 
country are very poorly appreciated by the public. With the in- 
troduction of steel rails, with which all the leading lines are now 
equipped, the improved condition of rolling stock, the enormous 
increase in the strength and power of the locomotives and the solidity 
of road-beds, that can only be attained after many years' use, to- 
gether with a multitude of economies that cannot be learned without 
many years' practical experience, where so many men are employed 
as are required to handle one of our trunk lines, the actual cost of 
transportation has been reduced far below the point at which a few 
years ago the most sanguine advocate of railroad transportation, as 
the economical successor of all other means of moving freight, did 
jiot dream." 

The people of the country are rapidly coming to understand and ap- 
preciate the importance the railway is to their highest and best inter- 
ests. The old prejudice against railroads is rapidly dying out. States 
and communities, — counties, towns and townships, — and the Na- 
tional Government showed commendable public spirit in assisting in the 
construction of railroads in the infancy of the development of our rail- 
way system, and because the roads, when constructed, were compelled 
for a time to charge what seemed hio:h rates of traffic, much wrath was 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 289 

visited upon the railway, or rather upon railway management. But 
whether these rates were necessary is shown by the result. More 
men of means have been bankrupted by rail wa}^ investments, — not 
from mismanagement of the roads, only in exceptional cases, but be- 
cause, by the best management they could not be made to pay at the 
rates charged, — than by any other class of investments. More roads 
have gone into the hands of receivers than any other enterprises have 
in the country, numbers and importance considered, and fewer for- 
tunes have been made by railway investments. True, a few great 
fortunes have been accumulated, for the interests involved were of the 
greatest magnitude, so that, if one fails, he fails as Villard did, but if 
he succeeds, he succeeds as Gould has. 

But, however much railways have cost the public generally, who is 
there to question that they have been of greater public benefit than 
their cost, a thousandfold? Missouri's railways cost her in State and 
municipal bonds (county, city, etc.), about $29,000,000. In one 
year alone, 1883, her taxable wealth increased $63,349,625, not in- 
cluding the increase in the value of railway property ; and the increase 
of the present year will probably carry the aggregate up to $800,000,- 
000. No one will claim that this would have been possible without 
the railway, for Missouri is an agricultural State and to her, efficient 
practicable transportation is everything. So far as the railroads are 
concerned, they are of far greater benefit and profit to the public at 
large, and especially to the farmer and business man, than to their 
owners. A fact or two will illustrate this : ^The net earnings of Mis- 
souri railroads in 1882, after deducting operating expenses, were in 
round numbers $11,000,000, which was about $2,444 a mile, or less 
than four per cent on the capital they represent. This is a fair aver- 
age of the profits of the roads generally throughout the country. 
Where is the farmer or business man whose profits are no more than 
these who would not feel outrao;ed if his customers were to denounce 
him for extortion or overcharges? The more one looks for the rea- 
sons of the late outcry against railroads, the more unreasonable he 
finds it to have been. 

Whilst, in common with all human enterprises and institutions, it 
cannot be claimed that railways have always been an unmixed blessing, it 
may be safely said of them that they have been productive of less harm 
to humanity and have resulted in less injury in proportion to the good 
that they have done than any other influence in material affairs. They 
have done more to develop the wealth and resources, to stimulate the 
industry, to reward the labor, and to promote the general comfort 



290 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

and prosperity of the country than any other, and perhaps all other, 
mere physical causes combined. They scatter the productions of the 
press and literature broadcast through the country with amazing ra- 
pidity. There is scarcely a want, wish or aspiration they do not in 
some measure help to gratify. They promote the pleasures of social 
life and of friendship ; they bring the skilled physician swiftly from a 
distance to attend the sick, and enable a friend to be at the bedside of 
the dying. They have more than realized the fabulous conception of 
the Eastern imagination, which pictured the genii as transporting in- 
habited palaces through the air. They take whole trains of inhabited 
palaces from the Atlantic coast, and with marvelous swiftness deposit 
them on the shores that are washed by the Pacific seas. In war they 
transport armies and supplies of Government with the utmost ce- 
lerity, and carry forward on the wings of the wind, as it were, relief 
and comfort to those who are stretched bleeding and wounded on the 
field of battle. 

As a means of inland transportation the locomotive has exceeded 
the expectations of even those most sanguine of its usefulness. Since 
its introduction canals have been practically abandoned and river trans- 
portation has become a matter of comparative unimportance. Missouri 
has a river outlet to the sea, but only an insignificant percentage of her 
products transported to the Atlantic is carried down the river. While 
a few large shippers of heavy freights in the cities, here and there, and 
the politicians are agitating interior water transportation, the vast 
body of the people are shipping by the railroad. In this age " time 
is money," and the time occupied by freight shipped by river is gen- 
erally of more consequence to those interested, than the small differ- 
ence of rates between river and railway charges ; and in most instances 
this alleged difference is more imaginary than real. The railroads 
from St. Louis make the same rates on freights for New Orleans that 
are charged by the steamers, and the difference of rates from St. 
Louis to the latter city, and from the former to New York, are merely 
nominal. 

By the railway the shipper, informed what the prices are at the 
wholesale markets to-day, may have his products delivered at those 
markets in twelve, twenty-four, or thirty-six hours, and thus feel 
reasonably safe in the estimates of the prices he expects to get. And 
by abolishing space and uniting the communities of a whole continent 
in one confederacy of trade and interests, regularity and stability 
are given to prices, for the supply of one section, if that of an- 
other fails, tends to regulate the s^eneral demand. This fall the 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 291 

farmer may sow his wheat and this winter fatten his stock with an in- 
telligent and safe estimate of the approximate returns he is to receive 
the succeeding year. Nor does a rich harvest in one State glut the 
markets and depreciate the prices to ruinous figures, for the markets 
of the whole world are almost equally accessible, so far as the cost of 
carriage is concerned. The farmer of Missouri is practically as near to 
London, England, to-day as was the farmer in the vicinity of Cambridge 
less than half a century ago, and all Christendom is reduced to 
narrower limits, so far as time of transit is concerned, than the limits 
of this country prior to the era of railroads. Galveston, Texas, is 
nearer to New York by railway travel to-day than Kansas City was to 
Huntsville a few years ago. In making Texas a neighbor to New 
York State and Missouri to Massachusetts, in penetrating the great 
West, the railways have opened up this mighty region to the flood- 
tides of immigration from the East and all the world which have 
poured into it and are still pouring in, establishing here the greatest 
and most prosperous commonwealths in the Union. 

Foremost among the railway systems of the West, and, indeed, the 
greatest combination of railway systems on the globe, is that of 
Gould's Western System, which include the Missouri Pacific, or 
South-Western system, the Wabash, and the Union Pacific systems, 
aggregating, in all, over 15,000 miles of main track. The lines of 
these systems penetrate every State of the West and nearly every 
Territory, and aggregate more miles of track than are laid in any 
country in Europe except Germany, France and Great Britain, each 
of which they closely approach in mileage. These three systems are 
run in harmony with each other, and the last two, the South-Western 
and the Wabash, are practically under one management, or, in other 
words, constitute virtually one system of railways. Together they 
aggregate over 10,000 miles of road, and include lines of travel in 
twelve of the great States of the Union and in the Indian Territory. 
The South-Western and Wabash systems constitute one of the most 
valuable and prosperous combinations of railroads in the United 
States. They were built up of many independent lines in the different 
States, and the Missouri Pacific proper and the old Wabash were 
taken for the bases of the systems. The original roads, of which 
these systems were finally formed, were in many instances in financial 
and business embarrassment, and some of them were in the hands of 
receivers. Largely by the genius of one man, through the assistance 
of the able men he drew around him, they were gathered up, one by 
one, and were united and made to prosper, so that we have seen 



292 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

built up in a few years the greatest combination of railroads of the 
age, a work that has been accomplished with such success that one 
cannot but view it with mingled admiration and surprise. We can- 
not go into the details of the history of these roads at this time, 
but must confine ourselves to an outline of the respective systems, 
the South-Western and the Wabash. 

THE SOUTH-WESTERN RAILWAY SYSTEM. 

This system includes and operates 5,983 miles of railroad, which 
lie in Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Arkansas, the Indian Territory, 
Louisiana and Texas, and is composed of the old Missouri Pacific 
proper, the Missouri, Kansas and Texas, the St. Louis, Iron Mountain 
and Southern, the International and Great Northern, the Central 
Branch of the Union Pacific, and the Texas and Pacific. The follow- 
ing table shows the miles of each division in operation : — 



MILEAGE. 



Missouri Pacific Division .... 
Missouri, Kansas and Texas Division . 
International and Great Northern Division . 
St. Louis and Iron Mountain Division . 
Central Branch of the Union Pacific Division 
Texas and Pacific Division .... 



Total 



990 

1,386 

826 

906 

388 
1,487 



5,983 



As has been said, the Missouri Pacific forms the basis of this 
system. The charter for this road, or, rather, of its predecessor, 
the Pacific Eailroad Company, was granted by the Missouri Legis- 
lature by act approved March 12, 1849. The Pacific Company was 
authorized to build two lines of road from St. Louis, one, the main 
line, to Jefi*erson and on to the western boundary of the State, and 
the other, a branch, to the south-western part of the State. The 
capital stock of the company was fixed at $10,000,000, and the road 
received aid from the State to the amount of $7,000,000. To aid 
in the construction of the Southwest Branch, as the branch was 
called, Congress also made a grant to the company of 3,840 acres 
of land to the mile, which amounted in all to 1,161,204 acres. Con- 
struction of the main line was commenced July 4, 1851, but its 
progress was slow. It reached Jefierson City in 1856 and Sedalia 
in 1861, but was not completed to Kansas City until the fall of 
1865. The construction of the Southwest Branch was even slower, 
but was finally completed to the State line, by way of Springfield. 
In 1866, however, the Southwest Branch was taken possession of 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 293 

by the State for non-payment of interest on the State subsidy and, 
with its lands, was sold to the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad Company, 
which company, in 1872, leased the lines of the old company, or 
Kansas City trunk road. The two roads were then operated under 
one management until 1876, when the Pacific was sold under fore- 
closure and conveyed by the purchasers to the present Missouri Pa- 
cific Company. This company, with a capital of $3,000,000, was 
incorporated October 21, 1876. In the meantime, in 1868, $5,000,- 
000 of the State subsidy had been back-paid to the State . The amount 
of indebtedness the new Missouri Pacific assumed when it bought the 
road was $13,700,000. 

Since the completion of the road to Kansas City, it has successfully 
competed with all its rivals for the traffic of the Great West and, 
besides its numerous tributary lines, its connections with other roads 
are such that cars run to and from St. Louis to every point in the 
West and South-west without break of freight-bulk. Its career since 
it became the property of its present owners has been one of 
unparalleled success, and it has grown from a single line across Missouri 
to one of the most important trunk lines in the Union, with its 
thousands of miles of feeders extending in every direction west of St. 
Louis and in the South-west. In 1880 the St. Louis and Lexington, 
the Kansas City and Eastern, the Lexington and Southern, the St. 
Louis, Kansas City and Arizona, the Missouri River and the Leaven- 
worth and North-Western were consolidated with it. This was on the 
11th of August, and the authorized share-capital of the consolidated 
company was fixed at $30,000,000. The amount issued to carry out 
the consolidation was $12,419,800. The debt of the company after 
this consolidation was $19,259,000. 

On the 1st of December, 1880, the Missouri Pacific leased the 
Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railway for a period of 99 years, the 
consideration paid being the net earnings of the road. The Missouri, 
Kansas and Texas was organized April 7, 1870, by consolidation of 
the Southern branch of the Union Pacific, the Tebo and Neosho, 
the Labette and Sedalia, and the Neosho Valley and Holden. The 
St. Louis and Santa Fe Railroad from Holden, Missouri, to Paola, 
Kansas, was purchased by the Missouri, Kansas and Texas in 1872, 
and the Hannibal and Central Missouri, from Hannibal to Moberly, 
was purchased in 1874. This is the division of the road which passes 
through Randolph county, and is about 20 miles in length. It was 
chartered February 13, 1865. The line of the Missouri, Kansas 
and Texas was opened from Junction City to the southern boundary 



294 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

of Kansas in 1870, and from Sedalia to Parsons in 1871. From the 
southern boundary of Kansas to Denison it was opened January 1, 
1873, and from Hannibal to Sedalia, in September of the same year, 
thus completing a continuous line from Hannibal, Missouri, to Deni- 
son, Texas. 

The Missouri, Kansas and Texas received large grants of land under 
act of Congress, both in Kansas and in the Indian Territory, and also 
important grants from the State of Kansas. The lands in the Indian 
Territory, however, are subject to the extinguishment of the Indian 
title, and have not therefore become available to the company. This 
road has been mainly instrumental in settling up and developing 
South-west Missouri and Southern Kansas. By it, also, Texas was 
given an outlet to the North, and over its line a perfect stream of 
trade and commerce, and of travel, flowed to and from that great 
State. Probably no road on the continent has been of so much value 
and importance to a State or section of country, as the Missouri, 
Kansas and Texas has been and still is to Texas. ^ Over it population 
has pushed into the State and settled up all of its northern counties, 
a section of country nearly as large as the entire State of Missouri. 
Hundreds of thousands of people have been added to its population, 
and millions of property have augmented its wealth. The Missouri, 
Kansas and Texas has been to Texas what the Missouri river was in 
pre-railroad days to Central Missouri — the main artery of its popu- 
lation and wealth, and of its general advancement and prosperity. 

In 1882 the Missouri, Kansas and Texas acquired the International 
and Great Northern by the exchange of two shares of its own stock 
for one share of the latter. This exchange increased the share-capital 
of the company by $16,470,000. By the International and Great 
Northern, the Missouri, Kansas and Texas also acquired a land grant 
in Texas of about 5,000,000 acres. With the acquisition of the 
International and Great Northern and other tributary lines, a con- 
tinuous route was given from Hannibal and St. Louis to Galveston, 
Texas, and to Laredo, on the Rio Grande. At Laredo, connectipn 
is made with the Mexican National, which will lead into the city of 
Mexico, when the present gap in its line shall have been filled up. 
However, by the Missouri, Kansas and Texas a through rail route is 
already opened to Mexico, by connection with the Texas Pacific and 
the Mexican Central, which latter is completed to the capital city of 
the Montezumas. 

Early in 1881 the Missouri Pacific acquired the St. Louis, Iron 
Mountain and Southern, issuino' to the hitter's stockholders three 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 295 

shares of the Missouri Pacific stock for four shares of the Iron Moun- 
tain, the object and effect of the purchase being the consolidation of 
the two companies. The Iron Mountain and St. Louis extends from 
St. Louis to Texarkana, a distance of 490 miles, with branches from 
Bismarck, in Washington county, Missouri, to Columbus, Kentucky, 
on the Mississippi, a distance of 121 miles, and from Knoble to 
Helena, Arkansas ; also from Jonesborough on the Helena branch to 
Memphis, Tennessee, and from Poplar Bluffs, Missouri, to Cairo, 
Illinois, besides numerous minor branches. At Texarkana, on the 
line of the Arkansas and Texas, connection is made with the Texas 
Pacific, which latter leads south-east to New Orleans, west to El Paso 
(where it connects with the Southern Pacific for California), and due 
south to Longview, Texas, where it connects with the International and 
Great Northern for Galveston, on the Gulf, and for Laredo on the Rio 
Grande ; or rather, the Iron Mountain, the Texas and Pacific and the 
International and Great Northern form one continuous line either to 
New Orleans, Galveston, Laredo, or El Paso, for all are members of 
the South-Western system. 

The St. Louis, Iron Mountain and Southern is a consolidation of four 
original roads, or organizations — the St. Louis and Iron Mountain, the 
Arkansas Branch of the St. Louis and Iron Mountain, the Cairo, Ark- 
ansas and Texas, and the Cairo and Fulton. This consolidation was 
effected May 6, 1874. But long before either of these companies was 
incorporated, away back in 1837, an act of the Legislature was passed 
incorporating the St. Louis and Bellevue Mineral Railroad, the object 
being to reach the rich mineral regions of Southeast Missouri, from 
St. Louis. That Company was finally merged into the St. Louis and 
Iron Mountain Companj^ which was incorporated March 3, 1851. 
The capital stock of the Iron Mountain was fixed at $6,000,000. 
Various subsequent acts of the Legislature were passed to expedite 
the construction of the road, and the State issued its own bonds to 
assist in the construction, to the amount of $3,500,000, for which the 
State took a mortgage on the road. Work was commenced in the fall 
of 1853. It was completed to Pilot Knob in May, 1858. Under the 
act of March 21, 1868, the Arkansas Branch was built to Texarkana,. 
Arkansas, the capital stock of the Branch being $2,500,000. The- 
road was completed to Texarkana in the fall of 1872. In the mean- 
time, however, the Iron Mountain had failed to acquit its liability to 
the State, and it was sold under the State mortgage, Messrs. McKay, 
Simmons and Vogel becoming the purchasers. They transferred it to 
Mr. Thomas Allen and his associates, who reorganized the Iron Moun- 
14 



296 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

tain Company and conducted the road under that name until 1874, 
when the name of the road was changed to the St. Louis, Iron Moun- 
tain and Southern, on account of the consolidation of the other roads 
with it. 

The Cairo, Arkansas and Texas, which was consolidated with the 
Iron Mountain and Southern in 1874, was an independent organization 
and was chartered May 16, 1872, with authority to build a line 
from Greenfield, opposite to Cairo, to Poplar Bluffs. This road had 
a grant of 65,000 acres of land. The Cairo and Fulton was also an in- 
dependent organization, incorporated in 1853. It had a grant of 
6,400 acres, which became the property of the St. Louis, Iron Moun- 
tain and Southern at the time of the consolidation. 

The St. Louis, Iron Mountain and Southern is justly regarded as one 
of the most important sections of road in the great South-Western 
system. It is a trunk line from St. Louis to Texas, and, by connec- 
tion with the Mexican National, soon to be completed, it will become 
the main line J:o the City of Mexico. At St. Louis it connects with 
the great Wabash System, which extends north-east to Chicago, to 
Toledo and to other points. At Toledo and at Detroit also, con- 
nection is made by the Wabash with the Canadian trunk lines and with 
leading lines to Philadelphia, New York, Boston, etc. The Iron 
Mountain opens up the magnificent mineral regions of Missouri, and 
passes diagonally through Arkansas, making the Great Arkansas 
Kiver Valley tributary to its traffic. It not only taps the cotton 
regions of Arkansas and the north-western parts of Louisiana and 
Mississippi, but also those of Texas, and, by the Texas Pacific, of 
the whole Red River Valley. 

The Texas Pacific, the longest line of the irreat South-Western 
System, being 1,487 miles long, or 101 miles longer than the Missouri, 
Kansas and Texas, was organized under an act of Congress, approved 
March 8, 1871, and also under the general laws of Texas. It acquired 
the property of the Southern Pacific, the Southern Trans-Continen- 
tal, the Memphis, El Paso and Pacific, and the New Orleans Pacific. 
The Southern Pacific was a consolidation of the Vicksburg, Shreve- 
port and Texas, and the Southern Pacific. The building of the Texas 
Pacific was characterized by wonderful vigor and rapidity of con- 
struction. It is one of the new railroads of the country, but is 
rapidly becoming one of the great trunk lines of the Southwest. 
It now extends from New Orleans up the Red river to Shreveport 
and on through Texas by way of Ft. Worth to El Paso, in the 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 297 

extreme western corner of the Lone Star State, where it connects 
with the Southern Pacific for California. Also a branch from the 
main line extends from Marshall, in Harrison county, Texas, to the 
junction of the Iron Mountain, and from there to Whitesborough, 
on the line of the Missouri Pacific, in Northern Texas, or the ex- 
tension of the Missouri, Kansas and Texas ; and it has other branches, 
among the most important of which is the Ft. Worth and Dency, ex- 
tending from Ft, Worth, in the direction of Colorado, or toward the 
north-western Pan-Handle of Texas, being completed now as far as 
Wichita Falls, about 100 miles. This road, also, has a land grant 
which entitles it to 10,240 acres to the mile in Texas, under the 
laws of that State, and it has already had set apart to it over 10,- 
000,000 acres. 

The Central Branch of the Union Pacific, which now forms a part 
of the South-Western System, extends west from Atchison through the 
northern part of Kansas to Lenora, a distance of nearly 200 miles, 
which, with its branches, aggregates 388 miles, as stated above. This 
road was originally chartered on the 11th of February, 1859, under 
the name of the Atchison and Pike's Peak Railroad Company. A large 
part of the road was opened in 1867. It became a branch of the 
Union Pacific under one of the acts of Congress relating to that com- 
pany, and received a grant of 187,608 acres of land from the govern- 
ment and bonds, the latter at the rate of $416,000 per mile for 100 
miles. It became a part of the Missouri Pacific in 188 — . 

Although included in the lines already named, special attention 
should be called to the line of road in the South-Western System ex- 
tending from Joplin north to Kansas City and on up the Missouri 
river to Omaha. For, besides the value which the Joplin end of this 
line is to the system as a feeder, the Omaha extension is of great 
importance. This extension passes up to the Nebraska side of the 
river and gives a through line by the Missouri Pacific from Omaha to 
St. Louis, both for passengers and freight, without change of cars for 
the former or break of bulk of the latter. It also forms a part of a 
continuous line via Kansas City and Denison, Texas, from Omaha to 
either New Orleans or Galveston, or to Western Texas or Laredo, on 
the Rio Grande. In other words, it is a part of the greatest north- 
and-south line of railroads in the United States. At Omaha it con- 
nects with the Union Pacific, and makes the Missouri Pacific one of 
the important tributary lines to that great trunk-line across the 
continent. 



298 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 



The following tables will convey some idea of the financial and 
business condition of the roads included in the South-Western Sys- 
tem : — 

STOCKS. — 1883. 



Boads. 



Missouri Pacific, ( including exchanges for Iron Mountain 
stock whicli is lield as an investment) 

Missouri, Kansas and Texas, i Vv^'^vQk 

International and Great Northern 

St. Louis, Iron Mountain and Southern (which is owned by the 
Missouri Pacific, being acquired by an exchange of stock) . 

Central Branch of the Union Pacific 

Texas and Pacific 



Amounts. 



$29,962,125 00 

46,405,000 00 

12,566 93 

9,755,000 00 

22,083,865 00 

32,161,900 00 



The Central Branch stock is included in that of the Union Pacific, 
the former road being operated by the South-Western System on ac- 
count of the Union Pacific. Hence the Central Branch stock is not 
given in the statement of the stock of the South-Western Svstem. 



FUNDED INDEBTEDNESS. 



1883. 



Boads. 



Missouri Pacific 

Missouri, Kansas and Texas. 
International and Great Northern. . 
St. Louis, Iron Mountain and Southern. 
Central Branch of the Union Pacific. 
Texas and Pacific 

Total 



Amounts. 



$26,895,000 00 
41,560,589 65 
15,008,000 00 
35,319,299 46 



41,714,000 00 



$160,496,889 11 



All the financial afiairs of the Central Branch are managed by the 
Union Pacific. 

INTEREST CHARGE ON' FUNDED INDEBTEDNESS. 1883. 



Boads. . 


Amounts. 


Missouri Pacific. 

Missoui-i, Kansas and Texas 

International and Great Northern (including the G. H. & H). . 
St. Louis, Iron Mountain and Southern 


$1,698,000 00 
2,481,660 00 
1,016,230 00 
2,180,840 00 


Texas and Pacific 


2,574,630 00 


Total 


$9,967,370 00 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 



299 



AMOUNT OF BUSINESS. 





6 

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1,243,491 

1,655,103 

2,130,894 

475,791 


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No. of tons of f'gt. car'd in 1881 

No. of tons of f'gt. car'd in 1882 

No. of tons of f'gt. car'd in 1883 

Increase of 1883 over 1882 


2,712,634 

3,194,353 

3,270,721 

76,368 


345,279 
317,434 
371,556 
54,122 


459 ,.536 

486,585 
593,452 
106,867 


"l89,i96 


1,155,892 

1,049,262 

946,219 


1,693,943 

1,500,491 

1,557,954 

57,463 

m 

1940 m 
2533 m 
2390 m 


7,510,775 

8,203,223 

9,059,986 

856,758 


Deci'ease of 1883 " 1882 




103,043 






803 m 
850 m 
133' m 


2326 m 
1773 m 
197 m 


2225 m 
2195 m 
2003 m 

201,387 
250,817 
492,172 

241,355 


"Vss'm 




Avei-age distance oarr'd in 1881 
Average distance carr'd in 1882 
Average distance carr'd in 1883 


1359 m 
125° m 
136" m 


1565 m 
1980 ni 
273" m 


1701m 
172Sm 

236«m 


No. of Passengers carr'd in 1881 
No. of Passengers carr'd in 1882 
No. of Passengers carr'd in 1883 


1,023,036 
1,472,311 
1,567,683 

95,372 


124,640 
145,084 
164,743 

19,659 


405,956 
557,035 
793,808 

236,773 

793 
942 
70* 




347,558 
392,365 
744,745 

352,380 

63* 

81* 
468 


913,755 

955,787 

1,028,943 

73,156 

630 
515 
512 


3,016,332 
3,773,399 
4,883,289 

1,109,890 


91,195 








57* m 
542 m 
495 m 


480 m 
44- m 

481 nj 


692 
756 

568 




633 


Average distance carr'd in 1882 
Average distance carr'd in 1883 




632 


331 


593 



In the tables preceding this one the Galveston, Honston and Hender- 
son statements are included in the International and Great Northern, 
of which it is now a branch. 



EARNINGS . 



1883. 



Missouri Pacific 


Gross. 

Expenses. 

Surplus. 


$ 915,731 38 
4,978,465 38 


$ 4,175,266 00 


Missouri, Kansas and Texas. 


Gross. 

Expenses. 

Surplus. 


7,843,511 61 
4,646,503 66 


3,197,007 95 


International and Great Northern. 


Gross. 

Expenses. 

Surplus. 


3,435,968 71 
2,481,716 80 


954,251 91 


St. Louis, Iron Mount, and Southern. 


Gross. 

Expenses. 

Surplus. 


7,904,683 47 
4,214,563 85 


3,690,119 62 


Central Branch 


Gross. 

Expenses. 

Surplus. 


1,505,345 71 
830,173 01 


675,173 70 


Texas and Pacific 


Gross. 

Expenses. 

Surplus. 


7,045,652 38 
5,597,645 26 


1,648,007 12 


Total Surplus 






$14,339,826 30 



300 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 



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302 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

These fucts show that the South- Western System is on a solid basis 
and is doins: a flourishino; business. The various bonds of the differ- 
ent roads are sought after in the markets as safe and remunerative in- 
vestments, and most of them are above par. The Texas and Pacifies 
are quoted at about 1.06, as an average, and the Missouri Pacifies range 
from 1.01 to 1.16, according to the issue to which they belong. The 
International and Great Northern (first mortgage) range from 1.05 to 
1,11, whilst the Missouri, Kansas and Texas consols (7s) sell from 1.04 
to 1.10. In 1882 the Missouri Pacific paid a dividend of 7 per cent. 
The figures of 1883 are not before us, but we feel safe in saying that 
so far as dividends are concerned the stockholders of the entire Sys- 
tem have every reason to congratulate themselves. 

In character of road-bed and equipments, as well as in every other 
particular, the South-Western System is without a superior in the 
West. Most of its main lines are laid with steel rails and, a large 
part of the System being composed of old roads, the road-beds have 
become settled and solid and, being kept in the best condition, the 
tracks are among the best west of the Mississippi and, indeed, 
throughout the whole country. The bridges of the System were 
invariably built for safety aud durability, without too close an esti- 
mate of the cost, and it is a fact that fewer accidents have occurred on 
the South-Western System from defective bridges than on any other 
large system of roads during the same period of time. The depots 
and buildings, and other local accommodations for traffic and travel, 
are of a superior class, and are fitted up with an eye less only to 
appearance than to comfort and service. The rolling stock is unsur- 
passed in the West. It has one of the finest stocks of passenger cars 
and sleepers, including reclining chair cars, in the Union. No ex- 
pense or pains are spared to make the journey of passengers both 
pleasant and expeditious. Run in connection with the Wabash System, 
the owners and managers of the two now being practically the same, 
the South-Western and the Wabash afford to the travel and traffic 
throughout the interior of the Union unrivaled facilities. All trains 
on both systems are rnn so as to make sharp connections with each 
other, thus making unnecessary delays or lay-overs hardly possible, 
from any fault of the road. Any point on the entire 10,000 miles of 
lines may be reached from any other point at the rate of from 20 to 
35 miles per hour, and without missing connections. Besides, these 
systems are run in connection with the Union Pacific system, and they 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 



303 



also have advantao;eous runnino: arrangements with all the other lead- 
ing lines throughout the United States. 

As has been observed above, several of the roads included in the 
South- Western System have received valuable land grants from the 
Government and from some of the States in which the lines of the 
System are located. The following table shows the extent of these 
grants and the operations of the System with regard to the disposition 
of its lands during the last fiscal year : — 



LAND STATEMENT. 





Missouri, 


St. Louis, 


1. M. &S. R'y. 


Texas 




Kansas ^nd 
Texas. 






AND 

Pacific. 




Missouri Div 


Arkansas Div 


Total number of acres originally 












granted and purchased . 


663,709 


139,375 




1,368,798 


4,931,702 


No. acres unsold Dec. 31, 1882. 


30,053 


119,357 




994,763 


4,729,042 


No. of acres sold during 1883. 


82,756 


4,159 




66,840 


205,693 


Average price per acre 1883. . 


$2.37 


$3.71 




$2.88 


$2.68 


No. acres unsold Dec. 31, 1883. 


5,500 


115,644 




928,498 


4,523,349 


Total amount of sales, including 












town lots, during 1883. . 


$ 78,280 81 


$ 15,700 


18 


$ 195,988 31 


$ 646,006 59 


Cash received during 1883. , 


112,240 07 


17,739 


02 


171,879 68 


135,388 99 


Notes received during 1883. . 


54,118 48 


5,290 


55 


101,589 40 


173,328 72 


Gross receipts of Deparment 












since commencement. 


2,020,219 75 


127,421 


55 


1,145,457 62 


1,204,471 17 


Gross expenses of Department 












since commencement. 


1,128,935 47 


«0,536 


78 


391,264,73 


575,256 42 


Notes receivable, outstanding 












Dec. 31, 1883 


250,788 83 


27,013 


12 


701,554 21 


217,801 55 



By the above statement it is shown that the Texas and Pacific division 
has 4,729,042 acres of land still undisposed of. The St. Louis, Iron 
Mountain and Southern has 994,753 acres in Arkansas and 119,357 in 
Missouri, while all of the Missouri, Kansas and Texas lands are dis- 
posed of except 30,053. The following table shows the location of 
the lands of the Texas Pacific Railroad by counties and the number 
of acres in each county : — 



304 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 



TABLE. 



Counties. 


Acres. 


Counties. 


Acres. 


Bowie 


21,843 


Jack 


1,280 


Ked River. 


6,456 


Palo Pinto. 


2,338 


Lamar 


795 


Stephens. 


18,628 


Fannin. 


13 


Eastland 


5,000 


Rains. .... 


2,452 


Comanche. 


70O 


Van Zandt. . 


1,710 


Brown 


47,000 


Collin 


89 


Callahan. 


64,105 


Denton. 


2,769 


Taylor 


30,509 


Cooke. .... 


1,920 


Jones 


12,216 


Wise 


1,593 


Baylor 


2,040 


Clay 


14,080 


Wilbarger. 


13,320 


Tarrant .... 


1,627 


Fisher 


23,674 


Parker 


9,732 


Nolan. 


56,298 


Mitchell. 


94,603 


Howard. . . 


216,861 


Martin 


200,192 


Squrry. 


5,156 


Briscoe. 


20,928 


Hall 


41,782 


Childress. . . • . 


26,880 


i Motley. 


13,851 


Floyd 


240 


Stonewall. 


6,260 


Kent. .... 


1,925 


Tom Green. 


1,113,171 


Borden 


170,088 


Dawson. 


106,176 


Andrews. . . • . 


42,373 


Edwards, . 


10,180 


Crockett, in S. E. Cor. . 


5,180 


iDimmit. 


44,800 


Pecos. .... 


553,150 


jPresidio. 


368,114 


El Paso. 


1,307,254 








A large proportion of these counties are on or near the line of the 
Texas and Pacific Railway and other railways, and the lands therein are 
therefore afforded the advantag-e of o-ood railroad and market facilities. 
Many of them are near new and rapidly growing towns, which have 
generally been started within the past two or three years, or since the 
advent of the railroad in that section of the State. 

The lands of this Company range in price generally from $2.50 to 
$4.00 per acre, and are offered for sale on cash, five-year, and ten- 
year credit terms. The ten-year terms are one-tenth cash, and one- 
tenth annually, commencing the second year from date of purchase. 
The deferred payments bear interest at the rate of seven per cent 
per annum, which is payable annually. The five-year terms are one- 
fifth cash, and one-fifth annually, commencing the second year from 
date of purchase. The deferred payments bear interest at the rate 
of seven per cent per annum, which is payable annually. There is 
generally a difference of 30 percent between cash and ten-year terms, 
and 20 per cent between cash and five-year terms. When the lands 
are bought for cash, the Company issues its deed to the purchaser at 
once, but when bought on credit terms a contract of sale is issued, 
and for this contract a deed is substituted when final payment is made. 
More particular descriptions, as well as maps of many of these conn- 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 305 

ties, have been published by the Company, for free distribution, 
and can be had on application to W. H. Abrams, Land Commissioner, 
Texas and Pacific Railway, Dallas, Texas. 

The only satisfactory course for purchasers to pursue, is to come and 
see the country and make their own selections. The Company's land 
has been carefully examined, and in both the main office of the land 
department at Marshall, and at its branch office at Baird, can be found 
plats and descriptions of the land, which are open to the inspection of 
all inquirers. At both of these offices are experienced men, who are 
personally familiar with most of the lands, and will give any needed 
information. In nearly all counties in which the available lands of the 
Company are located, local agents have been appointed, who will 
cheerfully show lands and render purchasers every reasonable assist- 
ance in selecting homes. These accents are reliable men, furnished 

CO ' 

with plats and prices of all the lands in their vicinity, and will cheer- 
fully render all reasonable facilities to prospective purchasers. Their 
duty is to show the lands and state prices, and when a tract has 
been selected, to fill out the necessary application and attest the 
same. Blanks for such purpose have been furnished them. The 
applicant will then forward the application, with the necessary pay- 
ment, to W. H. Abrams, Land Commissioner, Dallas, Texas. Here 
all applications are subject to approval or rejection. All applications 
are approved if made on a basis of existing prices, unless the land 
applied for has been previously sold. If accepted, immediate ac- 
knowledgment is made, and the necessary title papers are furnished, 
as explained on the application blanks, with the least possible delay. 

Nature has been extremely lavish in making Texas one of the most 
varied in her products of all the States in the Union. Such is the 
adaptation of her soil and climate to the production of cotton — rank- 
ing in staple the finest in the world's markets — that one-fifth of her 
territory could produce an annual crop greater than is now gathered 
from all the cotton fields on the globe. 

The lands of this State are equally productive in the growth of all 
the cereals ; and the region especially adapted to the growth of 
wheat is larger than the great States of Missouri, Illinois and In- 
diana combined. Of the 168 organized counties, 68 are capable of 
producing 18 bushels to the acre, which is below the average pro- 
duct. The wheat of this State is drier, more dense, and the heaviest 
known, weighing from 64 to i^6 lbs. per bushel. 

Sea Island cotton grows well along the entire coast, and sugar-cane 
and rice thrive in all that part of the State south of the 30th parallel 



306 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

of north latitude. Corn, barley, oats, rye, sorghum, millet, castor- 
beans, broom corn and potatoes — both Irish and sweet — are raised 
in great abundance and perfection. Peaches, pears, apples, apri- 
cots, figs, pomegranates, strawberries and raspberries of the finest 
quality have been grown successfully wherever they have been tried. 
Grape-growing is destined to become an important industry ; the 
vines grow vigorously, and the fruit is large and delicious ; wild 
grapes of excellent quality grow in great profusion in all of our for- 
ests. 

The soils of Texas are admirably adapted to the growth of nearly 
every kind of vegetable in use by man, and her climate and seasons 
admit of their beino; broug-ht into market both earlier and later than 
in any of the Middle or Northern States. 

According to the annual report of the Department of Agriculture 
for the year 1881, a year remarkable for its drouth, particularly so in 
Texas, it is shown that the value of farm crops per acre is much 
greater than in most other States and Territories of the Union. The 
following are the figures for eight staple crops : — 

Value. 

Corn fU 78 Greater than in 8 other States and Territories. 

Wheat 17 78 " "29 " " " " 

Eye IG 80 " "35 " " " " 

Oats 16 35 " "34 " " " " 

Barley 17 37 " "20 " " " " 

Potatoes .... 39 20 " " 3 " " " " 

Tobacco .... 54 72 " " 20 " " " " 

Hay 13 75 " "11 " " " " 

Adding the prices per acre and dividing by the number of staples 
shows $23.47 to be the average value per acre of produce, exceeded 
only by Nevada and Colorado, where irrigation is necessary. In re- 
gard to the hay crop it must be stated that the cattle are on the range 
all year, very little hay being required for their maintenance ; but in 
sections where attention has been paid to the production of hay, large 
crops of the finest quality are easily produced. 

In accordance with the same authority, the average yield per acre 
and price per bushel, ton and pound, are greater in Texas than in the 
majority of States and Territories. 

Crop. yield. 

Corn 11.9 bushels greater than in 6 States. 

Wheat 12.7 " " " 26 " 

Rye 14 " " " 30 " 

Oats 26.8 " " " 17 " 

Barley 19.3 " " " 15 " 

Potatoes .40 " " " 8 " 

Tobacco .304 pounds " *' 18 " 

Hay 118 tons " " 25 " 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 



307 



Crop. 
Corn . 
Wheat 
Rye . 
Oats . 
Barley 
Potatoes 
Tobacco 
Hay . 



Price. 
f 99 greater than in 24 States. 



1 40 


(( 


23 


1 20 




31 


61 ' 


(( 


25 


90 * 


<( 


14 


98 ' 


<( 


20 


18 ' 




36 


11 65 ' 


(( 


7 



Owing to the great drouth of 1881, the crop fell far below the usual 
yield. The total yield, acreage and valuation, as compiled by the 
Department of Agriculture, are as follows ; — 



Crop. 



Corn . 
Wheat 
Rye . 
Oats . 
Barley 
Potatoes 
Tobacco 
Hay . 



Yield. 



33,377,000 

3,339,000 

42,000 

8,324,000 

106,000 

277,440 

217,950 

62,684 



Acreage. 



2,803,700 

263,200 

3,000 

311,100 

5,500 

6,936 

716 

53,122 



Valuation. 



$33,043,230 

4,674,600 

50,400 

5,077,640 

95,400 

271,891 

39,231 

730,269 



The total value of the principal crops in Texas was estimated for 
the year 1881 at $43,982,661, which was more than was produced in 
any of 22 other States, though the cotton crop in the Southern States 
fell short over 1,000,000 bales, and corn, wheat, and other cereals 
were greatly reduced in their yield. 

For the year 1882, no complete statistics are before us. The es- 
timates however are as follows : Corn, from 20 to 40 bushels per acre ; 
wheat, from 12 to 28 bushels per acre ; oats, from 28 to 35 bushels ; 
potatoes, from 70 to 150 bushels per acre ; sweet potatoes, 100 to 200 
bushels ; tobacco, about 650 pounds per acre ; millet, two tons per 
acre ; cotton, three quarters to one and one-quarter bales ; sorghum, 
from 100 to 200 gallons per acre. 

The crops of corn, wheat, and cotton, raised during the year 1882, 
were enormous, as the following figures will show : Cotton, 1,280,000 
bales, estimated at $45 per bale, are worth $57,600,000. The corn 
crop was 98,000,000 bushels, valued at 40 cents per bushel, worth 
$38,200,000. Of wheat, 13,218,000 bushels were produced, valued 
at $13,000,000. The oat crop amounted to 30,000,000 bushels, valued 
at $14,000,000. 

It is estimated that 5,500,000 head of cattle are owned in Texas, 
valued at $137,500,000; horses and mules, 1,305,000, valued at 



308 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

$36,000,000. The number of sheep is Qstimated at 7,000,000, and 
valued at $17,500,000. 

Texas has increased in population and wealth with greater rapidity 
during the last ten years than any other State in the Union. Her 
population in 1850 was 212,000 ; in 1860, 600,000 ; in 1870, 818,000 ; 
in 1880, 1,654,480, an increase of over 100 per cent in the last ten 
years ; such has been the flow of immigration into Texas the past year 
that her present population is believed to number nearly 2,000,000. 
The tide of immigration into the State is immense, and there is every 
prospect that during the present it will exceed largely that of any pre- 
vious year. 

The taxable property of the State in 1850 was $51,000,000 ; in 1860, 
$294,000,000; in 1870, $174,000,000; in 1875, $275,000,000; 1880, 
in round numbers, $325,000,000, and at the present time largely in 
excess of $400,000,000. During the past few years the annual value 
of a few of her leading articles of export has been as follows : Cot- 
ton, $30,000,000; cattle, $6,000,000; hides, $1,800,000; wool, $1,- 
500,000 ; fruits and other exports, $3,000,000. By the last census, 
Texas ranks as the second wool-producing State in the Union. 

With the completion of the many new railroads in Texas, immense 
tracts of land have been made accessible and opened to settlement. 
Since 1876 an enormous current of immigration has poured into the 
State. Hundreds of new towns have sprung into existence, and 
thousands of new farms have been opened in places entirely uninhabited 
two or three years ago. 

One very decided advantage which Texas has over most of the other 
States in the Union, is that taxes are very low, and will continue so, 
as her present debt is comparatively small, and such wise provisions 
have been engrafted in her State Constitution as will efiectually pre- 
vent reckless running into debt, on account of either the State, her 
counties or cities, as have been witnessed in so many of the North- 
western States in the past few years. Most of these States now have 
similar constitutional provisions ; but, in most instances, they have 
been adopted after heavy debts have been contracted, while Texas, 
with the exception of a very few of her counties and cities, has been 
fortunate in that she has secured exemption before the burden has 
been placed upon her. There are but very few counties in Texas in 
which the levy for taxes of all kinds exceeds the rate of one per cent 
per annum on the total valuation, and this valuation in Texas, as in 
most other States, is seldom more than one-half or three-fourths of 
the actual value. In many counties in the State the total levy for 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 309 

the purposes of taxation does not exceed one-half of one per cent 
per annum. 

Article XIII., section 9, of the Constitution, provides that the 
State tax on property, exclusive of the tax necessary to pay the pub- 
lic debt, shall never exceed 50 cents on the $100 valuation (the levy 
at the present time is only 30 cents on the $100 valuation), and no 
county, city, or town shall levy more than one-half of said State tax, 
except for the payment of debts already incurred, and for the erec- 
tion of public buildings, not to exceed 50 cents on the $100 in any 
one year. 

The lands of the St. Louis, Iron Mountain and Southern Railway in 
the State of Arkansas are situated on both sides of that road which 
runs diagonally from the north-east to the south-west corner of the 
State of Arkansas, crossing six navigable rivers, and running through 
many fine improved districts, having many thriving towns. 

These lands were selected more than twenty years ago, but were not 
salable until the completion of the railway. It presents the advan- 
tages of good climate, varied surface, different soils, high lands, bot- 
tom lands, many products, fine timber, good water, free range, rich 
mines, water power, choice of markets, and the conveniences of trans- 
portation. The streams are tributaries of the great Mississippi river. 
This grant is said to be in the middle of the country, because it is 
located between the southern and the northern tiers of States ; because 
there is fully as much of the wheat of the United States grown west 
of a line which passes north and south through this grant, as in the 
country east of it ; because a north and south line drawn very near 
the eastern limit of this land grant divides the population of the United 
States into two equal parts ; and because it is convenient to markets, 
and is the land grant nearest to old settlements. It is far enough 
West to have cheap and good land in abundance, while the South, the 
North and the East are not distant for commercial intercourse, either 
by rail or by water. Some do not wish a life too remote from the 
busy world ; this is the spot where easy terms are yet to be obtained 
for the homeseeker without traveling to the outer edge of civilization. 
This country offers inducements to honest and enterprising immigrants 
which cannot be equaled in any part of America. The dangers of pio- 
neer life are passed. Rail and river communication, the comforts of 
social life, mails, churches, schools are firmly established, and law and 
order prevail. 

The natural resources of Arkansas are of such nature that employ- 
ment can be had all the year round by those with limited means. 



310 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

Splendid forests of pine, white oak, ash, cypress, hickory, etc., cover 
many portions of the State, and are located convenient to Kansas, 
Nebraska and other States which have no timber, and must be sup- 
plied from this source. Hundreds of saw-mills and wood-working 
establishments are already in operation, and many more are being 
erected. Mines of silver, iron, lead and zinc of various qualities are 
being opened in different parts of the State. Coal is found in various 
places. Quarries of granite and sandstone are worked, and porphyry, 
banks of clay, kaolin, ochres and white sand for the manufacture of 
glass and queen's-ware are available. Water powers may be obtained 
easily, and many towns will be brought into existence and will afford 
great increase of values to people who will combine to pursue branches 
of manufactures in such locations. 

All the raw materials for manufacturing and fuel and water are 
abundant in Arkansas. Three thousand miles of navigable water, and 
railways running in every direction, enable this State to manufacture 
everything that can be needed for home consumption, and markets for 
everything that can be grown or manufactured are convenient. The 
elevation of the high land is about 1,000 feet above the level of the 
sea, and the highest points attain greater altitude. In these districts 
of the Ozark range of hills, consumptive and other invalids have 
relief and extension of life. The atmosphere is most excellent, and 
not so rarefied as to be severe on delicate organizations. 

A milder and more equable climate than that of Arkansas can not 
be found anywhere. The summer is of longer duration than in Mich- 
igan or Manitoba, and but rarely will the heat be as great in Arkansas 
in summer as it is in Nebraska, Michigan, Minnesota, Manitoba, or 
any part of Canada during July and August. Cases of sunstroke are 
rarely heard of in Arkansas, but are very common in all the Northern 
States. Here gentle breezes* are blowing night and day. The nights 
are cool in the midst of summer, and the farmer wakes up refreshed 
in the morning, ready for his day's work. 

The winters are short and mild, enabling the people to work in the 
open air nearly every day in the year. Snow falls but rarely, and 
remains on the ground not longer than a day or two. Lung diseases^ 
throat diseases, chronic colds, rheumatism and diseases caused by 
climatic influences, are of rare occurrence. Thousands of cases of 
chronic diseases caught in the Northern States have been permanently 
cured by the health-giving waters at Hot Springs, Warm Springs, 
Searcy, White Sulphur Springs, Ravenden Springs, and the many other 
health resorts of Arkansas. 



HISTORY OF KANDOLPH COUNTY. 311 

The soils are of various kinds, such as black sandy loams, clayey 
loams, and sandy and clayey mixtures of different combinations in the 
lower lands, all very productive and well adapted for corn, cotton and 
general farm products. In the upland flats and hills the soils are 
similar, not quite so rich, but splendidly adapted for fruit and grape 
growing and cereals. In some parts of the State black, waxy°land 
of surprising fertility is found, changing into red lands of equal fruit- 
fulness. The prairie land is located mostly along the Memphis and 
Little Rock Railway, but the greater portion of the State is covered 
with timber. In our strong soils and good climate small spaces grow 
great crops, and as they are planted early and the frost is late, well 
applied industry will cause surprising results, and a succession of crops 
may be produced upon the same ground in one year. This region, 
devoted to many crops, can produce everything for its own u.^e at 
home, and needs to import nothing. 

The wheat produced here is considered the best carried to St. Louis. 
Proofs displayed at the Centennial Exposition, and at other exposi- 
tions and fairs, have secured great favor among the people, and 
voluntary mention from many newspapers. The corn and cotton 
taking the highest premium at the Atlanta Exposition were grown in 
Arkansas. The cotton crop is always certain, always salable, and 
does not injure by keeping or in transportation. A small per centum 
of Its value takes it to a market, which can always be found at the 
nearest town or steamboat landino-. 

Root crops, melons, peas, beans, potatoes, and other like veo-etables 
are grown successfully in all respects. The grains and grasses are 
produced very profitably without much labor. Tobacco is grown 
with remarkable success, and is now become another great source of 
prosperity. Well authenticated experiments have fully proved the 
red uplands — so closely resembling the red soil of cJba — capable 
of producing a fine quality cigar leaf. By first-class cultivation in the 
bottom lands, on natural soils, without fertilizers, there can be raised 
per acre, from 60 to 80 bushels of corn, 15 to 30 bushels of wheat, 40 
to 100 bushels of oats, 1,200 pounds of tobacco, 75 bushels of pea- 
nuts, 200 bushels of sweet potatoes, more than one bale of good 
cotton. Grass grows abundantly, and hay is excellent. Cotton is- 
grown here as a regular crop. Arkansas produces wheat equal to the 
best in the world. Where wheat and cotton flourish and the peach, 
crop rarely fails, the moderation of the climate is assured. Great 
tracts of beautiful and useful timber convince one of fertility. These 
rich bottoms are as productive as the Delta of Egypt, and farms 
15 



312 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

worked for many years without the application of fertilizers are yet 
rich and profitable. The country has the highest record for the best 
wheat in tlie world. The boasting made by other States is about the 
great number of acres producing wheat. 

Both in Missouri and Arkansas the Iron Mountain Railroad lands are 
sold from $2.50 upwards, with a general average of from $3 to $5 per 
acre for good farming land. The terms of sale are as follows : — 

1st. When one-sixth of the purchase money is paid down, a dis- 
count of 8 per cent from the old approved prices. 

2d. When one-fourth of the purchase money is paid down, a discount 
of 16 per cent ; and 

3d. When all the purchase money is paid down, a discount of 25 
per cent. 

To those purchasing land of the company a rebate of 33V3 per 
cent on freight paid on the immigrant's movables over its line will 
be allowed. To settlers purchasing land adjoining that of the com- 
pany a rebate of 20 per cent. Proof of purchase and settlement 
must be made to the Land Commissioner, at Little Rock, within ninety 
days, accompanied by receipted freight bill. To those purchasing 80 
acres of land from the company, and paying one-fourth cash, one-half 
the purchaser's fare ; and to those purchasing 40 acres, and paying all 
cash, the whole of the purchaser's fare paid over its line, will be 
deducted from amount of purchase money. 

Terms No. 1. At time of purchase, and in the year following the 
payment, is 6 per cent interest on principal ; and in the third and 
each year thereafter, one-ninth of the principal, with 6 per cent 
interest on the remainder until all is paid, giving a credit of 10 years. 

Terms No. 2. At time of purchase and in each year thereafter, one- 
sixth of the principal and one year's interest on the remainder, at the 
rate of 6 per cent per annum until all is paid, giving a credit of 5 
years on deferred payments. 

Terms No. 3. At time of purchase, and in each year thereafter, 
one-fourth of the principal and one year's interest on the remainder, 
at the rate of 6 per cent per annum until all is paid, giving a credit 
of 3 years. 

Terms No. 4. The whole purchase money down at time of purchase, 
and deed given to purchaser. 

Arkansas is increasing in population with wonderful rapidity. From 
1860 to 1870, on account of the war, it increased but 11.2 per cent, 
but from' 1870 to 1880 it increased 65.6 per cent, and now has 
1,000,000 inhabitants, its rate of increase being surpassed by few 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 313 

States in the Union. It has an area of 34,464,000 acres and is des- 
tined to become one of the great States of the West. Its lands are 
advancing in value with unprecedented strides. The department of 
the Iron Mountain Road reports that in a single year, 1<S83, its lands 
advanced in value no less than 40 per cent, or rather that their sales 
showed an increase of price per acre of 40 per cent over the price of 
1882. In 1870 it produced 117,784,800 pounds of cotton ; but in 
1882 it produced 315,100,000. So the increase in the corn produc- 
tion is hardly less remarkable. In 1870 it was 13,382,145 bushels ; 
but in 1882 it was 34,485,000. The crops of wheat show a steady 
and substantial increase. In 1883 it aggregated 1,416,400 bushels. 
Of oats there was produced in 1870 528,777 bushels, and .in 1882 
3,131,500. In 1870 there were but 265 miles of railway ; but on the 
1st of May, 1883, there were 1,747 miles. Of merchantable timber 
standing in the different States of the Union in 1880, Arkansas sur- 
passed even Michigan and Wisconsin, having 41,315,000,000 feet. 
So in almost every other measure of natural wealth and of progress 
Arkansas stands among the foremost States of the West and South. 
Surely when the best lands in such a State can be bought for $2 or 
$3 an acre on small cash payments, long time and low interest, lands 
that are advancing in value 40 per cent annually, as shown by official 
reports, why should one ask or desire a better investment? The lands 
of the St. Louis, Iron Mountain and Southern, in Missouri, are equally 
as desirable as those in Arkansas, and may be had on the same 
terms. 

We have now reviewed briefly the history of the great South- West- 
ern System, including that of the several roads of which it is com- 
posed, as well as their location and mileage, their business and financial 
condition, their land grants and so forth. The various lines of this 
magnificent system palmate a region of country which includes more 
than a fourth of the entire Union — the great Southwest, one of the 
fairest and most fertile regions on the continent. The advantage to a 
county from being situated on such a system of railways cannot be 
overestimated. It places such county at once on the great lines of 
traffic and travel throughout a vast section of the country and, by the 
connections of the railway system on M'hich it is situated, gives the 
county ingress and egress into and out of all railroad points, from the 
frozen regions of the North to the perennial flower-lands of the Monte- 
zumas, and from the quays of New York to the golden coast of the 
Pacific. It brings the same currents of civilization that course through 
the most favored communities through all the counties and localities 



314 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

•which it penetrates, and gives Missouri equal advantages with those 
of the oldest States in the race of development and prosperity. Ideas 
and efibrts are thus given the same opportunities to assert themselves » 
wherever the track of the railway is laid. 

The following are the general officers of the South- Western Sys- 
tem : — 

Jay Gould, President, New York City. 

R. S. Hayes, First Vice-President, St. Louis, Mo. 

A. L. Hopkins, Second Vice-President, New York City. . 

H. M. Hoxie, Third Vice-President, St. Louis, Mo. 

A. A. Talmage, Fourth Vice-President, St. Louis, Mo. 

D. S. H. Smith, Fifth Vice-President and Local Treasurer, St. 
Louis, Mo. 

A. H. Calef, Secretary and Treasurer, New York City. 

John C. Brown, General Solicitor, St. Louis, Mo. 

James F. How, Assistant Secretary, St. Louis, Mo. 

C. G. Warner, General Auditor, St. Louis, Mo. 

George Olds, General Traffic Manager, St. Louis, Mo. 

W. H. Newman, Traffic Manager Lines South of Texarkana and 
Denison, Galveston, Tex. 

G. W. Lilley, Freight Traffic Manager Lines North of Texarkana 
and Denison and Wabash, St. Louis and Pacific System, St. Louis, 
Mo. 

E. Andrews, Consulting Engineer, St. Louis, Mo. 

H. C. Townsend, General Passenger Agent, St. Louis, Mo. 

F. Chandler, General Ticket Agent, St. Louis, Mo. 

Like the Wabash System, the great South- Western has been built 
up of fragmentary roads situated here and there, each running inde- 
pendently, with little or no profit to itself, and to the great incon- 
venience of business and travel. But at last a master mind appeared 
on the scene and brought order and system out of chaos. As Byron 
says of the sailor, — 

" Once more upon the waters! yet once more ! 
And the waves bound beneath me as a steed 
That knows his rider," — 

SO the great railroad manager of modern times took hold of the 
roads now composing this splendid system and in a short time, they 
became successful roads and valuable members of the finest system 
of railroads on the continent. The name of this "man it is unneces- 
sary to mention, for he is known as well without being named as is 
the great Captain of the age. A man of transcendant ability himself, 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 315 

he had the insight and wisdom to discover and call around him to 
aid him in his work associates worthy to share with him the great 
achievements he and they have accomplished. No history of the 
great South-Western and the Wabash Systems would be complete 
which failed to reflect something of the lives and characters of the men 
who have been identified with, and instrumental in building up those 
great railway enterprises. In the sketch of the Wabash System, 
which follows this, will be found short biographical notices of several 
of the leading men connected with that road, including Mr. Gould, 
Capt. Hayes, Col. Hoxie, Col. Howe, Col. Blodgett, Mr. Townsend 
and others, most of whom are, and have long been, identified with 
the South-Western System. But prominent among those identified 
with the latter system are Mr. Talmage and Gov. Brown, and for 
that reason short sketches of their lives are given here. It should 
be remarked, however, that other officials are hardly less worthy of 
mention, which would certainly be made but for the want of data from 
which to prepare sketches. This will be attended to afterwards. 

ARCHIBALD A. TALMAGE. 

The practical operation of the great South-Western System is con- 
fided to the experienced and skillful hand of the Fourth Vice-President, 
Mr. Talmage. Archibald Alexander Talmage was born in Warren 
county. New Jersey, April 25, 1834. His father, an Englishman by de- 
scent, was pastor of a Presbyterian congregation, and was assisted in 
his responsible duties by a noble wife, in whose veins flowed some of 
the purest blood of Scotland. Born under these favorable auspices, he 
enjoyed every opportunity for acquiring a sound rudimentary educa- 
tion, and improved his advantages so well that at the comparatively 
early age of 15 he had passed through the curriculum of the high 
school and the academy with more than usual credit. Desiring to be 
independent, he then left home and spent three years in a country 
store at Goshen, New York, where he became somewhat familiar with 
the routine of general business and obtained his first glimpse of active 
commercial life. The lessons learned in this capacity no doubt proved 
invaluable in molding the future character of the man and in giving 
him habits of method and organization, which qualified him in an emi- 
nent degree for performing the duties of freight clerk in the freight 
department of the New York and Erie Railway, on which he entered 
when 18 years of age, and where he remained for one year, display- 
ing during that brief period a precocious talent and an adaptability 



316 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

for railroad work which were highly satisfactory to his superiors. He 
next spent some months in a wholesale hardware establishment in New 
York City, but the business hardly suited him, and in 1853 he re- 
moved to Chicago and obtained employment with the Michigan South- 
ern Railroad as freight clerk. Within 60 days, however, he was 
transferred to Monroe, Michigan, and soon after to Toledo, Ohio, 
where he remained until August, 1858, during the last two years in 
the responsible position of train-master, directing all trains on the 
Toledo Division ot' the road, and having charge of all employes at 
that point. 

In his 25th year he removed to St. Louis and engaged as passenger 
conductor on the Terre Haute and Alton Railroad, displaying the 
same force of character, the same energy, and the same ready tact 
which characterize his present management, and his superior abilities 
in the transportation department being generally conceded by all with 
whom he was brought in contact. In April, 1864, he was appointed 
assistant superintendent of the road between East St. Louis and Terre 
Haute, and infused into the management new energy and method. 
But, in consequence of a want of harmony between himself and his 
chief, he resigned in October, 1864, and accepted a position as master 
of transportation of the military roads controlled by the United States 
government east and south of Chattanooga. Within 30 days he 
was appointed superintendent of the same lines, and remained in ab- 
solute charge of them until, at the close of the war, the government 
turned them over to the civil authorities. He was then appointed 
general superintendent of the East Tennessee and Georgia Railroad, 
and remained busily engaged in its reorganization and reconstruction 
until the fall of 1868, when he was invited by Mr. Herkimer, general 
superintendent of the Indianapolis and St. Louis Railway Company 
(which had leased the Terre Haute and Alton Railroad), to resume the 
assistant superintendency, which he had resigned in October, 1864. 
Here he displayed such marked ability that in October, 1870, he was 
appointed Mr. Herkimer's successor, the late Col. Thomas A. Scott 
asserting that "A. A. Talmajje was the best railroad manager in the 
West." In this position his abilities became more wjdely known and 
recognized, and hence it was not surprising that in March, 1871, he 
was requested to transfer his sphere of operations to the west side of 
the Mississippi river, and to become general superintendent of what 
was then known as the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad, running from 
Pacific to Vinita. In December of the same year the general super- 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 317 

intendence of the Missouri Pacific was intrusted to him, and for a 
period of over 11 years, with the exeeption of a few months in 1876, 
he has remained in active charge of what may be truly considered the 
most valuable railroad property west of the Mississippi river. In this 
position he enjoys the implicit confidence of those who are recognized 
as being among the shrewdest and most far-seeing railway managers 
in the United States. His retention in so responsible a position as 
that of general transportation manager of the Missouri Pacific Rail- 
way and its comprehensive system, covering about 6,000 miles of 
railway, for so long a period, is the best possible evidence of his suc- 
cess. He certainly occupies a foremost place among those truly great 
and public-spirited men who have been instrumental in building up 
that unrivaled transportation system west of the Mississippi river. 
There can be no question as to the indomitable energy, versatility and 
executive ability of one who, in the prime of physical and mental 
strength, has raised himself to a standard of influence incomparably 
superior to that which is occupied by any operating executive officer 
in the Western States. March 1, 1884, he was appointed Fourth Vice- 
President and his jurisdiction was extended to include the Wabash 
System, his success with the Missouri Pacific having been so great that 
he was called to take charge of the Wabash. He now has more miles 
of road under his management than any other general manager on the 
globe. 

In 1868 Mr. Talmage was married to Miss Mary R. Clark, the 
accomplished daughter of the Rev. James Clark, D.D., of Philadel- 
•phia, Pennsylvania. The Rev. T. DeWitt Talmage, D.D., the bril- 
liant pulpit orator of Brooklyn, New York, is his cousin. 

GOV. JOHN C. BROWN. 

Gov. Brown was born January 6, 1827, in Giles county, Tennessee, 
and was the son of a farmer in moderate circumstances. His parents 
were of Scotch blood, and he was the youngest of nine children. He 
received his earliest training in the old-field school-house of that day, 
and later received the best education which the times afforded, at 
Jackson College, in Columbia, Tenn. He finished his course in 1846, 
and then engaged in teaching, while preparing for the bar, to which 
he was admitted in October, 1848. He opened an office in Pulaski, 
where his diligence, integrity and ability secured him a large and lucra- 
tive practice, to which he mainly devoted himself until the Civil War. 
His devotion to his profession did not interrupt his private studies of 



318 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

general literature, and having the means and the leisure, he supple- 
mented his studies with a journey abroad in 1858-59, visiting the 
country of his forefathers, and then making the tour of the continent, 
Egypt and the Holy Land. 

Up to 1860, Mr. Brown had strictly devoted himself to his pro- 
fession. He never sought office, and although a zealous and pro- 
nounced Whig, avoided politics as a pursuit. In 1860, however, he 
was chosen an elector on the Bell and Everett or Constitutional Union 
ticket. As a consequence of Mr. Lincoln's election, the Southern 
States determined to secede from the Union. The State of Tennessee 
was in a condition of intense political excitement, during which Mr. 
Brown took the stump, and made a vigorous and fearless canvass in 
favor of the Union and in opposition to secession. But when the 
proclamation of President Lincoln required the State of Tennessee, 
in common with other States, to furnish her quota of troops for the 
coersion of the seceding States, John C. Brown, with the great body 
of citizens of his State, felt that they owed it to their duty and their 
manhood to refuse to yield obedience to the call of the Government, 
which sought to compel them to bear arms against their brothers and 
their own blood. When Tennessee separated herself from the Union, 
and began organizing her troops lor the Confederacy, as a son of the 
South, Gov. Brown did not hesitate, but joined the Confederate army as 
a private, was elected captain of his company, and became colonel of the 
Third Tennessee volunteers ; and as senior colonel he commanded a 
brigade, and participated in the defense of Fort Donelson. When the 
fort surrendered, he l)ecame a prisoner of war. After his exchange in 
August, 1862, he was promoted to be brigadier-general, and was assigned 
to duty with Gen. Braxton Bragg. In the campaign in Kentucky, he 
participated in the battle of Perryville and other actions. After the 
battle of Chickamauga and Missionary Ridge, and the. actions incident 
to Gen. Joseph E. Johnston's retreat (in all of which he participated), 
he was promoted major-general. He finished his active military 
career at Franklin, Tenn., where he was so severely wounded as to 
be unable to rejoin his command until a short time before the 
surrender of Joiinston's army at Greensboro', N. C, where he was 
assigned to the command of one of Johnston's best divisions. In his 
relations with the army, he was a strict disciplinarian, and always at 
the post of duty. No trespassing on private property was tolerated, 
and marauding was severely and promptly punished. He was several 
times severely wounded. In 1864 he was married to Miss Childers, 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 319 

an accomplished lady of Miirfreesboro, Teun., and a niece of Mrs. 
James K. Polk, widow of the ex-President. Mrs. Brown has contri- 
buted a woman's share in promoting her husband's fortunes, and has 
borne him an interesting family of children. At the close of the war, 
Gov. Brown returned to the practice of his profession at Pulaski, and 
continued in full practice till 1869, when he was elected delegate to 
the convention and later president of that body which, in Ja'iiuary, 
1870, met and passed the present Constitution of Tennessee. In 1870, 
he was unanimously nominated by the Democrats of Tennessee for 
Governor. The issues in this canvass were of a character that seriously 
affected the honor and prosperity of Tennessee. The war had greatly 
wasted the resources of the State. An enormous public debt had 
accumulated, and deftiult had been made in payment of interest. The 
public credit was low and the resources for current expenses almost 
exhausted. Gov. Brown took the statesmanlike ground that the public 
debt could be and must be paid. He was elected by 40,000 majority 
to the office of governor — an office to which his eldest brother, Neill 
S. Brown, now of Nashville, had been chosen, in 1847, over Aaron B. 
Brown, one of the most popular Democrats of his day. The influence 
of Neill S. Brown, who was a central figure in State and National 
politics, was sensibly felt in the Presidential campaign, which resulted 
in the election of Gen. Taylor, and Mr. Brown was subsequently 
tendered the post of minister to Russia, which he accepted. 

In 1872, Gov. John C. Brown was unanimously re-elected, and 
during his administration (1871-5) the bonded debt of the State Avas 
reduced from about $43,000,000 to a little more than $20,000,000, a 
large floating debt was paid, and the State re-established its credit by 
resuming the payment of current interest after funding its past- 
due obligations at par. He retired from office, having won the general 
approval of the people of the State. In November, 1^76, a new career 
opened to him with the office of the Vice-Presidency of the Texas 
and Pacific Railway. This great highway from the Atlantic seaboard, 
through Texas and Mexico to California, a route unexposed to snows 
and frosts, was projected before the war. Such a system of rail- 
ways, connecting the Mississippi Avith the Pacific slope, was intended 
to attract the trade of California and the trans-Cordilleras to the great 
water-ways of the United States, and, at the same time, open a too 
long neglected commerce of the Republic of Mexico to our enterprising 
merchants. This Texas route, south of the isothermal line of snow 
blockades, had been projected, a small part of it built, and valuable 



320 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

franchises secured, before the war. An immense grant of hmd from 
the State of Texas, which owned her own public domain, had been 
secured, and favorable treaties with Mexico for the right-of-way were 
in progress of negotiation, when the secession of the Southern States 
stopped the work. When the war was ended, the Southern States 
found their Mississippi river commerce destroyed, and their great 
trans-continental railway still a scheme upon paper, while the North and 
West had made rapid progress in building the Northern and Central 
Pacific Railroad towards the Pacific slope. 

Gov. Brown accepted the office of the Vice-Presidency of the 
Texas Pacific with the enlightened views of the statesman and pub- 
licist. He clearly saw, if the South was to have her ante-bellum river 
traffic, there was in the projected railway through Texas and Mexico, 
with its liberal franchises and its landed subsidies, a ready means of 
reaching the trade of California and the sister Republic, and he entered 
heartily into the project. As Vice-President of the company he issued 
an appeal to the people of the South, elaborating his views in relation 
to the enterprise in a statesmanlike, sagacious and practical pamphlet, 
which deserve a leading place in the railway literature of a period that 
was prolific of great enterprises. He also delivered numerous ad- 
dresses in which he appealed to the people of the South to lay aside 
all questions of sectional strife and urged them to address all their 
eflforts to the improvement of their country, the fostering of educa- 
tion and the creation of wealth-producing facilities. For three years 
he remained at Washington, appearing before congressional commit- 
tees and pressing upon them the claims of this great work. His labors 
were onerous and difficult, but owing to the opposition of rival inter- 
ests they were not fully successful. Nevertheless, he performed them 
to the eminent satisfaction of Col. Thomas A. Scott and the capital- 
ists who were interested in the enterprise and who, pending the ap[)eal 
to Congress, had gone on with the work. Ultimately Gov. Brown 
was authorized by Col. Scott to go on to New York and effect negoti- 
ations which had been invited by Jay Gould and other capitalists. 
These negotiations were satisfactorily accomplished in January, 1880. 
Gov. Brown was then continued in his confidential position and 
in September, 1881, accepted the position of General Solicitor for 
the consolidated system Avhich includes the Missouri Pacific Railway, 
the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railway, the Iron Mountain, the Texas 
Pacific, the New Orleans and Pacific and the International and Great 
Northern. He continued to have superintendence of the construction 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 321 

of the Texas Pacific from Fort Worth to El Paso, with head- 
quarters at St. Louis, until the line was completed in the winter of 
1881-82. 

Gov. Brown's identification with the interests of St. Louis was 
heartily welcomed' His knowledge of the law and his abilities as a 
speaker, trained in the sharp school of exciting debate and in the 
calmer method of inquiry, his experience in the command of men and 
in the management of the most important affiiirs, his careful examina- 
tion and knowledge of the carrying trade and its auxiliary interest, 
eminently combine to fit him for leadership in the gigantic schemes 
that are radiating from St. Louis into the undeveloped regions of the 
Great Southwest. 

THE WABASH, ST. LOUIS AND PACIFIC SYSTEM. 

Various railroad enterprises were discussed and advocated in this 
State as early as 1835, and two years afterwards charters were granted 
by the Legislature to the St. Louis and Bellevue Mineral, and the 
Louisiana and Columbia Railroad Companies. These were after- 
wards merged into the charters of the Iron Mountain and Hannibal 
and St. Joe Companies. After the close of the Mexican War, the 
building of a railroad to the Pacific coast began to be agitated, and 
the people of Missouri, and particularly of St. Louis, were among 
the first to advocate the enterprise. The policy of St.. Louis was to 
build three grand trunk lines from that city, one directly west up the 
Missouri into Kansas and to the Pacific ; another toward Arkansas 
and the South-west ; and the third towards Iowa and the great North- 
west. For these roads charters were granted by the Legislature, and 
they ultimately became the Missouri Pacific, the Iron Mountain and 
the North Missouri, respectively. 

The North Missouri Railroad was chartered on the 1st of March, 
1851. The compan}' was authorized to build, equip and operate a 
railroad from St. Louis via St. Charles, thence on the dividing ridge 
between the Missouri and Mississippi rivers through this State to the 
Iowa line and in the direction of Des Moines. The road was com- 
pleted to St. Charles in August, 1855 ; to Warrenton in August, 
1857 ; to Mexico in May, 1858 ; to Moberly in November of the same 
year; and to Macon in February, 1859. 

The St. Louis, Kansas City and Northern Railway Comj)any w^as 
organized under the general laws of Missouri, and in 1872 became 



322 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

the owner by purchase of the old North Missouri Railrocad. Financial 
embarrassments having overtaken the North Missouri in 1871, it was 
sold out under foreclosure, and M. J. Jessup, of New York, became 
its purchaser. In February of the following year he sold it, as stated 
above, to the St. Louis, Kansas City and Northern Company. This 
company operated the road with marked ability and success until the 
7th of November, 1879, when it consolidated with the Wabash Rail- 
way Company east of the Mississippi, forming the present Wabash, 
St. Louis and Pacific Railway, the third largest system of roads in the 
United States. 

This company owns and operates in Randolph county, including the 
Missouri, Kansas and Texas, about 64 miles of road. 

At the time the Wabash, St. Louis and Pacific Railroad was con- 
structed, the individual and county subscriptions to it amounted to 
$175,000. This amount was jiaid within four years after the sub- 
scription had been made. 

As has been said, the Wabash, St. Louis and Pacific Railway is the 
product of the consolidation of the old Wabash east of the Missis- 
sippi, and the St. Louis, Kansas City and Northern. The general 
offices of the consolidated road are at St. Louis. Of these mention 
will be made further alons;. For convenience of manao-ement the 
road is divided into two o-rand divisions known as the " Western 
Division " and the " Eastern Division." The former, being that part 
west of the Mississippi, aggregates over 1,300 miles ; the latter, that 
part east of the river, on the old Wabash Railway, has a total mileage 
of over 2,300 miles. 

The old Wabash Railway originated in the Toledo and Illinois Rail- 
way, which was organized April 25, 1853, under the laws of Ohio, 
authorizing the company to construct and operate a road from Toledo 
to the western boundary of that State. On the 19th of August, 
following, the Lake Erie, Wabash and St. Louis Railroad Company 
-vas organized under the laws of Indiana to build a road from the east 
line of the State through the valleys of the Little river and Wabash 
river, to the west line of the State in the direction of Danville, Illinois. 
The road from Toledo throu2:h Ohio and Indiana was constructed 
under these two charters. On the 25th of June, 1856, the two com- 
panies were consolidated under the name of the Toledo, Wabash 
and Western Railroad Company. This organization having become 
financially embarrassed in the panic of 1857, its property was sold 
in October, 1858, under foreclosure of mortgage and purchased by 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 323 

Ozariah Boody, who conveyed it to two new companies under the 
names, respectively, of the Toledo and Wabash, of Ohio, and the 
Wabash and Western, of Indiana, the two being consolidated October 
7, 1858, under the style of the Toledo and Wabash Railroad Company. 
This company operated the road through the States of Ohio, Indiana 
and Illinois, until 1865, when all interests between Toledo and the 
Mississippi river at Quincy and Hamilton were consolidated under 
an agreement between the Toledo and Wabash, the Great Western, of 
Illinois, the Quincy and Toledo, and the Illinois and Southern Iowa 
Railroad Companies, under the name of the Toledo, Wabash and West- 
ern Railroad Company. The Great Western Railroad Company of 
this combination was organized in 1859, and its road extended from 
the Indiana State line to Meredosia in Illinois, with a branch from 
Bluff City to Naples. The road from Meredosia to Camp Point was 
owned by the Quincy and Toledo Company, and the road from Clay- 
ton, Illinois, to Carthage, Indiana, was owned by the Illinois and 
Southern Iowa Company. 

In 1870 the Decatur and East St. Louis Railroad Company con- 
structed and equipped a road between Decatur and East St. Louis, 
which in the same year came under the management of the Toledo, 
Wabash and Western Railroad Company, and in 1871 this road was 
opened to St. Louis. The Hannibal and Naples Railroad, including 
its branch from Pittsfield to Maysfield, was leased to the Toledo, 
Wabash and Western Company in 1870, and the following year the 
same company obtained control of the Pekin, Lincoln and Decatur 
Railroad. In' 1872 the Lafayette and Bloomington was added to 
the lines of the Toledo, Wabash and Western. But in 1874, when so 
many railroads were forced to the wall by the stringency in the money 
market, the Toledo, Wabash and Western was forced to go into the 
hands of a receiver, and John D. Coe was appointed by the court to 
conduct the affairs of the road. He retained control of it until 1877 
when a reorganization was effected under the style of the Wabash, 
Railway Company. While the road was in the hands of the receiver 
the leases of the Pekin, Lincoln and Decatur, and the Lafayette and 
Bloomington Railroads were set aside as well as that of the Quincy 
bridge, which it had previously secured. In 1879 the Edwardsville 
branch passed under the control of the Wabash, and in 1879 the con- 
solidation between the Wabash and the Kansas City and Northern was 
effected, as stated above. 

The capital stock of the consolidated company — the Wabash, St. 



324 HISTORY or Randolph county. 

Louis and Pacific — was $40,000,000, and in addition to this it had 
an indebtedness of $35,469,550, making the capital and bonded debt 
of the company $75,464,550. The present system includes twenty- 
one originally distinct and independent lines of road. Previous to 
the consolidation the Wabash proper extended from Toledo to St. 
Louis, Hannibal, Quincy and Keokuk, with a branch from Logans- 
port to Butler, Indiana, or a total length of 782 miles. But by the 
consolidation these roads were united with the St. Louis, Kansas City 
and Northern and its branches, which gave the new company a 
through line from Toledo to Kansas City, St. Joseph and Omaha, 
making the total at that time 1,551 miles. The same year of the con- 
solidation entrance was made into Chicago by its purchase of the 
Chicago and Paducah, extending from Effingham and Altamont to 
Chester, Illinois, and by the construction of a branch from Strawu, 
ninety-six miles northward. Subsequent acquisitions were the Toledo, 
Peoria and Warsaw, a distance of 246 miles, and before the close of 
the year the Quincy, Missouri and Pacific, the Champaign, Havana 
and Western, the Missouri, Iowa and Nebraska, and the Centreville, 
Moravia and Albia, all connecting at different points with the main line. 
On the 1st of January, 1881, the system embraced 2, 479 miles of 
road. 

The lines built and acquired during the year 1881, were the Detroit, 
and Butler, an extension of the Logansport and Butler division to the 
city of Detroit, 113 miles; the Indianapolis, Pennsylvania and Chi- 
cago, 161 miles in length ; the Cairo and Vincennes, the Danville and 
South-western, the Quincy, Missouri Pacific, the Des Moines, North- 
western, and the Attica and Covington, making the total mileage at 
the close of the year 3,'384 miles. The Butler and Detroit roads, 
in connection Avith the Toledo, Peoria and Warsaw, completed the 
second independent trunk line of the system from the Mississippi river 
to Lake Erie, besides securing new and important connections upon 
its entrance into Detroit. 

In 1872 several extensions and branches were finished, the most 
important of which were the Shenandoah and the Des Moines divis- 
ions. The former continued the Detroit trunk line from the Missis- 
sippi to the Missouri. The latter, which now extends to Spirit Lake, 
in the north-western part of Iowa, opened up that great State to the 
traffic of the Wabash System. The total length of the system in 
1882 was 3,670 miles, as follows : — 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 



325 



EASTERN DIVISION. 

Toledo to St. Louis 

Decatur to Quincy 

Bluffs, Illinois, to Hannibal, Missouri . 

Maysville, Illinois, to Pittsfield, Illinois 

Clayton, Illinois, to Keokuk, Iowa 

Logansport, Indiana, to Detroit, Michigan . 

Edwardsville, Illinois, to Edwardsville Crossing, Illinois 

Indianapolis, Indiana, to Michigan City, Indiana 

Havana, Illinois, to Springfield, Illinois 

West Lebanon, Indiana, to Le Roy, Illinois 

Vincennes, Indiana, to Cairo, Illinois . 

Danville, Illinois, to Francisville, Indiana 

HoUis, Illinois, to Jacksonville, Illinois 

Toledo, Ohio, to Milan, Michigan 

Attica, Indiana, to Covington, Indiana 

State Line, Indiana, to Buckington, Iowa 

La Harpe, Illinois, to Elveston, Illinois 

Hamilton, Illinois, to Warsaw, Illinois 

Chicago, Illinois, to Altamont, Illinois 

Streator, Illinois, to Streator Junction, Illinois 

Shumway, Illinois, to Effingham, Illinois 

Warsaw, Illinois, to Havana, Illinois . 

White Heath, Illinois, to Decatur, Illinois . 

Bates, Illinois, to Grafton, Illinois 

Champaign, Illinois, to Sidney, Illinois 



Total 



Miles. 

435.7 

150.7 

49.8 

6.2 

42.3 

213.8 
8.5 

161.0 
47.2 
76.0 

158.0 

115.1 
76.3 
34.0 
14.5 

214.8 

20.8 

5.9 

215.5 

29.6 

8.5 

102.2 
29.7 
74.4 
14.0 

2,307.6 



WESTERN DIVISION. 

St. Louis to Kansas City .... 

Brunswick, Missouri, to Council Bluffs, Iowa 
Rosebury, Missouri, to Clarinda, Iowa 
Moberly, Missouri, to Ottumwa, Iowa 
North Lexington, Missouri, to St. Joe, Missouri 
Centralia, Missouri, to Columbia, Missouri 
Salisbury, Missouri, to Glasgow, Missouri 
Eerguson, Missouri, to St. Louis, Missouri 
Quincy, Missouri, to Trenton, Missouri 
Keokuk, Iowa, to Shenandoah, Iowa 
Relay, Iowa, to Des Moines, Iowa 
Des Moines, Iowa, to Fonda, Iowa 



Total 



1,363.0 



RECAPITULATION. 



Eastern Division 
Western Division 



Total 



2,307.6 
1,363.0 

3,670.6 



During the year 1883 considerable additions were made to the 
road, including the extension from Fonda, Iowa, to Spirit Lake, 
Iowa, a distance of about 80 miles, and others of importance, but 
the official figures are not before us. 

The controlling stockholders in the Wabash, St. Louis and Pacific 
are also the leading stockholders in the Missouri Pacific and in the 



326 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

Iron Mountain, or the " South-Western System," as the two last 
named roads, with their tributary lines, are called, so that virtually 
the Wabash and the South-Western constitute a single system of rail- 
ways. Indeed, in April, 1883, the Wabash was leased to the Iron 
Mountain, of the South-Western System, so that the whole 10,000 
miles of road are now practically under one management, making by 
far the largest railway system in the world. These roads all traverse 
magnificent territory, and, looking at them from the standpoint of 
the future development of the country, they are without doubt among 
the most valuable railroad properties on the globe. This is particu- 
larly true of the Wabash System. Where are there five States in the 
Union equal to Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri and Iowa, the States in 
which the Wabash roads are located ? Their elements of agricultural, 
mineral and forest wealth make them now, even under partial devel- 
opment, a region of unsurpassed value. In 1882, although consti- 
tutino' but nine per cent of the total area of the United States, they 
produced 196,244,100 bushels of wheat of the 502,798,600 bushels 
raised in the whole country, or over 39 per cent of the total crop of 
the Union. Of the 740,665,000 bushels of corn, they yielded 340,- 
705,900 bushels, or 46 per cent of the total crop. Their other farm 
products were proportionately large. In manutactures they are also 
of the first importance. Of the $5,369,677,706 worth of manufac- 
tured products turned out in 1880, these States produced 20 per 
cent, or products valued at $1,147,606,405. Bituminous coal is found 
in inexhaustible quantities in each of the five States named, and other 
minerals, particularly in Missouri, are found in great abundance. 
With a population of only 12,000,000 in 1880, what may we not ex 
pect the value of their products to be when they contain 60,000,000 
inhabitants, as they are "certainly destined to do ? With such a ter- 
ritory to draw from, the Wabash Railway has little to fear in the 
future, so far as volume of traffic is concerned. 

In point of management the Wabash is conceded to be one of the 
ablest conducted roads on the continent. The men who are now at 
the head of its afiiiirs are men who have risen to eminence in railway 
manao-ement by their own ability, enterprise, and personal worth ; 
men who, amid the failure of thousands, and in the most trying times 
in the history of railroads the country has ever seen, have built up 
one of the greatest railway systems in the world — gathering up the 
wrecks of roads here and there where others had left them, and con- 
finino- them in a harmonious, successful whole — a display of execu- 
tive and business ability, of enterprise and far-sighted sagacity, with 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. , 327 

but few parallels in history. No man in the management of the road 
but that holds his position because of his success in railroad affairs ; 
because of his success where others had failed, a success achieved upon 
a very sea of disasters. Look back ten years ago at the condition of 
the roads which now constitute the Wabash System ! Then there 
were not more than a score of them, scattered here and there over the 
great prairie States, the fairest and most fertile region under the sun, 
yet all of them tottering on the very brink of bankruptcy, and many 
of them practically dead as business investments. First one was 
taken from the hands of a receiver, a piece of dead property, and put 
on its feet and made to stand, not only to stand, but to become self- 
sustaining and prosperous. Then another was taken under the pro- 
tection of the first and put through a little course of resuscitation — 
and still another, and another, until the present magnificent system 
has been formed. It is an unrivaled distinction of the Wabash Sys- 
tem that it has been built up of roads mainly which had before proven 
failures — that it is the product of the brain and energy of men who 
have shown the genius and to force success where others have failed. 

To-day the Wabash is one of the best roads in the United States. 
Its main lines are all laid with steel rails, and its road-beds, bridges, 
culverts, depots, and other improvements, are not surpassed in the 
West. The rolling stock of the road has long been regarded as 
among the best in the country. Having always had sharp competi- 
tion, the management has made it a fixed policy to afford the public 
the best of accommodations, whether in passenger travel or freight 
shipments. As a result, their coaches, sleepers, and dining cars are 
perfect triumphs of art, not only in point of comfort, but of elegance 
and good taste, and their accommodation for freight, both merchan- 
dise and live stock, are all that could be desired. In one important 
particular the Wabash is without a rival in the West — in time. It 
runs through cars daily, including elegant chair-cars, sleepers, and 
dining-cars, direct from St. Louis to New York and Boston, making 
over thirty miles an hour on the through trip, and on all main lines its 
through rates of speed are approximately as great. Not only in pas- 
senger travel is it ahead of any of its rivals as to speed, but in freight 
transportation also. Less than four days are required to land its 
through fast freights in New York after they leave the depot in St. 
Louis. 

With regard to tariffs it would be suppressing the truth not to say 
that the Wabash is among the most liberal of roads. In fiict, in rail- 
road circles it is not as popular as some roads, for the very reason that 
16 



328 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

it has so often led the way in reducing passenger and freight rates. 
Recognizing the fact that low tariffs increase travel and transporta- 
tion, its policy has always been to reduce the cost of carriage to the 
lowest possible figures. 

We give the official figures of the Wabash freight rate per ton per 
mile, since 1875 : — 

Year ' Average rate per 

I ton per mile in cts. 

1876 1.10 

1877 . . ■ 0.87 

1878 0.75 

1879 0.63 

1880 0.79 

1881 0.68 

1882 0.64 

1883 0.58 

These figures verify what was said above that the Wabash has led 
the march of Western roads in the direction of freight rates. 

The following are the general officers of the Wabash, St. Louis and 
Pacific : — 

Jay Gould, President, New York. 

R. S. Hayes, First Vice-President, St. Louis, Mo. 

A. L. Hopkins, Second Vice-President, New York. 

H. M. Hoxie, Third Vice-President, St. Louis, Mo. 

A. H. Calef, Treasurer, New York. 

D. S. H. Smith, Local Treasurer, St. Louis, Mo. 

James F. How, Secretary, St. Louis, Mo. 

O. D. Ashley, Second Secretary and Transfer Agent, 195 Broadway, 
New York. 

Wagner Swayne, General Counsel, New York. 

Wells H. Blodgett, General Solicitor, St. Louis, Mo. 

D. B. Howard, Auditor, St. Louis, Mo. 

Morris Trumbull, Assistant Auditor, St. Louis, Mo. 

George Olds, Freight Traffic Manager, St. Louis, Mo. 

Robert Andrews, General Superintendent, St. Louis, Mo. 

K. H. Wade, Superintendent Transportation, St. Louis, Mo. 

W. S. Lincoln, Chief Engineer, St. Louis, Mo. 

M. Knight, General Freight Agent, St. Louis, Mo. 

H. C. Townsend, General Passenger Agent, St. Louis, Mo. 

F. Chandler, General Ticket Agent, St. Louis, Mo. 

George P. Maule, General Baggage Agent, Union Depot, St. Louis, 
Mo. 

R. B. Lyle, Purchasing Agent, St. Louis, Mo. 

George F. Shepherd, Paymaster, St. Louis, Mo. 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 329 

C. P. Chesebro, General Car Accountant, St. Louis, Mo. 

C. Selden, Superintendent Telegraph, St. Louis, Mo. 

George C. Kinsman, Assistant Superintendent Telegraph, St. Louis, 
Mo. 

Jacob Johann, General Master Mechanic, Springfield, 111. 

U. H. Kohler, General Master Car Builder, Toledo, Ohio. 

I. N. McBeth, General Live Stock Agent, St. Louis, Mo. 

Most of these gentlemen are well known to the general public. As 
has been said, there is not a man connected with the management of 
the road who has not risen to his position by his own ability, energy 
and worth. The whole world is familiar with the career of the presi- 
dent of the company, 

MR. JAY GOULD, 

certainly one of the most remarkable men of this or any other age. 
A New York farmer's son, self-educated, and starting out in life for 
himself without a dollar, by dint of his own exertions and character 
he has risen to the position of the first railroad manager on the globe. 
A great deal has been said for and against Mr. Gould. A great deal 
has been said for and against every man who has made a distinguished 
success in life. It is one of the conditions of success to be criticised 
and slandered as well as honored and esteemed. But if men are to be 
judged according to the general results of their lives, Mr. Gould has 
nothing to fear for his reputation in history. He has given to the 
country the finest systems of railway and telegraph the world ever 
saw, and if the people do not seem to appreciate 

"What manner of man is passing by tlieir doors," 

the time will come when his services and character will receive the 
homage which is their due. Mr. Gould became the president of the 
Wabash, St. Louis and Pacific on the organization of the company in 
1879. Personally, however, he does not direct the afiiiirs of the road, 
but is directly represented in its management, as he is in the manage- 
ment of all his other Western roads, by 

CAPT. R. 8. HAYES, 

the first vice-president of the company. Capt. Hayes was originally 
from New York. By profession he is a civil engineer. His first 
prominent connection with Mr. Gould's Western roads was as the 
builder of the Texas and Pacific. That road was constructed with 
amazing rapidity, and its afi'airs were managed with such ability and 
success that Capt. Hayes became at once recognized as one of the 



330 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

ablest railroad men in the country. The construction of the road 
was commenced in 1881, and on January the 15th of the following 
year it was ready for traffic to El Paso, on the Mexican border, thus 
opening up the route via the Southern Pacific to San Francisco. 
Following this, Capt. Hayes was placed at the head of Mr. Gould's 
whole South-Western System, or, in other words, was made first vice- 
president of the roads embraced in that system, and on the lease of 
the Wabash to the Iron Mountain in May, 1883, he became first rice- 
president of the Wabash company. 

Personally, Capt. Hayes is a quiet, unassuming gentleman. He is 
one of the few men whom position does not change in their bearing 
toward those around them. True manhood is superior to any position, 
however exalted, and this quality distinction cannot add to nor make 
less. It is only the weak and vain — those whose positions are above 
their merits — who make their importance and authority conspicuous. 
From no word or action of Capt. Hayes, outside of his official duty, 
would it ever be discovered that he is at the head of the greatest 
combination of railroad systems in the world. He is the same digni- 
fied, unpretentious gentleman now that he was before he became dis- 
tinguished for his great executive abilities. In his office all who have 
business with him are treated with the consideration and respect due 
them. In this particular he is in marked contrast with not a few whose 
positions are far less prominent. If all were as he is, it could not be 
said with truth, as unfortunately it sometimes seems to be, that he 
who becomes a railway official puts his modesty and good manners 
behind him. 

Capt. Hayes' leading characteristics as a railway manager are cool- 
ness and caution, united with firmness and great enterprise. No step 
of importance is taken without a thorough understanding of its results, 
and of the influence it is likely to have upon all the interests afl^ected 
by it. But when a measure is once decided upon and approved, it is 
carried out with a resolution and energy that makes its success a fore- 
gone conclusion. He not only directs the general policy of his roads, 
but personally overlooks the administration of affairs in the several 
business departments of the service. He sees to it that abuses are 
nowhere tolerated, and that the business of the different companies is 
dispatched with promptness and efficiency. The result is manifest, 
not only in the harmony with which everything moves through the 
half-dozen great roads over which he presides, but in the superiority 
of service they have rendered since he was placed at their head, and 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 331 

in the remarkable financial success they have achieved. Of all others, 
he is undoubtedly the man for the position he holds, and his selection 
for the place is but another proof of the remarkable sagacity of the 
man whose interests, mainly, he represents. 

The second vice-president of the company, as appears above, in the 
roll of general officers, is Mr. A. L. Hopkins. The sketches of 
several other officers of the Wabash appear on a previous page 
of this work in connection with the Missouri Pacific, with which they 
are likewise identified. 

COL. H. M. HOXIE, 

the third vice-president of the Wabash, St. Louis and Pacific, and of 
the Missouri Pacific or South- Western System, like many of our most 
successful men, has risen to prominence and independence by his own 
energy and intelligence and the indomitable strength of his character. 
He is a Western man by birth, and started in life poor and without 
even the favor of influential friends. When a young man he went to 
Des Moines, Iowa, and there in a few years became recognized for his 
hio-h character and great enterprise as one of the most progressive and 
influential citizens of the place. Such was the consideration in which 
he was held that without his solicitation or even desire he was recom- 
mended for and appointed to the responsible office of United States 
Marshal. This position he filled with great efficiency until the expira- 
tion of his term of office, at the conclusion of which he declined reap- 
pointment, desiring to devote his whole time and attention to business 
interests. 

On the inauguration of the great Union Pacific Railway enterprise, 
Col. Hoxie became connected with it as a superintendent of construc- 
tion ; and there he first distinguished himself for great executive abil- 
ity and indefatigable energy in pushing the work to completion with 
unparalleled rapidity. The energy and dispatch with which the road 
Avas pushed across the continent was regarded as one of the most mar- 
velous pieces of enterprise the world had ever seen, and was com- 
mented on by the leading journals of Europe as an evidence of the 
wonderful spirit of progress prevailing in America. To Col. Hoxie, 
more than to any other one man, is due the credit resulting from the 
expedition and success with which the two oceans were for the first 
time "linked with bands of steel." He personally supervised the 
work under his charge, and for months was on the ground at day- 



332 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

dawn, to leave only at dark, directing and pushing the work forward. 
The ability and success with which he conducted the construction of 
the Union Pacific attracted the attention of leading railroad men all 
over the Union, and his services were in great request. On the com- 
pletion of the road. Col. Hoxie was made its general superintendent — 
at that time one of the most important and difficult positions to fill in 
the entire railway service of the country. But the result vindicated 
the high estimate the board of directors had placed upon his ability 
and energy. As superintendent of the practical operation of the 
road, his success was not less brilliant than his success had been as 
superintendent of construction. His future as one of the great rail- 
road managers of the country was now assured. 

From the Union Pacific he was called to Texas to build the Inter- 
national and Great Northern. There he displayed the same qualities 
he had shown in the construction of the Union Pacific. The Inter- 
national and Great Northern was built with amazing rapidity. Of this 
he also became superintendent, and later along was appointed vice- 
president of the company. As soon as the Texas and Pacific passed 
into the hands of Mr. Gould he became superintendent of that road 
also. On the formation of the South- Western System he was appointed 
general manager of the International and Great Northern and of the 
Texas and Pacific, and was also appointed third vice-president of all 
the consolidated roads. Afterwards when, in May, 1883, the Wabash 
was leased to the Iron Mountain, thus becoming practically a part of 
the Missouri Pacific, or " South-Western System," as it is called, that 
road also came under his control, so far as the third vice-presidency 
is concerned. 

As third vice-president of these roads, Col. Hoxie has the manage- 
ment and superintendence of the entire freight traffic of the combined 
lines. These roads aggregate nearly 10,000 miles, and together con- 
stitute the most extensive system of railways under one management 
in the Avorld. To have the control of the freight interests on this vast 
system is a responsibility which but few men could safely undertake, 
a responsibility perhaps not equaled by that of any office, civil or 
military, in the government. The freight business on a railroad, as 
every one knows, is to the prosperity of the road what the advertising 
business of a newspaper is to the success of the paper — the very life- 
blood of its existence. The main support of every prosperous road 
comes from its freight business ; this is the source of its greatest rev- 
enue, and on the success of its freight management everything else 



HISTORY or RANDOLPH COUNTY. 333 

depends. Nor is any other department of railroad management so 
complicated and difficult. The interests to be considered are innumer- 
able and often conflicting, but all must be consulted and harmonized 
to the best possible advantage. It requires not only a broad compve- 
hension of the general principles of transportation and trade, but an 
intelligent and thorough knowledge of practical business affairs, and 
of the best methods of conducting business transactions. Not only 
must general interests be looked to, but details also must be closely 
regarded. Nothing will wreck a road quicker than bad freight man- 
agement. It is, therefore, one of the most important departments, 
if not the most important, of railway management. 

The success that has attended Col. Hoxie's administration of this 
department of railway service, as official figures show, is gratifying in 
the extreme. The receipts from freight transportation have been un- 
precedentedly large — out of all proportion, in fact, to former years, 
even allowing for the growth of the country — and notwithstanding 
this, rates have been steadily reduced. These facts, though perhaps 
not so conspicuous as his construction of the Union Pacific Railway, 
speak hardly less for his ability as a railroad manager. Indeed, it is 
at least questionable whether it required a higher exercise of ability to 
gain the applause of the world by linking the two oceans together, 
than it does to successfully conduct the diversified, complicated and 
extensive business of 10,000 miles of railway traffic. 

Col. Hoxie is now somewhat past the meridian of life, but his 
energy, resolution and force of character seem only to have been 
strengthened by his ripening years. A man of prodigious capacity for 
work, he superintends, directs and personally inspects every branch 
of the service in his charge ; and he seems to be as active and as am- 
bitious of the future as he was before he had achieved either reputa- 
tion or fortune. Personally he is highly esteemed. . Having risen 
from the people himself, there is nothing of the aristocrat either in 
his manners or thoughts. He weighs men according to their charac- 
ter and intelligence, and res[)ects rank and fortune in the individual 
only so far as he makes himself worthy of respect. A man of gener- 
ous impulses and a kind, sympathetic nature, he is a warm, true friend 
to those who gain his confidence, and there is nothing, not dishonora- 
ble, within the bounds of reason that he would not do to serve them. 
Those who have known him for years speak of him as one of the truest 
hearted and best of men. 

One of the oldest general officers of the Wabash, or rather one 



334 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

among those longest ut the head of the affairs of that part of it, west 
of the Mississippi, is 

COL. JAMES F. HOW, 

the present secretary of the company. Col. How is an old St. Louisan 
and comes of one of the best families of the city. He commenced his 
railway career in the ticlvet office of the old North Missouri Company, 
but rapidly rose by promotion to one of the general officers of the com- 
pany. Prior to the organization of the present Wabash, St. Louis 
and Pacific, he was the vice-president of the St. Louis, Kansas City 
and Northern, the predecessor to the Wabash west of the Mississippi. 
The St. Louis, Kansas City and Northern was the successor to the old 
North Missouri, and was one of the most successful, enterprising and 
progressive railways ever operated on this side of the river. It not 
only brought the affairs of the old North Missouri out of embarrass- 
ment, but improved the road in every particular and added hundreds 
of miles of track to its original lines. It built and opened the line to 
Omaha and increased the service, both passenger and freight, on all 
the lines of the road. Its financial success was unequivocal and most 
gratifying ; so much so that it became one of the most valuable pieces 
of railway property in the country. Its management was character- 
ized by unusual ability and vigor, and to no one was it more entitled 
for its rapid and brilliant success than to Col. How. A man of a high 
order of ability and of extensive experience in railway affairs, young 
and full of energy and ambitious to make the road a success, he in- 
fused into its management a new life and vigor, and urged it forward 
upon a policy that soon placed its success beyond the shadow of a 
doubt. Looking back upon the record the St. Louis, Kansas City 
and Northern road has made, he has every reason to feel satisfied with 
the influential and leading part he took in its management. Col. How 
now has much to do with the finances of the road, so far as its prac- 
tical operation is concerned, and has entire control of its tax depart- 
ment. In these departments of railway management he has already 
established a high reputation. His success in the tax affairs of the St. 
Louis, Kansas City and Northern was particularly conspicuous. He 
saved hundreds of thousands of dollars to the company annually by 
defeating exorbitant and erroneous levies. He is in every sense a 
worthy member of the present brilliant management of the Wabash. 

COL. R. ANDREWS, 

the general superintendent of the road, was originally from Philadel- 
phia, and was superintendent of the old Wabash, east of the Missis- 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 335 

sippij-fora number of years before the consolidation. The success of 
that road was largely due to the able and energetic manner in which 
he conducted the affairs of the superintendent's office. Having estab- 
lished a wide and enviable reputation while with the old Wabash, 
when the consolidation took place he was naturally placed at the head 
of the same department of the new company. Col. Andrews is not 
only a railway official of high standing, but is possessed of the qualities, 
to a marked degree, that challenge the respect and esteem of all men. 
He is a man with whom it is a pleasure to have business relations, and 
who adds much to the popularity and patronage of the road with which 
he is connected. 

H. C. TOWNSEND, 

the general passenger agent of the Wabash, St. Louis and Pacific and 
Missouri Pacific System, is distinguished for being one of the most 
popular and efficient general passenger agents in the United States. 
His rise in the railway service has been unprecedentedly rapid. Pos- 
sessed of a quick, active mind, and of stirring energy, in each position 
he held he comprehended the scope of his duties almost at a glance, 
and discharged them with so much spirit and success, that his advance- 
ment was assured and rapid. That he is the general passenger agent, 
though still a young man, of the most important railway system in 
the United States — a system in which none but the ablest and best 
men are permitted to hold important positions, is, in itself, the highest 
indorsement of his character and ability that could be given. And he 
is worthy in an eminent degree of the prominence to which he has 
risen. With qualifications far above the position he holds, although 
it is one of the first in prominence and responsibility, he brings to the 
discharge of his duties that ability and dignity, that clear aiid inteJli- 
gent grasp of the influence and effects of measures upon the difficult 
interests of the road, and that self-respecting, manly bearing, which 
not only make him a marked success, but elevate and dignify the 
position he holds. Personally Mr. Townsend is a man of wide and 
genuine popularity. Of an open, frank nature, well disposed toward 
the world, and full of life, he always has a pleasant word for every 
one, and apparently, without effort, wins the good opinions and con- 
fidence of all with whom he comes in contact. His personal popu- 
larity was by no means the least consideration that influenced his 
promotion to his present office. In business affairs he is courteous, 
polite and affable, and no one leaves his office with an unpleasant 
incident to remember. His chief clerk. 



336 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 



MR. H. A. FISHER, 

is also comparatively a young man, and is highly esteemed both in 
railroad circles and by the general public. He commenced life for 
himself by learning the printer's trade, and having the qualities for a 
successful man in almost any calling, he of course succeeded as a 
printer. He became an artist in his trade — one of the finest printers 
throughout the country. Subsequently he was called into the service 
of the Wabash Railway to superintend its fine advertisement work, of 
which he since has had charge. It has doubtless been noticed by 
every one who has traveled in the West that the Wabash has the 
handsomest, most artistic and unique advertisements of all the West- 
ern roads. This of course is the result of Mr. Fisher's control of its 
advertising department. And he has made the distribution of his 
advertisements as judiciously as he has made their appearance 
attractive. Indeed, he has been remarkably successful in advertising 
the road, and its rapid increase of business is proof that the industry 
and good judgment he has shown in his work has not been without 
their reward. In the entire service of the road no one is more 
popular and more deservedly so. He is as accommodating and 
gentlemanly as if it was his only study to be pleasant and obliging. 
Personally the writer desires to acknowledge here a favor received at 
his hands — material assistance in collecting the data for the preced- 
ing sketches of the Wabash Railway. 

COL. WELLS H. BLODGETT, 

general solicitor of the Wabash, St. Louis and Pacific in all business 
of a legal character afiecting the active management of the road, 
became connected with the St. Louis, Kansas City and Northern, the 
predecessor of the present Western Division of the Wabash, St. Louis 
and Pacific, as its assistant attorney during the winter of 1873-74. 
In June following he was elected general solicitor of the St. Louis, 
Kansas City and Northern by the unanimous vote of its board of 
directors. On the consolidation of that company with the old 
Wabash in 1879, he became general solicitor of the new Wabash, St. 
Louis and Pacific, the position he now holds. Col. Blodgett's career 
as a railroad lawyer has been one of marked ability and success. 
Gifted with a legal mind of a high order and of fine administrative 
ability, industrious almost to a fault, and an inveterate student, of 
the highest integrity of character and of close, exact business habits, 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 337 

justly popular with all who know him for his smooth, gentlemanly 
demeanor, and for his high personal worth, a clear, philosophical 
thinker and a pleasant, logical speaker, he combines, to an eminent 
degree, all the more important qualifications, both natural and 
acquired, for the chief law officer of one of the great railway corpora- 
tions of the country. Like most men of real merit who have risen 
to eminence he is essentially a self-made man. 

His father, Israel P. Blodgett, now deceased, was a respectable 
farmer of Illinois, but like most of his neighbors in that then new 
part of the country, was not a wealthy man. Wells H., therefore, 
had little or no pecuniary means to assist in establishing himself in 
life. After acquiring a common school education, supplemented with 
a few terms of college instruction, young Blodgett went to Chicago 
and began the study of law under his brother, Hon. Henry W. Blod- 
gett, now Jud^e of the United States District Court there, but then 
the general solicitor of the Chicago and North-Western Railway. Of 
studious habits, a superior mind, and entirely devoted to his chosen 
profession, he made rapid progress in his studies, and was admitted 
to the bar in 1860 with expressions from the court highly compli- 
mentary to his attainments and promise for the future. He at once 
entered actively upon the practice of law in Chicago, and was making 
rapid progress in his profession when the Civil War burst upon the 
country with all its fury. The life of the nation imperiled, he saw 
but one duty before him — to go manfully to its defense. He became 
a private soldier in the array of the Union, and followed the flag of 
his country with unfaltering devotion until it floated in triumph from 
the granite-ribbed hills of Maine to the sunlit waters of the Southern 
Gulf. For meritorious conduct as a soldier he was repeatedly pro- 
moted, and rose to the command of a battalion with the rank of 
colonel. He was twice cofnmended by written reports of the com- 
manding general for conspicuous gallantry on the field. Two honor- 
able scars, the proudest decorations a soldier can wear, attest the 
patriotic part he took in the war. 

After the war Col. Blodgett located at Warrensburg, Mo., in the 
practice of the law. There he at once took front rank in his profes- 
sion, and in 1866 was elected to the House of Representatives of the 
State Legislature. Two years afterwards he was elected to the State 
Senate. Following this, in 1872, he was unanimously nominated by 
his party for re-election to the Senate, but was defeated at the polls 
by a test party vote. Indeed, he ran far ahead of his own party 
ticket, and was defeated only b}' a small majority. 



338 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

In the Legislature his ability and attainments made him a leading 
member in each of the houses in which he sat. A clear, sober- 
minded thinker, and a conscientious, upright man, the fact that he 
supported a measure left but little or no doubt in the minds of others 
that it was for the best interests of the State ; and advocating it in 
his calm, lucid manner, he seldom failed to carry it to a successful 
issue. 

Though a Republican, earnest and faithful, Col. Blodgett was one 
of the first prominent men in the State to advocate the enfranchise- 
ment of those who had been in rebellion. His record in the Legisla- 
ture on this question forms one of the brightest pages in the history 
of his career. With him the broad, vital principle upon which our 
government is founded — equal and fair representation for all — was 
of vastly more importance than any temporary party advantage or 
expedient. Indeed, his conception of true partisanship is that it 
should strive to keep the party identified with the best interests of 
the country. The rank and file of those formerly in rebellion he be- 
lieved to have been honest but misguided ; and representing their hon- 
esty of purpose and bravery, since they had submitted to the authority 
of the government and sworn to obey the laws, he believed no good 
purpose could be served by showing the distrust of their sincerity, and 
continuing them under the ban of civil ostracism. Hence he advo- 
cated earnestly and ardently their restoration to citizenship ; and to 
his efforts, less than to no man's in the State, were the enfranchised 
indebted for their ultimate right to vote. 

By the close of his term in the Senate, such was the high standing 
he had attained as a lawyer, no less than as a public man, for he had 
continued the active practice of his profession all the time, that his 
services as official attorney were sought by various important corpor- 
ation interests. Indeed, he had already distinguished himself in 
corporation practice, a department of the profession for which he has 
a special taste. In the spring of 1873 he accepted the assistant attor- 
neyship of the St. Louis, Kansas City and Northern Railway as stated 
above, and was soon afterwards elected general solicitor for the road. 

The St. Louis, Kansas City and Northern was the successor to the 
old North Missouri ; and the mere mention of the name of that road 
suggests confusion, chaos and lawsuits without ending. Its policy 
was to fight everything and pay nothing — perhaps because it had 
nothing to pay with. It finally went down under a perfect maelstrom 
of litigation ; and the St. Louis, Kansas City and Northern inherited 
from it a very sea of legal entanglements. To straighten out these 



d 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 339 

and get the new road in proper condition, so far as its law interests 
were concerned, was the first work to which Col. Blodgett addressed 
himself, and it was a work which no ordinary lawyer could have 
accomplished. None with less ability than he showed, none with less 
industry, less energy and resolution, less system and method in the 
conduct of business, could have succeeded. But being a thorough 
business man no less than an able lawyer, he went to work in his 
office and in the courts, and in a remarkably short time had his dock- 
ets practically cleared — clearer by far than railroad dockets usually 
are — and in almost every case with success to his company. His 
office, also, became a model of system, order and method ; indeed, 
this-^ orderly arrangement of everything connected with his legal and 
business affairs — is one of the chief characteristics, without which 
the diversified and complicated business of which he has charge could 
not be successfully conducted. 

In the settlement of damage cases against the railroad, and, in- 
deed, of every class of claims, Col. Blodgett inaugurated an entirely 
difierent policy from what had before prevailed. He has always 
made it a rule to compromise every claim on a fair basis in which 
there is any merit at all, even though the law does not allow the claim, 
where compromise is possible. This policy, which has since been 
adopted by the law departments of several important roads, he has 
found best in every respect. It tends to promote that good feeling 
between the people and the road so advantageous to both ; whilst it 
saves thousands of dollars legal costs to the company and to claim- 
ants. As claimants can afford to compromise their claims at much 
less than they might ultimately recover by litigation, on account of 
the great cost and delay attending it, thus, without injury to them, 
the road saves additional thousands by fair compromises. This policy 
both good conscience and business sagacity approve. 

Col. Blodgett makes it as much to the interest of claimants to 
compromise as to the interest of the road. He tells them frankly 
that he will allow what is fiiir on their claims ; but before he will 
allow the company to be bilked, he will make it cost them more than 
they can possibly hope ultimately to realize by suit. A railroad 
lawyer of the first order, he knows beforehand in almost every case 
what the decision of the courts will be; and when he goes to law 
against a claim he generally wins the case. Indeed, the frequency 
with which cases are won by the railroad is often made the subject of 
criticism unfavorable to the courts. The fact lies not in the bias of 
the courts in favor of the railroad, for that does not exist ; but in 



340 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

that the road scarcely or never o:oes to the higher courts with a bad 
case. The attorneys for the road know a good case when they see it, 
and they know a bad one ; the first they carry up ; the second they 
settle. Thus the railroad is scarcely ever beaten in the courts. 

Col. Blodgett, although he has long stood in the front rank of 
lawyers in the West, is still comparatively a young man, being now 
only forty-four years of age. Considering his age and the position 
he occupies in his profession, it is not too much to say that his career 
has been a most successful and brilliant one. Nor has he yet nearly 
approached its meridian. With little less, if not quite a score of 
years more of professional activity before him in the ordinary course 
of nature, years, too, usually of the greatest advancement in the legal 
profession, his future promises a degree of eminence to which but few 
men can hope to attain. 

CHICAGO AND ALTON RAILROAD. 

This road was originally known as the Louisiana and Missouri River 
Railroad, and was completed through Randolph county in 1871. 

The Chicago and Alton Railroad Company was organized October 
16, 1862, The following table will show the number of miles of road 
now owned and operated by this company : — 

CHICAGO AND ALTON RAILROAD COMPANY. 

Joliet to East St. Louis 243.50 

Coal City Branch 29.76 

Dvvight to Washington aud\branch to Lacon 79.80 

Roodhouse to Louisiana 38.10 

Upper Alton Line 7.40 

Joliet and Chicago Railroad (Chicago to Joliet) 37.20 

St. Louis, Jacksonville and Chicago Railroad (Bloomington to Godfrey via 

Jacksonville) 150.60 

Louisiana and Missouri River Railroad (Louisiana to Cedar City via Mexico) 100.80 

Kansas City, St. Louis and Chicago Railroad (Mexico to Kansas City) . 162.62 



Total 849.78 

Of this number 586.36 miles are east of the Mississippi river, while 
263.42 lay west of that stream. 

This road is now one of the most deservedly popular railroads in 
the West. It is especially popular along the line of its route through 
Missouri ; popular, because of the courtesy of its officers and em- 
ployes, and because of its speed, safety, and the prompt arrival and 
departure of its trains upon schedule time. Its passenger coaches are 
not only neat, but elegant in design and construction. Each train is 
supplied with reclining chairs, which are always so highly esteemed 
by the traveler, whether his journey be long or short. 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 



341 



The Chicago and Alton owns and operates about 18 miles of road 
in the county. Altogether, there are 82 miles of railroad in Ran- 
dolph county. 

BONDED INDEBTEDNESS OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 



* 6 six per cent bonds of $1,000 each, payable in from 
one to seven years, issued July 10, 1880, to fund 
floating debt, interest payable annually on 1st day 
of July, at office of county treasurer 
16 ten per cent bonds of f lOOeach, due in from 1 to 10 
years, issued January 1, 1871, for ditching and 
draining swamp lands, interest payable annually on 
1st of January, at office of county treasurer 

Money borrowed from school fund upon which the 
county pays 10 per cent interest on the 1st day of 
January of each year 

Interest promptly paid ; interest and sinking fund tax 
of 15 cents on $100 valuation. Taxable wealth 
$4,412,657. 

SUGAR CREEK TOWNSHIP. 

69 six per cent 10 year bonds of $500 each, and 155 do. 
of $100 each, issued July 14, 1879, under act of 
April 12, 1877, in compromise and redemption of 
bonds issued to the Tebo and Neosho Railroad Co., 
interest payable 1st of April and October, at EX' 

change Bank, Moberly, Mo 

Interest promptly paid ; interest tax on $100 valuation 
60 cents. Taxable wealth $1,086,075. 



$6,000 00 

1,600 00 
22,693 00 



$30,293 00 



50,000 00 



The bonded debt of Sugar Creek township was incurred in aid of 
the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad. 



The county indebtedness has been reduced to about $22,692.18 




CHAPTER XYI. 

THE PRESS AND PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 

History of Printing and first Newspapers — Huntsville Eecorder — Independent Mts- 
sourian — Advertisements and Professional Men of that Day — Randolpli Citizen — 
Eandolph American — Randolph Vindicator — North Missouri^ Herald — Huntsville 
Herald — Higbee Enterprise — Moberly ^eraM a7id Heal Estate Index — TTie Meni- 
tor — Moberly 2)ai7j/ Enterprise — Enterprise-Monitor — The Headlight — The Chron- 
icle — The M-ob^xly Fortschritt — Public Schools. 

The press, the great luminary of liberty, is the handmaid of prog- 
ress. It heralds its doings and makes known its discoveries. It is 
its advance courier, whose coming is eagerly looked for and whose 
arrival is hailed with joy, as it brings tidings of its latest achieve- 
ments. The press prepares the way and calls mankind to witness the 
approaching procession of the triumphal car of progress as it passes 
on down through the vale of the future. When the car of progress 
stops the press will cease, and the intellectual and mental world will 
go down in darkness. The press is progress, and progress the press. 
So intimately are they related, and their interests interwoven, that 
one cannot exist without the other. Progress made no advancement 
against the strong tides of ignorance and vice in the barbaric past 
until it called to its aid the press. In it is found its greatest dis- 
covery, its most valuable aid, and the true philosopher's stone. 

The history of this great discovery dates back to the fifteenth cen- 
tury. Its discovery and subsequent utility resulted from the follow- 
ing causes in the following manner : Laurentius Coster, a native of 
Haerlem, Holland, while rambling through the forest contiguous to his 
native city, carved some letters on the bark ©f a birch tree. Drowsy 
from the relaxation of a holiday, he wrapped his carvings in a piece of 
paper and lay down to sleep. While men sleep progress moves, and 
Coster awoke to discover a phenomenon, to him simple, strange and 
suggestive. Dampened by the atmospheric moisture, the paper 
wrapped about his handiwork had taken an impression from them, and 
the surprised burgher saw on the paper an inverted image of what he 
had engraved on the bark. The phenomenon was suggestive, because 
it led to experiments that resulted in establishing a printing office, 
(342) 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 343 

the first of its kind in the old Dutch town. In this office John Guten- 
burg served a faithful and appreciative apprenticeship, and from it, at 
the death of his master, absconding during a Christmas festival, tak- 
ing with him a considerable portion of the type and apparatus. Guten- 
burg settled in Mentz, where he won the friendship and partnership 
of John Faust, a man of sufficient means to place the enterprise on a 
secure financial basis. Several years later the partnership was dis- 
solved because of a misunderstanding. Gutenburg then formed a 
partnership with a younger brother, who had set up an office at Stras- 
burg, but had not been successful, and becoming involved in lawsuits, 
had fled from that city to join his brother at Mentz. These brothers 
were the first to use metal types. Faust, after his dissolution with 
Gutenburg, took into partnership Peter Schoeffer, his servant, and a 
most ingenious printer. Schoeff'er privately cut matrices for the 
whole alphabet. Faust was so pleased that he gave Schoeflfer his only 
daughter in marriage. These are the great names in the early history 
of printing, and each is worthy of special honor. 

Coster's discovery of wood blocks or plates on which the page to be 
printed was engraved, was made some time between 1440 and 1450, and 
Schoeffer's improvement — casting the type by means of matrices — 
was made about 1456. For a long time printing was dependent 
upon most clumsy apparatus. The earliest press had a contrivance 
for running the forms under the point of pressure by means of a screw. 
When the pressure was applied the screw was loosened, the form with- 
drawn and the sheet removed. Improvements were made upon these 
crude beginnings from time to time, until the hand-press now in use 
is a model of simplicity, durability and execution. In 1844, steam 
was first applied to cylinder presses by Frederick Kong, a Saxon 
genius, and the subsequent progress of steam printing has been so 
remarkable as to almost justify a belief in its absolute perfection. In- 
deed, to appreciate the improvement in presses alone, one ought to be 
privileged to stand awhile by the pressman who operated the* clumsy 
machine of Gutenburg, and then he should step into one of the well- 
appointed modern printing offices of our larger cities, where he could 
notice the roll of dampened paper entering the great power presses, 
a continuous sheet, and issuing therefrom as newspapers, ready for 
the carrier or express. The Romans, in the times of the emperors, 
had periodicals, notices of passing events, compiled and distributed. 
These daily events were the newspapers of that age. In 1536, the 
first newspaper of modern times was issued at Venice, but govern- 
mental bigotry compelled its circulation in manuscript form. 
17 



344 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

Ill 1663, the Public Intelligencer was published in London, and is 
credited with being the first English paper to attempt the dissemina- 
tion of general information. The first American newspaper was the 
Boston Neios-Letter ^ whose first issue was made April 24, 1704. It 
was a half-sheet, twelve inches by eight, with two columns to the page. 
John Campbell, the postmaster, was the publisher. The Boston Ga- 
zette made its first appearance December 21, 1719, and the American 
WeeMy^ at Philadelphia, December 22, 1719. In 1776 the number 
of newspapers published in the colonies was 37 ; in 1828, the 
number had increased to 852, and at the present time not less than 
2,000 newspapers are supported by our people. Journalism, by which 
is meant the compiling of passing public events, for the purpose of 
making them more generally -known and instructive, has become a 
powerful educator. Experience has been its only school for special 
training, its only text for study, its only test for theory. It is scarcely 
a profession, but is advancing rapidly toward that dignity. A distinct 
department of literature has been assigned to it. Great editors are 
writing autobiographies and formulating their methods and opinions ; 
historians are rescuing from oblivion the every-day life of deceased 
journalists ; reprints of interviews with famous journalists, touching 
the difi*erent phases of their profession, are deemed worthy of publi- 
cation in book form. Leading universities have contemplated the in- 
auguration of courses of study specially designed to fit men and women 
for the duties of the newspaper sanctum. These innovations are 
not untimely, since no other class of men are so powerful for good 
or ill as editors. More than any other class they form public opinion 
while expressing it, for most men but echo the sentiments of favorite 
journalists. Even statesmen, ministers and learned professors not 
unfrequently get their best thoughts and ideas from the papers they 
read. 

The Huntsville Recorder was the pioneer newspaper of Huntsville 
and of Randolph county. It was established, we suppose, some time 
during the year 1853, judging from what the proprietor, John R. 
Hull, says in his valedictory. Through the kindness of Mrs. E. G. St. 
Olair, we have been permitted to see the first copy of the Independent 
Missourian, which contains the valedictory of the editor of the He- 
corder, and also the salutatory of E. G. St. Clair, the editor of the 
Independent Missourian. The valedictory is as follows : — 

We appear once more before our readers and the public generally, 
in order to make our parting bow to them in retiring from the position 
of editor, which we have occupied for some time past. In doing so, we 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 345 

renew the hope expressed on a former occasion, that our readers may 
have been pleased with our efibrts to amuse and inform them ; and if 
at any time, they may not have been altogether satisfied, we ask of 
them to remember only the good and forget the ill of us. We have 
heard remarks once or twice about the " failure of the i?ecorc?er." 
We beg leave to state there Avas no such thing as a failure. The pro- 
prietors of the Recorder sold it, as they intended to do from the first, 
provided they had a suitable offer; if they had not met with such an 
ofl'er the paper would still have been continued and issued as regularly 
as usual. Their only motive was to keep up a county paper here. 
As for ourself, we have not, nor ever have had, any idea of becoming 
an editor for any great length of time. Our profession, as our 
readers all know, is a totally difierent one ; and we have never had 
the slightest intention of chano^ins^ it. Mr. St. Clair who succeeds us 
in the editorial chair has been connected with the press for many 
years ; and so far as we are able to judge, he is thoroughly acquainted 
with the business of conducting a paper in the proper style, and is 
also fully qualified for that position. We hope, and indeed confidently 
expect, that he will be able to give entire satisfaction to our patrons. 
In conclusion, we ofl'er to our readers and citizens our best wishes for 
their future welfare in all things, and may success ever attend them. 
Though we retire from the editorial office, we may still be found at 
our office at all times, where we shall be happy to see visitors, whether 
on business or otherwise. Call and see us reader, and give us the 
pleasure of your acquaintance. 

Respectfully, 

John R. Hull. 

E. G. St. Clair succeeded Mr. Hull as editor, and changed the name 
of the paper to the Independent Missourian. The following is his 
salutatory : — 

With this number commences the first volume of the Independent 
Missourian. In accordance with a long established custom, as well 
as with our own views of propriety, we take this opportunity to give 
the public a brief outline of the course we will pursue as a public 
journalist. Independent is the name we have chosen for our journal, 
and independent we intend it shall be in all things, but neutral in 
nothing. To advance the interest of our adopted county and State, 
and to contribute as far as in us lies to the prosperity of this 
glorious sisterhood of States, is the highest object of our ambition, 
and to the attainment of which all our energies will be directed. No 
party in politics or sect in religion will receive our support, except 
so far as in our judgment, its religious or political tenets tend to the 
great objects we have in view, viz. : The loelfare of our common 
country. This is the standard by which we shall judge of the public 
acts of our public men. In a word, we will labor for the good of the 
country, and not for the supremacy of party. Instead of long 
leaders on the old, stale political dogmas of Whig and Democratic 



346 • HISTORY or Randolph county. 

orthodoxy, our columns will be filled with all the earliest, foreign, 
domestic news and local items. The mighty events now transpiring 
in Europe, Asia and on our own continent — the fearful struggle in 
which every power in Europe seems likely to be soon involved — the 
result of battles more momentous in their consequences than any 
which have been fought since the star of the first Napoleon sank in 
blood — will be fully given in the Independent Missourian. Our 
paper will be fully as good as any weekly in all the surrounding 
country, and equally as interesting to all classes, unless it be to the 
hackneyed politician to whose soul tricks of party " are as congenial 
as candor and fair dealing are strangers." Our terms are One Dol- 
lar, invariably in Advance. We believe and confidently expect, that 
the citizens of Randolph will rally to our support, give us a liberal 
subscription list, and always /orA; over the dollar al the time of sub- 
scribing. 

E. G. St. Clair. 

As the paper from which we have taken the above was published 30 
years ago, it may be a matter of some interest to our readers of to-day 
to know who then advertised among the business and professional men 
of the town, and to see something of the advertisements and character 
of the matter which the paper contained. 

Business men. — P. G. Gerhart, stove and tin store; J. F. Riley, 
gunsmithing ; A. J. Ferguson, manufacturer of saddles, trunks, har- 
ness and upholstery ; J. C. Shaefer, tailor ; L. Heether, Randolph 
House ; Smothers & Tedford, saw-mills, two miles from town ; B. N. 
Tracy, general store ; J. B. & G. W. Taylor, general store ; Patton 
& Samuel, general store; J. V. Hardy &> Co., wholesale and retail 
druggists. 

Professional Men. — John R. Hull, attorney-at-law ; G. H. Burck- 
hartt, attorney-at-law; Thomas B. Reed, attorney-at-law; H. M. 
Porter, attorney-at-law ; B. P. Herndon, physician ; J. H. Miller, 
physician; W. T. Dameron, physician; William C. Bohannon, 
* physician; W. H. Taylor, physician, six miles north of Huntsville ; 
James J. Watts, physician, eight miles south of Huntsville. 

There seems to have flourished at that early day in Huntsville, a 
lottery, as will be seen by the following advertisement : — 
Now Fortune Waves the Magic Wand : 

1,000 dollar lottery to come off in Huntsville on Christmas day. A 
free dinner will be given to all ticket holders. Call and get a ticket 
soon, or they will all be gone and none left for the lucky ones. 

S. W. Robertson. 

SLAVES FOR SALE. 

The undersigned will keep constantly on hand, negro men, women, 
boys and girls in Huntsville. All persons who wish to buy negroes, 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 347 

can make it their interest to call on the subscribers, or address them 
by letter, giving description of the kind of slaves desired. 

®:^=A11 negroes warranted to come up to recommendations, or 
taken back or exchanged. H. L. Rutherford, 

Wm. D. Malone. 

wives wanted. 

[For the Indepeudeut Missourian.] 

Two young men are anxious to secure wives, while men are scarce 
and girls are plenty. The hair of one is auburn, with fair complexion, 
rather corpulent, with considerable pretensions to literature, is be- 
lieved as good-looking. The other has light hair, ayes nearly gray, 
tall, complexion rather pale, but passable looking, teeth bad. Both 
possess some money, but little inclination to work. We wish wives 
with a good suit of hair (black preferred), positively no gray ones ; 
of medium size ; brunette complexion preferred, but do not feel dis- 
posed to make that a point ; rosy cheeks, pouting lips, hands and 
feet small, straight nose, but not sharp, good teeth, sweet breath, and 
they must abhor tobacco (for we wish to use that). No claims as 
noble descendants of noble parentage, as we wish none higher than 
the second families of Virginia. Widows we wish included, if they 
possess not more than five responsibilities. We have mutually agreed 
that one shall have all the money, as we have not enough to serve 
both plentifully ; and that one of the ladies must be in good circum- 
stances, the other may be poor. What the gents lack in money will 
be made up in kindness. 

All communications with inquiries will be promptly answered. 

Address Cupid, 

Huntsville, Mo. 

The Randolph Citizen succeeded the Independent Missourian in 
May, 1858, and was first published by Francis M. Taylor. It was 
afterwards conducted at different times by Richard W. Thompson, 
Alexander Phipps, William A. Thompson, James B. Thompson and 
W. C. Davis, and was discontinued in the latter part of the year 1875. 

The Randolph American was the next paper established at Hunts- 
ville, and was started in November, 1858, by G. M. Smith and J. M. 
Stone, under the firm name of Smith & Stone. 

The publication of the Randolph Vindicator was commenced 
February 28th, 1878, by Balthis & Collins (W. H. Balthis and H. C. 
Collins), who continued to run it for about 12 months, when it 
ceased to exist. 

The North Missouri Herald was established January 10, 1869, by 
John R. Christian, J. S. Hunter and L. R. Brown. In May follow- 
ing, the interest of L. R. Brown was taken by W. C. Davis. In Jan- 



348 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. - 

iiary, 1870, the interest of John R. Christian was purchased by 
Thomas D. Bogie. In October, 1870, the interest of W. C. Davis 
was purchased by J. S. Hunter and T. D. Bogie. The paper was 
run by these parties until January 1, 1875, when the interest of J. S. 
Hunter was purchased by T. D. Bogie, who run the paper alone until 
January 16, 1879, when he sold it to T. M. Elmore, who managed it 
by himself until July following when he sold a half-interest to W. 
H. Balthis, and the paper is still being conducted by these gentlemen. 
The name was changed from North Missouri Herald to Huntsville 
Herald in April, 1870. The Herald is now the only paper published 
in Huntsville. 

The Higbee Enterprise was published at Higbee in 1882-83, by 
Dentith & Ferlet (William E. Dentith and Timothy A. Ferlet). 

MOBERLY PAPERS. 

The first newspaper published in Moberly was the Moberly Herald 
and Real Estate Index, published by William E. Grimes, who was 
the first real estate agent in the place. The first number was issued 
January 16, 1869. It was a sixteen-column folio, and contained 13 
columns of reading matter, and three of advertisements. 

There are three weekly and two daily papers published in Moberly. 
The Monitor, a weekly journal, was started in 1869 and for several 
years it was published only weekly. The Moberly Daily Enterprise 
was established in the spring of 1873. In 1874 these two journals 
consolidated under the name of Enterprise- Monitor, and at a later 
date the title " Enterprise " was dropped and the paper has ever since 
been conducted as the Daily and Weekly Monitor. Steam power has 
been added and the printing house has been greatly enlarged, doing 
all classes of work. It is owned and published by George B. Kelly. 
It is Democratic in politics. 

The Headlight was established in 1873 and published both as a 
daily and weekly edition. A job office attached does all kinds of work 
in that line. It has a power press and other machinery, and does a 
large amount of business. It is owned and published by William May- 
nard, and is Republican in politics. 

The Chronicle was started as a daily and weekly journal in the fall 
of 1880 by William A. Thompson. In the winter of 1881-2 the 
paper was removed to Missouri City and subsequently to Salisbury, 
Mo. At the latter place Mr. Thompson died, and his widow, Mrs. 
Ella Thompson, continued the publication of the paper, removing it 
to Moberly in the summer of 1883, where it is now issued as a weekly 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 349 

journal. It is Democratic in politics so far as it treats of political 
matters. 

These journals have an extensive circulation and are important fac- 
tors in the commercial interests of the city. 

The Moberly Fortschritt, was started April 1, 1881, by G. B. Kelly, 
who after running it for one year, sold it to Gus. Miller, who after 
continuing it about three months, ceased publishing it. 

PUBLIC SCHOOLS ENUMERATION. 

Number of white children, males 3479 ; females, 3335 ; number of 
colored children, males, 426 ; females, 416 ; total, 7656. 

To accommodate this number of children there have been erected in 
the county 87 school buildings ; eight of these are for colored chil- 
dren. They are neat frame buildings, and have been constructed 
with reference to the health, comfort and convenience of both 
teacher and pupils. These pupils are under the care and instruction 
of 48 male and 73 female teachers, who are, in the main, not persons 
who have temporarily adopted the vocation of a teacher as a mere 
expedient to relieve present wants, and with no ultimate aim to 
continue teaching, but who have chosen their profession from choice, 
expecting to make a life work of it. The male teachers are paid 
a salary which averages $43.00 per month, and the female a salary 
which averages $35.00 per month. We hope the day is not far dis- 
tant when Eandolph county will be as liberal in the salaries of the 
female teachers in her public schools as Greene, Dallas and a few 
other counties in the State. These counties have recognized the fact 
that the services of the female teacher are worth just as much as the 
services of the male, and are accordingly paying her an equal salary. 

For teachers' wages, the sum of $24,218.10 was paid out during 
the year 1883 ; for fuel, $1,036.85 ; for repairs and rent of buildings, 
$1,179.88; for apparatus and incidental expenses, $2,656.91; for 
erection of school-houses and purchase of sites, $1,086.50; for past 
indebtedness, $2,016.44; for salaries to district clerks, $393.00; 
amount on hand at the close of the year, $4,150.68; value of school 
property at the close of the year, $45,574.00 ; average rate per $100 
levied for school purposes, 43 cents. 

The county has now a school fund of more than $37,000, which is 
rapidly increasing year by year. The schools are in a flourishing con- 
dition throughout the county, and are being liberally patronized by 
all classes of persons. The opposition and prejudice, with which they 
met a few years ago, are gradually dying out, and everybody is now 
a friend of the public schools. 



CHAPTEE XYIL 

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 

HAPPY ZION AND SILVER CREEK ( BAPTIST) CHURCH. 
[By Eev. M. J. Sears.] 

On the third Saturday in August, 1819, before Missouri was a 
State, or Randolph was a county, a number of the early settlers met 
together, and were organized into a Baptist Church, and gave it the 
name of Happy Ziou, and on the second Saturday in the following 
month, united with the Mt. Pleasant Association, organized at Mt. 
Pleasant Church, Howard county, just one year before. The dele- 
gates chosen by the church to bear their petitionary letter to the As- 
sociation, were: Thomas Henson, William Harvey and Asa Kirby. 
*********** * * 

At the August meeting, 1827, the name of the church was changed 
to Silver Creek. Up to this date and for many years later, almost 
the entire settlement was made up of Baptists and their families, and 
the church enjoyed to a very liberal degree the blessings of the Lord, 
reporting peace and prosperity in all the letters, which were annually 
sent up to the association, down to the year 1835. Yet the member- 
ship, perhaps, never at any one time, numbered over 75 or 80 per- 
sons, for other Baptist churches were organized in the surrounding 
country, and drew largely upon the present body for membership ; 
among which we mention Mt. Harmon, Mt. Ararat, Pleasant Grove, 
Dover (first called Turner's Prairie), and Little Union, located in the 
north suburbs of North Huntsville, all of which have become extinct. 
The different pastors who served the church up to date above men- 
tioned were Elders Thomas Henson, Charles Harryman, James Rat- 
cliff, Thomas Fristoe and William Sears. All, except Elder Fristoe, 
commenced their ministry in, and were ordained by Silver Creek 
Church. Among the influential citizens who were prominent members 
of that church, before the year 1835, were William Harvey, Dr. 
William Fort, Hardy Sears, Aaron King, John Whelden, William and 
Joseph Marrow, Ambrose Halliburton, Blandermin Smith, Abraham 
Gross, Asa Kirby, Isaiah Humphrey, Basil McDavitt, Sr., Wiley 
(350) 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 351 

Sears, Sr., David Crews, Charles Finuell, William Cavens, Benjamin 
Hardister and Richard Bradley. These and many others, whose 
names are not at hand, all obtained a good report through faith, and 
have gone from faith to sight in the glory land. 

At the October meeting following the division in Mt. Pleasant As- 
sociation, Isaiah Humphrey and wife, Basil McDavitt, Sr., and wife, 
William Cavens and wife, and Nancy West withdrew from Silver 
Creek Church in order to form a separate body, and to become identi- 
fied with what was then called the " Missionary Party ^''^ since which 
time the church has enjoyed uninterrupted peace, and a fair share of 
prosperity. The writer of this united with the church in October, 
1849, and began his ministry before he was 20 years of age, and at 
21 years of age was ordained to the pastoral care of the church, and 
has sustained that relation to the church to this day. From 1835 to 
1849, Elders William Sears, John Buster and John Mansfield, each 
in turn, served the church as pastors with good success. These were 
o-ood and faithful ministers, but on account of the distance thev lived 
from the field of their labors, would often fail to meet appointments. 
In 1840 Brother James Sears, and in 1843, Brother Willis Sears, now 
©f Chariton Church, Macon county, left the " Missionaries," and were 

received into the church upon their baptism. 

************* 

Soon after the unhappy division of 1835, a large per cent of our 
membership emigrated to Macon county, and helped to found the 
now prosperous churches at Chariton and Little Zion, in that county ; 
and in this county, the churches at Hickory Grove and Oak Grove, 
which are both prosperous. Besides the two last named and the 
mother church, there are also Pleasant Hill and Moberly Churches, 
making five in all, of the Primitive Order in Randolph county. 
Elders W. A. Rothwell, M.D., James Bradley, James P. Carter 
and the writer are the ministers of the Primitive Baptist faith in this 
county. The first named is a native of Kentucky, brother Carter, of 
Virginia ; brother Bradley and the writer were born and raised in this 
county. Elders James RatclifF, William Sears, James Barnes, Archi- 
bald Pattison, J. W. Garshwiler, John Buster and James Grisholm 
have all been residents of this county, and in turn have served the old 
churches above named, and have all gone to their reward above to 
rest from their labors below. Elder William Sears was ordained to 
gospel ministry in Silver Creek Church in 1836. No other ordination 
to the ministry occurred in the church until the third Sunday in April, 



352 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

1851, when the writer was set apart to the important work of preach- 
ing the gospel of Christ to dying men. Since that time the chnrch 
has set apart Elder Lewis Sears and Elder J. W. Bradley (since 
deceased) and granted license to Elder P. M. Sears, who was after- 
ward ordained to the ministry at the request of Oak Grove Church. 

Little Union Church (^Baptist). — This is the name of the first 
church edifice that was erected near the town of Huntsville. It was 
a log cabin, and was erected about one mile north of the town, as early 
as 1828. Among its constituent members were Nancy Wright, Dr. 
William Forth and wife, Mr. Lafon and wife, Martha Fort, Abraham 
Riley and wife, Rachel Riley, James Riley, Nancy Goggin, John 
Smoot and wife, Susan Smoot, Martin Fletcher and wife, Charles 
Hatfield and wife, Benjamin Skinner and wife, Paulina Skinner, 
Thomas Hardister and wife, Isaac Harris and wife, Blandermin Smiths 
This church was presided over by Revs. Lynch Turner, John Buster, 
James Ratclifi' and Thomas Fristoe, at difierent intervals. 

After the course of several years, the old building was torn down,, 
and a new house of worship erected near the present site of Lay's 
Mill, which is in the corporate limits of Huntsville. 

Providence {Methodist) Church — Was organized in 1834 at the 
cabin of S. G. Johnson, with the following named persons as consti- 
tuting the original membership : S. G. Johnson, Nancy W. Johnson, 
Margaret Cooper, Nancy Fawks, Polly Fawks, and Lasey Cooper. 
About the year 1836 this congregation had preaching at what was 
known as Johnson's School House, and in 1846 they erected Old 
Providence Church, called the " Twelve Corners." In 1878, the pre- 
sent frame house of worship was built at a cost of $1,100, the dedi- 
catory service the same year being presided over by Rev. B. F. 
Johnson, D.D. Among those who have ministered to the spiritual 
needs of this church are Jesse Green, presiding elder and circuit 
preacher; Read Coleburn, Forsythe Thatcher, R. B. Ashby (presid- 
ing), William Caples, William Sutton, A. Monroe, J. Elder Eads. 
The membership now numbers about 80. 

Renick Union Church. — This house of worship was built jointly 
by the M. E. Church South, Christian and Missionary Baptist, at a 
cost of $3,000, each denomination contributing the sum of $1,000 
towards its erection. It is situated in the town of Renick. Amona^ 
the names of the original members of the Methodist congregation are 
found those of Stephen Brockman and wife, Thomas Brockman, Mrs. 
Thomas Spurlin, Thomas Price, wife and daughter, Elizabeth Pyles, 
E. D. J. Brockman, S. W. Hubbard, Jane Hubbard, and Rev. Wesley 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 353 

Hatton and family — Jane, Reuben and David. The first pastor of 
this congregation was Rev. Collett, followed by Revs. Taylor, W. N. 
Sutton and Thomas B. Moss. About 50 persons constitute the mem- 
bership at present. 

Some of the primary members connected with the Baptist denom- 
ination were William Butler, W. F. Elliott and G. O. Powell and 
wife. Rev. Beauchamp was the first to preach for the congregation. 

An organization of the Christian Church was effected about the year 
1860, by Rev. W. B. Anderson, at which time S. N. Pyle and wife, An- 
tony Foster, S. S. Elliott and wife, M. M. Burton and wife, T. C. 
Walker and wife, Mrs. Jules Chilton and Daniel Bruce and wife com- 
posed the first members. Now the membership is 70. Revs. Wilmott, 
Donan and C. P. HoUis have been their pastors. 

This church edifice was completed in 1876, at a cost (as above 
stated) of $3,000. The same year it was dedicated by Rev. John D. 
Vincil. A Sabbath-school containing about 40 scholars was started 
in 1870, and is now superintended by J. A. Mitchell. It is a strong 
pillar of the church. 

Chapel Grove Church — Which is located on the southern part of 
section 26, township 52, range 13, was formed into an organization 
about the year 1869, by William B. Cross and wife, J. B. Green and 
wife, Samuel Lyons and wife, George W. Ferguson and wife, G. W. 
Hubbard and wife, Mrs. Stockton and Albert Smith and wife, who 
were the charter members. Rev. William Wood first filled the pulpit 
of the church, after him coming Revs. DeMoss, John Shores, J. F. 
Rooker, William Sutton, William Warren, A. Spencer and R. F. 
Beavers. In 1871 the present building, in which services are held — 
a frame, 32x42 feet — was completed and is valued at $1,200. The 
number in the church at this time is 55. 

Enon Missionary Baptist Church. — In 1872 William Moberlyand 
wife, William Bartee and wife, Cephus Nichols and wife, Jesse Burton, 
wife and son, Oscar Paul De Garino, Mrs. Isaac Stipe, and possibly 
others, met and formed the above named church. That year, or 
during the following one, a church building was erected on section 2, 
township 53, range 13, and cost in the vicinity of $600. It is a 
frame structure, and in the fall of 1873 was dedicated by Rev. W. L. 
T. Evans, who was the first shepherd of this little flock. William 
Woods, John R. Terrell and Rev. Evans, the present pastor, succeeded 
the first mentioned. The number of the present membership is 40. 

Mt. Carmel Church — Was organized August 31, 1873, by Rev. 
J. B. Mitchell, with five elders, Henry T. Johnson, James M. Holman, 



354 



HISTORY OF KANDOLPH COUNTY. 



William D. Harlan, Thomas J. Sherran, Paul Teeter. Two deacons 
were ordained in August, 1874 ; George W. Harlan and George W. 
Clardj. Thomas J. Sherran ceased to act in 1880 as elder, and James 
M. McGoodwin and James K. Harlan were elected elders March 6, 
1881. George W. Chirdy ceased to act as deacon in 1879, and Oscar 
C. Bedel was elected to fill his place. George W. Harlan and Oscar 
C. Bedel discontinued their services as deacons in 1882, and I. N. 
Harlan and William T. Farris were elected in their stead. The 
church was organized with 85 members, — Henry T. Johnson, 
James M. Holman, William D. Harlan, Thomas J. Sherran, Paul 
Teeter, Elizabeth N. Johnson, M. L. Johnson, James T. Day, G. J. 
Dressier, J. A. McGuire, J. S. Harlan, J. D. Gregory, M. C. Adams, 
S. L. Harlan, M. L. Summers, J. H. Frazier, G. W. Clardy, Wm. H. 
Mofi'ett, Hugh Eagan, Ella Eagan,iV[. R. Kirkpatrick, G. W. Harlan, 
W. B. Morris, M. E. Morris, I. N. Harlan, Samuel McGuire, Joseph 
Roygere, O. C. Redd, S. F. Gregory, M. J. Eagan, J. S. Combs, 
Martha Combs, M. S. Harlan, Dora Doaks, R. S. Holman, J. W. 
Gray, M. L. Clardy, M. C. Barnes, H. Burton, S. A. Burton, L. S. 
Dressier, G. W. Harlan, W. McDaniel, A. E. McDaniel, G. Darr, 
Samuel Epperly, Mary Epperly, M. A. Epperly, Thomas McCully, 
M. E. Clardy, N. F. Power, S. C. Power, J. W. Vreeman, S. F. 
McCully, G. P. Epperly, Felise Day, Nancy Day, M. L. Holman, J. 
S. Barnes, S. T. Barnes, Harriet Darr, W. H. Eagan, G. J. Eagan, 
W. T. Dameron, H. A. Epard, C. B. Day, James H. Rogers, J. L. 
Powers, M. F. Burton, M. H. Tinsley, J. W. Harlan, John Roger, Eliza 
Roger, C. F. Harlan, Isaac S. Harlan, J. W. Turner, M. L. Rogers, L. 
A. Teeter, S. M. Harlan, W. D. Johnson, Fanny McGuire, Biney Mc- 
Guire, S. J. Harlan, R. J. Moffett and D. E. Frazier. At the present 
date 170 persons constitute the membership. The church house was 
built in 1876 at a cost of $1,200. Rev. James Dysart is the present 
pastor. 

Vlifton Bill Church — Was originally known as " Dark's Prairie " 
Church (thus called at organization), and held its first meetings one 
mile north of Clifton until the new house of worship was completed 
in 1868, when it was moved to that structure, and shortly thereafter 
the name was changed to the present form. This latter building is 
valued at $1,200, and was dedicated to God's service in the fall of 
1868 by Noah Flood. Rev. S. Y. Pitts was called as pastor when the 
church was started, and has since served in this capacity. The organ- 
izing members of the society were H. Stamper, Sarah Stamper, D. J. 
Stamper, Mary A. Stamper, Isaac Sanders, Phebe Sanders, Jonathan 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 355 

Sanders, Frances Sanders, Indiana Sanders, Kile}^ Sanders, David 
Clifton, and another person named Sanders, whose Christian name we 
were unable to learn. There are now in the church 168 members. 

Silver Creek Baptist Church — Effected an organization on the 
third Saturday of August, 1819, the originators being Elders Thorp 
and Hubbard. The names of those comprising the first membership 
we were unable to obtain, as they are not specified on the record. In 
1833 a log house for worship was built. The church became sepa- 
rated upon the missionary question and subsequently was reorganized, 
their first meeting being held the fourth Saturday of November, 1835, 
when Thomas Fristoe was made pastor and Isaiah Humphreys deacon, 
with William Cavins as clerk. In 1860 the building in which services 
are now held was erected at a cost of $1,200. It is a frame structure, 
and was dedicated by Elder M. J. Sears, anti-Missionary, and Elder 
Noah Flood of the Eegular Baptist Church. The names of the pastors 
who have served the church are as follows : Thomas Fristoe, from 
1835 to March, 1839 ; Wm. Mansfield, 1839-1845 ; Jesse Ferril, 1846 ; 
John Roan, 1847-1852 ; Jesse Ferril, again, 1853-1858 ; F. M. Stark, 
1858-1863 ; William C. Woods in 1863 ; S. Y. Pitts, April, 1864, 
March, 1867 ; Lewis Sears, 1867-1869 ; F. M. Stark from February, 
1869, to February, 1870 ; J. W. Terril accepted the care of the church 
as pastor in June, 1870, and resigned in November, 1871 ; F. M. 
Stark, December, 1871, September, 1876; W. Kilbuck was elected 
pastor October, 1876, and continued to April, 1878 ; F. M. Stark was 
again elected in May, 1878, for 12 months; J. W. Terril, October, 
1879, resigned in February, 1881 ; Elder Stark was then elected in 
xMarch of the same year, and is pastor at this time (April, 1884). 
The records show that 200 persons have been members of this church, 
52 of whom are known to be dead, and most of these died while con- 
nected with this cono-reo-ation ; 13 have been excluded from the fellow- 
ship of the church, and the remainder, except the 40 who now compose 
the organization, have been dismissed by letter to join other churches 
of a like faith and order. 

Mount Vernon Missionary Baptist Church. — This church now has 
a membership of 75, but at the organization, in 1858, had only nine 
members, as follows : John S. Kimbrough and wife, F. B. Hubbard 
and wife, Mary Y. Settle, J. G. Settle and wife and Simeon Styles 
and wife. At an expenditure of $1,200, a fine, well-finished structure, 
in which services are now held, was built in the fall of 1881. It is of 
frame, 28x42, and was dedicated by Rev. F. W. Houtchin, Benjamin 
Gentry and P. T. Gentry. The latter gentleman was the first pastor 



356 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

of the church, and served as such for a number of 3'ears, being suc- 
ceeded by W. L. T. Evans, W. W. Kilbuck and Daniel R. Evans, 
the present minister in charge. 

Good Hoj^e Missionary Baptist Church. — In a good, substantial 
log house — which was built by the members, and money to the 
amomit of $50 — services of this body are now held once a month. 
Though not a building of any very great external beauty, within a 
spirit of unity, peace and concord prevails among the members — a 
beauty, though not so apparent, of far more value. The organization 
was effected in 1871, with Hugh Jackson and wife. Rev. J. M. Byram 
and wife, Samuel Jackson, John H. Roberts and wife, Sarah Hargis, 
and Mrs. Naler. The church edifice was erected in 1872 and was 
dedicated by Revs. J. M. Byram, Woods and others. The pastors 
have been : Revs. J. M. Byram, W. W. Kilbuck, Jackson Harris, Ed- 
ward Silver and William Brown. Rev. Jackson Harris is the present 
incumbent. 

Pleasant Hill Regular Baptist Church — Is located on section 8, town- 
ship 54, range 14 ( Salt Spring township). In 1865-66 this church edi- 
fice, for the purposes of worship, was built at a cost of about $1,000. 
In dimensions it is 36x40 feet. At the organization of the church, in 
May, 1866 (organized by Rev. M. S. Sears), the following persons 
were present and their names placed upon the records : Leonard Dott- 
son and wife, Mrs. Margaret Goodding, R. R. Goodding and wife, 
Nancy Hall and sister, Peyton Hall, Mrs. Mason, S. G. Phipps and 
wife, J. R. Phipps and wife, William Rodgers and wife and James 
Brock, wife and mother. At this time the membership numbers 
nearly 40. Revs. M. J. Sears, Benjamin Owen, P. M. Sears and 
James K. Carter have filled the pulpit of the society. The latter is 
the present pastor. The Missionary Baptists have a half interest in 
the church, which was deeded to them in the fall of 1883, but they 
have held services there for some 14 years. Their ministers have 
been W. L. T. Evans, S. Y. Pitts and G. B. Clifton. They have 61 
members in their organization. 

Highee Christian Church. — The original organization of this body 
took place near the year 1845 in the vicinity of the town of Higbee, 
and was known as the Dover Church. From continued usage, and 
after withstanding the storms of many winters, the church structure 
about rotted, and a new edifice was erected one mile west of Higbee, 
in which services were held until the formation of the present church 
at HiMDee in the summer of 1880. Some of the members at the re- 
oriranization were : M. M. Burton, wife, two sons and an adopted 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 357 

daughter ; J. W. Burton, wife, and two sons ; S. Lessly, wife, mother 
and one son ; W. L. Eeynolds, John W. Newby, John Blackford, Sarah 
Blackford, Eleven Dawkins and wife, Ann Dysart, Mary 8. Dysart, 
Alice Yates, Fannie Yates and Joel Yates. Their present house of wor- 
ship is a frame building, 36x56, erected at an expense of $1,900. It 
was dedicated by Eev. Joel A. Headington and Rev. C. P. Hollis. 
The former was the first pastor, and since then Rev. Headington has 
ministered to the spiritual necessities of the congregation. There are 
75 members, and 'services are held there times a month. The Sab- 
bath-school, with a regular attendance of 50 pupils, is superintended 
by S. Lessly. 

Salem Christian Church. — In the summer of 1873 this church 
completed a house of worship, 30x34 feet, with 14 feet of studding — 
property now valued at about $600. It is a frame building, and is 
located on section 2, township 53, range 13. The formation of the 
church took place in 1872, when Jason Moberly and wife, T. J. 
Nichols and wife, J. Quisenberry and wife, C. B. Quisenberry 
and wife, William Love and wife, and John Reid and wife con- 
stituted the regular members. There are now about 60 commu- 
nicants. Among those who have served as pastors are Revs. William 
Blackburn, P. C. Hollis, John McCune, R. H, Love, after whom 
came J. C. Reynolds, then George Dew, and, finally, William Hen- 
derson. It is now in a most flourishing condition. 

Antioch Christian Church. — On the first Lord's Day in July, 1837, 
this church was constituted as such, and among the early members we 
find the following named well known persons the first 11 were con- 
stituent members : Roland T. Proctor and wife, Diana D. ; Benjamin 
Haley and wife, Eliza ; James Heathman and wife, Elizabeth ; James 
Adams and Caroline, his wife ; Joseph C. and Eliza Drake ; James 
Beatty, Jacob Roman, William Haley and wife, Belinda; Henry R. 
Haley, Joseph W. Helm, Thomas P. Coates and wife, Frances; Nor- 
burn Coates, David Myers and Mary, his wife ; Henry and Judith 
Myers, Henry H. Newton, Henry Grimes, James G. Dunn, Ambrose 
Haley and wife, Cassandra ; Isaac Foster, Peter Matthews and wife, 
Ettaline; Asa C. Proctor, Ardeline Chapman and Cynthia, his wife; 
Thomas Wilson, Nathaniel Welch, Alexander Proctor, Dabney 
Haggard, William Myers and wife, Christina; William Newton, 
Elisha Sherwood and wife, Frances, and Clement and Amy Jeter. The 
first church building, which was of logs, was constructed in 1837, and 
in" 1860 their present frame structure was completed. Elders Wilmot, 
James A. Berry, William H. Featherston, Peter Donan, George E. 



358 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

Shanklin and George A. Perkins have filled the pulpit, the latter of 
whom is occupying it at this date. He has under his control 77 mem- 
bers. Many ministers of the Christian denomination have become 
famous in this State, and among them might be mentioned Alexander 
Proctor, Thomas P. Haley, Henry H. Haley (now deceased), Will- 
iam H. Featherston and E. J. Lampton of the Antioch Church. 
Their popular reputation has been deservedly won. 

Mount Hope Cumbeiiand Presbyterian Church. — The edifice of 
this denomination, which is located on section 29, township 54, range 
14 (Salt Spring township), was constructed in 1874, and is 24x42 
feet in dimensions, its valuation being about $600. The society 
formed itself into an organization and became known by the above 
name in the spring of 1874, Rev. W. F. Manning being the originator. 
The constituent members were J. S. Jenkins and wife, Margaret 
Evans, Mary A. Walker, A. T. Chapman, M. J. Hardesty, J. J. 
Adams, Ann A. demons, Susan E. demons, W. A. and Mary L. 
Cunningham, Alexander and Sabra Frazier, Eliza J. Shaw, Thomas 
and Sarah A. Hardesty, D. A. Shaw, D. S. and Janette Payne, John 
A. Adams, Roxanna Turner, Fannie E. Jenkins, Jennie A. Adams, 
Mary J. Overby, Arthur Jenkins, May F. Gentry, Barbara E. Riley, 
Mary F. Sperry, Selmon Frazier, Mary E. Payne, Lenora Adams, J. 
H. Hardesty, George Gentry, Josephus Hardesty, W. J. Evans, Mary 
C. Riley and Joan Chapman. Their first pastor was Levi Hanes, fol- 
lowed by Revs. A. M. Buchanan, George Wittingham and J, Lewis 
Route. 

Sugar Creeh Cumberland Presbyterian Church. — The first build- 
ins: of this cono-reojation was erected in 1840 — a structure 26 x 46 feet. 
The present house of worshi]3 is the third one put up upon the same 
site. This is on section 26 of Sugar Creek township, about two miles 
north-west from Moberly. The church was formed under the present 
name in 1834 by Rev. Samuel C. Davis, who was the earnest and 
loved pastor for 18 years. The members at the organization were John 
Tedford and wife, D. Tedford, Andrew and Margaret Hannah, Lu- 
cinda Hannah, and James and Jennie Cunningham. Rev. Lewis Routt 
is the present pastor in charge. 

M. E. Church South — Located at Cairo, through the efforts 
largely of Rev. C. Babcock was constituted as a church organization 
in 1868, John Hoag and wife, William Moody and wife. Walker 
Wright and wife, Harriet Johnson, Sarah Smith, Mrs. Shaw and Mrs. 
Lampton being the original members. A frame house of worship, in 
which services are now held, was built at a cost of $1,400 in 1873, 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 359 

and was dedicated the same year by Dr. W. G. Miller. There are 
now 68 persons in the church. The following named pastors have 
served as such in this congregation: Kevs. C. Babcock, L. Rush, 
David Blackwell, J. S. Todd, Walter Toole, James Taylor, L. Bald- 
win, Walter Toole, L. Brewer, J. C. Carney, George W. Quinby, 
and lastly the present incumbent, J. S. Todd. 

Meals Chapely M. E. Uhurch /South. — The organization of this 
church was consummated by Rev. C. W. CoUett, in 1867, with M. and 
J. Moberly and wives, J, P. Meals and wife, William Grimes, George 
H. Cottingham and wife, William Westfall and wife, Eli Eastwood 
and wife, Mrs. John Mills, Mrs. W. J. Meals, Mrs. Susan Grimes and 
Mrs. Hulda Meals as constituting the primitive members. Since then 
the membership has increased to 42. The following ministers have 
been the pastors of the church since its start; C. W. Collett, Rev. 
J. R. Taylor, H. W. James, William Toole, Rev. Baldwin, W. M. 
Sutton, J. S. Rooker, Joseph Rowe and Robert Loving. The build- 
ing in which worship is conducted was erected in 1867. In size it is 
36x40, and is valued at about $800. 

^620 Hope M. U. Church South. — In the summer of 1881 the 
church edifice now occupied by this congregation was built at an ex- 
penditure of $1,200. It is a frame structure, 30x15 feet, and was 
dedicated the same year, after which, in the fall of 1881, an organiza- 
tion was affected, the original members being G. H. Cottingham and 
wife, S. D. Lyons, wife and two daughters, John J. Matthews and 
wife, S. Robertson and J. T. S. Gates and wife. Revs. William War 
ren, Spencer and R. Beaver have been its ministers. Services are 
conducted by the Methodist denomination in this house once a month, 
and the Christians and Baptists also hold meetings each once a month. 
18 






CHAPTEE XYIIL 

Death of Jas. A. Garfield — Death of C. Wisdom — Death of Capt. Lowry — Death 
of Capt. Coates — Judge Thomas P. White — Sudden. Death of Dr. J. C. Oliver — 
Death of au Old and Estimable Lady — Tornado — Tornado of 1831 — Randolph 
Medical Springs — Official Record — Politics — Taxable Wealth. 

DEATH OF JAMES A. GARFIELD, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. 

[From the Herald.] 

Monday, September 26, 1881, was indeed an impressively sad day 
in Huntsville. Our citizens with great unanimity seemed to appreciate 
fully and deeply the awful fact that on this memorable day, in the far 
off State of Ohio, would be laid to rest for ever in the cold embrace of 
mother Earth, all that was mortal of James Abram Garfield, our late 
honored chief magistrate, who was stricken down in the prime of his 
life, in the zenith of his high renown and in the hour of his greatest 
usefulness, without warning and without cause, by a red-handed 
assassin. This horrible and humiliating fact cast a deep, settled 
gloom over our entire community, and each face wore an expression 
of sadness, such as could only have been produced from heartfelt 
grief. Then it was meet and proper that our people should take such 
steps as would show to the outside world how keenly they felt the 
great calamity with which we have been afflicted ; to show in what 
high esteem we held the illustrious dead while living, and to give an 
honest expression of sympathy for the bereaved, aged mother, who, 
standing as she is almost upon the brink of the grave, has had the last 
tender tie which bound her so firmly to earth ruthlessly severed ; for 
the pure, amiable wife, who showed so plainly her true womanhood 
by her admirable and self-sacrificing devotion to wifely duty, and for 
the five orphaned children, who are deprived in earl}^ youth of their 
natural and alfectionate guardian. To this end all business was 
suspended for the day ; the churches, public buildings, business 
houses, and a large number of private residences were tastefully 
draped in mourning, and at two o'clock p. m., union memorial 
services were held at the Christian Church. 

At one o'clock p. m., the bells of the city commenced to toll. 
Each stroke seemed to add additional depression to the poignant 
sorrow of every heart, and the deep quiet which prevailed throughout 
the day told plainer than words could express it that our people were 
sorely grieved over what they conscientiously believed to be a great 
national calamity. Ten minutes before two o'clock, the Masons and 
Odd Fellows formed in front of their respective lodges, and, headed 
b}' Beedles & Prindle's excellent brass band, marched in procession to 

(360) 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 361 

the strains of solemn music to the Christian Church, and filed in, 
occupying front seats therein. The church was densely crowded, and 
a great many were compelled to remain on the outside. 

At two o'clock sharp, the choir, lead by Mrs. Wisdom, sang in an 
aftecting tone of voice the beautiful hymn, "Vital Spark," after 
which President Weber offered up a fervent prayer. The old, familiar 
hymn, "God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform," 
was then read by Rev. W. T. Ellington and sung with feeling by the 
choir. 

President Weber next read in a clear, full voice the following pre- 
amble and resolutions presented by the committee appointed fo^i- that 
purpose : — 

Whereas, The citizens of Huntsville aud vicinity feeling:, with all other sections of 
the country, the great loss to the nation in the death of James A. Garfield, President 
of the United States ; and 

Whereas, On this day of his interment, while memorial services are being held 
here, and not only in every city and hamlet on the American continent, but also in 
most all the nations of the earth, we deem it proper and right to express the 
sentiment of the people of Huntsville this day assembled to pay the last tribute of 
respect to the departed ; therefore 

liesolvecl, That without regard to party or sect, the sad news of the death of James 
A. Garfleld, late President of the United States, was received with great sorrow by 
this entire community, and while thus expressing the most profound admiration, not 
only for his just and able administration of the affairs of the nation, as indicated in 
his brief career, but also of his heroic courage, fortitude and Christian patience 
exhibited during his protiacted suffering, we must also utter our detestation of the 
monster in human form who thus, by his infamous deed, deprived the nation of its 
honored and well-beloved chief. 

Eesolved, That our warmest sympathies and tenderest regards are hereby tendered 
to the heroic. Christian wife, and aged Christian mother and to his orphaned children, 
in their hour of great affliction and in their irreparable loss of son, husband and father. 

The resolutions were heartily adopted, and President Weber then 
read appropriate passages of Scripture from the books of Second 
Kings, Isaiah and James, after which the consoling hymn, " Asleep in 
Jesus, Blessed Sleep," was read with confidence by Rev. Mr. Elling- 
ton and sung with earnestness by the choir. As soon as the sweet, 
assuring strains of the Christian music had been l)orne away on the 
peaceful bosom of the atmosphere, to be taken up and wafted on by 
angel voices to the foot of the Great White Throne, on which is seated 
the King of Kings, Mr. Ellington came forward, and in his most 
eloquent and impressive manner delivered the following able memorial 
sermon, which was listened to with marked interest tlirouo-hout, and 
which was requested to be published by the unanimous voice of the 
meeting. 

SERMON. 

Text : " Howl, fir-tree ; for the cedar is fallen." — Zechariah, 11th 
chapter, first clause of second verse. 

To-day the nation sits solitary. To-day the wail of sadness and 
grief casts its gloom over all the States and Territories of the broad 
Union, and the world sends messages of sympathy and condolence — 



362 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

the chief magistrate, the President of the United States, is dead. 
" Howl, fir-tree ; the cedar is fallen ! " 

" God only is great." Such was the concise but triumphant ex- 
pression with which Massillon, the distinguished religious orator, com- 
menced his discourse on the occasion of the death of Louis XIV. 

Never was a more correct sentiment uttered by human lips. And 
never was there a more appropriate occasion for its utterance, unless 
it is on the present occasion. Who would dare appropriate the epi- 
thet " great " to himself, when he who had received it from a nation's 
voice for half a century had fallen at the very slightest touch of Prov- 
idence — the crown removed from his temples, the scepter wrested 
from his hands, and his form changed to dust and ashes? That, cer- 
tainly, as well as the present, was a suitable time for the minister of 
God, whose business it is to measure the human by the Divine, and to 
adjust the temporal to the Eternal, to detach an epithet which has so 
often been wrongly placed, from its human, and append it to God alone. 

The utterance of this important sentiment stands approved by phi- 
losophy as well as by theology, by the decisions of human reason as 
well as by inspiration. It is a sentiment which commends itself, not 
only deductively, but almost to man's intuitive perceptions, that there 
is, and can be, but one absolute greatness. All other greatness, if it 
be possible there can be any other greatness, is greatness by compari- 
son. It is the greatness of finite estimated by the finite, of the de- 
structible weighed in the balance of the destructible ; the greatness of 
angel measured by angel, of man measured by man ; but it is not and 
can not be the greatness of God. The greatness of God differs from 
all other in that it is greatness absolute. 

Man is great only by comparison. In this sense the epithet " great " 
stands indissolubly connected with the name, and is most justly worn 
by the deceased President of the United States, James A. Garfield, 
whose sad and most unfortunate death we this day commemorate. 
*' Howl, fir-tree ; for the cedar is fallen ! " 

Howl, all ye smaller trees of the forest that receive support and 
protection from the overtowering, matchless cedar ; howl, for the cedar 
is fallen ! 

To-day there is no North, no South, no East, no West. Each State 
vies to do honor to our fallen chief. The thousands of pulpits, busi- 
ness houses, family residences, from the humble cabin to the mansion, 
clad in mourning. Ah ! a nation flooded in tears attest a nation's 
grief, a nation's love-appreciation. " Howl, fir-tree ; for the cedar is 
fallen!" 

This grand Union of States stands united to-day as, perhaps, never 
before ; and, brief as was his career in official stations, no man, liv- 
ing or dead, has done more to bring out, to strengthen, to close up, 
and to make forever indissoluble the bonds of this Union, than James 
A. Garfield. May I not say he has forever sealed these bonds with 
his blood; and let all the people say, Amen. " Howl, fir-tree ; for 
the cedar is fallen ! " 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 363 

But the nation not only sits to-day in sorrow and sadness, but also 
in deep humiliation. Sad thought! Had our beloved President 
fallen by the usual order of sickness, sorrow alone would sadden the 
heart. But feelings of deep humiliation miugle with the sorrow of 
every American citizen. The President of the happiest, the freest, 
the most inviting to respectability, usefulness and honor of au}'^ coun- 
try upon which the sun rises ; in the time of universal peace, prosper- 
ity and happiness, falls by the red hand of the assassin. Just as the 
hopes of the whole country were raised to a state of unprecedented 
rejoicing over the undoubted prospect of an unprejudiced, impartial 
administration, that would continue or give even greater prosperity 
and happiness to the country, and that would give satisfaction to and 
be the admiration of all parties, sects and sections, the unrelenting 
assassin steps in with his bloody ax, and the tall, sturdy, overshadow- 
iug cedar, around which centered the hopes of fifty millions of human 
beings, after weeks of the most persistent resistance to death's dark 
pall, trembles, bends, falls, and now lies prostrate at the feet of a 
weeping, humiliated nation. "Howl, fir-tree; for the cedar is 
fallen!" 

I think it proper, and know you will indulge me in making a few 
extracts of Southern sentiment. They come from Georgia, and are 
full of thrilling interest, — a section of the country not thought to be 
always in sympathy with the government at Washington : — 

" With anguish we announce that the worst fears have been con- 
firmed, and James A. Garfield, President of the United States, is 
dead. By the hand of a fanatic of most desperate surroundings, 
whom it would be a stretch of charity to call a madman, this great 
and good President, this fond husband and loving father, this noble 
gentleman, has been slain. Strange that the bullets of brave foemen 
should have, in fair fight, spared him for such a fate. Sad, in- 
deed, is it that such a glorious being, so useful, so powerful, so manly, 
so excellent, should become the victim of so vile a wretch. To God 
we leave vindication and the ends of justice. The heart of the South 
bleeds for the stricken mother, wife and children. 

'* Upon his dead body we lay an immortelle, a wreath of trust, 
sorrow and regret. Innocent of the assassination of Garfield, the 
South, fearless of the future and forgetful of the past, stands tear- 
fully beside the relics of the President and prays that the storm-tossed 
spirit shall have the rest of the righteous and a sanctuary in that 
eternal haven where, lulled to slumber, grief forgets to mourn." 

Georgia, grand old Georgia, of the immortal thirteen, speaks for 
the whole South. Who does not rejoice at such sentiments coming up 
from the land of chivalry and manhood. The South is solid once more. 
Solid, thank God, in sympathy and affection for the President, his 
family and friends, and in common grief with a sorrowing, bleeding 
nation. Then from the North and from the South, from the East and 
from the West, we this day hear, in mournful notes, " Howl, fir tree ; 
for the cedar is fallen ! " 



364 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

It is true our noble President fell, and the nation put in tears, at 
the hands of a dastardly assassin, but facts are being developed that 
give to the country the brightest hopes for the future, both civil and 
religious. There has been developed, and is still being developed, an 
amount of sympathy and confidence, in all sections of the country, in 
the stability and just administration of our grand republic that the 
most trustful scarcely dared to anticipate. 

Such is the well arranged, the grandeur, the adaptibility of the 
machinery of our unparalleled government, that, were it not for the 
universal sympathy and good will manifest towards our deceased 
President, scarcely a ripple would roll over these broad, happy lands 
when death snatches the scepter from the hand and lays the body in 
the grave. In the forcible language of our lamented President on 
the demise of President Lmcoln ; " God reigns and the government 
at Washington still lives." 

The fact, also, to a high degree, and most satisfactory, has been 
developed, broadened, heightened, so that it has taken its stand upon 
the dome of the capitol of most every State in the Union, and by 
proclamations for prayer and mourning, proclaims in tones heard from 
the center to the circumference of the nation, " This is a Christian 
nation." For a time it was a nation upon its knees. Infidelity stands 
aghast at the amount of religious confidence developed. Just when 
that gloomy system is, as I believe, making its last weak eflbrt to 
revive its dark shades, which had been stricken to the earth by the 
sunlit righteousness of God, the whole nation, with rare exceptions, 
is expressing its faith in the existence and providence of God, and 
turning their eyes and hearts to His altars, as the great source of help 
in the dreadful extremity impending. 

A depth of religious feeling and sentiment pervades the entire 
nation that is gratifying to a high degree to every lover of Christianity 
and of Christian civilization. 

To trace, to-day, the leading events in the life and death of our 
deceased President is unnecessary. The history, the facts of the life 
and death of James A. Garfield, are better knowai to-day by the great 
masses of the people of these States than any other man, perhaps, living 
or dead. But as the basis of some remarks to induce all classes to 
emulate his virtues and his just ambition to do his work faithfully, 
whatever that work might be, we will say, that from early childhood, 
in the dear little cabin of his parents, to his elevation to the presidency 
of the greatest republic known to history, he seems to have been a 
model ; a model boy, a model youth, a model student, a model young 
man, a model husband and father, a model teacher, a model soldier, 
a model statesman, and bid fair to make a model, if not tlie model 
President. But, alas ! just in the midst of life, in the midst of his 
career of usefulness and honor, when all hearts were turned to him as 
being the man who would heal up the wounds and divisions of the 
nation and place the cap sheaf thereon with shoutings, death did its 
fatal work, and the model man is dead! " Howl, fir tree; for the 
cedar is fallen I " 



I 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 365 

In this "land of the free, and home of the brave," obscurity of 
birth, poverty, h\ck of royal blood or noble paternity stand not in the 
way of ascending the ladder of human greatness to its highest round. 
In this home of the free, honesty, honor, industry and perseverance 
are sure to carry you to the front in whatever occupation or profession 
you may follow. If, boys and young gentlemen, who hear me to-day, 
you would rise to places of higher trust and honor, the true way is to 
follow your present honest business, however humble, with honor, 
strict fidelity and unswerving perseverance, then you will soon be in 
demand for more elevated positions. In this we have a rich example 
in our deceased President. Born in poverty, but of honorable parent- 
age; bereft of his father before he was two years of age, his entire 
training and education were left to a mother, a notable mother. She 
early instilled into his childhood and youthful mind, principles of 
affection, integrity and perseverance. Mothers too many take a lesson 
here. He ever acknowledged his indebtedness to his mother — God- 
like principle — and, living and dying, he clung to that mother with 
the grace of aflfection, esteem and confidence, that only the iron grasp 
of death could sever. 

Here are infallible marks of the existence of the elements of true 
greatness in every boy and young man — a high esteem for mother, 
a deep constant affection for mother, a constant devotion to the coun- 
sels and wants of mother; mother, excepting the name of the adora- 
ble Savior, the sweetest, the divinest name that falls on mortal ears. 
We are proud of our noble President's record here. Boys, young 
gentlemen, emulate him in this. I have no confidence in the honor- 
able success of any young man who does not hold in highest affection 
and esteem his mother. 

But, were it expedient, I might continue this, and speak in terms 
equally honorable of our noble, fallen President in every relation of 
life, whether domestic or civil. But we must close this part of the 
subject. " Howl, fir tree ; for the cedar is fallen ! " 

Whatever may be, however, the honorable terms in which we may 
speak of these relations of our world-honored President; the highest, 
the crowning glory and virtue of all is James A. Garfield, deceased 
President of the United States, was a Christian, highest style of man. 
He was not satisfied with the mere profession in a general way, in the 
presence of select friends, that the great doctrines of Christianity 
may be true. His religions convictions were of a higher order and 
from his heart, and were manifest in practical life. He felt it his 
duty publicly to acknowledge his allegiance to the religion of Jesus, 
and his faith in Him as his personal Savior. Unlike many others, he 
did not vainly imagine that he could serve God as faithfully, as ac- 
ceptably out of the church, away from God's organized people, as he 
could among them, hence he made a choice of one division of the 
grand army of our glorious God. He cast his lot with the denomina- 
tion of Christians known here, in whose house we worship to-day, 
and everj^where they have carried their influence as the Christian 



f 



366 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

Church ; and at Mentor, the home of his youth and warm attachment, 
he was a constant communicant of that church and a devout wor- 
shiper at her altars. When he came to the White House as the 
President, all hail to the Christian President ! he did not leave his 
religion at home, in the rear. Here it was in front again ; here. Sab- 
bath after Sabbath, he is seen making his way to the little, unpre- 
tending, unassuming white church ; still a constant communicant and 
worshiper of Almighty God. 

No wonder in his last, lingering affliction, when the cold chills of 
death were gathering over him, he could look the tyrant in the face 
and exclaim : " I fear thee not, I am read3^" Simple thought, grand 
language, glorious truth, "I am ready!" But a sympathizing na- 
tion, and weeping mother, wife and children, can only attend him to 
the margin of the cold river; here angels take the charge, and, on 
the other shore, they lift him, all dripping with the waters of the 
Jordan of death, and triumphantly bear him off to his home in the 
skies, in the bosom of his God, forever at rest. Joyful thought ! thrice 
comfortable reflection, our suffering President is free ! No sorrow rolls 
over him, no pain afflicts, no anxious care disturbs. We this day 
cover him with the nation's tears and a world's sympathy, and com- 
mit his body to the tomb. " Howl, fir tree; the cedar is fallen ! " 

The wheels of the clay tenement stand still. That once noble form 
is now prostrate in death. But that consecrated soul, that cultivated 
mind, that great intellect is not dormant ; nor hushed in silence, nor 
stilled in action, but, on the other shore, in the mighty universe of 
God, it moves in a higher sphere, in nobler works, and shines as a 
star of the first magnitude. God has use for such Christian intellects 
in other parts of his infinitely expanded universe, as well as this ; 
and doubtless, already started on missions of thought, and grander 
works than ever engaged his head and heart on tljis humble planet of 
ours, as great as those works were. 

With all sections of our weeping, bereaved country, '< we lay an 
immortelle upon his grave," and wave a final adieu till we meet him 
in the skies. Join all ye States, all ye fathers and mothers, wives 
and children in the sad adieu. "Howl, fir tree; the cedar has 
fallen!" In the language of another : " Brave heart ! Great soul! 
America is the stronger for that life and that death. His life was 
gentle, and the elements so mixed in him, that nature might stand up 
and say to all the world ; ' This was a man.' " 

O, though wronged, outraged, suffering, fallen President, thy soul 
having escaped and taken its aflight to fairer climes, we, this day, 
commit thy body to the grave ; earth to earth, dust to dust, ashes to 
ashes; in glorious hope of a blissful immortality. Farewell, fare- 
well, Christian man and brother. Peace to thy ashes, a crown of 
glory upon thy head. " Howl, fir tree ; the cedar is fallen ! " 

After the delivery of the memorial sermon, the choir sang in 
pathetic strains the hymn, •' Mourn, pray, praise," and at its con- 
clusion Judo;e Burckhartt came forward and pronounced a fflowinsr 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 367 

eulogy on the deceased President and his noble wife, in which he de- 
clared with great earnestness that James A. Garfield was the truest 
type of the American citizen that ever filled the presidential chair, and 
that his devoted wife had also shown herself to be a true type of the 
American woman. 

The doxology was then sung by the congregation, the benediction 
pronounced by the Rev. Mr. Ellington, and, while the choir sang 
*' Where now is our loved one," the Masons and Odd Fellows 
marched out and back to their respective lodges, and the rest of the 
audience dispersed to their homes. 

The Odd Fellows, on their return to their lodge, concurred in the 
adoption of the following resolutions drafted by St. Louis Lodsfe, 
No. 5: — 

James A. Garfield, President of the United States, is dead. 

A nation, yea a world mourns. He, who from the poor and almost friendless boy, 
by indomitable will and perseverance, wrought his way to distinction among men, 
even to the proudest position ever held by mortal man, has been cut down in the 
midst of a most useful career — at the very moment of reaching the topmost round 
of the ladder of fame — mercilessly cut down by the hand of that most despised of 
despicable creatures, the cold-blooded and cowardly assassin. 

We, the Odd Fellows of Missouri, as good citizens, desire to express our horror at 
the cruel act which destroyed so valuable a life, our unmitigated contempt for and 
condemnation of the miserable wretch who perpetrated it, and our heartfelt sym- 
pathy and condolence with the family of the President so foully murdered; therefore 
be It 

Resolved, That we, the members of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of the 
State of Missouri, do hereby express to the officers of the government and the people 
of the Republic our great sorrow for the country's loss. 

Resolved, That we tender to the noble, heroic and devoted wife of the deceased 
and her fatherless family our sincere, heartfelt, aye, inexpressible sympathy in this 
their great affliction. May God, in His infinite mercy, visit, comfort and bless her 
and them. 

Resolved, That, as a token of our sorrow, our halls be draped in mourning for 
thirty days. It is the duty of Odd Fellows to "weep with those who weep," to 
"mourn with those who mourn." 

DEATH OF C. WISDOM. 

A good man has fallen ! 

At half past four o'clock on the morning of December 2, 1869, 
Mr. Caswell Wisdom, banker of Huntsville, breathed his last, after a 
protracted illness. He died calmly, peacefully — fell asleep to wake 
no more. The faithful watchers 

Thought him dying when he slept, 
* And sleeping when he died. 

Mr. Wisdom was one of the leading men of the county, in fact, its 
history is his history. Going there at an early day from North Car- 
olina, a poor man, by industry, economy and business tact, he accu- 
mulated a handsome estate. He filled several offices of public trust, 
having served four years as sheriff of the county — and in all of them his 
honesty and integrity was never questioned. A number of years ago, 



368 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

he made a profession of religion, but we do not believe he ever united 
with the church. He was about 61 years old. 

[Copied.] 
DEATH OF CAPT. LOWRY. 

Another of the brave knights who fought under the glorious, but 
ill-starred banner of the South, and who illustrated by their unblench- 
ing courage, and chivalrous devotion that all the knightly attributes 
did not die out of the world with the good Prince Arthur, has obeyed 
the summons of his great Captain and gone to join the ranks of those 
who keep watch and ward on the battlements of Eternity. 

Capt. Thomas G. Lowry, of this county, whom we mentioned 
recently as being in a critical condition from cancer on his face, died 
on Tuesday night last, June 23, 1870, His death was not altogether 
unexpected either by himself or his friends, and when the final sum- 
mons came for him to leave the scenes of his toils and triumphs, like 
the true soldier that he was, he answered "Ready" and passed out 
into the damps and dews of eternity without a murmur. At an early 
period in the struggle for Southern nationality, he enlisted under the 
red battle cross that marshalled the hoasts of freedom, and was placed 
in command of Co. F, in the "Old Missouri Third," a regiment 
commanded by Col. Reeves, and whose thinned ranks and scarred 
veterans told how nobly and how well they fought in that glorious but 
fruitless struggle. Under that banner he fought with heroic firmness 
during all those terrible years, loved with a brother's aflfection by all 
his comrades, and we know he would have asked for no greater boon 
than that its drooping folds should hang moui-nfuUy over his bier 
when he could light no longer. But he is gone — gone from all who 
loved and honored him here, and the sad announcement of his death 
will drive the tear of sorrow down the furrows of many a bronzed 
cheek that never blenched in the red gleam of battle, where Death 
rode upon the wings of the wind ; but we feel thankful for the assur- 
ance that he had made his peace with God ; and that the old soldier, 
having " crossed the river," is now sweetly resting with the immortal 
Jackson, " under the shade of the trees." He was buried yesterday 
with all the impressive solemnity of the Masonic funeral services. 

DEATH OF CAPT. COATES. 

Scarcely is the ink dry with which the announcement of Capt. 
Lowry 's death was made, before we are called upon to chronicle the 
departure of another aged and venerable citizen from the shores of 
time. 

Capt. Thomas P. Coates, well known to all our people as one of 
the noblest of men, died at his residence near Milton, in this county, 
on the 26th of June, 1870. He was born in Essex county, Virginia, 
November 10th, 1791, and was therefore at the time of his death in 
the 79th year of his age. In 1834 he moved to Missouri, and tented 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 369 

on the place on which he lived and died. In 1817, he became identified 
with the ancient and honorable Masonic fraternity, being one of the 
charter members of Huntsville lodge. In 1838, he connected himself 
with the Christian Church, of which he remained a devoted and active 
member through the remainder of his life, and dying, was cheered and 
supported by his living faith. He was married four times, and be- 
came the father of 13 children, 10 of whom are now living. No one 
among the old pioneers of this country was more beloved and honored 
by those among whom the strength of his manhood was spent, than 
Capt. Coates, and in the course of his career he was called upon to 
serve his fellow-citizens in various responsible positions, at one time 
filling the office of judge of our county court. To some men, and 
indeed to many, the thoughts of Death embitter what should be the 
happiest hours of existence, but to a miin like the venerated one who 
has just fallen, it comes with a benediction in its hands, and the hero 
who has fought the battle well and bravely, when his last hours come, 
is cheered by the consciousness that the world was better for his livhig 
in it, and lays down his life not reluctantly at its protracted close. 
His remains were deposited in the family cemetery on Tuesday last, 
with all the honors and impressive ceremonies of the Masonic funeral 
service. 

[Copied.] 

JUDGE THOMAS P. WHITE. 

Judge Thomas P. White, one of the best, noblest and purest citi- 
zens Randolph county ever had, died at his home in Moberly, about 
three o'clock last Friday morning, after a few days' illness, of pneu- 
monia. The following historical sketch of his life, and excellent tri- 
bute to his moral worth, we clip from the Moberly Headlight, and it 
will be indorsed by every man in the county who was ever associated 
with him socially, commercially, or otherwise : — 

Thomas P. White was born in Bath county, Kentucky, the 5th of 
November, 1818, and removed to Boone county, Missouri, when 16 
years old. He remained there but two years, when he came to Ran- 
dolph county, which county he lived in until his death, though for a 
while absent in California, where he went in the pioneer days. Re- 
turning, he married Mrs. Elizabeth Trimble, with whom he lived for 
27 years, and who still survives him. He never had any children. 
To Mr. James P. Trimble, of this city, his stepson, he was always a 
father in every sense of the word. 

Judge White was a representative man, and such a man as the people 
love to, honor, being upright, honest and consistent in all his actions, 
and pure in his life. He once represented the county in the Legisla- 
ture, and was the first mayor of the city, having been elected to that 
office in 1873. At one time he was vice-president of the Mechanics' 
Bank and was a director of the same bank up to the time of his 
death. 



370 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

In 1877 he was appointed a justice of the county court, to fill out 
the unexpired term of Seburn Jones, and the following year was . 
elected to the same office for the Eastern district of the county and 
held the office at the time of his death. He was president of the 
Building and Loan Association of Moberly, and treasurer of the Dis- 
trict Fair Association. He was a Mason and a Knight Templar, and 
about 30 years ago he united with the Christian Church, and, during 
that time, was a faithful and devoted member and earnest Christian 
gentleman. He was a deacon and a trustee of the church in this city. 
Our acquaintance with Judge White has not been of long duration, 
compared with that of others of his friends, but we always found him 
in every transaction to be the honorable, conscientious business man 
of unwavering integrity, firm but affiible, in everything that noblest 
work of God — an honest man. He always took a great interest in 
the prosperity and welfare of Moberly, and was ever ready to join in 
any scheme for the promotion of her interest. His counsels were al- 
ways listened to and his words always bore weight with them. The 
county has lost a good citizen, society a true man and gentleman, the 
church a worthy member, and his family a noble husband, father and 
friend. 

The following was ordered spread on the records of the court : — 

" State of Missouri, / 

> ss 
" County of Eandolph, y"' 

'< In the Randolph County Court, March 1st, 1880. 

" Whereas, It has pleased the Allwise Ruler of the universe to re- 
move from our midst the Hon. Thomas P. White, one of the judges 
of the court, in which we feel that the community has lost an efficient 
member, society a useful and exemplary man, and this court an amia- 
ble, efficient judge; 

" It is therefore ordered that in token of respect and a sincere feel- 
ing of the said loss, this court adjourn until one o'clock p. m., and 
that badges of mourning be placed on the door and judges' stand of 
the county court room, and that a certified copy of this order be de- 
livered to the county papers for publication, and a copy be delivered 
to the family of deceased. 

*' 1, J. W. Wight, clerk of the county court within and for the 
county and State aforesaid, hereby certify that the foregoing is a full, 
true and complete copy of the order of court as the same appears on 
record. 

" Witness mv hand and official seal at office in Huntsville, this 1st 
day of March, A. D. 1880. 

" J. W. Wight, Clerk." 

SUDDEN DEATH OF DR. J. C. OLIVER. 
[From the Herald.] 
Dr. JohnC. Oliver, the eminent physician, the public-spirited citizen 
and the universal personal favorite, is dead. 

He died suddenly on Friday morning, November 18, 1881, in 
South Huntsville, at the residence of Mr. William Thomas, whom he 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 371 

was treating for typho-malarial fever. He had just finished prescrib- 
ing for his patient and had reached the door on his departure when he 
was stricken with apoplexy. He seized hold of the door-facing, told 
the occupants of the house that he was sick and that he wanted to lie 
down. He was conducted into an adjoining room and laid upon a bed, 
when he again declared that he was very sick and asked that some one 
be put on his horse and sent over in town after Dr. Dameron or Dr. 
Taylor, the first seen, which was promptly done. Dr. Taylor was 
the first to receive the summons and he immediately hastened to the 
bedside of his brother physician. On arriving there, Dr. Oliver in- 
formed him that his head was killing him and that he was going to 
die. Dr. Taylor said he hoped not, and tried to revive the sick 
physician's drooping spirits by calling his attention to the severe 
neuralgic affections of the head he had been subjected to before. But 
the prostrate man insisted that he was much worse than he had ever 
been, and seemed to be hopeless of recovery. He had been vomiting 
freely and complained also of a sourness of stomach. Dr. Taylor gave 
him a dose of soda and injected some morphine under the skin of the 
forehead near the seat of the acutest pain. This greatly relieved him, 
and for a time it seemed as if his spell would pass off ; but in a short 
while he commenced that apoplectic breathing which always precedes 
dissolution, and in a few minutes he was dead. 

The universal sadness that this great public bereavement occasioned 
in our midst can be better imagined than described, when we declare 
that no man ever lived in a community who was more sincerely re- 
spected, more implicitly trusted, and more generally loved for his 
goodly traits of character than was Dr. John C. Oliver, for whom 
we all mourn. He was possessed of a happy, insinuating disposition ; 
was always bright and cheerful, and had a kindly salutation for every 
one he met. He loved his profession and adorned it, having attained 
an eminence in it that but few have reached. He was a public-spirited 
citizen, and every measure calculated to redound to the interest of the 
general public received his hearty and sustained support. He was a 
member of our city council at the time of his death, having been re- 
elected to that position for several terms, and no one was more zealous 
in agitating and pressing public improvements than he. In short, his 
death has made a vacancy in our midst which it will be hard to fill. 

We all miss Dr. John C. Oliver, and we all sincerely mourn his 
death. Then, what must be the depth of the agonizing grief in the 
broken family circle, where he was best known, more devotedly loved, 
and the mainstay of happiness, comfort and support. He was an at- 
tentive and devoted husband, and a kind and indulgent father; and 
was closely bound to every member of his family by the golden ties 
of pure, zealous aff'ection, and the sudden ruthless severing of these 
ties was almost like tearing out the very heart-strings of his idolized 
loved ones. He made home happy, cheerful and contented by his 
genial presence, and his demise has created in the family circle an 
aching void which time may alleviate but never eradicate ; hence we 



372 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

feel thiit it would be useless to attempt to offer words of consolation 
to those who feel this great loss most deeply. Time only can bring 
even partial relief to these bleeding hearts, and to this great agency 
we leave the tender mission. 

Dr. John C. Oliver was born in Fayette county, Kentucky, May 2, 
1825. He removed to Missouri in early youth, and was reared to 
manhood near Renick. He commenced the practice of medicine in 
Chariton township, and moved to Huntsville in 1864. Here he suc- 
cessfully practiced his profession up to the hour of his death. He died 
November 18, 1881, and was consequently 56 years, 6 months and 17 
days old. He was buried on Sunday the 20th, in the city cemetery, 
with Masonic honors by members of the Huntsville, Clifton Hill and 
Salisbury lodges. 

His funeral sermon was preached by Elder S. Y. Pitts in the College 
Chapel, and was one of the most eloquent and feeling discourses we 
ever listened to. It paid a glowing tribute to the many virtues of the 
distinguished dead, and sprinkled words of scriptural consolation on 
the weeping hearts of the bereaved. 

DEATH OF AN OLD AND ESTIMABLE LADY. 

[Copied.] 

One by one the roses fall, and one by one the revered and hardy 
old settlers are being called home, while their bodies are being laid to 
rest in that dreamless sleep of the just beneath the emerald sward of 
the land they loved so well. 

At ten o'clock Thursday evening, October 4, 1883, at the late resi- 
dence of her son. Col. Henry T. Fort, near this city, died Mrs. Patsy 
F. S. Fort, widow of the late Dr. William Fort, aged 87 years, two 
months and 24 days. 

Having well nigh rounded out four score years and ten, the death 
of this estimable lady was, of course, expected at any time. Her ill- 
ness was of but short duration, occasioning, apparently, but little, if 
any, suffering. The summons came to her in a sudden and positive 
form, in the utter prostration of all her energies of mind and body. 
She did not murmur at the last o-i-eat chansfe, but when the o-olden 
gates swung inwardly, noiselessly, unlocked by unseen fingers, and the 
Death Angel hovered near, she fell asleep as sweetly, as trustingly, as 
a child upon the bosom of its mother, while her deathless spirit took 
its flight to a brio^hter and better home. 

Her mortal remains were removed to Moberly and interred in the 
Oakwood cemetery, by the side of her honored and sincerely mourned 
husband, whose demise we were called upon to record about two years 
ago. 

Mrs. Fort was born in Logan county, Kentucky, July 10, 1796. 
She was the daughter of Thomas Gorham. She was united in mar- 
riage to Dr. William Fort in 1815, and emigrated with her husband 
in 1820 to Missouri and settled in this county, where she lived until 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 373 

her God called her home. There are now surviving, as the fruits of 
this marriage, four children, Col. Henry T. Fort, of Moberly ; Mr. A. 
J. Fort, of Montana, and Dr. John T. Fort and Mrs. Joseph M. Ham- 
mett, of this city. 

Having professed religion in 1817 at the age of 21, she united herself 
with the Baptist Church, lived up to the tenets of the church, and was 
a devoted and humble follower of the divine Nazarine from that time 
forward, walking continuously and trustingly in the path marked out 
for the children of God. 

The deceased was a woman of rare accomplishments, the descend- 
ant of distinguished ancestry, and was possessed of great amiability 
of character and remarkable elegance and dignity of manner. Few 
women have passed through the trying vicissitudes of a life of such 
varied fortunes with so much firmness of purpose, so much purity and 
unselfishness of heart. Thoughout a period of 63 years in this 
community, she was beloved and respected for her manifold virtues, 
and esteemed as one of the noblest specimens of the wife, the mother 
and the neighbor. 

Amid the stormy trials of an unusually active political career through 
which her late lamented husband was called to pass, during a life of 
stirring events, Mrs. Fort ever illustrated the highest attributes of a 
truly good wife ; always proving to be his truest friend, his most val- 
ued counsellor and ministering angel ; able and ready to cheer and 
assist him in the hour of trial and need, or to applaud him and rejoice 
in his success, and now both are gone. For her too, now the great 
record of life has been made up — a life filled with well-spent years — 
and her pure spirit summoned to bask in the glory of an approving 
Master's smile, and also to be reunited to him who had so lately gone 
l)efore, and around whose memory her loyal heart clung wnth the 
fondest emotions of ardent love and profound veneration. United 
again in the land of eternal youth, where two of their own "flock " 
stood ready to crown them with wreaths of enduring love and honor. 

TORNADO. 

[From the Moberly Headlight of 11th.] 

The air was full of rumors yesterday (December, 1879,) morning 
about the cyclone that swept over a portion of Randolph county Tues- 
day evening, and to sift the truth from the many false reports w^as 
special duty assigned a Headlight representative. Leaving this 
place on No. 2 in company with a Olohe-Democrat correspondent and 
an irrepressible school book agent, we were soon landed in the classic 
city of Renick of this historic fame. Nothing but cyclone was talked 
about, and nothing but cyclone was thought of. Farmers were in 
town from every direction. Some were going to the scene of the dis- 
aster, and some were coming from there. 

We stepped into Mr. Ben Ashcomb's store and procured a small 
boy as a guide, struck out afoot across the country for the scene of the 



374 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

wreck. After having gone about two miles in a westerly direction, 
signs of the tornado's wrath was seen, and in a short time we were gaz- 
ing at the ruins of Mr. Bird Pyle's house. It would be impossible to 
convey to the readers anything like a true impression of the ruin that 
presented itself. What was once a handsome country residence was 
nothing but a scattered mass of debris. 

There was not enough of it left to make a chicken coop. The 
foundation stones were even turned over and the sills blown away, one 
of which could be seen about a quarter of a mile away, another was 
found half a mile away, sticking in the ground for a distance of six 
or seven feet. Hay, corn, rails, household goods, hogs, chickens, 
and, in short, everything that could be carried away was found any- 
where within a radius of three miles. 

The track of the storm, tornado, cyclone, or whatever it was, is 
well marked, and is about one quarter of a mile in width, and as far 
as now learned lost its power after going about five miles. It came 
from the south-west direction and traveled in a zig-zag north-easterly 
course. It was first noticed in the direction of Harrisbnrg, Boone 
county, and seemed to travel very rapidly. Persons who saw it say 
that it seemed to be a funnel-shaped cloud, the cone near the earth, 
that it had a rotary motion and emitted at intervals clouds of white 
steam with the puffing sound of a steam engine a million times magni- 
fied. The noise was heard at Higbee, a distance of five or six miles, 
and Mr. Wheeler, a blacksmith at that place, says he saw it distinctly. 
It rose and fell like a swallow in flight, and from the ruin that followed 
in its wake appeared to loose some of its force when a short distance 
above the ground. One young man, who was working in a field 
about 100 yards from its path, says that he suddenly saw the 
heavens darkened, heard a terrible roaring for the space of two minutes 
or more, but that the first intimation he had of its raining was that he 
was knocked down by what he thought a barrel of water thrown right 
on his head. The barn of Mr. Land was the first place struck. It 
was blown down, one horse killed, another crippled, and a lot of corn 
and hay distributed gratuitously to the elements. 

The worst work done was at the house of Mr. Bird Pyle. He, his 
wife and two children were in the house. The door being slightly 
ajar he stepped forward to shut it when he heard the noise, and while 
his hand Tvas on the door the house was struck. He remembered 
nothing until he found himself lying on the ground with something on 
top of him, which was, however, almost immediately lifted. Getting 
up, half stunned, he looked around and saw that his house was not to 
be seen. While groping around, hardly knowing what he was doing, he 
heard one of his children crying, and going in the direction from whence 
the cry proceeded found the little girl standing up, and a few feet from 
her lay the mother and other child. Mrs. Pyle was unable to speak 
when found, but was sensible, and in a few minutes some of the neigh- 
bors arrived, and placing the wounded woman and children upon a 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 375 

sled, she was conveyed to a neighbor's house a short distance oflf and a 
courier dispatched for medical assistance. 

The cyclone after striking and demolishing Mr. Pyle's house, 
moved rapidly on and struck the residence of Mr. Harrison Smith, 
three-fourths of a mile distant. This house was not overblown, but 
was moved from the foundation and torn up so completely on the in- 
side that it is rendered entirely useless as a dwelling. None of the 
family were injured, but his barn and fences were demolished, and his 
garnered crop all lost. Almost everything he had in the world 
he lost. Tom Davis', one mile from Smith's was the next place 
visited. His house was moved from the foundation, his wife and one 
child thrown into the fire and himself and other children slightly 
bruised. None were hurt seriously. One-half mile from Davis', 
stands Mr. Burkhead's house. It was blown down, but none of the 
inmates seriously hurt. Joseph Patrick's house was blown down, 
and a Mrs. Wright, who was visiting there, was '"feeriously wounded. 
There were abundant traces of the cyclone after leaving Mr. Patrick's, 
but we could learn of no serious damage having been done, though a 
rumor was current last night that several houses, five or six miles 
from where it is supposed to have lost its force, were blown down, 
but we could not trace the report to any reliable source. 

INCIDENTS. 

Mrs. Pyle and children were carried about 75 yards, and were 
found in a small ravine back of the house. Mrs. Pyle fell against a 
straw mattress, which evidently saved her from being killed out- 
right. Both bones of her right leg were fractured between the knee 
and ankle, and a portion of the bone had to be removed by Dr. 
Dysart. The former was broken and the flesh all broken loose from 
the bone. Her skull was fractured above the right eye, and several 
pieces of bone were removed by Drs. Hamilton and Forrest. She 
was resting easy yesterday, and Dr. Dysart seemed to think she 
would get well, though others think differently. The children are 
doing well. 

Mr. Pyle received a severe scalp wound on the toj) of his head. 
The hat he had on at the time he was hurt was found on the other 
side of Renick, three miles, from his house. A feather pillow was 
also found near the same place. 

A bureau that was in Mr. Pyle's house completely disappeared. 
The only trace of it that has 'oeen found is one knob that was picked 
up yesterday afternoon, and a white kid glove that was in it, which 
was picked up by Mr. Ben Ashcorab. 

After striking Mr. Pyle's house the cyclone raised and went over 
his barn taking off the comb of the roof, doing no other damage. 
The barn was within 20 yards of the house. 

Chickens were seen lying around stripped of feathers. 
19 



376 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

A wagon was standing near Mr. Pyle's house, loaded with corn. 
Three of the wheels were blown away. The hub of the remaining 
wheel was blown out and not a trace of it is to be found. 

Trees standing in the yard were twisted off close to the ground, and 
pieces picked up looked as if all the fibres had been twisted together 
like a rope. 

Laths are around everywhere driven into the ground so tightly that 
they cannot be pulled out. 

We noticed some preserves in the form of a jar. The jar had evi- 
dently been blown away, leaving them there. 

A rail was driven clear through a hog and the hog was found walk- 
ing around with the rail in its body. 

One man hastening to his home from the field, was struck in the 
face with a flying dishpan and knocked down. 

The top of a sewing machine, belonging to Mr. Pyle, was found in- 
side of the foundation walls and seemingly had dropped right through 
the floor from where it was standing. The rest of the machine could 
not be found. 

Hundreds of neighbors visited the afliicted families and did all in 
their power to alleviate their sufferings. The sympathy displayed was 
enough to make any one acknowledge that this was not such a bad 
w^orld after all. 

We have but faintly described the devastation wrought by the cy- 
clone, but have confined ourself to what we saw. Columns could be 
tilled with rumors, but we have given about all that is of particular 
interest. 

TORNADO or 1831. 

In the summer of 1831, the first tornado visited the county. Its 
track was from the south-west to the north-east, and passed over the 
Iverson Sears neighborhood. Its width was from 200 to 400 yards, 
and its length about 12 miles. Mr. Sears, as the storm swept by, 
supported himself, by embracing a small hickory tree. The roof was 
blown from his cabin, and his bed-clothes were scattered in every 
direction. This was the severest wind-storm that ever visited the 
county until the occurrence of the storm of December, 1879. 

RANDOLPH MEDICAL SPRINGS. 

The Randolph Medical Springs are situated in one of the most 
healthy regions of Missouri, on the line of the Wabash, St. Louis and 
Pacific Railroad, about four miles west of Huntsville, the county seat 
of Randolph county. 

These springs have been well known for years — to the people liv- 
ing in their vicinity and surrounding country — to possess great cura- 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 377 

tive virtues, and have therefore been largely resorted to by them ; but 
the want long felt, of adequate bathing facilities and proper hotel ac- 
commodations, have prevented people from a distance from patronizing 
these springs, and thus receiving the benefits to be derived therefrom. 
Tliis long-felt want, before referred to, the present management have 
endeavored to meet. 

There have been erected at the Salt Springs convenient and suitable 
bath houses and a commodious hotel, with large dining hall, well ven- 
tilated rooms and broad verandas, which opened for the season of 
1881, on the 1st of June. 

The hotel is in charge of eflScient managers and the table supplied 
'with the best the market affords, and, in short, no pains are spared 
to render the springs, to all who seek them, whether for recreation, 
pleasure or health, unexcelled as a summer resort. 

It is confidently believed that no springs in the United States pos- 
sesses more or varied medical qualities than these. 

SALT SPRINGS. 

The Salt Springs have a daily flow of 50,000 gallons^ and no reason 
can be conceived why bathing in them should not be as invigorating 
and health-imparting as sea baths. Baths can be taken in these waters 
at any temperature desired, and have been found specially eflicacious 
iu rheumatic and neuralgia troubles. 

Bath houses are not more than 150 feet from the hotel. 

SALINE SULPHUR SPRINGS. 

Thirty yards from the Salt Springs, and equally near the hotel, is 
the Saline Sulphur — an artesian well reaching to the depth of over 
nine hundred feet. 

In all diseases of the stomach, bowels, kidneys, bladder, urinary 
organs, and diseases peculiar to females, liver complaint, dyspepsia 
and kindred troubles, these waters have been found to greatly aid re- 
covery and effect cures when all other remedies have failed. 

The action of this water is freely diuretic and laxative, and when 
first used of cathartic effect; this latter condition, however, does not 
continue beyond a few days. The use of these waters are at once ap- 
parent in increasing the appetite, while at the same time wonderfully 
assisting the digestive powers. It is confidently claimed that while 
their use will be found eminently remedial, in the class of diseases be- 



378 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

fore mentioned, great advantages will also be found in cases of habitual 
constipations, hemorrhoidal congestions or piles ; and when com- 
bined with external use — as in the bath — all forms of scrofula, skin 
and venerial diseases. 

The attention of physicians and others are invited to the analysis 
of this mineral water, made by Prof. P. Schweitzer, of Missouri 
University. 

ANALYSIS. 

One U. S. gallon, 281 cubic inches. 

237.883 grains Solium Choride. 

40 093 " Calcium Chloride. 

11954 " ..'..*. Magnesium Chloride. 

17*808 <' 1 '.'.'. '. Aluminum Chloride. 

30153 ".'.'.'. Aluminum Chloride. 

340.157 " 

The professor adds the quantity of carbonic acid — which is doubt- 
less in the water as it comes from the spring — we did not determine 
as that can only be done at the spring. 

OFFICIAL RECORD. 

County Court Judges. — William Fort, William Upton, James 
Head, Joseph M. Baker; James Wells, John Viley, Blandermin 
Smith ; John Dysart, Archibald Shoemaker, Francis Patton ; David 
K. Denny, Terry Bradley, John J. AUin; Terry Bradley (resigned 
in 1844), David R. Denny, Fleming Terrill; John J. AUin, Thomas 
P. Coats, Major Horner ; John P. Coates, John M. Yates, Major 
Horner ; James B. Dameron, Joseph Goodding, James Terrill ; H. 
Austin, James Terrill, Joseph Goodding; James Terrill, Joseph 
Gooding, A. G. Lea ; C. B. Stewart, A. G. Lea, J. W. Bradley ; 
James Terrill, C. B. Stewart, Henry Blake; Joseph Turner, William 
A. Sears, William Dossey ; Joseph Turner, William A. Sears, J. 
H. Burkholder; Joseph Turner, William A. Sears, J. L. Minor; 
Joseph Turner, William A. Sears, W. E. Walden ; James Terrill, 
Samuel Burton, Joseph Goodding; James Terrill, William E. Wal- 
den, D. J. Stamper; James Terrill, D. J. Stamper, M. M. Burton ; 
D. J. Stamper, M. M. Burton, S. Jones ; D. J. Stamper, M. M. 
Burton, T. P. White; D. J. Stamper, M. M. Burton, J. T. Coates; 
D. J. Stamper, H. T. Fort, J. T. Coates ; D. J. Stamper, J. F. 
Hannah, J.D.Richmond; B. F.^Harvey, Austin Christian, Strother 
Ridgeway. 

/Sheriffs. — Hancock Jackson, William Upton, Henry Austin, Ben- 
jamin Dameron, Greenup Wilcox, Thomas J. Samuel, Caswell Wis- 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 379 

dom, G. W. Dameron, John B. Taylor, John H, Austin, Charles F. 
Mayo, William F. Elliott, William H. Williams. 

Treasurers. — Robert Wilson, Joseph C. Dameron, Robert T. Gil- 
man, Andrew J. Ferguson. 

Circuit Clerks. — Gen. Robert Wilson, Reuben Samuel, John J. 
Alhn, W. R. Samuel, Capt.^W. T. Austin, Chas. H. Hance. 

Probate Judges. — Charles AUin, first probate judge, held the office 
from June 14, 1872, to January 1, 187.3 ; A. P. Terrill, from Jan- 
uary 1, 1873, to September 3, 187 8 ; R. F. Poison, from September 
3, 1878, to January 1, 1883. Previous to June 14, 1872, the 
probate business was transacted in the county court, and Mr. Charles 
Allin was then county clerk, and was appointed probate judge until 
one was elected at the next election thereafter. 

County Clerks. — Gen. Robert Wilson, Reuben Samuel, John J. 
AlUn, W. R. Samuel, J. C. Shaefer, Charles Allin. 

Terry Bradley, Joseph Allin, James D. Head, held the office by ap- 
pointment. 

Representatives. — Dr. William Fort, George Burckhartt, Dr. Jos- 
eph Ruthertbrd,^ Dr. William B. McLean, Dr. John B. Oliver, Dab- 
ney C. Garth ; in 1852 the county sent two representatives, J. W. 
Wight and W. E. Samuel ; Dabney C. Garth, M. M. Burton, Hender- 
son B. Wilcox, George M. Quinn, Joseph L. Minor, Col. Thomas P, 
Ruby, John G. Burton, James F. Cunningham, William Quayle, 
Henry A. Newman, James F. Wight, F. P. Wiley, Walker Wright. 

POLITICS. 

The political parties of Randolph county (Whig and Democratic) 
were nearly evenly divided until 1854, or until the Native American 
party came into existence. The county was represented in the Lower 
House of the General Assembly by Whigs and Democrats, the differ- 
ence in their votes ranging generally between 10 and 50 votes at each 
election. 

One of the most exciting political contests that ever occurred in the 
county, took place in 18 — between Dr. John B. Oliver, a Whig, and 
Dabney C. Garth, a Democrat. These gentlemen were exceedingly 
popular with their respective organizations, and each brought to the 
polls the full strength of his party. The excitement was intense, and 
so determined was each candidate and his friends to win the race, that 
the contest was continued with unabated zeal until the close of the 



1 Died before taking his seat. Elected a Whig by three votes. 



380 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 



polls upon election day. Dr. John B. Oliver was the victor, but by 
only three votes. The vote being so close, the election was contested 
by Garth, but resulted as it did before — in favor of Oliver. 

We regret that we are unable to place before our readers a record 
of each of the early elections that were held in the county, showing 
the names of the candidates and the votes received by each. 

The earliest election of which any record can be found was in August, 
1840, the returns of which were as follows : — 



Governor — 




Sheriff— 




John B. Clark 


. 542 


Henry Austin 


. 587 


Thomas Reynolds . 


. 490 


John D. Halstead . 


. 387 


Lieutenant-Governor — 




Judges County Court — 




Joseph Bogy . 


. 529 


David R. Denny 


. 528 


M. M. Marmaduke 


. 485 


Roland T. Proctor 


. 493 


Congress — 




Fleming Terrill 


. 498 


E. M. Samuel 


. 537 


Joseph Turner 


. 451 


George C. Sibley . 


. 529 


Assessor — 




John Miller . 


. 489 


Benjamin Dameron 


. 564 


John C. Edwards . 


. 480 


James T. Roan 


. 396 


Bepresentatives — 




Coroner — 




George Burckhartt 


. 506 


C. Mathis 


. 39 


William B. McLean 


. 527 


J. C. Dameron 


3 


William Fort . 


. 470 


B. P. Herndon 


1 


John J. Allin . 


. 502 







Among the Whig politicians of the county were Gen. Robert Wil- 
son, Charles McLean, George Burckhartt, while among the Democrats 
were found Dr. William Fort, Dr. Waller Head, Hancock Jackson 
and Col. Major Horner. The county now (1884) is overwhelmingly 
Democratic. 

TAXABLE WEALTH. ' 

Real estate valuation S3, 111, 486 

Personal property 1,540,380 



Total 



$4,651,866 



The county produced in 1883 the following number of stock : — 

Neat cattle 10,336 

Sheep 18,609 



Hogs 

Corn (bushels in 1880) 
Wheat " " " 
Oats " " " 



. 17,648 

1,861,667 

70.000 

167,000 



I5^^#^ 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 



SUGAE CREEK TOWNSHIP. 



JOHN C. BAIRD 

(Farmer, Stock-raiser and Operator in Coal). 

Mr. Baird was born in Clinton county, Pennsylvania, July 21, 
1824. His father, Benjamin Baird, was a native of the same county, 
and lived there until his death, which took place in 1851. His 
mother, Ellen Summerson, was an English woman by birth, but was 
brought to this country when an infant. John C. grew up on the 
homestead and acquired a good common school education, supple- 
mented by a year's instruction at Alleghany College, Meadville, Pa. 
When a young man he taught school several years. He was married 
October 18, 1848, to Miss Almind Frances Milligan, of the same 
county. After his marriage, and until 1866, Mr. Baird was actively 
engaged in farming and lumbering in Pennsylvania; he at that time 
moved to Missouri and established himself on his present property. 
He owns 320 acres of fine land, well adapted to general farming and 
stock-raising purposes, about two and one half miles from Moberly — all 
fenced. About 160 acres of this are in cultivation and meadow. The 
place includes a good bearing orchard and a splendid young orchard 
coming up. Mr. Baird is a substantial, prosperous citizen. He owns 
besides other property a good coal bank with a four foot vein. All of 
his land is underlaid with coal of superior quality, from which he is 
annually having mined a large quantity for the local market. Mr. 
and Mrs. Baird have been blessed with nine children : Mary V., 
wife of J. F. Tedford, of Moberly ; Frank P., married and resides in 
Huntsville, Mo. ; Fletcher C, married and makes his home in 
Moberly; J. Ella, wife of R. A. Curran, also lives in Moberly ; Will- 
iam H., Maggie B., John W., Minnie F. and Benjamin D. still remain 
under the parental roof. Mr. and Mrs. Baird are devout members of 
Suo;ar Creek cong-regfation of the Cumberland Presbvterian Church. 
Mr. Baird has held several local offices, and is trusted and respected 
on every side. 

WILLIAM BARROWMAN 

(Freight Agent for the Missouri Pacific and the Wabash Railroads, Moberly). 
Mr. Barrowman, who has held the position he now occupies for the 
last thirteen years, and has been connected with the railwav service 

(381) 



382 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

for nearly twenty-tive years, is a native of Michigan, and a son of R. 
L. Barrowman, originally of Edinburgh, Scotland, and wife, whose 
maiden name was Eliza Virginia Warrell, formerly of Virginia. The 
parents were comparatively early settlers in Michigan, and Mr. 
William Barrowman, the subject of this sketch, was born in that State, 
and in the county of Monroe, on the 31st of October, 1841. Reared 
in his native State, he was educated in the common schools, and when 
a youth clerked for his father who carried on merchandising in Michi- 
gan. In 1857 the family moved to St. Louis, and three years after- 
wards young Barrowman began his career as a railroad man. He 
obtained the position as bill clerk in the freight office of the Ohio and 
Mississippi Railroad at St. Louis. In 18^35 he became 1)111 clerk for 
the North Missouri, in which capacity he continued with that road 
until 1871, when he was transferred to Moberly and installed in his 
present office. Mr. Barrowman, having had a long experience in rail- 
road life, is of course a capable and efficient officer, as the way in 
which he is retained in the service by the railroad officials conclusively 
shows. On the 24th of May, 1864, Mr. Barrowman was married to 
Miss Mary E. Noland, originally of New York. They have seven 
children: Alice, Robert, Addie, Jennie, Mary, George and Ralph. 
Mr. B. is a member of the A. O. U. W. 

LEONARD F. BARTON 

(Roadmaster of Section between Moberlj' and Kansas City and tlie Glasgow Branch, 

headquarters, Moberly) . 

No melodrama in modern times has had a more successful and pop- 
ular run, both among the people and on the stage, than that of " Pin- 
afore." The reasons for this are l)y no means occult. Beneath its 
well attuned air and well constructed measures there is a ^philosophy 
which at once attracts the attention and consideration of the truthful. 
It is the philosophy expressed in the celebrated distitch of Pope, in 
his '< Essay on Man : " — 

" Honor and shame from no condition rise ; 
Act well your part, there all the honor lies." 

It is the philosophy which teaches that merit will win and that if one 
but do his duty faithfully in whatever position he may be placed, he 
will steadily rise in life. In " Pinafore " this philosophy is expressed 
in language, if not as staid and dignified as that with which Pope has 
clothed it, at least more forcible and pointed : — 

" He polished up the handles so carefullee, 
That now he is the ruler of the Queen's navee." 

So in every walk in life we see men coming up from the humblest sta- 
tions to the highest. Lincoln was a rail-splitter and Andrew Johnson 
was a tailor. But it is unnecessary to refer to outside examples. The 
subject of the present sketch may be pointed to as an instance of this 
kind. Of course he has not become President, nor anything of that 
kind, and perhaps may never rise to a position of more than ordinary 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 383 

distinction, for circumstances have much to do with elevating men ; 
and the way of promotion to high honor may not open up for him. 

"All but a scattered few, live out their time 
Husbaudiug that which they possess within, 
Aud go to the grave uuthought of. Strongest minds 
Are those of whom the noisy world 
Hears least." 

But so far as his opportunities have permitted, he has risen by steady 
strides. Mr. Barton commenced railroading as a section boss, and is 
now roadmaster for a hirge portion of the lines of one of the leading 
railroads of the United States. Still comparatively a young man, this 
is a record that reflects not a little credit on his character for indus- 
try, capacity and fidelity. He was born in Wilson, N. Y., Sep- 
tember 24, 1847, and in youth had excellent educational advantages, 
taking, besides courses in the common and academic schools, a course 
at Ann Arbor College, quitting that institution, however, at the close 
of the sophomore year. He then began railroading, and has contin- 
ued it from that time to the present, working on various railroads in 
the United States. In 1875 he was appointed supply agent of the 
Wabash, and in the spring of 1883 entered upon the duties of his 
present position. In December, 1876, Mr. Barton was married to 
Miss Harriet Fairbanks, of Kendleville, Indiana. They have three 
children: Nellie, Sidney and Pansey. 

NATHANIEL M. BASKETTf M.D. 

(Physician and Surgeon,- Moberly) . 

Looking around us we see men here and there and everywhere who 
have risen to prominence in their respective walks in life. Eminence 
in any calling is the result, generally, of long experience, accom- 
panied, of course, with the proper qualifications and application for 
success ; and hence it is that we see most of those who have become 
prominent to be men at least of middle-age, but more often ad- 
vanced in years. Seeing these leading men around us, the questiofi 
naturally occurs, when they are gone, who are to occupy their 
places? The race of life is like all other contests, those who pos- 
sess superior powers and apply them rightly will win. And it is not 
difficult to pick out such, even early in life. Prominence usually 
manifests itself from the beginning. The young man of to-day who 
stands higher in his calling than those around him of the same age 
and opportunities, will likely continue in advance of his fellows, only 
be will gain on them in an increasing ratio, — and thus as time comes 
and goes he will probably take a commanding position in the aff'airs 
with which his life is identified. These remarks are suggested by run- 
ning over the notes from which this sketch is written. Here is a 
young man but little more than past his thirtieth year, at an age when 
young men ordinarily are hardly more than trained for the career they 
are to run, yet, already, he has reached a position in his profession 
second to that of but few physicians of advanced age and long expe - 



384 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

rience, in this section of the State, Looking back over his past, the 
few brief years that have intervened since he was a youth, and per- 
ceiving that his advantages were no better than those of the average 
young men around him, and seeing what he has already accomplished, 
it requires no gift of prophecy to foretell that his future will be one of 
more than ordinary prominence and usefulness. He is recognized to- 
day as one of the ablest and most scientific physicians throughout the 
surrounding country. Thoroughly devoted to his profession, while 
not occupied with the duties of the active practice, he is engaged in 
study and investigation, and being a man of much originality of 
thought, he has written numerous articles on topics of interest to the 
profession. He is a contributer to several leading medical journals, 
and among his contributions may be mentioned " Fibroids of the 
Uterus," "Dermoid Cysts of the Ovary," "Bright's Disease," 
" Some Subjects for Sanitation," and an " Essay on the Influence of 
Maternal Impressions on the Growth of the Eml)ryo." The Doctor 
is a distino-uished member of the State and District Medical Societies, 
and has also been elected an honorary member of various county 
medical societies. Dr. Baskett, being a close student of current 
events, and a man of wide general information, as well as public 
spirited and zealous for the best interests of society, takes an in- 
telligent and active interest in public affairs. A Missourian by 
nativity and continuous resident, he is, of course, as every good 
Missourian ought to be, an earnest and faithful Democrat. Ap- 
preciated for his wofth, his party associates in this county have 
called him to the chairmanship of their county central committee, 
a position he now holds, and the duties of which he discharges 
with his characteristic ability and energy. Dr. Baskett was born in St. 
Louis, April 5, 1853. Reared there, he was educated in the schools 
of that city and afterwards attended school at Paris, Monroe county. 
Young Baskett read medicine under Dr. A. E. Gore, of Paris, and in 
due time entered the Missouri Medical College, of St. Louis, from 
which he graduated in the spring of 1876. He subsequently located 
at Granville, in Monroe county, in the practice of his profession, 
where he continued until 1878, when he came to Moberly. Since that 
time he has been engaged in the practice at this place and has built up 
a large and lucrative practice. He is one of the most popuhir, as he 
is one of the most skillful and capable physicians of this city. On 
the 18th of November, 1878, Dr. Baskett was married to Miss Kate 
E. Cooper, a daughter of D. L. Cooper, now deceased, but formerly 
a prominent citizen of Monroe county. Mrs. Baskett, a beautiful and 
accomplished young lady, esteemed by all who knew her, survived 
her marriage less than three years, dying July 23, 1881. Two chil- 
dren, the fruits of their happy but short union (lone and Mary), are 
both deceased. The Doctor is a member of the Select Knights and 
Ladies of Honor and of the Christian Church. His parents were 
William B. and Mary A. (Austin) Baskett, the father originally of 
Kentucky, but the mother a native of Virginia. The father was a 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. • 385 

man of fine business qualifications, a thorough book-keeper, and a 
merchant of St. Louis. 

CHRIS. BERLET 

(Retail dealer in Wines, Liquors, Beer, Cigars, Tobacco, etc., etc., Moberly). 

Mr. Berlet, who has been engaged in his present business at Mo- 
berly since 1878, and has one of the best and most popular houses in 
his line in the city, is a native of Germany, born in the northern part 
of the Fatherland on the 9th of July, 1832. His parents were Chris, 
and Mary, and young Chris, had good school advantages in boyhood 
and youth. He attended an excellent school in his native vicinity, of 
the kind in this country we call academies, for eight years consecu- 
tively, and from the age of five to fourteen. In 1852 the family emi- 
grated to America and settled at Scranton, Pa., where the 
father subsequently followed the hotel business. In 1862 Chris, the 
subject of this sketch, came to Missouri and located at Macon City, 
where he obtained a situation at railroad work. Six years afterwards 
he came to Moberly, and was baggagemaster on the Wabash for ten 
years. In 1877 he retired from his position on the Wabash and learned 
the saloon business, and the following year established his present 
saloon. Mr. Berlet is a man of sterling worth, a good citizen, and is 
respected by all. Some diflfer from the views he holds with regard to 
Scriptm'e doctrine as applicable to his present business ; but, like 
members of different denominations, he and those who differ from 
him have never allowed those differences of opinion to make them 
personal enemies. He believes in the great principles of religion as 
sincerely and earnestly as any man, and claims that his present occu- 
pation is not only not opposed by the Scriptures, but is sanctioned 
and authorized by the inspired Word of God, and in proof of this he 
cites the following, as he could innumerable other passages, from the 
written law: " Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy 
stomach's sake and thine often infirmities. [I. Tim. v : 23.] " Give 
strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those 
that be of heavy hearts." [Prov. xxxi : 6.] *' Let him drink and 
forget his poverty, and to remember his misery no more." [_Ia. 7.] 
In pursuance of those commands, Mr. Berlet keeps constantly on hand 
a large supply of different brands of wines and liquors, not only of 
the quality called "strong drink," but of the weaker kinds called 
light wines, and all the pure grades. He also keeps a pool table for 
the harmless amusement of customers. Mr. Berlet is personally quite 
popular, and his house commands a large trade. In 1860 Mr. Berlet 
was married to Miss Mary Hoffsummers. They have two children, 
Lizzie and John. He is a member of the Brothers of Philanthophy. 

JACOB S. BOWERS 

(Of Bowers & Reis, Dealers in Dry Goods, Clothina;, Gents' and Ladies' Furnishing 
Goods, Hats and Caps, Carpets, etc., etc., No. Ill and 113 Reed street, Moberly). 

Mr, Bowers, who has been engaged in his present business at Mo- 
berly since the fall of 1882, was reared to merchandising, and besides 



386 • HISTORY OF RANDOLrH COUNTY. 

having a business experience which extends back to boyhood, he has 
the advantajje of a o:ood jjeneral and commercial education. If, there- 
fore, he does not become a more than ordinary and prominent 
merchant — and he is really well advanced toward that position — it 
will not be for want of qualifications and opportunities. Understand- 
ing his business thoroughly in every detail, and being a man of solid 
and sober character, as well as of popular and pleasant address, and 
a kind and accommodating disposition, his success in life seems as- 
sured. Mr. Bowers is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Philadelphia 
March 20, 1847, and educated in the excellent schools of that city. 
He also subsequently had the benefit of a course of commercial 
college. At the age of 14 he began his career in mercantile life, a 
career that has continued unbr(')kon, and has been marked by steady 
advancement up to the present time. He then entered the large dry 
goods and clothing store at Union City, Ind.^of A. J. S. Bowers & 
Bros., which employs a large force of clerks. He subsequently be- 
came a member of the firm, and continued in business there until 
January, 1882, when he came to Moberly, and the following fall 
became a member of the firm with which he is now connected. Mr. 
Bowers made a most favorable impression on coming to this city, an 
impression which has been fully justified by his subsequent career. 
The business of Messrs. Bowers & Reis has increased with wonderful 
rapidity. They first occupied only the lower floors of their present 
building, but the great increase of trade which they have had com- 
pelled them to lease also the upper floor, which they have had elabor- 
ately fitted up for the display of carpets and fancy goods in their 
respective departments. They deal for cash exclusively, and buy in 
large quantities, so that they get substantial discount from the whole- 
sale houses, and they are thus enabled to sell goods at prices which 
are simply below competition. This fact soon V^ecame known, and 
hence the remarkable increase of their business. They now carry one 
of the largest and best stocks of goods in their lines to be found out- 
side of a large city in IN orth-east Missouri, and their salesrooms during 
business hours present almost as busy a scene as a bee hive, customers 
coming and going every minute in the day, and all pleased with their 
bargains. Mr. Bowers still retains an interest in the unsettled affairs 
of the firm of A. J. S. Bowers & Bro., at Union City. In so far as 
means are concerned, he is already practically independent, and his 
entire success has been achieved by his own industry, enterprise and 
merit. On the 3d day of August, 1880, Mr. Bowers was married to 
Miss Letitia Hall, of Ohio. They have one child, Willie. 

L. SCOTT BOYD 

(Fanner and Dealer in Small Fruits). 

Mr. Boyd is the son of Thomas Boyd and Maria S. Steele, both of 
Ohio. The hero of this sketch was born in Seneca county of that 
State September 9, 1839. In 1849 his parents left Ohio and located 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 3b7 

in Warreu-county, Iowa, where Mr. Boyd, Sr., entered and improved 
500 acres of land. Tliey lived here until 1866, then sold out and 
removed to Randolph county. Mo., settling upon the farm upon which 
the son now resides. The father died here March 26, 1882. He was 
a most worth}'^ man, a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church, 
and his memory is held in beloved veneration. L, Scott grew to man's 
estate in Iowa, receiving a good common school education. In Jan- 
nary, 1862, he enlisted in Co. G, fifteenth Iowa volunteer infantry, and 
served until discharged in December, 1862. In 1864 he re-enlisted in 
the forty-eighth Iowa infantry, serving 100 days. He participated in the 
battles of Shiloh, the last fight at Corinth, and many smaller engage- 
ments. When " the cruel war was over " he went home and lived on 
the farm, moving to Missouri with his parents in 1866. In the course 
of time Mr. Boyd's mind was turned to softer lays than of wars and 
glory — the divine passion of love waked within him, and he laid his 
heart and hand at the feet of one of the most charming of women, 
Miss Harriet, daughter of William and Jane (Reed) Watson, of Ohio. 
This lovely lady did not say him nay, and they were married March 17, 
1881. Fair, sweet and trim, Mrs. Boyd is as goodly a picture as ever 
gladdened an adoring husband's eyes. For the first year after his 
marriage Mr. Boyd lived on the old home place and carried on the 
farm. In 1882, however, he built a neat two-story frame residence on 
his own tract of 43 acres, where he has a good barn and all necessary 
out-buildings ; he has, beside, 80 acres of land seeded in tame grass 
and 80 in timber. He continues to superintend the old home farm 
on which there is a coal shaft, both places being largely underlaid in 
coal, which yield abundantly every year. Mr. Boyd, wise in his 
generation, is making a specialty of small fruits — " there is millions 
in it." He has a fine vineyard of 600 bearing vines, and a large and 
select variety of small fruits. There is a splendid young orchard 
coming on. Mr. Boyd bids fair to outstrip many of those around in 
the race for wealth. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian 
Church at Moberly. 

DUDLEY T. BRADLEY. 

Mr. Bradley, one of the most prosperous of the farmers in Randolph 
county, was born in this county March 25, 1845, being one of two sons 
of William Bradley, of Kentucky, and Miss Sally Cockrill, a native of 
Missouri. Dudley's brother's name was Benjamin F., the date of his 
birth being March 3, 1843. Mr. Bradley went to California in 1840, 
and died there the same year. The mother of these brothers died in 
April, 1850, vvhen the subject of this sketch was but five years old, and 
then they went to live with their maternal grandmother, with whom 
Dudle}'^ T. remained until her death in 1858, when he was bound out 
to his uncle, Samuel Cockrill. He lived here until his nineteenth year. 
When he was 13 years old Benjamin F. Bradley determined to leave 
the scene of his early childhood, and accordingly went to California 
with his uncle, Christopher Cockrill. After three years, or at the age 



388 HISTORY or Randolph county. 

of 16, on account of ill treatment, he left this relative, ancl going to 
Grant's Pass, Oregon, he was first occupied in driving for a stage com- 
pany, subsequently following different branches of work. He has 
become a man of extensive information and travel, having visited all 
of the Northern and Western States ; two years he spent in Utah, Salt 
Lake City, and has also mined in British Columbia for the same length 
of time. Several years have been passed in Washington Territory, 
and he has been in several other Territories, but he now resides in 
Idaho, being interested in the Cordelains mines. Through energy, 
perseverance, etc., he has accumulated a good share of this world's 
goods. Though possessed of a good education it was obtained through 
his own efforts after being able to realize the necessity of literary 
knowledge. Commencing poor, he has risen to a position of wealth 
and influence which is a credit to himself, having had nothing when 
he besan but an interest in 80 acres of land left himself and brother. 
After a separation of 28 years these brothers were reunited in March, 
1884. Though Dudley T. Bradley had no parental hands to guide his 
steps in youth his early training was by no means neglected; but he 
was brought up a hard-working, upright man, and was given a fair 
common school education. When a boy of 19 he enlisted in Price's 
army, but in about six weeks he was captured at White river, Ark., 
and held until March, 1865. After his return he lived on the farm 
until his marriage, which rite was celebrated February 13, 1873, the 
chosen one being Miss Martha T., daughter of William T. and Eliza- 
beth J. Jennings, of Missouri. With the exception of one year, in 
which he worked at Miller Bros.'s saw mill, Mr. Bradley has made 
farming the occupation of his life, purchasing in 1877 the farm he now 
owns. The place comprises 120 acres of bearing land and 79 in tim- 
ber, 40 of good pasture, fenced, 13 acres bearing, and a fine, young 
bearing orchard containing about 200 select fruits. Mr. Bradley, by 
his own industry and good management, has obtained a goodly com- 
petence for his declining years. He owns another place of 145 acres, 
all in cultivation, and has one-half interest in still another of 120 acres, 
principally timber, and 60 acres in another tract. Mr. and Mrs. 
Bradley have four children : Emma E., DoraL., Lucy M. and Gracie 
J. Two of their treasures are laid up " where thieves do not steal 
nor moth corrupt" — Sarah E., died March 11, 1875, and a son 
passed away in infancy. Mrs. Bradley is a member of the Christian 
Church at Renick, and Mr. Bradley belongs to the Masonic fraternity 
at Huntsville. 

MATTHEW Y. BUCHANAN 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser). 

Mr. Buchanan was born in Randoli)h county. Mo., April 5, 1838. 
His father, C. C. Buchanan, and mother, Elizabeth Jenkins, were 
natives of Tennessee, but moved to Missouri in the year of 1836. 
They settled in Randolph count}'' near Moberly, and entered land 
where the north-west portion now stands. The father died here July 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 389 

9, 1881, aged 68 years, two months and 21 days. Matthew Y. was 
next to the eldest of a family of seven childern, of whom four, three 
sons and a daughter, are still living. Their names were Luty J., 
Matthew Y., Cicero G., Cyrus W., Alonzo M., James H. and John T. 
Cicero, Cyrus and James died prior to the death of their father, the 
first named dying when young, the other two reached maturity, and 
graduated from college with high honors. Cyrus had chosen the pro- 
fession of physician, while James had become a lawyer. Alonzo is a 
minister, and John T., who graduated from Commercial College, is 
now proving the value of his business course Ijy keeping books. 
During his youth Matthew Y. lived on the home farm, having all the 
advantages in education that the county afforded. In September, 
1861, Mr. Buchanaa enlisted under Gen. Sterling Price, first in cav- 
alry but principally as a private in the tenth Missouri infantry. He 
took part in the second fight at Boonville, Corinth, Miss., Helena, 
Ark., and numerous smaller skirmishes. He fought with signal cour- 
age until 1863, when nearly all of his regiment was captured. For 
20 months he was kept a prisoner at Fort Delaware and Alton ; then 
being exchanged, he returned to the service only to be again captured 
near Natchez, Miss. He was taken to Alton and not released until the 
close of the war. Not long after, Mr. B. was married, in Randolph 
county, to Miss Mary Ficklin, daughter of Tyre and Louisa Baker. 
This estimable lady survived but one short year — leaving an infant 
daughter, Ida Mary, who died September 24, 1875. After his marriage 
Mr. Buchanan made a home for himself on the farm where he now re- 
sides. He has nearly 150 acres of very valuable land adjoining the 
town of Moberly, all in good state of cultivation. He has besides 
about ]05 acres of timbered land in the same vicinity. His residence 
is a comfortable one, as are his other buildings. In February, 
1871, Mr. Buchanan was married a second time, the lady of his choice 
•being Miss Sarah, daughter of Alexander and Martha T. AYisdom, of 
Macon county. There are five children : C. Earl, Katie M., Onie A., 
Walter C, and Claud. Mr. and Mrs. B. are members of the Cum- 
l)erland Presbyterian Church and take an active part in church mat- 
ters. They are highly respected members of the community. 

JUDGE JOSEPH H. BURKHOLDER 

(Railroad Contractor and Dealer in Railway Supplies, Moberly). 

Judge Burkholder is one of the prominent and useful citizens of 
Randolph county, and a man who has been as long and favorably 
identified with the best interests of this city as any one in it. He has 
served several terms as mayor of the city and has added important 
additions to its limits, and built numerous houses, in fact has been 
one of the thorough-going, enterprising fathers of the place, always a 
sanguine believer in its future and a zealous friend to its progress. 
Judge Burkholder is a native of the Old Dominion, born in Rocking- 
ham county, July 31, 1833. His educational advantages were those 
of the common schools and he was reared to a farm life. On the 23d 



390 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

of October, 1855, be was married to Miss Susan A. Davis, a daugliter 
of tbat well-known and prominent citizen of Randolph county, Joseph 
Davis, who was one of the pioneer settlers of the county, having come 
bere as early as 1818. In the meantime Judge Burkholder had also 
come to Missouri, and he was identified witb agricultural interests 
mainly until 1857, when be commenced bis career as a railroad con- 
tractor. A man of superior intelligence, energy and enterprise, as 
well as having some means, be was awarded the contract to build a 
portion of tbe North Missouri Railroad in Randolph county, a work 
of which he acquitted himself with great credit and not without sub- 
stantial profit. After tbe road was built, there being no other rail- 
ways then in course of construction in bis part of the State, he re- 
sumed farming, which be continued with success for about three 
years. In 1864 Judge Burkholder engaged in merchandising at Renick 
and two years before was elected a member of the county court, a 
position he filled with honor to himself and tbe county to the close of 
bis term. In 1865 be returned to farming, and also ran a mill, and 
during tbe years 1864 and 1865 he traded quite extensively in bogs 
and tobacco. He also, while farming and milling, furnished railroad 
supplies for the North Missouri, and continued this up to 1869. On 
tbe 1st of November of that year be removed to Moberly, and bere 
ensaged largely in tbe real estate business, buying and selling land on 
bis^own account and trading in town property. Keeping up bis busi- 
ness of furnishing railroad supplies during all the time tbat be was 
dealing in real estate, be has continued his railroad business up to tbe 
present time. His life has. been entirely successful in a business j)oint 
of view, and be is comfortably situated, having ample means, if be 
were disposed to retire, on which to rely, while he has always stood high 
in tbe esteem of tbe people. In 187i and 1872 be was a member of 
tbe city council, and in connection witb H. M. Porter, be framed the 
city charter and drew the ordinances under it. In 1874 Judge Burk-. 
holder was elected mayor, and also served two years on the school 
board. Again be was elected mayor in 1879, and whether in or out 
of office hebas always taken an intelligent and active interest in public 
affairs. He has been elevated to position not through any seeking or 
desire of bis, but by tbe people alone, who desired his services. No 
man in Moberly stands higher than Judge Burkholder. The Judge 
and bis good wife have reared a family of twelve children : John T., 
Hettie A., Mary R., Mark H., James R., Helen H., Lena, Mattie R., 
Paul H., Claude D., Ruby and Belle A. 

WILLIAM H. CHISHOLM 

(Proprietor of the Williams Street Meat, Ves^etable and Game Markets, Moberly). 
Mr. Chisbolm, who has one of tbe largest establishments in bis 
line in this city, and represents the first ward in tbe city council, be- 
iuf a successful business man and influential citizen, is a native of 
Canada, born in Lugaria, May 18, 1853. When he was 12 years of 
age bis parents, Archibald and Catherine (McCrae) Chisbolm, tbe 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 391 

father originally from Scotland, and the mother of Scotch descent, 
but a native of Canada, removed to St. Louis, where William A. grew 
to manhood. He received a good ordinary education in the schools 
of St. Louis, and in youth learned the butcher's business. He sub- 
sequently followed butchering in that city until 1880, when he came 
to Moberly, where he has since continued the business. He has been 
quite successful, and now employs, regularly, three men in his establish- 
ment. Recognized as a man of intelligence and sterling character, as well 
as public-spirited and enterprising, in April, 1880, he was elected a 
member of the city council, a position he now fills with honor to himself 
and credit to the city. On the 18th of May, 1882, Mr. Chisholm was 
married ; but his wife survived her marriage, however, little more 
than a year, dying in June, 1883. He is a member of the order of 
Catholic Knights. 

WILLIAM S. CHRISTIAN 

(Farmer aucl Stock-raiser) . 

Mr. C, another farmer and stock raiser of this county, is a native of 
Scott county, Kentucky, born February 2, 1817. His parents, Paul 
Christian and Mary K. Sutton, were both from Virginia, but strangely 
enough, did not meet until both had moved to Kentucky, where the 
twain were made one. They, came to Missouri in 1832, Paul Chris- 
tian entering land and improving a farm in Randolph, where he re- 
mained until his death in the fall of 1851. William S. spent his 
early years on the farm, learning the blacksmith's trade with his 
father, who carried on a shop on the place. Mr. Christian was mar- 
ried October 8, 1850, to Miss Mary E., daughter of William Terrill, 
formerly of Kentucky. Mrs. Christian was herself born in Kentucky, 
but grew up and was educated in Missouri. Mr. Christian lived un- 
til 1877 in the southern part of the county ; he then moved to the 
farm he now lives on, near Moberly. It includes 250 acres of 
land, of which 210 are fenced and in cultivation, a comfortable resi- 
dence and out-buildings ; there is, also, a fine young bearing orchard 
with some grape and small fruits. Mr. and Mrs. Christian have five 
children : John J., Ann M., wife of Augustus Miller ; Susan C, wife 
of William Burton; Sarah E., wife of Thomas Yager, and Eva M., 
now a young lady at school at Winchester, Tenn. Mrs. Christian 
is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, while the children 
all belong to the Christian Church. Mr, Christian is a member of 
Morality Lodge No. 168, A. F. and A. M., at Renick. 

EDWIN COOK 

(Architect aud Builder, Moberly). 

Mr. Cook, who occupies a leading position in his line at this city, 
is a native of England, born in Sussex, May 1, 1836, and was reared 
in his native country. His education was limited to the common 
schools, and his parents, though respectable and worthy people, were 
not wealthy. So he has had his own way to make in the world, 
20 



392 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

and without means to begin on, from early manhood. Mr. Cook 
learned the business of building and architecture in England, and 
worked at it there with success until 1870, when he came to America, 
then located in Canada, but six months afterwards removed to Kansas 
City, where he followed building for about a year, and then settled 
permanently at Moberly. For four years he was contractor and su- 
perintendent of construction and repairs on the Wabash Railroad, 
having his headquarters at this place during that tune. Aside from 
this, he has been engaged exclusively in his business as an architect 
and builder at Moberly for the past 13 years. A man of supe- 
rior intelligence and full of energy and industry, as well as reliable 
and upright, his career has been an entirely successful one, and he is 
steadily accumulating the substantial evidences of prosperity. He has 
done a very large business in Moberl}', but being a thoroughly honest 
man, he puts none but the best material in his building, according to 
the prices and terms agreed on, and charges only such sums for his 
work and skill as are but reasonable and fair, so that, while he may 
not accumulate wealth as fast as some, what he does obtain will be 
only the fruits of honest industry and enterprise, and may be enjoyed 
with an easy conscience. He has constructed some of the best build- 
ings at this place, and there is but one testimony as to the character 
of the work — entire satisfaction. Mr. Cook is recognized as one of 
the best ai'chitects and builders at Moberly. In 1858 he was married 
to Miss Emma Pilbeam, a native of England. They have six chil- 
dren : Edwin, Alfred, Emma, John, William and Elizabeth. He is 
a member of the Brothers of Philanthrophy. 

WILLIAM MARK COYLE 

(Of Coyle & Harris, Real Estate, Fire and Life Insurance Agents, Notaries Public, etc). 
Mr. Coyle, who is now the senior member of one of the enterpris- 
ing business agencies of the city, has made his own way up in life, 
and, considering that he is still comparatively a young man, the posi- 
tion he now occupies in the business community where he resides 
is of no ordinary credit to his worth and merits. He is by nativity of 
the Empire State, tliough he was reared in Ohio. Born on the 5th of 
July, 1852, when he was but two j^ears of age his parents, John W. 
and Mary (Anderson) Coyle, removed from New York to Ohio, in 
which latter State they settled in Butler county, where they reared 
their family, the father being a tlirift}^ intelligent and successful 
farmer of that county. William M. grew up on the farm in the Buck- 
eye State, and managed to scratch around and get a pretty good com- 
mon Eno-lish education in the schools of the neighborhood. Of an 
enterprising, ambitious turn of mind, when 18 j^ears of age he de- 
cided to quit home and tap the great world farther west for a fortune. 
When his ancestors came over from Ireland, prior to the Revolution, 
they transported their worldly [)ossessions in a long, sleek oil-cloth 
valise, that was equally adapted for carrying bed and bedding, the 
family wardrobe and the culinary implements of the household. This 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 393 

ancient relic of the trans-Atlantic migration of the family was handed 
down from father to son through generations, until it finally became 
the heritage of the subject of this sketch. William M. now got the 
old valise down and loaded it with his singing-school boots, his home- 
made ruffled shirts and other go-to-meeting toggery, and he and the 
valise struck out towards the setting sun to see whether the sky really 
did come down to the ground where it seemed to. William M. was 
then 18 years of age, and pre-eminently "a youth to fortune and to 
fame unknown." The further West they came, William and valise, 
the bigger the world seemed to get, and finally they landed, "this side 
up with care," at St. Louis. The valise was all right when it got here, 
and as full as it was when they started out, but William, in the abdom- 
inal regions, was in much the condition that the average bank is whose 
stockholders too long and too implicitly trust a Sunday-school super- 
intendent to carry the keys to the cash vault, while his pockets, so 
far as dingbats were concerned, were as flat as bursted bladders. 
Somethino; had to be done, and William went to work to o;et work. 
He soon obtained employment on a street railroad, and although this 
was pretty hard work, he was sure it beat plowing. At any rate, he 
prospered physically, and mentally he did not retrograde. In 1872 
he obtained a situation as brakenian on the North Missouri Railroad, 
working for two years on a freight train. He then became brakeman 
on a passenger train. In 1874 he was placed in charge of a baggage 
car, and after three years' service in that capacity, he was given charge 
of an express car. Here he also remained for three years. He now 
decided to engage in business on his own account, and he became a 
wholesale dealer in and an extensive shipper of butter and eggs. 
This was in 1880, and he followed it with success until he engaged in 
his present business, in February, 1882. His career, as outlined 
above, is, as any one may see at a glance, one of entire credit, and one 
that no worthy man need be ashamed of. In the 12 years from 1870, 
when he landed in St. Louis, up to 1882, when he engaged in his 
present business in this city, he has been in five different employ- 
ments, atid in all of them he acquitted himself ftiithfully and worthily, 
and retired from them voluntarily, either on account of promotion or 
to engage in some other business better than the employment which 
preceded it. In his present line of business his career has been one 
of gratifying success. There is no more popular firm in Moberly than 
that of Coyle & Harris in their line. Their business will be spoken 
of at greater length in the sketch of Mr. Harris, on a subsequent page 
of this volume. Mr. Coyle is a gentleman of fine business qualifica- 
tions, a clear head and a good heart, and popular with all who know 
him. On the 1st of May, 1877, he was married to Miss Belle Dunlap, 
a native of Canada, but educated in England. They have one child; 
Archibald L. Edwin, the eldest, died in infancy. Mr. Coyle takes 
an active interest in the public affairs of the city, and at present rep- 
resents the third ward in the city council. / 



394 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 



JOHN T. cox, M.D. 

(Physician and Surgeon, Moberly) . 

Dr. Cox, the Nestor of the medical profession in this city, and a 
physician of high standing and hirge practice, is a native Missourian, 
born in Monroe county, near Florida, December 4, 1839. His school 
advantages were those of the common schools of his native vicinity, 
with a course at Prairie High School superadded. His father, Jacob 
Cox, was a substantial farmer of Monroe county, but was not a 
wealthy man ; so that the son, in early manhood, had to make his 
own start in life. Ambitious to rise above an ordinary condition, he 
conceived a purpose to devote himself to the medical profession as the 
avenue to his advancement. To carry out that design, however, he 
had to provide himself with pecuniary means, and having a good gen- 
eral education and well qualified to instruct the young, he engaged 
temporarily in the profession of teaching, and at a satisfactory salary. 
Young Cox became quite successful as a teacher, and continued teach- 
ing for about four years. During this time he also read medicine, de- 
voting the extra months of his school years to study, and also 
studying during the rest of the time while not actively engaged in the 
duties of the school-room. His medical preceptor was Dr. R. R. 
Hall, of Florida, Mo. In due time he entered the Medical Col- 
lege at Cincinnati, from which he graduated with distinction in 1870. 
Immediately after his graduation, Dr. Cox engaged in the practice of 
his profession at this city, and has since continued it. Thoroughly 
qualified for the practice, 14 years of active work in his profession, as 
well as of continuous study during this time — for he has always been 
a close student — have sufficed to place him in the front rank of phy- 
sicians in this section of the State. His practice, already large and 
highly respectable in character, is steadily increasing in volume and 
profit, and he is rapidly accumulating the substantial evidences of pros- 
perity. Personally, Dr. Cox stands very high, and is esteemed not 
less as a man and citizen than as a physician. On the 16th of De- 
cember, 1874, he was married to Miss D. T. Hall, a daughter of 
Dr. R. R. Hall, his former preceptor. They have two children: 
Frederick E. and Helen. Dr. and Mrs. Cox are members of the 
Christian Church, and the Doctor is a member of the District and State 
Medical Societies. His parents were originally from Kentucky, and 
his mother, before her marriage, was a Miss Cassandra Talbot, of the 
old and respected Talbot family, originally of Virginia and afterwards 
also of Kentucky and Missouri, as well as of other States. 

CHARLES W. DIGGES 

(Dealer in Groceries, Provisions, Wood and Willow-ware, Flour, Bacon, Fish, Cigars, 
Tobacco, etc., etc., Moberly). 

Mr. Digges, one of the enterprising and popular grocers of this 
city, is by nativity and bringing up a son of the Old Dominion, and 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 395 

has proved himself* eminently worth}^ of the o-allant old hero-land that 
gave him birth. When the war broke out in 1861, he was a young man 
in his twenty-second year, and was a clerk for McClellan, Scruggs & 
Co., of St. Louis, having come out West a couple of years before. But 
when Virginia called for volunteers to defend her against invasion, he 
returned to his mother State and became a plighted soldier of the 
Commonwealth and the South. He enlisted in what is known in his- 
tory as the Black Horse of Virginia, a command that won a reputation 
for gallantry and' fearlessness that will last as long as bravery on the 
field of battle is esteemed a virtue among men. We have not the 
space to follow the career of Mr. Digges through the war. Suffice it 
to say, that he did his whole duty as a member of that celebrated com- 
mand, and was six times pierced with Federal liullets while gallantly 
fighting for the honor and independence of his country. But few of 
the young men who started out with him in 18(51 lived to return to 
their homes, but those who did survive, or most of them, came back 
as he did, covered with honorable scars, the proudest decorations a 
soldier can wear. After Lee's surrender, Mr. Digges was taken pris- 
oner and confined at Johnson's Island for three months, at the ex- 
piration of which time, the war being over, he was discharged. In the 
array he held the rank of lieutenant, and for a long time was on the 
staff of Gen. AV. H. Payne. After the war he returned to St. Louis 
and engaged as traveling salesman for Hawkins, Albert & Co., and 
was on the road afterwards, being with other houses for seven years. 
A man full of life and animatioii, of good business qualifications, and 
a jovial, agreeable companion, he became one of the most popular 
and successful traveling salesmen on the road, and accumulated suffi- 
cient means to engage in business on his own account. He accord- 
ingly located at Moberly, and was engaged in merchandising at 
this place for a short time, when, being offered a highly advantage- 
ous position with the Taylor Manufacturing Company, of St. Louis, 
he disposed of his business here and returned to the road, continuing 
a traveling salesman for some five years. On the 9th of October, 
1873, Mr. Digges was married to Miss Ida Rucker, of Huntsville, and 
he finally decided to settle down again in business on his own account. 
In the fall of 1879 he established his present store at Moberly, and 
has been engaged in the business ever since. Possessing the business 
qualifications and popular manners and dispositicm that Mr. Digges 
has, he could hardly fail of becoming a po[)ular merchant. With a 
good word for every one, and accommodating in his store and wher- 
ever he may be, he has gathered around him a host of friends, and 
keeping as he does a large and well-selected stock of groceries and 
other goods of kindred lines, he has naturally built up an extensive 
custom. Mr. Digges has one of the best retail stores in his line in 
Moberly, and is doing a flourishing and steadily increasing business. 
Judging by every indication, he has the promise of becoming more 
than ordinarily successful. Mr. Digges, himself a man of high char- 
acter and ujiimpeachable integrity, comes of a good old Virginia fam- 



396 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

ily. He w:is born in Fauquier county, August 25, 1839, and received 
a more than average general education as he grew up, in the Male 
and Female Seminary of Warrenton, Va. His father was Charles 
W. Digges, a prominent citizen of Fauquier county. The Digges 
have long been settled in Virginia, and came from England prior to 
the Kevolutionary War. Representatives of the family have from time 
to time held prominent positions in the public affairs of the Old 
Dominion. Mr. Digges' mother was a Miss Elizabeth McClenichan, 
and she was originally from New York. Mr. Digges, before coming 
to Missouri, prior to the war, and when a youth, followed clerking in 
a dry goods store, and was even then regarded as one of the most 
efficient and popular young men connected with mercantile business at 
Warrenton. Mr. and Mrs. Digges have two children : Anna E. and 
Charles W. Mrs. D. is a member of the Episcopal Church, and he is 
an active and popular member of the A. O. U. W. 

W. L. DURBIN 

(Train Master of the Wabash, St. Louis and Pacific Railroad, Moberly). 

The duties of train dispatcher and master are exceeded in responsi- 
bility by those of no other position in the railway service. The in- 
terests of life and property to an extent beyond estimation are directly 
dependent upon the efficiency, close attention and fidelity of this 
officer. He orders the trains out, directs where and how they shall be 
run, and all must follow his mandate without question. Of course he 
must be systematic, clear-headed and always conversant with the 
minutise of train work. One mistake of his may cost hundreds of 
lives and the destruction of property almost beyond valuation. None 
but the most trustworthy and capable men are allowed to fill this 
position — men whose qualifications and character and reliability are 
beyond question. And ihe fact that one holds this position is a com- 
pliment of no ordinary significance and value to the incumbent, — it 
is such a compliment as to attempt to express it in words would do the 
officer to whom it belongs an injustice, for as the finer code of morals 
and civility cannot be written, so there are acts indicative of confidence 
and esteem which cannot be properly expressed in words. Mr. Dnr- 
bin is a native Missourian, born in Marion county, near Palmyra, 
April 4, 1849, his parents, Richard and Lucy (Logsdon) Durbin, being 
early settlers of that county from Kentucky, having removed to Marion 
county in 1832. Young Durbin spent his early years on the farm in 
Marion county and received a good ordinary common school education 
as he grew up. In 1864, being then fifteen years of age, he obtained 
a situation in a local office of the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad to 
learn the telegraph business. He learned that business and followed 
it with success for four years, when he obtained a situation with the 
Missouri Pacific as train dispatcher, which he filled with satisfaction 
to the company for two years. Prior to this, however, and when but 
seventeen years of age, young Durbin had discharged the duties of 
train dispatcher at Rrookfield and with such efficiency that he was 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 397 

safely intrusted with a similar position later along. Mr. Durbin came 
to Moberly in 1869 and assumed the duties of his present office. He 
now has charge of over 600 miles of road and the hundreds of trains 
that he starts out daily all run with the regularity of clock-work. 
Under his management of this section of the road there have been 
fewer collisions and accidents resulting from irregular trains than dur- 
ing any former period of its existence, comparing the time year with 
year. Of a quick mind, and alert and active and possessed of superior 
business qualifications, Mr. Durbin has become one of the best train 
dispatchers in the railway service, and from long experience he has 
been able to build up a system of dispatching trains which is with- 
out a superior, if it has an equal. A number of young men have 
learned the business under him, and have become connected with other 
roads, doing credit by their success not less to their preceptor than to 
themselves. On the 7th of February, 1871, Mr. Durbin was married 
to Miss Missouri Pew, a daughter of Hon. A. D. Pew, of Montgomery 
county. Mr. and Mrs. Durbin have been blessed with seven children : 
Maud L., Laura L., Nellie W., William L., Kichard, Lillie and Mis- 
souri. Lillie, the next to the youngest, died December 9, 1883. Mr. 
Durbin, in 1874, when but twenty-five years of age, was elected 
mayor of Moberly and has also been council man-at-large for the 
city. It is but the plain truth to say that he is one of the most 
popular young men in the city. A. gentleman in the highest and best 
sense of the word in character, manners and conversation, he is liked 
by every one. He will doubtless yet hold positions both in the rail- 
way and in the civil service of honor and importance compared to 
which his past positions would be but evanescent coruscations. 

FINIS T. DYSART 

(Dealer in Groceries, both fancy and staple, and in Wood and Willow-ware, Cigars, 

Tobacco, Etc., Moberly). 

When the war broke out in 1861, Mr. Dysart was a young man 
21 years of age, and being a Missourian of Southern antecedents 
and sympathies, as well as believing that the South was right on 
the questions then at issue, he proved the faith of his convictions 
by enlisting for the service under the three-barred banner of the Con- 
federacy. He became a volunteer under Gen. Price, and served for 
one year in the Southern arm}^ under that old Pater Patnie of Mis- 
souri. His health failing, however, he was compelled to return home 
and was honorably discharged from the service on account of physical 
disability, his eyes having almost lost their power of sight. Some 
time afterwards, having recovered his health to a measurable degree, 
he worked under his father in the tobacco business in Macon county 
for a few years. Mr. Dysart then removed to Salisburjs in Chariton 
county, and engaged in the furniture business, which he followed Avith 
success for about three years. In 1871 he was appointed deputy 
sherift' of Chariton county, a position he filled during the years 1871-2. 
In 1874 Mr. Dysart was elected county clerk of Chariton county and 



398 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

held that office for eight years. At the conclusion of his last term of 
office, ou the 1st of Januarj, 1883, he carne to Moberly and engaged 
ill his present business. Mr. Dj'sart, who, as every one in Chariton 
county knows, made one of the best county clerks that couutj'" ever 
had, is a thorough-going business man, perfectly reliable and of a 
more than ordinarily acconimcKlating disposition and agreeable man- 
ners. These qualities are having the effect to make him one of the 
successful retail business men of Moberly. He has an excellent stock 
of goods and sells at prices which inevitably bring him a large trade. 
He has everything to be found in his line, and in great variet}"^ and of 
the best grades, so that a customer has the advantage of selecting just 
such goods as he wants and at prices at which he cannot fairly com- 
plain. In November, 1867, Mr. Dysart was married to Miss Lou 
Bastin, of Chariton county. She lived, however, only about seven 
3^ears, dying in 1874, having borne him three children, only one of 
whom, Chiude, is now living. The deceased are, an infant and Lou, 
the latter of whom survived her mother only about six months, dying 
in November, 1874. To his last wife, previously Mrs. Lou Sands, 
Mr. Dysart was married in 1878. She is also deceased, having died 
in October, 1881. There is one child by this marriage, Anna. Effie, 
the other, died in infancy. Mr. Dysart is a member of the Ma- 
sonic order and of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. His father, 
Rev. James Dysart, was a prominent minister in that denomination, 
and for many years a highly respected citizen of Macon county. Mr. 
Dysart was born in that county March 1, 1840. His higher education 
was received at McGee College. In 1880 he was a prominent candi- 
date for the nomination for Secretary of State in the Democratic 
Convention, and came very near receiving the nomination. 

GEORGE WILLIAM FAIRGRIEVE, M. D. 

(Physician and Surgeon, Treatment of the Eye and Diseases of Women and Children, 

Specialties, Moberly, Mo.). 

Dr. Fairgrieve, justly regarded as one of the most scientific prac- 
titioners in the profession in his city, is a native of New York, and 
comes of an old and distinguished Scotch family in the line of the 
Stuarts, receiving his general education in America, his classical in 
Scotland, and his medical in both England and America. He was born 
in Troy, N. Y., May 23, 1848 ; is the eldest son of George Fairgrieve, 
who was born in Galashiels, Scotland, October 24, 1817, and Agnes 
Stalker Fairgrieve, who was born in E(linl)urgh, Scotland, January 
21, 1820. Dr. Fairgrieve's father being engaged by Crosley & Co., of 
England, in placing the famous power carpet loom in the different 
manufacturing. towns of the East, and in bringing families over to 
take charge of and operate the same, it necessitated numerous trips 
back and forth across the ocean, and as a rule the family went with 
him, until 1868, when he retired from active life. He died in Octo- 
ber, 1873, after a short illness. His mother is still living, in Tilli- 
coultry, Scotland. The elder Fairgrieve being all of his active life in 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 399 

the manufacturing business, was of tlie opinion that his son George 
should be a manufacturer, and svith this end in view, insisted that he 
should work through the various departments, from the raw wool to 
the finished product, and accomplished his desire to quite an extent. 
But his mother, who thought it would be better to give the boy his 
own choice, succeeded in having his time divided l)etweon the facto- 
ries and the schools. As earh^ as 1860 we find the boy, when only 12 
years of age, rolling pills in a doctor's oflSce. In 1868, an assistant 
in practice with Dr. Russell, of Glasgow, Scotland, where he con- 
tinued outside of lecture hours for several years. In 1875 we find 
him with Dr. Eobertson, of London, England. But his mechanical 
turn of mind found the most satisfaction in the science of Surgery, 
and he placed himself under the charge of the eminent Surgeon of 
Westminster Hospital, Mr. Richard Davy, and for two years gave 
close attention to the rectification of deformities. Then he connected 
himself with the Eye and Ear hospital in London, known as the West- 
minster Royal Opthalmic, Charing Cross, under the direct tutorage 
of the chief surgeon of European fame, Mr. Charles Macnamara, 
author of several works on the Eye and its Diseases. Mr. Macnamara 
is now in British India, the chief surgeon and founder of the large 
school and hospital in Calcutta. Dr. Fairgrieve remained in England 
most of the time until 1879, and passed from one division of his chosen 
profession to another, until he had given all of its l^ranches close at- 
tention, and during this time he enjoyed privileges surpassed by few; 
was assistant house surgeon in Westminster School and Hospital, un- 
der Surgeon Cowell, Obstetrics under Surgeon Barnes, Dentistry 
under Surgeon Gregg, and filled the ofiice of demonstrator of anatomy 
under Surgeon Thomas E. Cooke (author of Cooke's Tablets of Anat- 
omy and Physiology) in his school for practitioners perfecting them- 
selves for membership in the Royal College of Surgeons, of England. 
Young Fairgrieve was always busy, and took great pleasure in 
imparting any knowledge he had gained to others. But with a view of 
locating for life, and not caring to wait for dead men's shoes, he returned 
to his native land, America, after making several trips as surgeon on 
ocean steamers plying between this country and England. And we 
find him pushing his way Westward, and connecting himself with the 
Medical department of the State University of Iowa to acquire knowledge 
of any peculiarities that might exist that would enable him to practice 
his profession successfully in this Western country. He graduated 
from this school with honor, and was his class representative at the 
banquet upon the commencement day. All of Dr. Fairgrieve' s studies 
have been in the regular rational school of medicine, improperly nick- 
named allopathy by the founder of homeopathy. He then located in 
Moberly, M©. A characteristic of his has ever been close, untiring 
studionsness. Dr. Fairgrieve has an excellent practice at Moberly ; 
has had built for him one of the finest residences in the city, and has 
his office in one of the finest business blocks in the city. His rooms 
are specially adapted for his convenience, the plans of the same being 



400 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

drawn by him. He has been very successful in his general practice , 
also in his special treatment of the Eye and Deformities, and is con- 
ceded to be one of the finest Oculists in this section of the State, 
and as he is at all times courteous, and very conscientious, being 
careful not to overstate expected results, he makes a friend of every 
one he meets. The Doctor is a man of tine literary attainments, and 
is the president of the Garrick Club ; also director of the Railroad 
Literary Club — both flourishing societies of Moberly. In fact, the 
Doctor is the chosen leader in all literary matters in his city. January 
19, 1870, Dr. Fairgrieve was married to Inez P. Ferguson, who was 
born in Montreal, Canada, September 12, 1850, and is the seventh 
daughter of Edward and Keziah Ferguson ; her father being Scotch, 
and her mother English. They have had born to them three chil- 
dren: Emma Inez, born Februarv 14, 1876 ; Agnes Seton, born March 
26, 1880, died June 22, 1880; George Ernest, born April 30, 1881. 
George and Emma are both living, and are bright and promising 
children. Old members of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows 
will remember Dr. Fairgrieve's father, when they recall the time when 
Odd Fellowship was at a very low ebb in America ; when, in fact, the 
names of George Fairgrieve, Thomas Barr, George Ash worth, and 
Robert J. Garrett were among the few who held on to their charters, 
and defended the order, which has since grown into such glorious 
magnitude. Dr. Fairgrieve joined the order May 23, 1869, upon the 
evening of his twenty-first birthday, and in due season passed through 
the various chairs of the subordinate lodge and into the Encampment. 
Dr. Fairgrieve never had any sisters, and only one brother, James 
Fairo-rieve, who is now in the boot and shoe business in New York 
City. He is three years younger than the Doctor. 

HON. DANIEL S. FORNEY 

(Mayor of the City of Moberly). 
There is something in the nature of an instinct in the public 
mind, involuntary and unerring as it always seems to be, which 
prompts the people, when their civil afljiirs become embarrassed 
and in a critical condition, to select some man in their midst un- 
thought of before, but whose character and qualifications make him 
pre-eminently a man for the occasion, to take charge of their aflairs 
and bring order out of chaos. Then it is that the noisy politicians 
are brushed aside and the individual in whom worth and becom- 
ing modesty are combined is selected. It was such an uprising 
of the people of Moberly in the spring of 1883 that made the plain, 
unpretentious, common-sense citizen Avhose name heads this sketch, 
mayor of the city. For years previous he had gone on, keeping the 
even tenor of his way and quietly attending to his business, and, by 
mingling with his fellow-citizens and transacting business with them 
from day to day, he impressed upon them, all unconscious of it himself, 
the strength and worth of his character, his soljd, level-headed busi- 
ness qualifications, and that he was the man for an emergency in city 



I 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY, 401 

affairs. Little more than a year ago, through bad financiering and 
bad management, the bonds of the city and its other forms of indebt- 
edness were being hawked about the streets and elsewhere at 20c 
on the dollar, and the city treasury was empty. Municipal affairs 
could hardly have been in a worse condition. The government of the 
city was in great embarrassment, and something had to be done. The 
politicians and professional pap-suckers came forward, each with his 
scheme and device to relieve the city, if he were only given some cov- 
eted place. They had been relieving it in the same way too many 
years, until they had about "relieved" it of all its funds and its 
ability to raise them. It was then that a general demand went up for 
a good, practical, level-headed business man to take charge of affairs 
and straighten things out. Out of the many citizens of Moberly of 
this class, Mr. Forney was selected as being the one best calculated 
for the work. He was elected by a handsome majority, and the bum- 
mers and "professionals" were relegated to the rear. How well he 
has fulfilled the expectations which were justly formed of his adminis- 
tration is well known to all. Order has been brought out of confu- 
sion, and the financial condition of the city has been restored to credit 
and health. No city in the State is better governed or in a better 
condition, so far as its public affairs are concerned, than is Moberl3^ 
But the most conclusive evidence of the wonderful change that has 
been wrought in this respect is afforded by the quotations of the city 
bonds in the markets. Capital is sensitive, and the way it regards a 
city is the surest index of the financial condition of the place. One 
year of Mr. Forney at the head of affairs has sufficed to run the bonds 
of the city up to 97c in the markets, and they are everywhere sought 
after as safe and reliable securities. Such a record in national affairs 
would justly make any man famous, and such a record in any large city 
of the country Avould make his name public by commendation through- 
out the land. But Mr. Forney, a quiet, unpretending man, takes no 
special credit to himself for what he has done, and when he speaks of it 
at all, says that he has done only his duty and to the best of his 
ability. With ftir-sighted enterprise and public spirit, he is now carry- 
ing forward a system of general sewerage, and is also improving the 
water supply, both of which movements when carried forward to com- 
pletion will be of incalculable benefit to the city, not only directly ]>ut 
in attracting wealth and population and increased business and pros- 
perity to the place. Mr. Forney is a native of West Virginia, born 
June 6, 1834, and was a son of Daniel and Rebecca (Buchanan) For- 
ney, his father originally of Maryland, but his mother of West Vir- 
ginia. In an. early day the family removed West, and the father now 
lives in Burlington, Iowa, the mother having died in 1854. In 1856 
Daniel S. Forney, having grown to manhood in the meantime, went to 
Texas and engaged in the stock business, but closed out in 1861 and 
returned to Virginia. The following year he came to Missouri, and 
for ten years succeeding was engaged in the tobacco business, trading 
in leaf tobacco and manufacturinir cigars and tobacco for sale. How- 



402 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

ever, in 1869, Mr. Forney came to Moberly, and has been a resident 
of this cit}' ever since, a period now of fifteen years. He engaged in 
the dry goods business some nine years ago, and has since continued 
it with excellent success. He carries a fine stock of goods and com- 
mands a large trade. On the 9th of September, 1856, Mr. Forney 
was married to Miss Henrietta Beatty. She was formerly of Ohio. 
This excellent lady lived to brighten his home for nearly 20 years, 
dying, however, June 27, 1873. She had borne him four children, 
who are living: May, now Mrs. George Miller, of Virginia; Erwin, 
at home with his father; Etta, now Mrs. Robert Ditty, of Virginia, 
iind Frank, who is also with his father. To his present wife, Mr. 
Forney was married July 22,1874. She was a Miss Cyrene Gregory, 
of Grant county, Ky., and is a most estimable lady. Mr. F. is a 
member of the Blue Lodge of the Masonic order. Whether he is of 
any kin to the well-known John W. Forney on his father's side, or to 
ex-President James Buchanan on his mother's side, the writer does 
not know, for the question was not asked, but as the families all come 
from the same section of country, it is not improbable that they are 
related. Mr. Forney's success in public life is another evidence of 
this inference. 

JUDGE JOHN F. HANNAH 

(Breeder aud Dealer in Thorougbred Jersey Cattle) . 

Judge H. was born in Lincoln county, Tenn., March 25, 1822. His 
parents, Andrew Hannah and Margaret Patton, were natives of North 
Carolina. They moved from North Carolina to Tennessee, and after liv- 
ing there for twenty years, came in 1832 to Randolph county, Missouri, 
locating about two miles from the town of Moberly, where the senior 
Hannah remained until his death in May, 1853. Mr. Hannah, Sr., 
was a man of great piety, and nearly all his life a ruling elder in the 
Presbyterian Church. He was instrumental in the organization of the 
first Cumberland Presb^'terian Church in this county, the first meeting 
being held at his house. He afterwards gave the land for the Sugar 
Creek Church and cemeteiy. His son, the Judge, grew up in the 
neighborhood of his present home, and with some assistance from the 
common schools, educated himself. He was married the first time to 
Miss Emily E.,a daughter of William Roberts, of Randolph. Mrs. 
H. died in 1859, leaving three sons, L. B., O. E. and H. O., all in 
business in Moberly, and the heads of families. Mr. Hannah's second 
wife, whom he espoused January 30, 1861, was Miss Sarah A., 
daughter of David S. and Angeline (Hill) Bouton, of Delaware 
county, New York. This lady was raised and educated in that State, 
and reflects much credit upon it. She is one of instinctive and 
cultured refinement, and her mental gifts are rrfre ; her educational 
training was very thorough, and she was successful in imparting to 
others her store of knowledge. She first came to Missouri to accept 
a position as teacher in the Macon High School. Mr. and Mrs. 
H. have four children: Minnie, Alma, Wilbur and Franklin. After 
his marriage, Mr. Hannah settled on the farm he now owns, vvhicli 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 403 

was then only partially improved. He has 80 acres where he lives, 
and 80 acres of timber. He has recently sold off a part of the farm, 
and built a handsome residence one mile north of town. He has a 
good new barn, etc., and has for the last five years made a business of 
breeding and dealing in thoroughbred Jersey cattle. Judge Hannah 
is a Democrat, and in 1880 was nominated and served for two years 
with honorable distinction as county judge. He was also magistrate 
for about ten years, and is one of the stockholders of the Exchange 
Bank at Moberly. Mr. H. is a member of the Cumberland Presby- 
terian Church, while his wife belongs to the M. E. Church ; the latter 
is president of the Woman's Temperance Union. Both of the 
daughters are graduates of Chaddock College, 111. This is one of the 
very first fsimilies in the township, and would be sought after in any 
society. 

BEN. T. HARDIN 

(Of Martin & Hardin, Attorneys at Law, Moberly.) 
Mr. Hardin, a young lawyer of marked ability and of recognized 
prominence in his profession, is a descendant of Hon. Ben. Har- 
din, of Bardstown, Ky., for over 20 years a member of Congress 
from that State, and one of the ablest and most distinguished 
criminal lawyers who ever addressed a jury in the Blue Grass 
Commonwealth. He was also for many years a member of the Legis- 
lature of that State, and was a member of the State Constitutional 
Convention in 1849, and Secretary of State of Kentucky for a num- 
ber of years prior to that time. Mr. Hardin's father, Ben. Hardin, 
Jr., was also a man of marked ability and strong character. He 
married a Miss Susan G. Hubbard, pf this State, and made his per- 
manent home in Randolph county. Ben. T. Hardin was born 
in this county, October 8, 1852. His education was received at 
Mt. Pleasant College, Huntsville, Mo., and at the State Normal 
School at Kirksville, in the latter of which he took a four years' 
course, and graduated with distinction in the class of 1875. Having 
decided to devote himself to the legal profession, he began a regular 
course of study for the bar immediately after his graduation at Kirks- 
ville, and entered the law ofiice of Martin & Priest, of Moberly, Mo., 
under whose instruction he read until the summer of 1877, when he 
was admitted to practice. Two years afterwards Mr. Hardin was 
elected city attorney of Moberly, a position he held during the years 
of 1879 and 1880. Although he has been in the practice less than 
seven years, such are his qualifications and ability, his application to 
business and thorough reliability of his character, that he has won the 
full confidence of the public as a member of the bar, and has built up 
a good practice. He attends to civil and criminal cases, and has been 
very successful. In December, 1881, he and Mr. Martin, his former 
preceptor, formed their present partnership in the practice of law — 
a partnership that has proved highly satisfactory and advantageous to 
both. On the 8th day of October, 1879, Mr. Hardin was married 
to Miss Clara Phillips,"^a daughter of Judge R. Phillips, of Audrain 



404 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

county. He and wife are members of the Christian Church, and Mr. 
H. is also a prominent member of the Masonic order and of the 
A. O. U. W. 

JUDGE BENJAMIN F. HARVEY 

(Pi'esideut of the Randolph B ink, Presidium Justice of the County Court, and Farmer 
and fine Stock-raiser, residence near Moberly) . 

Judge Harvey, himself one of the leading citizens of Randolph coun- 
ty, comes of one of the oldest and best families in this section of the 
State. His parents, John and Elizabeth (Walkup) Harvey, came 
from Kentucky in an early day, while Missouri was still a territory, 
and settled in Howard county, where Judge Harvey Avas born, June 
26, 1883, and reared to manhood. The father became one of the 
leading citizens of Howard county, highly respected, influential and 
wealthy. He represented that county in the Legislature, and died in 
1864, at a ripe old age, and deeply mourned by all who were familiar 
with the events of his long and useful life. The mother, a good and 
true woman, a loving wife and devoted mother, and kind friend and 
sincere Christian lady, died in 1844. The father, a man of broad 
and superior intelligence, appreciated at their worth the advantages 
of advanced education, and sought to avail his children of these as 
well as of other opportunities for their promotion in life. Benjamin 
F. Harvey, after availing himself of the instruction aflbrded by the 
schools of this State, was sent to Virginia and took a thorough course 
in the celebrated Bethany College of that State, famous not less in 
many respects than that it is the institution over which the great 
divine, Alexander Campbell, presided for many years. Young Harvey 
graduated from Bethany with high honor, in 1857. Returning home 
to Missouri, he remained on the farm until the outbreak of the war, 
when he at once entered upon the study of law and soon afterwards 
went to Philadelphia, where he prosecuted his studies with assiduity 
for some time. The outbreak of the war found him in his native 
State, and a Southern man by kindred, sympathies, interests and 
principle, he joined the Missouri State Guard under Gov. Jackson's 
call and was made first lieutenant of a company. Mr. Harvey served 
for six months under Gen. Price, and after the battle of Lexington 
resigned his commission on account of ill-health, and did no further 
active service in field or camp during the war. As is well known, a 
formidable organization existed in Canada during our civil struggle 
for the advancement of the interests of the South, and Mr. Harvey 
being unacceptable as a soldier on account of physical disability, made 
himself very useful to our side by his activity and services on the 
north side of the St. Lawrence. After the war he returned to Mis- 
souri and engaged in the stock business and farming, becoming one 
of the prominent men in these lines in Randolph county. For five 
vears following 1871 he was extensively engaged in handling stock in 
Montana, and was quite successful. Some years ago he became 
president of the Randolph Bank, at Moberly, in which he is a large 
stockholder, and in 1882 he was elected presiding judge of the county 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUKTY. 405 

court. Although a substantial property holder of the county and a 
man of fine intelligence and lousiness qualifications, he is one of the 
most unassuming and unpretentious of men. Plain in his manners 
and conversation, he is yet appreciated for his true worth, and while 
he is popular with all classes, he is especially esteemed b}^ the better 
citizens of the county. Industrious and enterprising, attentive to 
business and intelligently frugal, but entirelj^ free from parsimony, 
his life has been an entirely successful one thus far, and although only 
fairly advanced to middle age, he is comfortably situated so far as 
this world's goods are concerned, and possesses the confidence and 
respect of all who know him. Judge Harvey was married to Miss 
Mary E. Wilcox, daughter of Granville Wilcox, of Randolph county, 
in 1864. She died about 18 months thereafter. No issue of this 
marriage is now living. On the 6th day of March, 1877, he was 
married to Miss Ellen M. Blakey, a daughter of Hon. M. D. Blakey, 
of Monroe county, an amiable and excellent lady, and three children 
are the fruits of their happy married life, namely : Mary E., Julia B. 
and Frank B. Harvey. Mrs. Harvey is a member of the Christian 
Church, and Judge Harvey is a member of the Masonic order. His 
residence is four miles from town. 

JOHN C. HICKERSON, M. D. 

(Physician and Surgeon, Moberly) . 

Dr. Hickerson is a native of the Old Dominion, born in Fauquier, 
April 4, 1834. In an early day his parents removed to Missouri and lo- 
cated in Cooper county. Subsequent!}^ his father became a merchant at 
Boonville, Mo. Young Hickerson received his higher education at the 
St. Paul's College, which he attended for three years. Following this 
he began the study of medicine under Dr. N. F. Bowles, of Marion 
county, from whose instruction in due time he passed to the St. Louis 
Medical College, graduating with distiuction in the class of 1860. In 
1861 Dr. Hickerson began the practice of his profession in Ralls county, 
where he continued in the practice with success for ten years. Al- 
though doing exceedingly well in Ralls county he desired a larger and 
more lucrative field for the exercise of his professional skill, and ac- 
cordingly, in the fall of 1871, came to Moberly, where he has since 
resided. Dr. Hickerson' s experience here has been entirel}' satisfac- 
tory, both to himself and to the public. He has built up a large 
practice and has become not only popular and influential as a physi- 
cian but as a man and citizen. He is very highly respected, and his 
family moves in the best society of this city. . The Doctor was 
married on the 8th of January, 1861, to Miss Darthula Rodes, a 
daughter of Dr. Tyre Rodes, of Ralls countv. Thev have five chil- 
dren : Edwin R., Ab. S., John H., Charles B. and William T. Two 
children are deceased, both dying\ in infancy. The Dr. and Mrs. 
Hickerson are members of the M. E, Church, and the Doctor is a 
Knight Templar in the Masonic order and a member of the A. O. U. 
W. The Doctor's parents are both deceased, the father, Absalom 



406 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

Hickerson. dying in 1848, and the mother, whose maiden name was 
Margaret E. Shacklett, dying in 1875. The Doctor is a member of 
the District and State Medical Societies. 

DAVID HULTZ, M.D. 

(Homeopathic Physician and Surgeon, Moberly). 

Dr. Hultz, a physician of long and successful experience, who for 
many years has made a specialty of the treatment of diseases of women 
and children, having established a wide and enviable reputation in that 
department of the practice, is a native of New Jersey, born in Burling- 
ton county. May 16, 1815. His parents were David and Mary Hultz, 
both of old and respected New England families. The father was a 
carriage maker and millwright by trade, and followed that occupation 
for many years. Young Hultz remained with his father until he was 18 
years of age, receiving a good common school education in the meantime. 
He then went to Philadeljjhia and completed his novitiature at the 
carpenter's trade, at which he had previously worked for a short time. 
After acquiring his trade in 1835 he came West to Illinois, and re- 
mained in that State for about nine years, engaged in farming at first 
and afterwards mainly in trading in stock. In 1844 Mr. Hultz went 
to Cincinnati and took the contract for building the engine houses and 
turn-tables of the Little Miami Railroad. After completing his con- 
tract, and having in the meantime accumulated some means, he decided 
to study for the medical profession, and accordingly began a reguhir 
preparatory course of study. In 1849 he entered the Homeopathic 
Medical CoUeo-e of Cleveland, from which he graduated in 1850. Im- 
mediately following his graduation Dr. Hultz located at Milford, Ohio, 
and engaged in the practice of his profession. Subsequently he 
removed to Mount Pisgah, in the same State, and anxious to advance 
himself in the knowledge of his profession as far as instruction afibrded 
by the schools goes, he took a thorough course in the American 
Eclectic Medical College, from which he graduated in 1853. Dr. Hultz 
then located at Morrow, Ohio, where he practiced three years. He then 
removed to Louisville, where he was engaged in the practice for 15 
years. Dr. Hultz has always been a close student as well as a faithful 
practitioner, and for many years has taken a special interest in diseases 
affecting women and children, and particularly in those of a chronic 
nature. He became very prominent in Louisville in this branch of the 
practice, and, in fact, was regarded as the leading physician in that 
department in that city. In 1871 he came further West, locating at 
Cairo, 111., and five years afterwards removed to Keokuk, Iowa, 
but in 1877 came to Macon, and thence to Moberly four years after- 
wards, where he has since resided and been engaged in the practice of 
his profession. Although he has been here but three years he has 
already become i)rominent as a physician, and in the treatment of 
women and children he is without a superior, if he has an equal, in 
this city, or indeed in this section of the State. No man has been 
more successful in this branch of the practice, and he is justly entitled 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 407 

to all the popularity he has won. On the 11th day of March, 1835, 
Dr. Hultz was married to Miss Rebecca Martyer, of New Jersey. She 
lived for 16 years after they married, dying in 1851. She had borne 
him eight children : John, Albert, James, Mary A., Anna Eliza, Martha, 
now Mrs. Thomas Beeley, David andMahlon. The eldest is deceased. 
The Doctor was married to his present wife in 1858. He and wife 
are members of the Methodist Church. The Doctor joined the church 
in the year 1844, and soon after he was elected class leader. One year 
later he was licensed to exhort, which he did for five years, and at this 
time he was tendered a license to preach. Choosing rather to attend 
to his adopted profession, he did not accept it. An important chapter 
in the life of Dr. Hultz is contained in his travels through the Old 
World. Becomino; desirous of visitino; these distant countries he left 
home on March 3, 1869, and took his departure from New York on 
the 5th of that month, arriving in Liverpool the 29th. Leaving there, 
he visited Constantinople, went thence to Alexandria, where he re- 
mained until September 1st, and going down the canal landed on the 
river Nile, at a city called Atfe. Passing up the river he visited many 
towns and villages ; went across the deserts, and then down the Delta, 
proceeding through several plains, on to the River Jordan and to the 
Dead Sea. After exploring rocks, hills, etc., and the " pillar of 
salt," he moved up the river to the Sea of Galilee, seeing also Mount 
Carmel, which stands majestically at a height of nearly 2,000 feet. 
Upon leaving the hills of Samaria he again moved up the river to a 
point where it is said our Lord was bai)tized. Crossing the country 
he reached Jerusalem, of which city many interesting reminiscences 
might be enumerated, but space forbids. After spending 13 months 
in this vicinity the Doctor embarked for New York, and arrived there 
on the 14th of June, 1871, having had an experience such as but few 
are permitted to enjoy. 

WILLIAM JAMES 

(Retired Business Man, Moberly). 

Mr. James was born in Howard county. May 20, 1822, and as he 
grew up received a good common school education. In the spring ot 
1863, being then 21 years of age, he removed to Randolph county 
and the following year went over into Audrain, where he lived 
for five years. He then returned to Randolph county and has 
made his home in this county from that time to this. In 1863,. 
having accumulated a comfortable competency, he retired from 
the activities of business life, and since that time he has not been en- 
gaged in any active employment. Mr. James was for many years a 
prominent farmer of Randolph county, and has dealt in stock quite 
extensively, more or less, all his life up to the time of his retirements 
Indeed, buying and shipping stock has been his principal occupation,, 
and it is to this that he is mainly indebted for his success. Though he 
lost considerably in slaves and other property b}'^ the war, his estate 
was not seriously crippled. On the 9th of October, 1849, Mr. James 
21 



408 HISTORY OF RATiDOLPH COUNTY. 

was married to Miss Mary Smith, a daughter of Joel Smith, of Kan- 
dolph county. They have four children: Laura, now Mrs. W. A. 
White ; Lizzie, now Mrs. Baker ; Anna, at home ; and William S. 
Mr. and Mrs. James are members of the Baptist Church, and Mr. 
James is a member of the Masonic Order. He is a man of irreproach- 
able character and a kind and accommodating disposition, and is 
highly thought of among his neighbors and acquaintances. 

GEORGE M. KEATING 

(City Marshal, Moberly). 

Mr. Keating, the present efficient and popular marshal of this city, 
is a native of the city of St. Louis, born on the 4th of August, 1856. 
His father, John C. Keating, and his mother, whose maiden name was 
Anna Conners, were both originally from Ireland. George H., as he 
grew up, learned the blacksmith trade and completed his apprentice- 
ship in the Wabash Railroad shops of his native city. Subsequently he 
worked for 10 years in the Wabash shops. In the meantime he had 
come to Moberly, and in April, 1880, was appointed deputy marshal. 
At the April election, three years afterwards, he was elected city mar- 
shal, a position he still holds. Mr. Keating is a man of fair common- 
school education, of sterling character, and a faithful officer of the law. 
Under his administration of the office of marshal in the city, offenders 
have been made to feel that they could not escape detection and pun- 
ishment, and the influence of his name has been a potent factor in 
preserving the peace and maintaining that unusual observance of the law 
which has characterized the conduct of the troublesome classes since he 
came into office. It is generally admitted that the city never had a 
better marshal than George Keating has been. He is a member of 
the A. O. U. W. and of the Knights of Labor, and he and his mother 
are members of the Catholic Church. Mr. Keating' s father died in 
Canada when George M. was but two years of age, and the mother 
and son are residents of Moberly. 

GEORGE B. KELLY 

(Editor and Proprietor of tlie Daily and Weekly Monitor, Moberly). 

It is a fact to be observed by every one of intelligence and general 
information that most of the successful men of this country, at least, 
are what are called self-made men, or those who have risen in life 
mainly, if not exclusively, by their own exertions and merits. For 
every one reared in luxury and affluence, who occupies a justly enviable 
and prominent position in the community in which he lives, there are 
scores equally or more prominent and esteemed who came up from 
exceedingly unfavorable and discouraging circumstances in early life. 
This is true in every occupation, profession and calling. Indeed, the 
qualifications for success seem to be acquired only in the school of 
adversity. There it is that strong points of character are required, 
and from that school no one ever graduates or passes beyond unless 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 409 

he evinces them. The characteristics that enable one to overcome 
early disadvantages are the characteristics that in nearly every 
instance will carry him forward to ultimate success. If one young 
and inexperienced can rise superior to unfavorable surroundings, 
what may fiiirly be expected of him when he reaches years of maturity, 
ripe judgment and an intelligent knowledge of the conditions of life? 
The little waif of a boy that we see floating around in the world here 
or there, or to-day or to-morrow, an orphan, perhaps, and friendless, 
must not be despised. The possibility, if not the probability, is that 
in a few years he will occupy a position in life above the mediocre that 
now looks down upon him and pities him. This is the lesson taught 
by the lives of most of the successful men of the present and of the 
past ; it is the lesson taught by the lives of the successful men of 
every community. Character, intelligence and energy will win, whether 
nurtured on a bed of down or a pallet of straw. These reflections 
are called out by glancing over the brief notes from which the present 
sketch is written. Mr. Kelly, though not a child of poverty and 
friendless, was a boy that was left fatherless, and soon afterwards 
penniless, by the vicissitudes of the war, and with his mother's family 
to care for. He had then not reached the age of youth, or his " teens," 
and he was, of course, without education. But the qualities that make 
successful men were with him — strength of character, sterling intel- 
ligence and energy. He entered the office of the Border Star at 
Independence, Mo., his native place, to learn the printer's trade, 
and he so recommended himself to his emplo3^er, by his industry and 
evident personal worth, that he was given liberal compensation for his 
work, besides the instruction he received. His small earnings were 
gladly contributed to the support of his mother and the loved ones of 
her family. Close application to the case and a desire to learn and 
rise in his calling soon made him a more than ordinarily rapid and 
competent printer. Later along he worked in the Sentinel office, and 
his services were always in request wherever he was known. In 1870, 
then 22 years of age, he concluded to try his fortune in the great 
State of Texas, and therefore went to the imperial Commonwealth, 
facing on the waters of the Rio Grande. He remained in the Lone Star 
State only a short time, returning in 1871, and the following year he 
began the publication of the Daily Herald. Because Mr. Kelly came up a 
poor boy it does not necessaril}^ follow that he has not the natural qualities 
to make a successful and accomplished editor, in as large a measure as 
if he had been reared in affluence and spent his youth in the classic 
walls of a university. True, he may not understand the different 
readings of Sophocles as well, and a great many other things so dear 
to the heart to a spectacled, dyspeptic professor. But after all, what 
have these things to do with the practical brain-work of editing a 
paper. They are well enough, perhaps, for mental training, and so is 
the 15 puzzle. But so far as ever realizing any dividend from them it 
is very doubtful whether anybody but a professional teacher ever 
declared a cash balance on such things equal to an uncancelled postage 



410 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

stamp. Every occupation, business and professional, must be learned 
in the regular course of training that leads up to that calling, and the 
editorial tyro must become an editor by becoming a man of general 
and varied information and by learning to write — to express his 
thoughts in clear, terse and pointed English and briefly. This is the 
schooling that Mr. Kelly has had for his work. While in newspaper 
offices as a typographer he improved all his leisure by reading and 
the study of such books, scholastic and other kinds, as afforded infor- 
mation in the line of editorial work; and he also wrote for the 
different papers, his production being accepted and published if 
satisfactory to the editor, and rejected if not approved. Thus through 
years of training of this kind he was well qualified to begin the pub- 
lication of a paper when, in 1872, he had saved up a sufficient nucleus 
of means for that purpose. The Herald enterprise proved a successful 
venture, and the following year the Enterprise was consolidated with 
it. In 1873 Mr. Kelly moved his office to Moberly, and a year later 
the Enterprise was consolidated with the Monitor of this city, under 
the name of the E nter prise- Monitor . In the fall of 1875 the word 
" Enterprise " was dropped from the title of the paper as unnecessary, 
and since then the journal has flourished under the title of Monitor 
alone. Mr. Freeman was the partner of Mr. Kelly for some time, 
but the latter bought out the former's interest in 1873. Mr. Kelly 
built in 1872, and added a steam-power press and complete job office 
to the establishment. He also set up a book and stationery house in 
connection with the paper, and, in a word, has shown himself to be 
the man to make every edge cut that could be utilized in getting along 
in the world. The career of the Monitor has been one of unusual 
prosperity. He unquestionably has one of the best newspaper and 
job offices in the interior of the State and outside of a large city. It 
would seem supererogation to speak of the reputation, influence and 
circulation of the Monitor, daily and weekly. Every Missourian 
knows the Moberly Monitor. A man of strong character, enterprise 
and ability, Mr. Kelly has made the Monitor partake of the same 
qualities he possesses himself. Personally, more than ordinarily 
successful, considering his time of life and opportunities, the Monitor 
has been made a more than ordinarily successful country newspaper. It 
has the largest circulation of all the papers throughout the surround- 
ing country, and few well regulated families in the limit of its domain 
feel entirely at home without it. Its news columns are filled with the 
quintessence of the latest and best news, and its editorial discussions 
are alvrays characterized with dignity and fairness. The paper, in a 
word, is an able, influential and popular journal, and is respected for 
its high character and perfect reliability wherever it is known. As an 
advertising medium, its value, as its columns show, is placed above 
that of any other journal published throughout the territory where it 
circulates. Mr. Kelly has just cause to be satisfied with his own 
career in life, but he has greater cause to be proud of the Monitor ; 
and the pleasure with which he speaks of its progress shows that he is 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 411 

not insensible to the credit which its career reflects upon himself. 
Personally, he is a man of irreproachable worth, and justly occupies 
an influential position in the affairs, political, material and social, of 
Moberly and surrounding country. On the 18th of November, 1875, 
Mr. Kelly was married to Miss Lillie Slidenstricker, of Saline county, 
a lady of great personal worth and rare charms of mind and person. 
They have one child, Heber B. Mr. Kelly is a member of the 
Knights of Honor and of the Brothers of Philanthropy. He was also 
lieutenant in the National Guard of this city by election of his com- 
pany and the appointment of the Governor. Mr. Kelly's parents 
were John Kelly, originally of Virginia, and Polly A. Davis, of Ken- 
tucky, who were married in the latter State and came to Missouri in 
a comparatively early day, settling in Jackson county, where the 
father died in 1860. He was a man of fine business qualifications and 
possessed of considerable means, but his estate was swept away as a 
result of his death and the war. George B. was born at Indepen- 
dence, October 8, 1848. The Monitor is the official paper of the city 
of Moberly. 

CHAELES KNIGHT 

(Ticket Agent of the Wabash, St. Louis and Pacific Railroad, Moberly). 
Mr. Knight, one of the most popular and efficient ticket agents on 
the line of the Wabash Railroad, cojnes of two of the earliest families 
of this country, the Knights and the Goulds, both of which were rep- 
resented by brave soldiers in the Colonial army during the war of the 
Revolution. Mr. Knight's great-grandfather, on his father's side, 
served from Massachusetts in the Revolutionary War, as did also the 
latter' s brother, who was promoted to the position of captain for 
conspicuous gallantry on the bloody field of Bennington. Of the 
ancestral line was Grace Gould, one of the Pilgrims who landed at 
Plymouth among the immortal band that came over in the Mayflower. 
Mr. Knight's father was Edwin P. Knight, and the maiden name 
of his mother was Elizabeth Vaughan, both of Hanover, Grafton 
county, N. H., where Charles, the subject of this sketch, was born, 
June 3, 1849. Charles Knight was educated in the excellent com- 
mon schools of Hanover and when 18 years of age came West, and 
located at Bloomington, 111., where he eng-ao-ed in sellins' oroods 
for the three succeeding years. He then engaged in the hotel busi- 
ness, becoming proprietor with his brother E. F. Knight, of the Nor- 
mal Hotel of that city, which they conducted for about two years. 
At the expiration of this time Mr. Knight received an appointment to 
a desirable position on the Chicago and Alton Railroad, which he 
filled with efficiency, and to the satisfaction of the company and pub- 
lic up to 1873, when he was appointed to his present place as ticket 
agent of the Wabash at this city. His record here has been one of 
exceptional merit. Not only have his services been entirely satisfac- 
tory to the officials of the road, but he has become exceedingly pop- 
ular with the public, on account of his accommodating disposition and 
his urbane, courteous politeness to all. The first year his sales at this 



412 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

office amounted to $35,000, last year they exceeded $115,000. Mi-. 
Kiiight has stock and a hirge sheep ranch in Kansas. Personally he 
is well liked, and is exceptionally popular with the ladies. 

GEOEGE W. LENT 

(Foreman Blacksmith of the Wabash, St. Louis and Pacific Railroad, Moberly). 

Mr. Lent, who now has charge of the blacksmith department of 
the Wabash shops at this place, and is working about 50 men, is 
one of those clear-headed, energetic men who rise to prominence in 
whatever calling with which they are identified, and who invariably 
become the directing minds in every enterprise in their line with which 
they are connected. He is a native of the Empire State, New York, 
and was born in Putman county, in June, 1827, and in boyhood had 
common school advantages. When 13 years of age he began to learn 
the blacksmith's trade, which he worked at until he had completed it, 
at the age of 21, being bound as an apprentice to the Matte wan Cot- 
ton Manufacturing Company. In 1848 he went to Newburg, N. 
Y., where he worked as blacksmith in the shops of the New York 
and Erie Kailroad Company. Four years later he went to New 
Haven, Conn., and in 1853 returned to New York City, and for the 
following 14 years was foreman of the Hudson River Railroad shops, 
on Thirty-first street and Tenth avenue. Li 1867 Mr. Lent came to 
Missouri and located at Hannibal, where he worked for about three 
years, and then went to Cheyenne, where he was foreman of the 
Union Pacific shops for about a year. He afterwards returned to 
St. Louis and became foreman of the Iron Mountain shops of that 
city, and in 1875 came to Moberly as foreman blacksmith of the 
Wabash shops, a position he has since held. In May, 1874, Mr. Lent 
was married to Miss Grace Langdon. They have no children. Mr. 
and Mrs. Lent are members of the Episcopal Church, and Mr. Lent 
is a member of the Masonic Order, being an initiate of the Blue Lodge 
No. 28, the Chapter No. 7, and the Commandery No. 5, at Hanni- 
baL 

ROBERT LITTLE 

(Merchant Tailor ; business house, on Clark Street between Coats and Reed Streets, 

Moberly). 

Mr. Little, a successful and popular business man of this city in 
his line, is a native of Scotland, born March 16, 1832, and received 
a common school education and learned his trade in his native 
land. He afterwards came to America and located at New Castle, 
in Canada, and in 1869, 14 years after coming to this country, 
he came to Missouri and followed his trade in Monroe countv. 
However, Mr. Little was engaged in farming for about two 
years on first settling in Missouri, but at the expiration of this time 
located in Paris and carried on a shop there until 1874, when he came 
to Moberly. Mr. Little has the reputation of being one of the best 
tailors, not only in Moberly, but throughout this section of the conn- 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 413 

try. A man of more than ordinary intelligence, he has made a spec- 
ialty of learning his bnsiness thoroughly and keeping up with the times 
in fashions and improved methods of making up goods. Having had 
a long experience in handling goods in the line of gent's wear, he is 
thoroughly conversant with the different "makes" and qualities kept 
in the markets, both of home manufacture and foreign production. 
His 10 years' experience at Moberly has been one of gratifying suc- 
cess. His patronage has steadily increased and he numbers among 
his patrons many of the best citizens of the city. He makes it a point 
to let no work leave his house that is not only satisfactory to the cus- 
tomer but to himself, for he properly claims that he is better able to 
judge whether work will be generally approved than a customer who 
knows but little about the business and less about public taste in this 
line. As he says, himself, his best advertisement is his work, and he 
relies on this mainly for his reputation. Let a patron request him to 
select a good piece of goods and make a good suit of clothes, and the 
customer may rest assured that he will have a suit of which he will 
have no just cause to complain, Mr. Little's prices are always rea- 
sonable, for desiring to avoid all appearance of making unreasonable 
charges, he often does his work at figures which are unfair to himself. 
Personally, he is an upright, worthy citizen, and is well respected. 
In 1857 Mr. Little was married to Miss Sophia Osborn of Canada. 
They have five children ; William, John, Albert, Andrew and Gershom. 
Mr. and Mrs. Little are members of the M. E. Church South, and Mr. 
L. is a member of the Masonic Order and of the A. O. U. W. 

JOHN LYNCH 

(Deputy Marshal, Moberly) . 

Mr. Lynch, who was for several years marshal of this city and one 
of the best ministerial officers ever in its service, is a native of the 
county in which he now resides, and it may therefore be said, as was 
said of the gentlemen in the ancient feudal days of England, that 
*'he is a free man and to the manor born." On the 11th of Jan- 
uary, 1856, he first looked out upon the radiant light of day, and 
from that glad morning to the present his life has been a thread, 
woven, throughout, in the history of his native county. Mr. Lynch 
was educated in the common schools of his county and was reared to 
the occupation of a farmer. For years he assisted his father to culti- 
vate the land which is now the site of the city of Moberly. After 
he grew u\) he engaged in work in the railroad machine shops, 
which he followed for over three years. He then followed firing on a 
locomotive engine for nearly four years, and in 1880 wns elected city 
marshal of this city, and afterwards re-elected twice. Last year Mr. 
George Keating became his successor, and Mr. Lynch was appointed 
deputy marshal. AVell qualified, so far as business is concerned, for 
the duties of his office, he at the same time combines in his character 
those qualities of fearlessness, vigilance, impartiality and immovable 
integrity which conspire to make him an officer whom the city could 



414 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

not well afford to do without. In all justice he ought to be re-elected 
marshal and have his salary increased. He could then afford to marry, 
settle down and be happy, and thus to lead a life to which every good 
citizen is entitled. Mr. Lynch is a whole-souled, genial, good fellow, 
and in the language of the Roman Senate when decreeing a triumph 
to its great generals, " he deserves well of his country." 

EEV. FATHER FRANCIS McKENNA 

(Pastor of the Church of St. John the Baptist, Ault Street, Moberly_) . 
The strength and virtue of every religious faith consists in its purity 
and sincerity. If there is but one Christian religion, there can be but 
one Christian faith, and all variations and modifications must neces- 
sarily be but corruptions and schisms from the true doctrine and the 
true faith. Looking over the religions of the world as they present 
themselves and weighing their claims to verity and credence, no intel- 
ligent man can doubt that if there is a true religion, if indeed there 
is a genuine religious element in the constitution of man, that religion 
is, and that religious element has its true exponent in, the Christian 
religion. For fifteen hundred years the Catholic Church stood out in 
the afi'airs of the world as the exclusive representative of this religion, 
and ever since the beginning of the fourteenth century she has been 
the principal representative of Christianity throughout the Avorld,and 
she has ever been the true and only genuine representative. From 
St. Peter, to whom Christ, himself, spoke : "Thou art Peter, and 
upon this rock I will build my church ; and the gates of hell shall not 
prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the key of the kingdom 
of heaven ; and whatsoever thou shall bind on earth shall be bound 
in heaven ; and whatsoever thou shall loose on earth shall be loosed 
in heaven ; " — from St. Peter to whom Christ thus spoke, to the pre- 
sent time, the Catholic Church has had an unliroken line of apostolic 
successors, each representing in iiis person and by his office all that 
St. Peter represented — the true and only Church of Christ and the 
sum and summit of Christianity. It was the Catholicism of early 
times that established itself in Rome, and it was the same Catholicism 
which, spreading out from Rome, dispersed itself throughout the 
known world, and planted the Cross in every land known to the geog- 
raphy of man. If the Christianity of the Catholic Church was good 
enough for mankind for fifteen hundred years prior to the time of 
Martin Luther, what reason can be advanced why it should not be 
Cood enoug-h since that time? If those who looked to this church for 
fifteen centuries as their hope and guide were saved, can any one be- 
lieve that those who have looked to it since have been lost? If 
Catholics since Luther's time have been in error and have been lost, 
then they were in error and were lost prior to that time, and Chris- 
tianity, as a means of salvation, is a scheme of modern times alone. 
The truth is, that as men rebel against the laws of God, so also they 
rebel against the laws and ordinances of His church ; and the doctrine 
of rebellion, or Protestantism, once admitted, who can answer for its 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 415 

final ending? In the last few centuries we have abundant evidences 
of the depravity and ruin of this doctrine. First we have Martin 
Luther, the founder of religious rebellion, or Protestantism ; then 
comes Calvin, rebelling, or protesting against the doctrines of Luther ; 
then against Calvinism there are rebellious, or protestations, without 
number, each modifying, diminishing and corrupting the original true 
Christianity of the Catholic Church — and so we have Baptists, Meth- 
odists, Episcopalians, Congregationalists, so called " Christians," or 
Campbellites, Universal ists. Unitarians; and, finally, .the Protestants, 
throwing off all disguise, blossom out into pure Infidelity, as repre- 
sented by Col. IngersoU. From Luther to IngersoU there are but a 
few steps and, the first taken, the last is sure to follow — both are 
protestants, and both are equally bitter against the Catholic Church. 
The intermediate denominations from Luther to IngersoU, are but the 
steps that lead from one to the other. Against these and all such as 
these the Catholic Church stands out, the veritable Rock of St. Peter 
■which hell cannot prevail against, and holds up the Cross to all the 
world, the symbol of the pure, true Christian religion, making no 
terms with religious rebellion in any form and character whether it be 
called Protestantism or what not, and asking none. She has stood 
for nearly nineteen centuries the supreme representative of Christian- 
ity on the earth, and she will stand through the unnumbered centuries 
yet to come, and until all mankind shall be brought through her in- 
sti-umentality as the vicegerent of God to the knowledge of, and the 
true faith in the true, living God. Here in Missouri the Church of 
St. Peter first planted the Cross, and all over the State the spires of 
his temples of worship raa}^ be seen piercing the sky. In Moberly, 
as elsewhere, she has a pastor for her flock, and here, as elsewhere, 
he is a man worthy by character, faith, good works, and learning to 
represent Christianity among his fellow-men. For fifteen years Father 
McKenna has had charge of the church at this place, and his work 
has been blessed by the most abundant encouragement. When he 
came here but 12 families were represented in his congregation ; 
now it includes 200 families. In 1878 he was instrumental in estab- 
lishing the Catholic school at this place, which now has an enrollment 
of 200 pupils. Such a record any good servant of the Lord may well 
contemplate with satisfaction. Father McKenna was born in county 
Monaghan, Ireland, and came to America when quite young. In- 
tended for the priesthood, he took a thorough course of preparatory 
school and college study, both in literature and the languages, as well 
as in the sciences and philosophy. He subsequently took a thorough 
theological course and became a man of wide and profound learning, 
as well as of sincere piety. Father McKenna was duly ordained and 
his first charge was at New Madrid, Missouri, where he remained for 
three years. He then came to Moberly, where he has superintended 
the building of three churches. He also has charge of the church at 
Sturgeon. Father McKenna is a man thoroughly devoted to the ser- 
vice of God and humanity, an able and eloquent divine and more 



416 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

than ordinarily zealous and successful in his great life work. He is 
greatly beloved by his parishioners and is esteemed by all for his 
earnestness as a Christian priest and his worth as a man. 

WILLIAM MAYNARD 

(Editor and Proprietor of the Daily and Weekly Headlight, Moberly). 
Mr. Maynard, the Nestor of journalism at Moberly, and for nearly 
20 years an editor and newspaper proprietor iu this section of the 
State, is a native of England, born in London, March 9, 1839. When 
he was 10 years of age, in 1849, his parents, Thomas and Sophia 
(Cordell) Maynard, immigrated to America with their family of chil- 
dren, landing at New York sometime in July, about the time of President 
Zachary Taylor's death. The father was a paper-box manufacturer, 
and followed that with success on a large scale for a number of years 
in the city of London. William Maynard was educated in the com- 
mon schools of Brooklyn, N. Y., aud in printing offices, but mainly 
in the latter, supplemented with study at home and general 
self-culture. He began his apprenticeship at the printer's trade 
in New York City, where he worked for some time, and 
afterwards continued it in the printing house of John A. Gray, of 
New York. Having mastered his trade, he obtained a situation in the 
office of the Brooklyn Eagle, where he worked a year, being in that 
office at the time of the assassination of President Lincoln. Leaving 
Brooklyn, Mr. Maynard now came West and stopped in St. Louis for 
a time. While there he worked in both the offices of the Democrat 
and the Republican, the Democrat then not being consolidated with 
the Globe. In 1866 Mr. Maynard came up to Keytesville and started 
the Chariton County Union, which he published with success until 
1870, when he established the Headlight, at Moberly. Mr. Maynard 
has had such a training as could hardly have failed to make any one of 
his intelligence and energy a capable and successful newspaper man. 
Not brought up in affluence or luxury, but made to know from youth 
the importance of personal exertions and merit to success in life ; on 
the one hand he was removed from those temptations to idleness and ex- 
travagance which beset the favorites of fortune, and on the other those 
habits of industry and frugality were formed, without which success 
in any calling is impossible. With a marked taste for journalism, as 
well as a natural aptitude for the mechanical work of the typo- 
grapher, he soon became not only a skillful printer, but also well 
qualified by mental culture for editorial work. He has always been 
an indefatigable reader, and the field of his inquiry has been as varied 
in character as it has been extensive. If he has shown a partiality for 
any particular department of investigation, it has been for that of 
public affiiirs, including the whole range of civil government, political 
economy and history. An ardent Republican, in the original, generic 
sense of that word, he believes supremely in government by the peo- 
ple through popular representatives, such as we have in America, or 
such, rather, as we Avould have if our practices were as pure as our 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 417 

system is wise and just. Recognizing the fact that our institution.^ 
are right and that all that is needed to make our civil administrations 
the best under the sun is purity in politics, he has ever striven in his 
sphere as an editor to bring about that purity in political affairs, at 
least within the domain of the influence of his paper. While he is an 
intelligent partisan, he is the fartherest removed from an extremist 
or dogmatist, and is ever for the commonweal before the interests of 
party, conceding to others the same sincerity of motives and freedom 
of expression that he claims for himself. Carrying these principles 
into the management and tone of his paper, he has naturally won for 
it the respect and consideration of all classes among whom it circulates, 
and its influence is justly great. The interests of home, or Moberly 
and the county and surrounding country, he regards first and above 
all the world, and strives for their advancement with specjal zeal. No 
man has worked more earnestly for the material interests of Moberly 
and its tributary section of the State than Mr. Maynard, both in the 
columns of his journal and as a private citizen. Nor have his efibrts 
been unrecognized by the public. The career of his paper has been one 
of uninterrupted success. Since its establishment it has grown from 
a small Aveekly to one of the sprightliest and best dailies in the interior 
of the State. Its news columns are filled with the latest telegraphic 
news, political, business and otherwise, to be had, and all selected, 
digested and presented so as to give the facts clear and plain without 
worrying the reader or consuming time and space Avith superverbage. 
In the editorial columns the different questions of interest and impor- 
tance to the public are discussed from day today with fairness, clear- 
ness, and in a respectful tone. In every department of the paper the 
laws of decency and the amenities of good breeding are ever regarded, 
and nothing is permitted to appear in print that may not with pro- 
priety be read in the most refined and polite household. The publi- 
cation of the weekly is also kept up, and the effort is made to make 
it a general family newspaper, and with excellent success, as its 
appearance conclusively shows. It is a large and well arranged 
paper, and neatly and well printed, and filled with reading matter, 
entertaining and instructive, of almost every variety proper to 
enter the household. The circulation of both the daily and weekly is 
very large, ranking in that respect among the leading papers of this 
part of the State; and as an advertising medium the Headlight \s 
without a superior in this section, where it chiefly circulates. Mr. 
Maynard, being a thoroughly practical printer himself, and an edito- 
rial writer of long experience, is able to superintend and direct every 
department of the paper ; and being an excellent and enterprising- 
business man, he has succeeded in bringing it to its present enviable 
position of prosperity and influence. He has just purchased a fine 
new power press, and also has first-class job presses, so that his office, 
both for newspaper and job work, is one of the best outside of the large 
cities in the State. He makes a specialty of fine job and book work, 
and having in his employ job printers of rare skill and taste, artists in 



418 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

fact ill their line, he is enabled to do this class of work in the best of 
style and with dispatch. Mr. Maynard was married on the 18th of 
March, 1868, to Miss Adeline Y. Carmon, originally of Pennsylvania. 
She left him one son, William Carmon. To his present wife, formerly 
Miss Nellie Stanley Tidswell, Mr. Maynard was married November 
30, 1876. She was originally from England, born at Manchester, 
Angust 16, 1848. They have three children : Stanley Tidswell, Stella 
Thane and Elizabeth Roth well. Mrs. Maynard is a member of the 
Christian Church, and Mr. M. is a member of the Masonic order, the 
A. O. U. W. and the Triple Alliance. 

GEORGE S. MERRITT 

(Proprietor of Smith's Grand Central Hotel, Moberly, Mo.). 

Mr. Merritt, one of the most popular and enterprising hotel men 
in this section of the State, and now at the head of the leading hotel 
of Moberl}^ is a native of New York, born at Norwich, November 27, 
1852. His parents were Sherwood S. and Mary A. (Wilcox) Mer- 
ritt, both representatives of old and prominent New York fami- 
lies. His father was a leading lawyer of that State, and was for 
many years the attorney of the Midland Railroad. George S. had 
superior educational advantages as he grew up, and graduated at 
Fairfield College in the spring of 1870 with high honor. After his 
graduation he engaged quite extensively in the lumber business in his 
native State, and was entirely successful while in business. Anxious 
to see the country on this side of the Alleghanies, he came West in 
1878 and located at Junction City, in Kansas, where he began his 
career as a hotel man. He had charge of the leading hotel of that 
place for three years, and then received an appointment to a lucrative 
position in the freight department of the Missouri Pacific Railroad, in 
Texas. From the Lone Star State Mr. Merritt came to Missouri and 
took charge of the principal hotel at Kirksville, which he conducted 
until the fall of 1882. He then came to Moberly and became propri- 
etor of Smith's Grand Central, which he has since run. The Grand 
Central has greatly improved under his management. One of the best 
hotel buildings in the country, he has renovated it throughout and 
fixed it up not only in the latest and best style, but with an eye espe- 
cially to cleanliness and comfort. It is not too much to say that in 
these respects the Grand Central is without a superior in North-east 
Missouri. Mr, Merritt, having had an extensive experience in hotel 
life, and being a man of fine education and wide general information, 
knows not only how to conduct a hotel with regard to bed and board, 
but how to treat guests so that they will feel welcome and at home 
under his roof. Looking at the table he sets on any day, one would 
suppose that he had made the art culinary a study through life. His 
table is a perfect triumph in the art of preparing the best of edibles 
in the best manner, and so as to present the most inviting appearance. 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 419 

An epicure would luxuriate at his table, while a gourmand would re- 
peat in his heart of hearts the language of Tani O'Shanter : — 

" Kings may be blest, but I am glorious. 
O'er all the ills of life victorious." 

The Grand Central contains 50 rooms for the accommodation of guests, 
all neatly and well furnished ; and to run it as Mr. Merritt is deter- 
mined it shall be run — in first-class style — requires no less than 28 
regular employes. Mr. Merritt has built up a large custom for the 
Grand Central, and his patronage is steadily on the increase. He 
gets most, or all, the better class of the traveling public, and he also 
has a large patronage from the people of Moberly, a number of whom 
make his house their permanent home. On the 22d of June, 1876, 
Mr. Merritt was married to Miss Alta E. Bonney, formerly of Water- 
town, N. Y. She is a lady of culture and refinement, and Mr. 
and Mrs. Merritt are very popular in the best society in Moberly. 
Mr. Merritt is a whole-souled, genial man, justly liked by every one. 
He is a member of the Knights of Pythias. 

JULIUS MILLER & BEO. 

(Wholesalers of Keg and Bottled Beer, Moberly). 

Messrs. Miller, who stand at the head of the leading firm in their 
line of business in this section of the State, are large property holders 
and wealthy, influential citizens of Moberly. They are of German 
nativity, and come of an ancient and highly respectable family of the 
Regierungsbezirk of Magdeburg, in their native country. Their 
grandfather Miller was an officer under Napoleon, and distinguished 
himself in several large battles in Spain and Germany. Their 
father, F. H. L. Miller, was born at the comopolis of Neu Hal- 
lensleben, in Prussiu, near the fortress of Magdeburg, and was edu- 
cated at the Seminary of Magdeburg for a teacher, in which profession 
he engaged, and he continued teaching for a number of years. 
Messrs. Miller's mother, whose maiden name wa« Frederike Rose, 
was a daughter of Karl Rose, a master mechanic over the Government 
Iron and Steel Works at Magdesprung am Harz, and at that place, 
one of the most beautiful and romantic looking villages to be found in 
northern Prussia, the daughter, who subsequently became the mother 
of the subjects of this sketch, was born and reared. She and F. H. 
L. Miller were married in 1840. After their marriage they resided at 
Qaedlinburg until 1853, when the father came to America, locating at 
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and the following year the mother, with her 
four small children, Julius and Robert, and Matilde and Anna, joined 
him at that place. F. H. L. Miller, the father, was a teacher at 
Friederichsbrunnen am Harz, when the Revolution of 1848 broke out, 
but was forced to resign his position on account of his liberal views 
and the active aid he gave the Revolutionists in their attempt to over- 
throw the Government. He subsequently engaged in business at 
Quedlinburg, and continued it until his emigration to America in 1853. 



420 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

He was induced to take this step because he was bitterly opposed to 
the despotism which had set itself up in Prussia, and he desired to live 
in a land of liberty and freedom regulated by equal and just laws. 
He eniraged in business at Milwaukee and continued there with satis- 
factory success until 1858. From Milwaukee he removed to New 
Frankfort, in Saline county, Missouri, near which place he engao^edin 
farming. He continued a citizen of Saline county for nearly 20 
years, and until his death, which occurred in 1882. He became quite 
comfortably situated and was highly respected. A man of superior 
intelligence and a fine education, as well as public spirited, and honor- 
able and upright in every relation of life, he naturally rose to a position 
of prominence and influence in his county, and during his long resi- 
dence there, filled various local offices, always acquitting himself with 
credit and ability. The mother, his wife, died in Saline county in 1873. 
She was a lady of many estimable qualities of head and heart, well 
educated and refined, and much esteemed by her neighbors and 
acquaintances. While she was one of the most gentle of women, she 
was at the same time a woman of great resolution and courage, and 
could face any dangers or hardships, however great, whenever and 
wherever duty required. An instance of this is afforded in the trip 
she made across the Atlantic. In those days the journey was one of 
great peril, but notwithstanding this she had the brave-heartedness to 
cast herself and four little children on the mercies of the stormy 
ocean in a sailing vessel bound for the distant shore where her husband 
was watching and waiting, and doubtless sending up many silent 
prayers for her safe arrival. Julius Miller was born at Friederichs- 
brunnen, Prussia, in March, 1843, and was therefore ten years of age 
when he crossed the Atlantic with his mother. He came to Saline 
county with the family in 1858. He remained on the farm in that 
county until he was about 17 years of age, and as his father took great 
pains with his education, he received an excellent knowledge of books 
as he grew up. But Saline county was almost wholly peopled with a 
Southern sympathizing population, and they therefore had great pre- 
judices against the Germans, who generally sympathized with the 
Union side. In 1862, on account of this antagonism, times became 
so critical in Saline county that it was not safe for young Miller to 
remain at home, and he therefore joined the Union forces, becoming 
a non-commissioned officer. He participated in all the campaigns 
against Price during the hitter's raid in this State, and was in several 
battles, but came through the war without injury. Returning to 
Saline county in 1865, he was married to Miss Caroline Lichtenberg, 
and engaged in business in that county, but without much success. In 
1872, however, he removed to Moberly and opened a small retail beer 
and liquor house, which proved a successful enterprise. He was soon 
joined by his brother, Robert, as his partner, and they conducted the 
business with continued success until they were burned out in 1873. 
They were making money at the time and felt that they were on the 
high road to at least a comfortable competency, but they carried no 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 421 

insurance and all they possessed in the world was swept away by the 
fire. As if to fill his cup of misfortune, the same year that he burned 
out ill business, he lost his loved and devoted wife. But he was 
young and resolute, and was determined not to give up. He started 
in business in a small way again, his brother continuing with him, and 
the smiles of fortune returned to brighten his life. Industry, enter- 
prise and close attention to business prospered them abundantly. 
Finally he and his brother engaged in the wholesale and retail keg 
and bottle beer business, and they now have one of the largest houses 
in that line outside of St. Louis, in North-east Missouri. They also 
deal extensively in ice. In 1876 he was married to Miss Carmilla 
Mathien, and she has borne him several children. He also has a son 
by his first wife. Mr. Kobert Miller had the singular misfortune of 
losing his wife and both his children within the last few years. His 
wife was a Miss Pauline Lehman. She was born in Hannibal, Mo. 

R. S. MINER 

(Division Superintendent of the Wabash, St. Louis and Pacific Railroad, Moberly, Mo.) . 
Mr. Miner, though by no means an old man, is one of the oldest 
men in the railway service in point of continuous employment in Mis- 
souri, and one among the oldest in the country. He began his career 
as a railroad man over 30 years ago, away back in 1853, before 
most of the men connected with the railroads in this State Avere 
born. He is a native of Massachusetts, and was born at "Windsor, in 
Berkshire county, April 11, 1831. Reared on a farm, he was engaged 
in farming until he was 21 years of age when he accepted a position 
in the service of the Boston and Albany Railroad, having to do with 
the track, its repairs, etc., as a master workman. He remained with 
that road for eight years and then went to New York and took charge 
of the track of the New Haven & Northampton Railroad, which he 
had for two years. In 1863 Mr. Miner came West and took charge 
of tracks of the Wabash in Indiana and Illinois, superintending tracks 
on that division of the road for nearly 20 years. In 1882, however, 
he was transferred to the Western Division of the Wabash. He now 
has charge of nearly 800 miles of road. Having been with the Wa- 
bash road for over 20 years, this long record of faithfulness and suc- 
cess in the discharge of his duty is itself the highest compliment that 
could be paid him as an officer of the road and as a man. Industry, 
close attention to business and intelligent appreciation of what is re- 
quired to keep a road in first-class condition are his characteristics in 
the discharge of his official duties; and unswerving integrity, courtesy 
and public spirit mark his career as a man and citizen. The Wabash 
tract, east of the Mississippi, is known to be one of the finest and best 
in the West, and for this the road and the public are indebted to Mr. 
Miner's intelligence and management more than to any other cause. 
It was in recognition of this fact that the company transferred him to 
the Western Division in order that he might make it compare favor- 
a'bly with his work east of the Mississippi. The expectations of the 



422 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

road in this particular he is rapidly fulfilling, for the Wabash track 
west of the Mississippi is fast becoming one of the best on this side of 
the great Father of Waters. On the 9th day of September, 1858, he 
was married to Miss Jackson, who lived to brighten his home for 14 
years, but died in 1872. To his present wife, formerly Miss Howe, he 
was married January 20, 1880. Mr. Miner has no children. 

RICHARD C. MURRAY 

(General Yard Master of the Waba-ih, St. Louis and Pacific and of the Missouri Pacific 

Railroads, Moberly). 

It is a fact well known by all who have given the subject any 
thought or investigation, that most of the men connected with the rail- 
way service were brought up in the country and to a farm life. The 
qualities required to make a good railroad man, industry and close 
attention to business as well as the strength of character and physical 
vigor necessary in the discharge of duties relating to the railway ser- 
vice, seem to find more favorable conditions for development on a farm 
than elsewhere. There youths grow up inured to hard work and ac- 
customed to that frugal, temperate manner of living required for suc- 
cess in almost any calling. Used to the open air and exercise of fal*m 
life, they develop robust constitutions, and as they approach early 
manhood, they are the best material out of which to form reliable, 
efficient and useful railroad men. Mr. Murray, the subject of this 
sketch, is another example of this fact. He was born at Carlyle, 111., 
April 1, 1849, and was reared on a farm up to the age of 20. He 
received a fair, practical education in the public schools, and at the 
age of 20 came to St. Louis and accepted a position in the freight 
department of the North Missouri Road. A year later he was ap- 
pointed assistant yard master at St. Louis, and in 1872 he was sent up 
to Moberly and took charge of the night yards at this place. The 
following year Mr. Murray was made general yard master at Moberly, 
and when the Missouri Pacific and Wabash both became the property 
of Mr. Gould, he was given charge of the yards of both roads. On 
November 21, 1877, Mr. Murray was married to Miss Duffy, of Dallas, 
Texas. His wife survived her marriage, however, only about three 
years, dying August 7, 1880. She left one child, Julia May. Mr. 
Murray is a member of the Catholic Church, and of the Moberly Board 
of Education. In his yard he has under his direction about 30 men 
who keep the business of the yard up in first-class order. 

PATRICK G. MURPHY 

(Baggage Master of the Wabash, St, Louis and Pacific Railroad and of the Missouri 

Pacific Railroad, Moberly). 

Mr. Murphy, who is a native of the Emerald Isle, came to America 
when a young man about 23 years of age, and located first in Boston, 
where he was employed by the Government on fortifications. Mr. 
Murphy worked at Boston in the service of the Government for about 
seven years. In 1848 he went to Virginia and worked on the Alexandria 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 423 

railroad, grading the track, where he continued for some years. In 
1854 he went to Terre Haute, Ind., and worked on the Alton Road 
for about a year. From there he came to Missouri and was employed 
in grading the track between Centralia and Sturgeon. Mr. Murphy 
worked on several roads in this State until 1861, when he retired from 
the railroad business and engaged in farming. In 1866 he returned to 
the railroad, becoming foreman of a section on the North Missouri, a 
position he filled for two years. Following this, Mr. Murphy came to 
Moberly and built the yards for the North Missouri, and also ran a 
construction train. In 1870 he was appointed to his present position. 
He has therefore been baggage master for the past 14 years, and since 
the consolidation of, or rather the combination between, the Missouri 
Pacific and Wabash he has been bao-orage master for both roads. Mr. 
Murphy's long experience as baggage master, together with his habits 
of attending closely and faithfully to business, combine to make him 
one of the most efficient and expeditious baggage masters in the 
service of the road. On the 14th of February, 1883, he lost a son, 
John Murphy, a young man whom all that knew him liked, and a 
young man of industry and many estimable qualities of head and 
heart. He was killed while in the service of the railroad. Mr. Mur- 
phy's wife died in 1866. To her he was married in 1859. She was a 
Miss Margaret Dana, and came of the same family from which Charles 
A. Dana, the editor of the New York Sun, is a descendant. The 
family is of Irish origin, and Mrs. Murphy herself was a native of the 
Green Isle beyond the sea. She was an estimable, good woman, an 
affectionate and dutiful wife, a loving, devoted mother, and a kind and 
hospitable neighbor. She was a faithful member of the Catholic 
Church. Mr. Murphy is also a member of that church. A native of 
Ireland, though he has been away from there for 40 years, he loves 
the old isle yet with all the ardor of a true patriot, and is always 
ready to lend a helping hand, both of his means and of his personal 
services, to free that fairest of all the isles of the sea from the blight- 
ing curse of British rule. 

THEODORE F. PRIEST 

(Of Priest & Jones, Proprietors of the Moberly Livery and Feed and Sales Stables). 

Mr. Priest engaged in his present business in 1878, and his experi- 
ence thus far has more than justified his expectations at the time he 
])egan. The firm of which he is a member have one of the best stables 
in* Moberly, a place noted for the superior quality and fine appearance 
of the rigs turned out by its stables. They have accommodation for 
65 head of horses, their brick buildino- being: 45x75 feet and their 
frame, 25x75. They also have a buggy house 25x85 feet. Their 
riding and driving horses are not surpassed in the city, while their 
buggies, carriages, coupes, etc., are of the latest and best styles, and 
gotten up in the very height of art and good taste. They have a large 
and increasing custom, and while their stables are popular with the 
transient public, they are even more so in the city itself; for besides 
22 



424 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

the fact that they have as good rigs as can be had in the city, they 
are personally very popular, being young men of good business qual- 
ifications, perfect reliability, accommodating, and very genial and 
sociable in the company of others. Mr. Priest is a native Missourian, 
born in Ralls county on his father's homestead, four miles from Han- 
nibal, April 15, 1849. His early educational advantages were good, 
and accordingly, so far as the knowledge of books are concerned, his 
business qualifications are ample. Mr. Priest was brought up to the 
occupation of a farmer, and followed that calling with success until 
he came to Moberly in 1878 and engaged in his present line of business. 
On the 9th of November, 1871, he was married to Miss Rosie Muld- 
row, of Ralls county. She survived her marriage, however, less than 
six years, dying August 12, 1877. She left two children, Malena and 
Theodore F., Jr. On the 9th of October, 1879, Mr. Priest was mar- 
ried to his present wife, formerly Miss Emma Lapsley, born and 
reared in this county. Two children are the fruits of this marriage, 
Samuel R. and an infant. Mr. and Mrs. Priest are members of the 
Presbyterian Church. His parents, Thomas J. and Amelia (Brown) 
Priest, were originally from Virginia and Kentucky, respectively. 
The father died in the fall of 1873, but the mother is still living and 
is a resident of Ralls county. 

HON. WILLIAM QUAYLE 

(Farmer, Stock-raiser and Dairyman) . 

Mr. Q., a native of the Isle of Man, was born October 18, 1825. A 
man of much individuality, and having seen life in all its phases, he 
has now settled down on a farm where he tills the soil in peace and 
plenty. He devotes much of his attention to stock-raising, and has a 
model dairy. Mr. Quayle is the son of Charles Quayle and Jane 
Cannels, both of the Isle of Man. In 1827 the family emigrated to 
this " home of the free," and pitched their tents in Ontario county, in 
the western part of New York. Here the subject of this memoir 
spent his boyhood, during which time he attended the Canandagua 
Academy, and though his opportunities were limited, he obtained a fair 
English education. At the age of 16 he went to sea, and for 12 years 
was " rocked in the cradle of the deep." He rapidly rose to the rank 
of captain, and his life was one of great interest, visiting all parts of 
the world. He found a fascination in the sea which did not lose its 
flavor until its treacherous waters betrayed him. In 1852 his vessel 
was wrecked ofi" the west coast of Greenland. As one finding an ugly 
worm at the heart of his luscious peach, casts it from him in disgust, 
so the Captain turned his back on his beloved ocean forever. He first 
engaged in merchandising and farming in Tarrant county, Tex., of 
which section he served four years as district clerk. He was also 
three years on the bench as probate judge. In 1861 the judicial 
ermine was doffed, and donned in its stead were the helmet and spear 
of the warrior. Though originally a Whig and opposed to secession, 
yet his true heart warmed in defense of the home of his adoption ; and 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 425 

after the Lone Star seceded, Mr. Q. boldly took his stand in the front 
ranks of the Confederate service, to fight, to die, if need be, with 
those whom he loved. Mr. Quayle is a man who rises as naturally 
as a cork to the surface, and having enlisted in Co. A, Texas cavalry, 
he was at once elected lieutenant-colonel of the regiment. He was 
enofaired in several fio-hts with the Indians, and was in the battles of 
Elkhorn, Corinth, etc. Falling a victim to that most insiduous 
enemy, camj^ fever, he was compelled to return to his home ; but as 
soon as he recovered he organized another company, and after being 
elected to the State Senate, was appointed Commander of the First 
Frontier District of Texas. At the end of the war, Mr. Quayle was 
restless and went to Mexico. He remained, however, only three 
years, then lived two years on the western coast of Texas, and in 1869 
came to Randolph county, Missouri. He has served a term in the 
Legislature, and in 1882 was a Congressional candidate on the Green- 
back ticket. The Judge claims that his principles are the same they 
have ever been, but the Democratic party has changed. He was 
married in Tarrant county, Tex., in 1857, to Sarah J., daughter ot 
the Rev. Mr. Henderson, of Mississippi. There are two children by 
this marriage: William H., now living at Hope, Ark., and Sidney, a 
station agent on the Missouri Pacific. His first wife dying in Texas 
in 1860, Judge Quayle was married again, in 1861, to Miss Mary E., 
daughter of the Rev. Benjamin Terrill, of Texas. Mrs. Quayle, 
however, was born and raised on the farm upon which she is now 
living. There are five children : Katie, now the wife of John SetlifF, 
of the Waters and WoUey College, in Tennessee, formerly a graduate 
of Columbia; Papie, Charles, Jack and James. One child, Benjamin, 
died October 20, 1870, aged six years. The Judge has 72 acres ot 
land, situated about a mile from Moberly, all in a good state of culti- 
vation. His dwelling is a comfortable structure, and his other out- 
buildings attest his enterprise. He also has a fine bearing young 
orchard. Judge Quayle is making a specialty of his butter and milk 
dairy. As, mayhap, his own noble ship, after stormy seas, anchored 
in some sheltered nook, so tempest tossed and weary, he finds a peace 
and repose in his rustic retreat. 

CHARLES RATTRAY 

(Local Manager of the Pacific Express Company, Moberly) . 

Mr. Rattray, born in Glasgow, Scotland, August 12, 1841, was in 
his tenth year when his parents, Charles and .Lane (Williams) Rattray, 
both of ancient and respected Scotch families, came to America for 
the purpose of casting their fortunes with the future of the New 
W^orld. On landing on our shores, they proceeded West and located 
at Dubuque, Iowa, where the father engaged in the book and station- 
ery business. In Scotland the family belonged to the more respecta- 
ble class of untitled people, and the father was a man of good 
education and excellent business qualifications. In early life he was 
a civil engineer, and after he came over to this country, aside from 



42(5 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

his book and stationery business, followed his profession for about 
three years. Young Rattray was principally educated in Iowa, and 
when 17 years of age obtained a position with the American Express 
Company at Dubuque, Iowa, and was in the service of that company 
until called back to take charge of the book store on account of his 
father's death. Winding up the book business in Dubuque, in 1862, 
he was engaged in the Chicago office of the American Express Com- 
pany, and has been in the express business ever since. From Chicago, 
later along, he came to St. Louis, and then to St. Charles, and from 
the latter city to Moberly. Mr. Rattray's administration of the 
office here has been very efficient, satisfactory and popular. He 
makes it a point to be courteous and accommodating to all who show 
themselves worthy of consideration, while he permits no part of his 
business to fall into neglect. When he first came here there were two 
men employed in the office. Now there are fifteen men and nine 
messengers. Mr. Rattray is a Knight Templar in the Masonic order 
iind a member of the A. O. U. W. He was married April 19, 1868, 
to Miss Alice A. Leavenworth, originally of Connecticut, and a 
descendant of the same family of which Colonel Leavenworth, for 
whom Leavenworth, Kan., is named, was a representative. Mr. 
and Mrs. Rattray have three children : Charles A., Bertha and Jesse 
O. The fourth child died in infancy. 

IRA S. REIS 

(Of Bowers & Reis, Dealers in Dry Goods, Clothino;, Gent's and Ladies' Furnisliing 

Goods, Carpets, Hats and Caps, etc., etc., No. Ill and 113 Reed 

Street, Moberly, Missouri). 

No adequate idea could be formed of the mercantile affairs of Mo- 
berly from a review of this city which fails to make mention of the 
firm whose name heads this sketch. These gentlemen have been en- 
gaged in business in this city less than two years, yet they have 
built up one of the leading houses in their line in the interior of 
North-east Missouri. The volume of their business has grown with a 
rapidity that has no equal in this city and throughout the surrounding 
country. Each of them had had a successful experience in business 
before coming here, and had accumulated a substantial nucleus of 
means. They came here for the purpose of building up a large busi- 
ness, believing Moberly to l)e one of the best points in the country 
for that purpose. Neither have they been disappointed in their opin- 
ion of the place, nor in the results of their enterprise. The remark- 
able progress of this house has been spoken of in the sketch of Mr. 
Bowers, the senior member of the firm, so that it would but be rep- 
etition to dwell at length on it here. Suffice it to say that they have 
become almost at a bound leading merchants of Moberly, and it can 
not be doubted that they are destined to be, sooner than most people 
supposed, by all odds the principal men in their line of business in 
this section of the State. Mr. Reis is a native of Pennsylvania, born 
in Philadelphia, June 1, 1855, and educated in the Philadelphia High 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 427 

School. He began business at Uniontown, Pennsylvania, in the 
dry goods and clothing and gent's furnishing goods line, with a tailor- 
ing establishment in connection. He was entirely successful at Union- 
town, and only came to Moberly because he believed this city offered 
better opportunities to build up a large busiuess in a few years. In 
this, as has been said, he has not been disappointed. The following 
gentlemen, well and favorably known to the citizens of Moberly, are 
salesmen in their establishment: John E. Lawrie, William Tolle, 
Joseph C. Brand, J. Q. Coats, Robert Barrowman and Mark H. 
Burkholder. Mr. Reis is a member of the Masonic order and of the 
Knights of Pythias. Mr. R. is a self-made man, a gentleman who has 
risen to his present enviable position in business life by his own indus- 
try and worth. He is a man of strict integrity, high sense of honor 
and gentlemanly and courteous to all. He is justly very popular, 
both as a business man and personally, with all who know him. 

SAMUEL S. RICH 

(Depot Policeman, Moberly). 

Mr. Rich was born in Kenton county, Kentucky, August 24, 1842, 
and was reared on a farm in his native county. He had common 
school advantages in his youth, and followed farming in Kentucky 
until 1861, when he enlisted in the Fourth Kentucky volunteer infantry, 
Co. K, being mustered out of the service in 1865 as first lieu- 
tenant of Co. K, Fourth Kentucky veteran volunteer mounted in- 
fantry, U. S. A. Returning to his native State, he remained there 
occupied in farming until 1876, when he removed to Missouri and 
located in Chariton county, where he continued farming for about two 
years. In 1879 Mr. Rich obtained a position in the fuel department of 
the Wabash Railroad service, which he held for three years. He then 
was appointed check clerk in the freight department, the position he 
held until he accepted his present office. The office of depot police- 
man is authorized by city ordinance, and the incumbent is appointed 
b}' the railroad authorities, with the consent and approval of the 
mayor. Mr. Rich makes a capable and efficient officer, and sees to it 
that nothing illegitimate is allowed to be carried on around the depot. 
He is a worthy man in a worthy position, and fills it to the satisfaction 
of all concerned. On the 23d of December, 1868, he was married to 
Miss N. A. Williams, originally of Kentucky. They have two 
children; Lidia W. and Alfred B. He and wife are members of the 
M. E. Church South, and Mr. Rich is a Select Knight in the United 
Workman order. Mr. Rich's parents are Samuel and Mary (Stowers) 
Rich, both natives of Kentucky. 

JAMES SANDISON 

(Brick Manufacturer, and Layerand Contractor: Yards, western suburbs of Moberly). 

Mr. Sandison is one of those intelligent, enterprising men that 
reveal in their methods of carrying on business and in their success 



428 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

the nationality which they represent — the sturdy, intelligent Scotch 
race. The Germans are noted for their frugality and solid thrift ; 
though it must be confessed that they are by no means the most enter- 
prising people under the sun. The Scotch are equally frugal and 
thrifty as the Germans, and in addition to these qualities they are 
enterprising to a marked degree. Hence it is that among the Scotch 
in this country we find fewer mendicants or even shiftless people than 
among any other race to be met with. They have the industry, intel- 
ligence and enterprise to get along in the world, and they generally 
succeed. These remarks are called out by scanning the facts of Mr. 
Sandison's life, a worthy representative of the land of Bruce and Wal- 
lace and of Burns and Scott. He was born in Keith, Decemljer 27, 
1846, and was reared in his native country. His father was William 
Sandison, and his mother's maiden name was Jane Lawson. His 
father was a contractor and builder, and died in 1855. In 1868 the 
family, including James, who had then grown to manhood, emigrated 
to America, and on landing came on out AVest, locating at Huntsville, 
in Randolph county, where the mother still resides. James Sandison, 
who had learned the brickmaking; business and contractino; and build- 
ing, went to work there at his trade, and continued with success until 
1879, then coming to Moberly. Here he resumed business, and has 
been successfully engaged in the manufacture of l)rick and in contract- 
ing and building. He has a good yard, and works a large number of 
hands. His brick have an enviable reputation, being generally pre- 
ferred to those of any other local manufacturer in the market. On the 
27th of July, 1873, Mr. Sandison was married to Miss Mary Morrison, 
of Scotland originally. They had five children: James G., William 
S., John, and George. Margaret, the third child, is deceased. Mr. 
and Mrs. Sandison are members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. 
Sandison is a Knight Templar in the Masonic order, and a member of 
the Knights of Laljor and the A. O. U. W. He is superintendent of 
the Collins Coal Company, of this county. 

WILLIAM H. SELBY 

(Master Mechanic of the Wabash, St. Louis and Pacific Railroad, Moberly). 

Mr. Selby who, like many of the leading men of this country in the 
department of practical mechanics, is a native of England, has been at 
the head of the Wabash, St. Louis and Pacific Railroad as master 
mechanic since 1873, and has long had charge of about 1,200 miles of 
road in his department of the service. A man of collegiate education, 
and of a high order of natural intelligence, he has made of mechanics 
a science no less than an art, at least in so far as his connection with 
its principles and practice is concerned, for he has studied the philos- 
ophy of mechanics, including the laws of motion, inertia, weight, 
etc., which it involves, not less than the practical work of his occupa- 
tion. It is questioned by no one who knows him and is capable of 
judging that he is one of the most capable and skillful mechanics in 
the State, while his executive ability is such — his strength of char- 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 429 

acter and his faculty for controlling and directing men and executing 
important undertakings — that he is pre-eminently the man for the 
position he holds — that of master mechanic of one of the leading rail- 
roads of the United States. A man of high character and excellent 
social qualities, he is popular with the men under him and is appreci- 
ated for his superior personal worth by the controlling officials of the 
road. Mr. Selby was born in England June 4, 1832, where he grew 
up and was educated ; and when a young man he came to America on 
a visit to his brother who resided in Canada, and after spending a 
short time there, concluded to remain in the New World permanently. 
From Canada he came to St. Louis where he became connected with 
the mechanical department of the Ohio and Mississippi Eailroad and 
was foreman of the East St. Louis shops for over live years. He was 
then at Cincinnati, Ohio, and in 1865 came to St. Charles, where he was 
foreman of the North Missouri shops for about eight years. From 
there Mr. Selby came to Moberly in 1873, since which he has been 
master-mechanic of the Wabash Railroad. On the 11th of April, 
1863, Mr. Selby was married at St. Charles to Miss Nancy P. Pillardy 
of St. Charles county. They have four children : James E., William 
H., Charles and Frederick. Mr. Selby is a Knight Templar in the 
Masonic order, and his wife is a member of the Presbyterian Church. 

CHARLES B. SHAFFER 

(Cashier of the Randolph Bank, Moberly). 
John C. Shaefer, the father of Charles B., was a native of Germany, 
and came over to this country and settled in Randolph county in an 
early day. He came of one of the better untitled classes into which 
society is divided in Germany, and was a man of strong character, 
marked intelligence and good education. Like Schurz, and thousands 
of other Germans of that class, he came to this country more out of 
his love for republican institutions than from other considerations, 
although he, of course, did not fail to appreciate the incomparable 
natural resources and other advantages to be met with in the United 
States. He was married in Charlottesville, Va., to Miss Ellen Day, 
formerly of Virginia, a lady of many estimable qualities of mind and 
heart. The father was for many years an enterprising and successful 
farmer, and being a man of influence in the county and fine business 
qualifications, he was elected county clerk. This was in 1868, and 
young Shaefer worked in the office under his father. In 1871 young 
Shaefer obtained a position in Wisdom's Bank, at Huntsville, as 
factotum and collector, a position he held with satisfaction and effi- 
ciency for two years. He then engaged in business for himself and 
continued it for four years. In 1878 Mr. Shaefer settled up his busi- 
ness in which he had previously been engaged and became connected 
with the Mechanics' Bank, with which he was identified for over a 
year. Following this he was appointed to his present position in the 
Randolph Bank. Coming of the family he did, and having had the 
opportunities he has, it is only as was to have been expected, that he 



430 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

has become one of the most capable and efficient bank cashiers in this 
section of the State. Having been reared in the county, and been 
identified with business, either public or private, all his life, he has 
thus obtained that knowledge of the people, their reputations, charac- 
ters, financial responsibilities, etc., so necessary to the successful dis- 
charge of the duties of a bank cashier. His opportunities, while in 
the county clerk's office, were exceptionally favorable for obtaining 
this information. Indeed, as is proper that he should, he has taken 
special pains to obtain a thorough knowledge of these facts. And it 
is now recognized in financial and business circles atMoberly, as we 
understand from leading men, that he is one of the best posted men 
as to the character of commercial paper made in Eandolph county in 
the entire county. A man of high character and popular manners, 
and understanding the principles of banking thoroughly, he is an 
officer of inestimable value to the bankinsr institution with which he 
is connected. Mr. Shaefer is a public-spirited gentleman, and takes 
a commendable interest in all matters of advantage to Moberly and 
Randolph county, and is ever anxious to do anything in his power for 
the common weal of the people among whom his whole life thus far 
has been spent. On the 21st of October, 1875, Mr. Shaefer was 
married to Miss Nannie L. Hawkins, of Keytesville, a young lady 
then regarded as the belle of that place. She is a lady of singular 
refinement and of many charms, both of mind and person, and is a 
very agreeable and gifted conversationalist. She is much esteemed 
in the social circle which she favors with her presence, and, indeed, 
by all who know her. Mr. and Mrs. Shaefer are members of the 
Baptist Church, and Mr. S. is a member of the I. O. O. F. 

WILLIAM SMITH 

(Proprietor of the Grand Central Hotel, Moberly; also, Farmer, Stock-raiser and 

General Business Man). 

Mr. Smith, a man of large means and larger heart, and of a mind 
not less than either, has come up in the world to the enviable position 
which he at present occupies by his own worth and merits, and pos- 
sesses all of the characteristics to a marked degree which characterize 
the successful and popular man. Able to make money anywhere, at 
everything, and at all times, he makes friends wherever he goes, and 
even more rapidly than he accumulates the solid wherewithal of pros- 
perity. Mr. Smith is a native Missourian, born in Rjindolph county, 
April 2, 1837, and was a son of Joel Smith, an enterprising trader and 
speculator of that county, but originally of Kentucky. The fiither 
was a man of superior intelligence and great energy of character, and 
was highly esteemed for his social and business qualities. He died 
June 28, 1882. The mother is still living and resides near Moberly. 
Her maiden name was Dorcas Tureman, and she was also formerly of 
Kentucky. Mr. Smith, the subject of this sketch, was educated at 
Bethany College, in Virginia, and being a young man full of life and 
animation and with a big heart, he, of course, soon married. Miss 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 431 

Florence Head, a daughter of Dr. Head, of Huntsville, became his 
wife on the 2l8t of April, 1858. He was then just 19 days past 21 
years of age. He at once engaged in the tobacco business at Hunts- 
ville, which he followed for about a year. After that he became pro- 
prietor of the stage line between Allen and Glasgow and Allen and 
Brunswick, and thus continued up to the time of the building of the 
West Branch Kailroad. In 1865 he engaged in farming and the livery 
business and has continued in that occupation up to the present time, 
meeting with his usual success. In May, 1880, he opened the Grand 
Central, one of the finest and best interior hotels, if it has an equal out- 
side the large cities, in the State. It is by all odds the leading hotel 
in Moberly. This colossal building has no less than sixty rooms, 
and is furnished throughout in almost oriental luxury. It is a home 
in which time flies with a dove's wing, so soft and pleasant is every- 
tning around, and the hours of the night are filled with the sweet- 
est dreams which Morpheus can provide, whilst guests recline on 
downy pillows and on beds whose springs as gently quiver as aspen 
leaves in the shimmering hours of summer. A vear ago last sum- 
mer Mr. Smith, with an enterprise that stops at nothing where success 
is to be won, opened a large ranch for horses and mules in Colorado, 
where he has hundreds of head now gamboling on the green in the 
horizon-bounded prairies of the Centennial State. It was through 
his public spirit mainly that the Moberly Fair Association was 
organized, now one of the permanent institutions of the county, 
and one of the most successful agricultural associations in the State. 
Mr. Smith, while a man with an eye to his own interests, which 
he is abundantly able to take care of, is also a man not a little 
concerned for the Avelfare of the county and the community in which 
he lives, and has been of great service as a citizen in inaugurating 
and promoting movements for the general good. Personally he is 
whole-souled and genial, and is popular with everybody. Of an 
open, generous disposition and a kind word for every one, he knows 
how to enjoy health and wealth, both of which he possesses, and 
his presence wherever he goes is welcome and is received like a ray 
of sunshine, gladly and with a smile. No man is more highly thought 
of by those who know him. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have a family of 
one child, namely: Mary, born March 3d, 1873. 

JOHN C. TEDFORD, M. D. 

(Physician and Surgeon, Moberly). 
Dr. Tedford has been occupied in the active practice of his profes- 
sion for 25 years, and though a plain and unassuming man, is conceded 
to be one of the most capable and successful physicians in the treat- 
ment of cases in this city. He is a native of Alabama, born in Mad- 
ison county, October 28, 1825, and in youth received a good private 
school education. In 1836 his parents, Andrew and Copeland ( Boggs) 
Tedford, removed to Missouri, and located on the land in Randolph 
county now the site of the city of Moberly. The father entered this 



432 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

land and improved a farm here, on which he lived for many years. 
Young Tedford grew to manhood in this county, and after attaining 
his majority, began the study of medicine under Dr. Oliver. Subse- 
quently he entered the St. Louis Medical College and graduated from 
that institution with distinction in 1859. Dr. Tedford at once engaged 
in the practice of his profession, and for that purpose located at 
Milton. Since then he has practiced two years, or thereabout, in 
Kansas, at Mound City. In 1880, however, he came back to the 
place where his boyhood days were sjjent, and found it one of the 
most populous and flourishing cities in this section of the State. 
Since that time Dr. Tedford has been engaged in the practice at Mo- 
berly, and his thorough qualifications and long experience as a physician 
have had the effect to bring him an excellent practice. A man of high 
character and kindly disposition, he is personally as much liked as he 
is esteemed as a practitioner in his profession. Free of all pretense 
and show, he is one of those sober, substantial men, candid and sin- 
cere in everything they do, who inspire the confidence of all with 
whom they are thrown in contact. For solidity of character and per- 
sonal worth no man in Moberly is entitled to greater consideration, 
while as a physician he is equally faithful and reliable. In 1855 Dr. 
Tedford was married to Miss Mary Dameron, a daughter of Judge 
Dameron, of this county. They have reared a large and worthy 
family of children. The Doctor is a member of the District and State 
Medical Societies and of the Odd Fellow's order and the local temper- 
ance organization. 

JAMES TERRILL 

(Deceased) , 

The subject of this sketch was born in Albemarle county, Vir- 
ginia, and moved to Kentucky when quite young. Thence he went 
to Randolph county, Missouri, near where Moberly now is situated, 
where he resided for about forty years. He was the oldest of six 
brothers, all of whom were well known and highly respected and 
honored, enjoying the confidence of all who knew them. Their names 
in order of their ages are James, Jesse, William, Benjamin, John, 
and Robert. Jesse and Benjamin Terrill were Baptist preachers, and 
were known far and wide in this part of the State. John Terrill 
moved to Texas and settled in Tarrant county, where he is, and has 
l)een for some time, county commissioner (county judge). Robert 
is still a resident of Randolph county, and is a physician of high 
standing. John and Robert are the only ones now living. James 
Terrill was born December 29, 1801. The greater part of his early 
life was spent in Boone county, Kentucky. On December 29, 1825, he 
was married to Henrietta Conner, of Boone county, Kentucky, by 
which marriage two children were born, one son and one daughter. 
John R. Terrill, the son, is a Baptist minister widely known in North 
Missouri. His first wife died August 15, 1830. On May 16, 1833, 
he was married to Eliza A. Crisler, of Boone county, Kentucky, and 
from this union there were born twelve children, five boys and seven 



I 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 433 

girls, all of whom are still living, except one boy and one girl, both of 
whom died while quite young. James Terrill was a man of sterling 
qualities of head and heart, — a Christian man, honored and respected 
by all who knew him, and loved by all who enjoyed his personal ac- 
quaintance. Firm in his conviction of right, he had the courage to 
defend his position, and he allowed no pressure to swerve him from 
the performance of a known duty. The confidence of the people is 
shown by the fact that, although he preferred the quiet of the home 
circle to the busy realities of public affairs, he was several times re- 
elected to fill the office of county judge, serving in all about twenty 
years in succession, except a few years during the war, when he re- 
signed, refusing to take the test oath. The following is from an 
obituary notice written by Rev. W. L. T. Evans: "Brother James 
Terrill professed faith in Christ at an early age and became a member 
of the Bullittsburg Baptist Church. He had been a member of the 
Baptist Church for 60 years: a deacon in the church, and his mem- 
bership was with the church at Moberly. Bro. Terrill was an every- 
day Christian, and no man delighted to talk of the grace of God more 
than he. He was a man in whom the people of Randolph county 
placed implicit confidence, having been for a number of years judge 
of the county court. His life was a living comment on the Bible." 
James Terrill died September 14, 1876. His death was very sudden 
and entirely unlooked for by his family and friends. He leaves a re- 
cord of which all may be proud. His motto seemed to be that " a 
good name was rather to be chosen that great riches." 

JOHN R. TERRILL, Jr., 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser). 

Mr. T. was born in Greenup county, Ky., November 1, 1829. His 
father, William Terrill, was originally from Virginia, but moved 
to Kentucky when a young man, and married Ann Calvin, a native 
of that State. He came to Missouri in the spring of 1846, and 
locating in Randolph county, bought and entered land and im- 
proved a farm, where he lived until his death in August, 1869. In 
this family there were seven children, all of whom grew to maturity 
and have homes in Randolph. John R. was the eldest of them all ; 
he lived until a man on his father's farm, and was given such educa- 
tion as could be had at the common schools of the county. "When 
he was grown he went, in company with Capt. William Roberts and 
others, to California by the overland route, and including the time 
spent in the mines was two years making this trip. He returned in 
the summer of 1852 by way of the Isthmus and New York. After 
spending two years with his father he made another trip to California 
overland, taking some cattle, and returned the next year by the same 
route as before. On the 15th of March, 1856, Mr. Terrill was mar- 
^ried to Miss Ann E., daughter of William Roberts, formerly of Ken- 
tucky. After his marriage he established himself on a farm which 
had been previouslj'- settled by Jehu Pyle, and here he still lives. 



434 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

Mr. Terrill has about 400 acres of land, of which 330 are fenced and 
in cultivation. He owns a good two-story residence and outbuildings. 
His old orchard is on the decline but he has a splendid young one, 
which contains 200 apple and 100 peach trees, with some grape and 
other small fruits. Mr. Terrill was so unfortunate as to lose his wife 
on the 9th of November, 1873 ; she was a true and devoted wife and 
mother, and a faithful member of the Missionary Baptist Church, to 
which denomination Mr. Terrill and his mother also belong. Mr. 
Terrill has nine children to be the stay and comfort of his declining 
years : William E., one of the county teachers ; Lola and Emma H., 
both teachers; Lizzie E., now at school at Winchester, Tenn. ; James 
M., Robert G., Henry R., Vincent C. and Anna C. Mr. Terrill is a 
man of winning address and much ability ; he takes a warm interest 
in all educational matters and has carried his views into practice in 
the training of his children. He is a member of Moralitv Lodge, No. 
186, A. F. and A. M. 

JAMES H. TRAVIS 

(Master of Bridges, BuLldings and Water Supplies for tlie Wabash, St. Louis and Pa- 
cific Railroad, Moberly) . 

Mr. Travis, who has charge of the entire line of the Wabash Sys- 
tem west of the Mississippi river in his department, and is one of the 
leading railroad bridge builders in this part of the country, is a native 
of New York, born in Putnam county, April 7, 1850. When he was 
ten years of age his parents removed to Illinois, where young Travis 
grew up to the age of 17, his youth prior to that time being spent on 
a farm in the Prairie State. His advantages for an education were 
those afforded by the common schools, and he thus succeeded in 
acquiring a sufficient knowledge of books for all the practical pur- 
poses of ordinary business life. In 1867 he came to Missouri and 
located at Kansas City, where he was clerk under Mr. Chase for about 
a year. He then began to work for the Keystone Bridge Company 
of Pittsburg, Pa., in the employ of which he served a regular and 
thorough apprenticeship at bridge building; and while still with that 
company he rose to the position of foreman of construction, taking 
charge of all its business west of Pittsburg. He continued with the 
Keystone Company until 1877, when he was offered and he accepted 
the position of inspector of improvements for the city of St. Louis 
under Gen. Turner, commissioner of streets at that time. Mr. Travis 
held the position of inspector of improvements until 1878, when he 
assumed the duties of his present position. He has under his control 
an average of nearly 500 men, and he directs his force with such sys- 
tem and regularity that his work is carried on with efficiency and 
success. A man of superior executive ability, as well as a first-class 
mechanic, he has given entire satisfaction to the company and is val- 
ued as one of its best master workmen. On the 29th of March, 1877, 
he was married to Miss Minnie V. Foster, formerly of Illinois. They 
have two children : James H. and Dnrward O. Mr. Travis is a 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 435 

Knight Templar in the Masonic order and a member of the Ancient 
Order of United Workmen. Mr. Travis is a man of superior general 
intelligence, of pleasant manners and agreeable address, and is hardly- 
less popular in social circles than in his position of master bridge 
builder of the Wabash Railroad. 

FRANK J. TUTTLE 

(Plasterer and Contractor; Fancy and Ornamental Work a Specialty). 

Mr. Tuttle, a young man, still less than thirty years of age, is 
rapidly coming to the front in his line of industry, and unless all signs 
are misleading, he will doubtless take a leading position among the 
successful and popular plasterers and contractors of this city. He 
learned his trade under his brother, Norris Tuttle, whose sketch 
follows this, and in his work he carries out those ideas of doing every- 
thing thoroughly and honestly, which have characterized the career 
of his brother. He was born in Indianapolis, September 22, 1854, 
and was educated in the schools of Noblesville. He subsequently 
learned fancy tombstone work under Lucas & Yeaman, of Nobles- 
ville. Later along he began work under his brother, Norris Tuttle, 
at the plasterer's business, and remained with the latter until he had 
become a thorough master of the trade. He worked at Kirksville, in 
this State, for three years after 1874, and then came to Moberly, 
where he has since resided. Here he has made good progress in his 
calling, and has an excellent business. On the 7th of January, 1879, 
he was married to Miss Missouri Livesay, of Warren county, this 
State. Mr. Tuttle is a member of Gothic Square No. 108, and of the 
Triple Alliance. His parents are both deceased, the father, Ben- 
jamin W., dying in 1870, and his mother in 1874. Both were natives 
of New York. Mr. Tuttle is a young man of superior intelligence 
and fine personal appearance, and would be pointed out in almost any 
assemblage as a leading man. With proper application, there can be 
little doubt that he would make a successful lawyer and able advocate. 

NORRIS TUTTLE 

(Contractor and Plain and Ornamental Plasterer, Moberly). 

Mr. Tuttle has been a resident of Missouri.since 1867, at which time 
he came from Indianapolis to Kirksville, in which latter city he 
remained for about 12 years, and came to Moberly in 1879. The 
work of a plasterer, as is well known, is one of the most difficult lines 
of industry to follow successfully in the whole catalogue of occu- 
pations, for one or two bad jobs will ruin a reputation for skill and 
thoroughness that it has taken years to build up. The plasterer, 
therefore, cannot be too particular in the execution of his work, for 
he must give universal satisfaction to succeed. Mr. Tuttle had the 
intellig'ence to recoo-nize this fact at the beginning, and he has made it 
a.rule throughout his whole career to inspect closely the material used 
in filling his contracts, and to see that it is properly prepared and put 



436 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

up. Hence it is that, turning off none but work of a superior class, 
he lias built up a high reputation in his business, and has been very 
successful. He is now one of the prominent contractors in his line in 
Moberly, and does a large business — a business which is increasing 
year by year. Mr. Tuttle is a native of Indiana, born in Marion 
county, July 6, 1842, and received a good common school education. 
Up to the age of 17 he assisted his father in the trade of painting, and 
after that learned the plasterer's trade, which he has since followed 
and in which he has achieved such signal success. On the 22d of 
December, 18(33, he was married to Miss Josephine Kernodle, a 
native of Indiana. She died, however, in 1874, and nearly four years 
afterwards he was married to his present wife, who was formerly Miss 
Angle Dye, originally of Ohio. He has no children living. Mr. 
Tuttle's parents, Benjamin F. and Mary (Leach) Tuttle, are both 
deceased, the father having died in 1870 and the mother in 1872. Mr. 
Tuttle works from 12 to 20 hands in his business as contractor for 
plastering work. 

CLAEENCE A. WILLIAMS 

(Coach Builder for the Wabash Eailway, Moberly). 
Mr. Williams has been working in the Wabash shops of this city in 
the capacity of coach builder for the past twelve years, and prior to 
this had had considerable experience in his present occupation. He is 
a native of the Empire State of the Union, New York, and was born 
in Augusta, Oneida county, December 20, 1847. In 1856 the family 
came west and located at Morris, 111. After the outbreak of the war 
young Williams enlisted in Co. G, Fifty-fifth Illinois infantry, and served 
with that regiment for three years and 11 months, participating during 
that time in many of the hardest fought battles of the war. On the 22d 
of July, 1864, he was severely wounded in front, of Atlanta, during 
the siege of that city, being shot in the right leg, which disabled him 
from active service for some time. After his discharge Mr. Williams 
returned to Morris, 111., where he remained two years, and in 
1867 went to Council Bluffs, and from thence, the following year, 
pushed on out to San Francisco. Mr. Williams returned from the 
Pacific coast to Omaha, and worked in the Union Pacific Railroad 
shops of that city from^ 1869 to January, 1871. From Omaha he 
came to St. Louis, where he became connected with the North Mis- 
souri Railroad, and in the summer of 1873 came to Moberly, where 
he has since worked in the shops at this city. On the 15th of August, 
1873, Mr. Williams was married to Mrs. Fannie Sherwood, born and 
reared on the present site of where the Union Market now stands in 
St. Louis, Mo., where she was born April 15, 1847. They have one 
child, Lulu Sherwood. Mr. Williams takes quite an interest in the 
different society orders of which he is a member, and in each of which 
he is quite prominent. He is Past Vice Grand Chancellor of the order 
of Knights of Pythias. He is also a member of Gothic Square 108, 
of Moberly, being Secretary of the Square, A. F. and A. M., and is 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 437 

high priest in the Chapter in the Masonic order, and is Sir Knight 
Commander of Moberly division No. 5, uniform rank of the Knights 
of Pythias ; and is also a Knight Templar. Mr. Williams' father now 
resides at Kerwin, Kansf.s, and is a contractor and builder of that 
place. His name is Samuel R. Williams. His mother, whose maiden 
name was Lucia A. Cottrell, died September 6, 1866, at Morris, 111., 
in the forty-seventh year of her age. 

CHARLES WRIGHT 

(Foreman in the Machine Shops of the Wabash, St. Louis and Pacific Railroad, 

Moberly) . 

Mr. Wright, an Englishman by birth and bringing up, has been 
identified with the business with which he is now connected from boy- 
hood, and it is not too much to say that both by natural aptitude for 
his calling and by long experience, he has become one of the most 
capable and efficient men in his line in the country. This fact is 
conceded by all who are capable of judging, and who know his quali- 
fications, and is recognized in a marked manner by the position he now 
occupies, that of foreman of the machine shops of one of the leading 
railroads of the United States. He has held his present position 
continuously for 10 years, so that he has conclusively proven that he 
is entirely worthy of the duties and responsibilities which he then 
undertook. Mr. Wright was born in Derby, England, March 19, 
1840, and was reared in his native shire, receiving as he grew up a 
fair, common English education. At an early age he became 
apprenticed to the machinist's trade in the railroad service in Derby, 
at which he worked continuously for seven years. He then went to 
Lancashire, where he worked at several machine works, and also 
constructed locomotives. Remaining there for two years, he went to 
Newton moor, in Cheshire, where he worked for a time, thence to 
South Wales, where he was foreman of the machine shops of the Penarth 
Harbor Docks and Railroad Company for about two years. After this he 
worked as journeyman at the London and North-western shops. In the 
spring of 1866 Mr. Wright sailed for America, and on landing in this 
country came on out to St. Louis and there met Mr. Sturgeon, through 
whose influence he obtained a position in the North Missouri shops at St. 
Charles, in which he worked as journeyman. From that city he came 
up to Moberly in 1873, and put the machinery in the North Missouri 
shops at this place. From here he went to Little Rock, Arkansas, 
where he was working for the Iron Mountain for about a year, and 
afterwards worked at Laramie City, Wyoming, for the Union Pacific, 
but in 1874 was called to his present position by the St. Louis, Kansas 
City and Northern. On the 3d of July, 1862, Mr. Wright was 
married to Miss Eliza Delicate, formerly of England. Mr. and Mrs. 
Wright are members of the Episcopal Church, and Mr. W. is a 
member of the I. O. O. F., also the A. F. and A. M. and Knights of 
Honor. 

\ 



438 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 



SALT SPRING TOW]V[SHIP. 



WILLIAM H. H. ALEXANDER 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser). 

Mr. A. was born in Monroe county, Mo. , March 1 , 1841 . His parents, 
Gabriel and Lucinda J. (Miller) Alexander, were originally from Ken- 
tucky, but moved to Monroe in 1836, where Mr. Alexander entered 
land, improved a farm and remained until his death, in 1870. William 
H. H. spent his boyhood roaming the parental acres and attending the 
common schools of the county. He came to Randolph in the fall of 
1871, a widower with one child, having married May 3, 1866, Miss 
Cassie, daughter of James Belsher, of Randolph county, formerly of 
Kentucky. This good lady laid down the burden of life on the 10th of 
September, 1871, leaving to her almost heart-broken husband a pre- 
cious legacy — a little girl, Effie Lee, now a young lady of unusual 
attractions. Mr. Alexander settled on his present farm in 1873, tak- 
ing with him a second Mrs. A., to whom he was married at the begin- 
ning of the year. She was Miss Sarah, daughter of Robert Belsher, 
and a cousin of his first wife. Mr. A. is in comfortable circumstances, 
and enjoys the esteem of all who know him. He owns 100 acres of 
land, all of which is fenced, and about 75 acres cleared and in culti- 
vation. He occupies a very neat one-story residence, and has a good 
stable, smoke-house, cribs, etc. His orchard contains 100 apple trees, 
besides a number of peach and cherry, all young and in tine bearing 
condition. 

G. LACKEY ALEXANDER 

(Of Belsher & Alexaader, proprietors of the Huntsville Livery, Feed and Sale 

Stables). 

Mr. Alexander's father, Hon. Gabriel Alexander, was an early set- 
tler of Monroe county, and became a successful farmer and stock-raiser 
of the county. He was quite prominent in early days, and repre- 
sented the county several terms in the Legislature. His wife, before 
her marriage, was a Miss Jane Miller, and both were originally from 
Kentucky. Gabriel L., the sixth in their family of children, was born 
on his father's farm in that county, June 4, 1853, and was brought up 
to an agricultural life. At the age of 21 he came to Randolph, hav- 
ing married November 12, 1872, and located on a farm about a mile 
north of Huntsville. His wife Avas a Miss Rettie Belsher, a sister to 
his present partner in business. She died, however, in 1877, leaving 
him one child, Forest LeRoy, now a bright boy some six and a half 
years old. Mr. Alexander continued on the farm near Huntsville 
until the spring of 1880, when he formed his present partnership with 
his brother-in-law, Mr. Belsher, and engaged in the livery business. 
They have an excellent stable, a first-class stock of horses and vehicles, 
and are doing a flourishing business. Their stable is quite popular, 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY, 439 

not only locally, but with the travelinsj public, especially among com- 
mercial salesmen, who give them a large patronage. They have fixed 
and fair prices for their rigs, which are as good and desirable as any 
in the county, and by treating everybody honestly and with accom- 
modation, they have built up a large ciistoni, which is steadily increas- 
ing. On the '9th of March, 1880, Mr. Alexander was married to his 
present wife, formerly Miss Eugenia Brooking, a daughter of Robert 
Brooking of this county. It has been stated that Mr. Alexander was 
on the farm continuously from 1873 to 1880. This requires one cor- 
rection : in 1878 he went to Montana and was absent for two years. 
He is a worthy member of the Knights of Honor. 

JAMES M. ANDERSON 

(Of Anderson & Co., Coal Miners and Dealers, P. 0., Huntsville). 

The mining company of Anderson & Co. was organized June 1, 
1880, and is composed of J. M. Anderson, G. W. Jones, and G. W. 
Evens, and they own the mmes whish they are exploiting, including 
the tract of land the coal underlies. They work their mines by horse 
power, and have a daily capacity of 900 bushels, but are now raising 
700 bushels daily, and are working ten men. Mr. Anderson is a na- 
tive of Scotland, of Scotch-Irish parents, and has a life-long experience 
in his present business, or I'ather since he was 18 years of age. He was 
born April 22, 1852, and was a son of John and Letitia Anderson. 
While he was still in childhood his parents came to America and 
located at Cumberland, where his father was superintendent of mines 
for a long time. James M. began vvorking in the mines at 18 years 
of age, and came to Missouri in 1875, having by this time learned 
thoroughly all the branches and details of the business. He worked 
in the mines of Belleville, 111., for a short time, when he came to 
Russell, Missouri, and where he worked for two years. Mr. Anderson 
came to Huntsville in the fall of 1877, and formed a partnership with 
Mr. James Bailey in mine No. 2V2, in which he continued for three 
years. The present company was then organized. Mr. Anderson is 
one of the most capable and enterprising coal men in Randolph 
county, and is rapidly coming to the front as a substantial citizen in 
his line of business. On the 5th of July, 1879, he was married to Miss 
Susana Bailey, a daughter of James Bailey, of this county. Mr. and 
Mrs. Anderson have lost two children : Letitia, who died at the age 
of 13 months, and George, died at the age of 17 months. Mr. Ander- 
son is a prominent member of the I. O. O. F., being Past Noble Grand 
in that order, and is also a member of the Masonic order. Mr. An- 
derson is a stockholder and member of the board of directors in the 
Buildinor and Loan Association of Huntsville. 

BENJAMIN H. ASHCOM 

(Sheriff of Randolph County, Huntsville), 
To any one who has led a successful and honorable life, it should be 
a matter of pardonable pride ; and this, especially, with one who has 
23 



440 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

come up without those advantages in early years, inestimable in value, 
which kind parents and family influence can bestow. Mr. Ashcom 
was left an orphan when a small by the death of both his parents ; and 
he was left without means, and with his own way to make in the 
world. His father, Samuel P. Ashcom, was a man of sterling intelli- 
gence and great personal worth, but he was a poor man and died 
poor — that is, he left no estate worth speaking of to be divided among 
his children. Benjamin H. at the age of 10 went to live with William 
Terrill, of Randolph county, where he made his home, assisting on the 
farm, until he was 17 years of age. While there he showed a taste for 
books and improved his leisure to good advantage with study. In 
about 1857 the North Missouri Railroad was being surveyed and 
opened from Sturgeon to Macon City, and he joined the corps of civil en- 
gineers engaged in locating the route. He was with the North Missouri 
corps for some time and made it a point to learn surveying and civil en- 
gineering both in practice and theory, for while working with the corps 
of engineers he learned the practical details of the profession and, 
providing himself with books, also learned the theory' and principles 
involved thoroughly. His record while in this service showed con- 
clusively that he possessed the qualities which make succe.ssful men. 
Already he had decided to fit himself for a useful and honorable life. 
Nor did he give up that purpose for a moment. On the contrary, feeling 
the want of a college education, while improving his time with study he 
saved up means to carry him through college. He entered Mt. Pleasant 
College in 1859 and took the junior course in that institution, including 
the scientific branches. His means being now exhausted, he began 
teachino; school, and he continued his studies while teachino;. Later 
along he commenced the study of law and was rapidly fitting himself 
for the bar when the war cloud, in 1861, burst upon the country. Of 
Southern ancestry and sj'mpathies and interests, he promptly went to 
the defense of the South and enlisted under Col. Congrave Jackson 
of the State Guard and was made first lieutenant of a company of vol- 
unteers. After the expiration of his term in the State Guard, he en- 
listed in the regular Confederate service under Col. Perkins and was 
also first lieutenant under that officer. His command joined Gen. 
VanDorn in Arkansas, and he was afterwards with Col. Dorsey. In 
1863 he became first lieutenant of a company in Col. Elliott's regiment 
under Shelby, and served under that fiery cavalier until the close of 
the war. Mr. Ashcom was taken prisoner in December, 1861, and 
was paroled, after Avhich he taught school for a short time, but soon 
returned to service under the Stars and Bars. At the battle of Fay- 
etteville, Ark., he was wounded in three different places and was 
confined in the hospital for some six weeks. He was in the battles of 
Boonville, Dry Wood, Lexington, and all the others during the latter 
part of the war in which the different commands, with which he was 
connected, participated. After the restoration of peace, he returned 
to Randolph county and engaged in teaching, continuing it up to 1869, 
principally at Renick where he taught his first school before the war. 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 441 

He had now saved up a nucleus of means to en^a^e in business and 
accordingly he established a store at Reuick whfcirhe carried on wih 
increasing success until he was elected sheriff of the county. A man 
of upnght character good business qualifications and an open, o-enia 

fwlT^'r If^'f^" '""'''''''''^ '^'' ""'''^^ «^'l^i^ acquaintanc; ?tead- 
Ij enlarged and he became as favorably as widely known. His nomi- 
nation for the office of sheriff in 1882 was the furthest fi-om an ace den . 
As soon as his name was mentioned for the office he became generally 
recognized as the right man for the place, for the people had" a ready 
earned to know his qualifications and integrity and he was unive s liy 
liked He beat h.s opponent, W. S. Christian, an excellent and 
worthy man, by a majority of some 2,500 votes. The peo^ ex L'ed 
hun to make a capable and popular officer and he has nU disappohi ed 
d7o7E1,r-tl "^^''"f disparaging others, it may with't^utrbe 
public official Tft^'''"^ never had a more efficient and popular 
public official. If he ives he aviU of course be re-elected, if he con- 
sents to run again, and already his name is bein^favorahi; mentioned 

ttrn :?'T ffl '-'n 'f'"' ''-''''• P~I>v, he is a thLugh g ;_ 
tleman and officially he is a credit to his office and the county. "On 
Uie 25th of April, 1867, Mr. Ashcom was married to Miss SuL E 
Goiu, a daughter of Archibald Goin. Thev have have two cSen '• 
Effie Maude and Roy Princeton. Mr. Ashcom, while a resident of 
Renick was chainnan of the board of trustees and he is a member of 
the Building and Loan Associations of both that place andHun svi\le 
He IS a member of the A. O. U. W., and has been a memblr of 
the Masonic order since 1874. Mr. Ashcom's parents were from 

Jh"e She':;' J"- T'^"'i T" ' ^^'^'^ P^^'^^ I^'-- '^^^--e he' mZ 
lowed hf!f H "' I^^^»d^>lph county in 1849, and her husband fol- 
lowed her to the grave a year afterwards. He was oric^inally from 
Pennsyy^xma. They had five children: Benjamin h" Su an E 
/mm. ?^5re,• Rebecca, now Mrs. U. J. Williams ; William T^f the 

at -^cl'T "^ -ir^T^ ^"?^^"^^' "^^^ J^^'^^^ ^- Benjamin H. was born 
at NicholasviUe, Ky., January 6, 1840. "^^ooin 

FRANK P. BAIRD 

(Superintendent of the Woodard Coal and Mining Company Store) 

Ramlolnh'oo^ntv^''''"§^'"="^'l'^' enterprising young business man of 
Ka Uolph county, is a Pennsyl vanian by nativity and was partly reared 

". tt tih of D '" ^\"''% .S"'? '^ ^^'"^"^ ^"-^^^' '' Pinn's Woods' 
C Id A i^ J^'7'"'?.V ^^'^,?' ^'' '^^' '^'-""g-ht out by his parents, J 
r i' \ ^^'''^' '""^''^^ '^'" 3^"""^' to Missouri, and ore.v to man- 

hood in Randolph county where the family located.' He was e lucTd 
at Mt. Pleasant College, and in 1879 began work for W R Wood- 

"ye^r "^IfterwTd";' '' "'"Z^^' '' ""'^ ^^^^^ ^^ woVked foTover ' 
Jcl ' ,r^^''''''^' h^ e"2:aged in the grocery business at Huutsville 

Sal ncMin"??" '' '''' T'^ '''' ^--^T «tore to the Woodard 
hite ident R?l ""^''"^ ""^^^'^ ''"^^ conducted it as their super- 
intendent. He has carried on the store with efficiency and great sat- 



^^2 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

isfaction to the company, and has m.ide it a ^l^^^^^f "^^^^^^^^^Vr Mr"^ 
a profitable investment to them. On the 7th ot ^aich, 1877, Mr 
Bdrd was married to Miss Sue Dunn. She was a d.u>g ei o f ^ ^ 
iam G. Dunn of this county who was a son ot James G. and Amei.ca 
P (McCall) Dunn, who settled near Milton from ^^"t^f 3^^,;.' ^.^^^.s' 
William G. Dunn was born in Fayette county, Ky., ^'^}'''^fyjf' 
i829, and after he grew up in Randolph county, --, --"^^^^^^^^^^ ^^ 
Sai-ih P Day, a daughter of Thomas Day, originally ot lennessee, 
on the 27Vh^of September 1853. Mr. Dunn had previously been to 
Cam-on.fa ^.d had followed mining there for two years Excepting 
this and a short time, a few years ago, while ^"g^S^^^^^^^^.^f^S 
business, ftu-ming and stock raising have been his ««"/tant puisu s 
in life. However, he was also for some time ^^P^/j^'^^^^^^.^^^^^^^J ^ 
Randolph Coal and Mining Company and he opened ^^^^ / ,f .^^"/^^^^^^^ 
on the railroad in the county. During the war he was in the militia 
ad after the war he was county superintendent of registration for two 
yarsand until the law was repealed. He has also served as justice 
of the peace and held other positions of less importance. Mi and 
Mrs. Dunn have three children : Susie, now Mrs. Fi-nk P. Baud 
MarvM now Mrs. Joseph Dameron ; and Sallie W., the wite oi 
Robert B'eaucamp, of French descent, who traces his ancestry directly 
to Le De Plon Beaucamp, the greatest orator, statesman, f dosophei 
metaphysician, economist and diplomat France ever pi'ocluced. Mr 
Tnd Mrs. Dunn are both members of the Christian Church Mi. 
b"s a descendant of Gen. Sir David Baird of England, who d.s- 
tino-uished himself by his services in the East Indies and in the expe- 
ditfon by which the Cape of Good Hope was taken, and subsequently 
afcorunir where the command of Sir John Moore devolved upon 

JAMES GRANVILLE BAKER 

(Farmer, Post Office Huntsville) . 
Mr B. owns one of the handsomest farms in Salt Spring townsliip, and 
is one of the respected, influential citizens of the township. He was a 
son of William ind Rhoda (Summers) Baker (the latter a daugh er of 
Abraham Summers), who .^ame from Kentucky to Missouri in 182 
and settled near Fort Henry, in R^^»^^« ^^^ ^"""^y. They hve^^ 
this county until 1862, when they removed to Carroll «;'^«ty ^^^^^^^^^^ 
near Shootwman, where the father died December 20 1881, at the a e 
of about 80. The mother had died three years ^'''V^tlev 
They were both members of the Christian Churchy James G. Bake 
was born in Wayne county, Ky., December 25 1825, and was 
Tared on Dark's'prairie, in Randolph county, -hei-e his ^.u-en 
settled while he was in infancy. On the 15th of Jiine, 1857, he 
wa married to Miss Elizabeth Lay, a daughter of Frank Lay of 
SuntTvTlle! but originally of Virginia, where Mrs. Baker was born 
Ma^h ^^^^ Mr. Baker hadlbUowed forming prior to his mar- 

VZe, and then located at Callao, and was engaged in running a saw 
Ind^rist mill at that place for about three years. He was then 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 443 

farming up to 1864, vvhen he resumed milling in his own neighbor- 
hood. He located on his present farm in 1859, and has continued 
here for the past 25 years. This was originally the Gov. Han- 
cock Jackson farm, and it also includes parts of the old Sconce 
and Dale farms. His farm contains 740 acres of fine land, and he is 
largely engaged in stock-raising. He has a fine blue-grass pasture of 
nearly 500 acres. Mr. and Mrs. Baker have a family of six children: 
Binda F., now Mrs. Benjamin H. Hammett ; Jasper, Miller, Jimmy, 
Mollie and Euler. The first three were educated at Mt. Pleasant 
College. Mrs. Baker is a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. 
Baker's fjirm is exceptionally well improved, and he has one of 
the finest residences in the township, if not in the county. His house 
was built just after the financial panic in 1873 when everything was 
cheap, and was erected at a cost of over $3,000. 

JAMES MADISON BAKER 

(Merchant, Huntsville) . 

It was away back in 1817 that Charles and Mary Baker, the grand- 
parents of the subject of this sketch, and both of whom were originally 
from Virginia, came from Kentucky, where their parents, respectively, 
we're early settlers, and settled three miles south-west of Huntsville, 
where the grandfather improved a farm. Four years later he removed 
to a tract of land one mile north-west of this city where he improved 
another farm on which he lived until his death, which occurred in 
1835. All of his family of children, Joseph, Charles, Noah C, Isaac, 
Elizabeth, and William, each of whom became the head of a family, 
are now deceased, dying in this county near Huntsville, except Isaac, 
who now resides near Cairo. William Baker, the sixth in the above 
family, who was born and reared in Kentucky, married Miss Sarah 
Montgomery in this county in 1822. Her father, John William Mont- 
gomery, came from Wayne county, Ky., from whence William 
Baker's parents also came in about 1818, and located in the north- 
western part of Howard county, where he lived until his death. 
William Baker lived on the old Baker homestead after his marriage 
until 1833, when he removed to Macon county, where he died during 
the fall of that year. His wife survived him until 1851, dying in this 
county. They had a family of four sons : Joseph, who died in tender 
years ; Charles Jackson, James Madison and Thomas Marion, the 
last three all residents of the county, the family having returned to 
this county immediately after the father's death, and settled three 
and a half miles west of Huntsville. James Madison Baker was born 
near Huntsville, February 14, 1828, and was reared in the county, 
being brought up, as most youths were in those early days, to a sturdy 
farm life. On the 22d of November, 1848, he was married to Miss 
Celia Baker, a cousin of his, and a daughter of Noah C. Baker, an 
old resident of the county. James Madison Baker continued to follow 
farming pursuits until 1857, when he opened a blacksmith shop at 
Thomasville, though not a blacksmith himself, which he carried on as 



444 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

proprietor until 1865. In the meantime, however, on the outbreak 
of the war, in 1861, he enlisted in the State Southern service under 
Capt. Lowery, being made first lieutenant of the company which was 
organized at Ft. Henry. He subsequently participated in the battle 
at Lexington, but later along was discharged for disability resulting 
from rheumatism. In 1865 he took charge of the Randolph House 
at Huntsville, which he ran for a short time, and then engaged in 
merchandising at this place, which he followed with success up to a 
short time ago. Capt. Baker will soon re-engage in merchandising, 
being now waiting for the completion of a business house in which to 
open up a stock of goods. As a merchant and citizen he is well 
known to every one in Huntsville for miles round about the country 
tributary to this place, and he is as highly esteemed and respected as 
he is generally well known. He has had four children : William 
Noah, who died July 10, 1883, and was a prominent physician of the 
county prior to his death, a regular graduate of medicine, and also 
engaged in the drug store business; Joseph L., a sketch of whom 
follows this; Martha A. and James J. Martha A. is a graduate from 
the Fulton Deaf and Dumb College and is now at home. Capt. Baker 
has served as cnptain of the militia since the war, and has occupied 
the mayor's chair of Huntsville for some five years. He and wife are 
members of the M. E. Church South, and he is a Royal Arch Mason. 

JOSEPH L. BAKER 

(Proprietor of Baker's General Feed Store, Huntsville). 

The Baker family is one of the old and respected families of Ran- 
dolph county. Mr. Baker's grandfather came here among the early 
settlers of the county, and his father, James M. Baker" was born and 
reared in Huntsville town, which has continued to be his permanent 
home. The mother, whose maiden name was Celia Baker, a cousin to 
her husband, was also born and reared in the county. James M. 
Baker was long recognized as one of the progressive, enterprising 
merchants of Huntsville, and is one of its highly esteemed and well- 
to-do citizens. He reared a worthy family of children, and gave them 
good opportunities for an education. His success in life and the envi- 
able position he occupies as a citizen are the results almost alone of 
his own industry and merit, for he had little with which to start out 
in life. He came up at a time when school advantages were by no 
means of a high order, and when the opi)ortunities to accumulate 
means rapidly were far from being favorable. Yet, by the strength 
of his own character, his untiring industry and his studious habits, he 
has come to be not only a man fairly well situated in life, but one of 
fine intelligence and wide general information. Joseph L is the sec- 
ond in his family of children, having been born in 1855. Having al- 
ways had a taste for business pursuits, he decided to come to Huntsville 
and devote his energies to business life. Accordingly, he came here 
and eno-agfed in the feed store business, which he has since followed. 
Mr. Baker has had satisfactory success in the feed store business, and 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 445 

has built up a good trade. On the 11th of October, 1876, he was 
married to Miss Sarah Sutliff, a daughter of John Sutliff, of this 
county. She was born February 26, 1859. They have one child, 
William Oscar, born May 14, 1877. Mr. and Mrs. Baker are mem- 
bers of the M. E. Church, South. 

CAPT. WILLIAMI'H. BALTHIS 

(Editor of the Huntsville Herald, Huntsville). 

Capt. Balthis, a newspaper man of long experience, and a gentle- 
man who is esteemed wherever known for his high character as a man 
and his worth as a citizen, has been identified with the Herald at 
Huntsville for nearly five years, and during that time the paper has 
made steady and substantial progress, not only in value as a business 
investment, but in influence and reputation as a journal. Capt. 
Balthis is a native of the Old Dominion, and by his services as a 
soldier has proved himself to be a worthy son of the old Common- 
wealth that gave him bifth. He was born in Front Royal, May 
24, 1843, and was a son of William and Margaret A. Balthis, 
one of the respected families of that place. Capt. Balthis' early 
education was rather limited, he having quit the local academy of his 
town, whilst still in boyhood, of his own accord and in order to learn 
the printing business. He served an apprenticeship of three years at 
the case in the office of the Virginia Valley Gazette, a paper published 
at Front Royal. Subsequently he worked a short time in the same 
office as journeyman. Later along he quit tiie printing business to 
accept a situation in a tin and stove establishment of that place, in 
which he continued until the outbreak of the war. On the first call 
of the Governor of Virginia to defend the State against invasion, 
young Balthis promptly offered himself as a volunteer and was 
accepted, entering the service as a drummer boy. This was on the 
18th of April, 1861, and for four years and eight daj's following he 
followed the three-barred banner of the South with unfaltering devo- 
tion and bravery, and until it went down in defeat to rise no more 
perhaps for generations. By his merits as a soldier and his gallantry, 
he rose from grade to grade until he became the captain of one of the 
most dashing and intrepid cavalry companies in the army of Northern 
Virginia. He commanded Co. A, of the Twenty-first Virginia cavalry 
for over two years, and until after Lee's surrender. His company was 
noted in the army for its superior drill and ])ravery. Capt. Balthis 
commanded the last skii-mish line in front of his brigade at Appomat- 
tox, but withdrew with his division before the articles of surrender 
were signed by Gen. Lee. Afterwards he reported at Gen. Hancock's 
headquarters at Winchester and was paroled April 26, 1865. After 
the surrender Capt. Balthis returned to Front Royal and engaged in 
the tin and stove business. However, he soon determined to come to 
Missouri, and accordingly, in March, 1866, sold out in Virginia and 
moved to this State, locating at Brunswick, where he obtained a situ- 
ation in the office of the Bmnswicker. In the fall of the followincj 



446 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

year he purchased Judge Winslow's interest in the Brunswicker, and 
became an equal partner with J. B. Naylor in the ownership and pub- 
lication of that paper. Capt. Balthis continued identified with the 
Brunswickei' for some eight years, but in 1875 sold his interest to his 
partner and engaged in the grocery store business at Brunswick. 
The year following, however, he retired from the grocery business 
and went to Joplin, where he was speculating in mines for a short 
time. It was in February, 1878, that he came to Huntsville, and 
here, in partnership with Mr. H. O. Collins, he established the Ran- 
dolph Vindicator, becoming also associate editor of that paper. They 
conducted the Vindicator for about a year, at the expiration of which 
time they suspended its publication, and soon afterwards Capt. Balthis 
purchased a half interest in the Hergld from Mr. T. M. Elmore, and 
became associate editor of the paper with Dr. John T. Fort, who pre- 
viously had editorial charge of it. The September following Dr. Fort 
retired from the paper and Capt. Balthis became sole editor. Since 
then he and Mr. Elmore have conducted the paper together, the 
former having charge of the editorial and mechanical departments, and 
the latter the business management. The Herald, as every one 
knows, is one of the leading papers of Randolph county, and, indeed, 
one of the prominent and influential cosmopolitan journals of this 
section of the State. It has a large circulation, and as an advertising 
medium has few equals among the country papers of North-east Mis- 
souri. Capt. Balthis is an excellent, writer and a man of independence 
of mind and expressions, and though an earnest Democrat, he never 
permits party interests to come between him and his care for the best 
interests of Randolph county and the people at large. On the 8th of 
June, 1869, Capt. Balthis was married to Miss Laura T. Spencer, 
eldest daughter of Thomas H. Spencer, a well-to-do and respected 
farmer residing near Brunswick. This union has been blessed with 
five children, three of whom are living, a son and two daughters 

JACOB M. BERGSTRESSER 

(Proprietor of the Huntsville City Mills). 

Mr. Bergstresser, though a young man, less than 30 years of age, 
has charge of one of the important mills of the county, and is con- 
ducting it with marked energy and success. The mill has a capacity 
of 30 barrels a day, and carries a large stock of grain regularly. 
Mr. Bergstresser is a thoroughly capable and skillful miller, and under 
his management the flour bearing the brand of the " City Mills " has 
obtained great popularity, and he has a constant demand for all and 
more than he can manufacture. He is a native of the old Keystone 
State, and was born at Carlisle, in Cumberland county, October 10, 
1855. His parents were John and Catherine (Gaymon) Bergstresser, 
and Jacob M. was reared in his native State. In 1872 he and two of 
his brothers came to Missouri — John and Henry. He remained until 
1876 engaged in milling in South-east Missouri. He then returned 
to Pennsylvania, and was engaged in milling at Charabersburg from 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 447 

1876 to 1879, coming thence back to Missouri antl locating in 
Randolph county. Here he was engaged in the sewing machine 
business, with headquarters at Moberlj, until 1881, when he took 
charge of the City Mills at Huntsville. His brother, John, is with 
him in the milling business, although the latter now resides at 
Moberl3^ Their mill is valued at $5,000, and is fitted up with an 
excellent class of machinery, and is in excellent shape and condition. 
Their business is steadily increasing, and in time they expect to 
greatly enlarge its capacity for the manufacture of flour, meal, etc. 

HENEY H. BERGSTRESSEE 

(Dealer in Groceries, Queen' s-ware, Tin-ware, etc., Huntsville). 

Mr. Bergstresser, who is a brother of Jacob M., whose sketch 
precedes this, was born in Cumberland county, Pa., March 16, 
1842, and was reared in that county. His father was a miller by 
occupation, and Henry H., like Jacob M., was brought up to that 
calling. On the 10th of January, 1868, he was married to Miss 
Jennie E. Hurley, and he continued to reside in that county, engaged 
in the milling Ijusiness, until 1879, when he came to Missouri and 
embarked, as clerk for his brother John, in the grocery business at 
Moberly. Two years later he came to Huntsville and took charge of 
the City Mills at this place, which he conducted with success until 
1881. He then engaged in the grocery trade at Huntsville, and has 
since followed it. He has a good stock of groceries and other goods 
in the lines mentioned above, and an excellent trade. He is attentive 
to business, deals fairly, and is enterprising, and is getting along 
exceedingly well. Mr. and Mrs. Bergstresser have four children : 
Jennie, Mary Maud, Ulysses Grant and Harry E. 

JAMES G. BIBB 

(Dealer in Harness, Huntsville). 

The subject of this sketch was born in Russellville, Logan county, 
Ky., and is »a brother of Gov. Henry G. Bibb, a distinguished 
lawyer of that State and eminent in its political aff\iirs, having held 
various official positions of distinction, including the office of lieuten- 
ant-governor. Their parents were Henry G. and Elizabeth (Poe) 
Bibb, originally of Virginia, but who moved to Russellville, Logan 
county, Ky., in the year 1818. James G. Bibb lived upon a 
farm until he was 17 years old ; he then began to learn the saddlery 
and harness maker's trade, and has worked at it from that time to 
this with but little interruption. In 1853 he came to Missouri and 
located at Glasgow, where he carried on business for four years. 
Then coming to Huntsville he has since resided here, and he has been 
engaged in his present line of business except about four years, be- 
tween 1862 and 1867, when he conducted a grocery store. In 1865 
he was elected justice of the peace of Salt Spring township, and has 
held the office through all the vicissitudes of politics by consecutive 



448 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY 

re-elections from that day to this, and has tried during his officia 
career about 2,000 civil and criminal causes ; and such has been the con- 
fidence in his ability and integrity as a justice that but few appeak 
have been taken from his decisions to the higher courts. No more 
worthy certificate could be required of his standing and character as a 
man than is afforded by the fact of his long continuance in office, run- 
ning through a period of 19 years continuously. It was through his 
efibrts that the official records of Randolph county were saved to the 
people. When the court-house, in which they were deposited, was on 
fire, and when dismay was depicted on every countenance and no one 
knew what to do, he, amid the fire and smoke and falling brick and 
burning timbers, rushed into the building and saved the deed books 
and court records from destruction. For this act alone the people of 
Randolph county will ever hold him in grateful remembrance. He is 
one of the fine old gentlemen of Randolph county, a man of broad in- 
telligence, large heart, and always courteous and obliging, one of that 
class of men whom the communities in which they live are glad to 
claim as citizens and who always command the respect and confidence 
of those around them. His life has been one of strict integrity, 
worthy industry, and always solicitous for the best interests of society. 
Though not a rich man, he is more Qontent with his worldly posses- 
sions than many whose estates are far greater, for he has never 
considered the possession of wealth the greatest reward of life, but 
on the contrary has striven to live correctly and without reproach, 
so that when old age should come he would fall under the shadow 
of no man's ill will. 

WILLIAM BLAIR, M.D^ 

(Physician and Surgeon, Huntsville, Mo,). 

Dr. Blair, who has been engaged in the practice of his profession 
for nearly half a century, and has been located at Huntsville for the 
past 25 years, is a native of Pennsylvania and of Scotch-Irish ances- 
try, being a representative of the same family from which Gen. 
Frank P. Blair, of this State, descended. Prior to the* Revolution, 
five of the Blair brothers came to America from the North of Ire- 
land, and from these, most, if not all of the Blairs of the United 
States sprang, including Gen. Frank P. Blair, who was a second 
cousin to the subject of this sketch, their ancestor of the fourth 
generation being the same. The brothers who came over were: 
James, Archibald, John, Brice and Thomas. Brice Blair was the 
grandfather of Dr. William Blair. John Blair, a son of Brice Blair, 
married Miss Mary Purdeau, a daughter of William Purdeau, who 
came over from France and settled in Pennsylvania. John Blair had 
a family of 11 children, and Dr. Blair was the second of these. 
James and Mary are in Iowa, Charity lives at Bedford, Pa., 
and John S. is at Frankfort, Va. All the rest are deceased. The 
parents both died in Pennsylvania — the father in 1853 and the mother 
in 1878, in the eighty-fifth year of her age. Dr. Blair was born 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 449 

at Flint Stone creek, in Bedford county, Pa., May 20, 1811, 
and was reared on his father's farm, in his native county, until he 
was 18 years of age, when, having been of studious habits and having 
a quick, active mind, he had acquired a good English education, and 
he began school-teaching. He became quite successful and popular 
as a school-teacher, and continued it for four years. In the mean- 
time, he had decided to devote himself to the medical profession, and 
having saved up some means with which to prosecute his studies, he 
began the study of medicine under Dr. Scott, of Bedford county, 
applying himself with unflagging diligence and energy for about two 
years. He was now qualified to engage in the practice, and he began 
practice in his native county and continued it with success until 1853, 
when he took a course of lectures in medicine and surgery in the med- 
ical department of the University of Pennsylvania. He resumed 
practice and has continued it from that time to this without inter- 
ruption, except while attending medical college a second term, at the 
conclusion of which he was duly graduated. Dr. Blair came to Mis- 
souri in 1859 and located at Huntsville, where he has since resided. 
His house, then in the outskirts of town, was in the woods, and the 
county was but little more than a wilderness. In 1861, Dr. Blair, like 
nearly all of his name in this country, took sides unequivocally for 
the Union, and didn't go behind the bush to express his convictions 
or act upon them. He identified himself promptly and actively 
with the Union element in the State, and, the value of his services 
as a physician and surgeon being appreciated, he was made post sur- 
geon of the Third Iowa, two companies stationed at Huntsville in Feb- 
ruary and March, 1862, and two companies of Merril's Horse. In 
March, 1863, Gen. Gamble commissioned him surgeon of the Fiftieth 
regiment, and he was also detailed surgeon of the First Provincial 
regiment, E. M. M., with headquarters at Mexico. Later along he 
was made regimental surgeon of the Forty-sixth E. M. M., and was 
commissioned under Col. A. F. Denny, Col. J. D. Douglass being 
colonel of the First Provisional regiment, where he was retained 
as examining physician for seven months, when he resigned. He 
was then commissioned surgeon, by Gov. Willard P. Hall, of the 
Forty-sixth E. M. M., and was stationed at Huntsville until the 
close of the war. In November, 1863, Dr. Blair was appointed 
one of the examining physicians for the pension ofiice (serving 
under Baker and Van Arnum, commissioners of pensions), and he 
has held that position ever since. Dr. Blair was quite active and use- 
ful in organizing the militia of Randolph county during the war for the 
Union service, and continued in the service until 1866, In the gen- 
eral practice of his profession he has been quite successful, and has 
long been recognized as one of the leading physicians of the county. 
Personally, he is a man of high character and is of a kind, generous 
disposition, and much esteemed by the people wherever he is known. 
He is a man of strong character, great mental vigor, and as deter- 
mined and resolute, almost, as the laws of nature ; for whatever he 
conceives to be right and proper to do, he will do it, or make the 



450 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

attempt, though the heavens fall. This is a characteristic of the Blair 
family, and it is this unconquerable resolution that makes them men 
of consequence and influence wherever their fortunes are cast. On 
the 19th of March, 1833, Dr. Blair was married to Miss Rachel Hend- 
rickson, of Alleghany county, Maryland. She lived to brighten 
his home for nearly half a century, but at last went the way of all 
flesh, and her spirit passed through glory's morning gate on the 17th 
of August, 1881. They had a family of ten children : Jonathan, the 
eldest, died in infancy ; Martha died while the wife of J. T. Devore ; 
Sarah is the widow of Rev. William Hanley, formerly a Methodist 
minister of Breckinridge ; Eliza died in infancy, as did also John ; 
Norval W. is at home ; Albert died in the Union army at the age of 
17 ; Lydia J. P., the wife of W. G. True, of Moberly ; Clara, the wife 
of Thomas A. Craig, of Macon ; and Arabella is the wife of Charles 
C. Ford, of Ottumwa, Iowa. Dr. Blair is a member of the Methodist 
Church, as was his wife for many years prior to her death. 

C. BOYD, A.B., A.M. and M.D. 

(Proprietor of the Rutherford House, Huntsville) . 

Dr. Boyd, an old Marylander, and one of the best educated men in 
this section of the State, as well as a physician of nearly 20 years' 
experience in the active practice, has been engaged in the hotel busi- 
ness at Huntsville for more than eleven years past, and has become 
widely and favorably known by the traveling public throughout this 
State, and, indeed, generally in this section of the country, as one of 
the most popular landlords and capable and successful hotel men con- 
nected with the business. He is from Baltimore to Huntsville and 
was born in Frederick county, Maryland, May 16, 1826. Dr. Boyd 
received his general education at Dickinson College, one of the lead- 
ing institutions of learning of Pennsylvania, in which he took com- 
plete literary, scientific and classical courses, graduating in 1846 
among the first in a class, several of whose members have since be- 
come distinguished in life. He was honored by his Alma Mater with 
both the degrees of A.B. and A.M., to which his attainments fully 
entitled him. He had pursued his general educational course with 
the view of becoming a physician, and immediately following his 
graduation he began the study of medicine. He continued the study 
without interruption and with assiduity, and in due time entered the 
Medical Department of the University of Pennsylvania, second to no 
institution of medical learning in the United States. He graduated 
in medicine with high honor in 1850, and at once returned to Mary- 
land and entered upon his career in the practice at the city of Balti- 
more. He was successfully engaged in the practice of medicine in 
that city for many years, but at last decided to come West and make 
his home in Missouri. Accordingly, in 1869, he came to this State 
and located at Huntsville where he has since resided. Here he se- 
cured the Rutherford House, which he has conducted since its opening. 
Dr. Boyd has made this house one of the most popular cosmopolitan 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 451 

hotels in Missouri. A man of culture and refinement, and a perfect 
gentleman in every sense of the word, he not only knows how to treat 
guests properly, but has the heart and manhood to do his full duty to 
them. He strives to conduct his house so that the traveler will feel 
as nearly contented, comfortable and at ease under the roof of the 
Rutherford as one away from his own home and family could possibly 
be situated. His house is the delight of the commercial men, and on 
their long journeys they look forward to the time when they will stop 
with him, as the caravanist on the desert looks forward to the time 
when he will rest under the shade of the green trees, and on the 
velvety lawn of an oasis and be lulled to sleep by the music of sing- 
ing birds and the murmuring flow of the cool waters of perennial 
springs. Dr. Boyd keeps his beds as clean as the snow as it descends 
from heaven, and his rooms as comfortable and cozy as the chamber 
that was prepared at eventide for the lovely Lalla Rookh as she 
journeyed on to her waiting and fondly expectant lover ; and the table 
that the Rutherford presents is such as to make the epicure think that 
the millenium has come, while the gourmand seems to loose self-con- 
sciousness as he dines, or at least, to know only that there is a perfect 
sea of good thino-s before him and all that he has to do is to eat until, 
like Tam O'Shanter, he shall be " o'er all the ills of life victorious." 
In a word, there are few such hotels in the interior of the State for 
neatness, comfort and menu as Dr. Boyd keeps ; and personally he is 
one of the most popular landlords, as all the traveling public know. 
On the 5th of June, 1872, Dr. Boyd was married to Miss Virginia 
Boulware, of Renick, this county. They have no children. 

JUDGE GEORGE H. BURCKHARTT 

(Huntsville) . 

For nearly a quarter of a century Judge Burckhartt has occupied 
with honor and ability the bench of the judicial circuit of North-east 
Missouri, which includes the county of his residence — Randolph. 
During this long service his life has of course become intimately inter- 
woven with the judicial history of the State. For years he has been 
regarded as one of the ablest judges and most upright men on the cir- 
cuit bench, and his opinions command the highest consideration and 
respect, both from the profession and the public at large. 

Judge Burckhartt descends from one of the pioneer families of Mis- 
souri. His grandfather, Christopher F. Burckhartt, was a native of 
Maryland, and a gallant soldier under Washington during the War of 
the Revolution. He immigrated to this State with his family in 1811 
and settled first in St. Louis county, and in two years moved to How- 
ard county, where he lived until his death, one of the worthy and re- 
spected old pioneers of that county. He was well advanced in years 
when he came to Missouri, and most of his family of children had 
grown up and become themselves the heads of families. Among these 
was George Burckhartt, who became the father of Judge George H., 
the subject of the present sketch. 



452 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY, 

George Burckhartt, pere, was retired in Frederick county, Mary- 
land, and was married in Jefferson county, Kentucky, to Miss Ruth 
Dorsey, a representative of another old and respected Maryhind fam- 
ily. George Burckhartt and family came to Missouri five years after 
his father, and also settled in Howard county. But in 1820 he re- 
moved over into Randolph county, where he resided for many years. 
He died in Howard county, to which he had returned 10 years pre- 
viously, in 1864, when 83 years of age. He was a man of fine intel- 
ligence and high character, and was one of the prominent citizens of 
Randolph county. Before coming to Missouri he had served under 
Harrison in the War of 1812, and it was on account of his absence 
in the array that he did not follow his father sooner, as he had in- 
tended to do, to this State. In Randolph county he served for a 
number of years on the county court bench, and held other positions 
of local importance. He was a member of the first Legislature of 
Missouri from Howard count}', and was a member from Randolph 
after it was organized. He was a farmer by occupation, as was 
also his father, and, considering the times in which he lived and his 
opportunities, he was quite successful. In politics he was a life-long 
Whig, and was one of the staunchest supporters of that party in 
Randolph county. 

Judge George H. Burckhartt, the ninth and youngest in his 
father's family of children, was born in Randolph county on his 
father's homestead, six miles south-east of Huntsville, September 11, 
1823. He was brought up to. agricultural pursuits and, of course, 
in this section of the country at that early day, had only limited 
school advantages. From an early age, however, he sliowed a 
marked taste for study, and besides the instruction he received in 
the occasional common schools kept in the neighborhood, he im- 
proved his leisure to good advantage by study at home. John 
Stuart Mill says that the distinctions between men arise not so 
much from the superior natural ability of one over another, as from 
the inspiration of aml)ition which stimulates the one to higher ex- 
ertions than the other. This ambition to rise to prominence and 
usefulness in life young Burckhartt had, and it is perhaps due quite 
as much to this as to his sterling natural ability, which all recog- 
nize, that he rose to the enviable position he has so long occupied and 
adorned. Pursuing his studies with unabated zeal and assiduity when 
young, he soon became qualified to teach school, and capable school- 
teachers were in much request in this section of the country at that 
time. In September, 1839, he began teaching in Monroe county, and 
he continued to teach for two years. 

In the meantime he had determined to devote himself to the legal 
profession, and during his leisure, while teaching, he pursued a regu- 
lar course of study preparatory to his admission to the bar. In 1843 
he was duly admitted to practice law by Judge P. McBride, of Mon- 
roe, sitting at Paris, Monroe county, Mo., and he immediately 
afterwards entered upon the practice of his profession at Huntsville, 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 453 

Mo. His sound, sober, good sense and his close attention to 
business, united with his high character and habits of study, and his 
close investigation of the law and facts of every case entrusted to him, 
soon made a favorable impression on the community as to his ability 
and worth as a lawyer, and he was not long in securing an excellent 
and lucrative practice. His rise in his profession as a practitioner 
was steady and substantial, and he had not been at the bar many 
years before he became recognized as one of the soundest lawyers and 
most successful practitioners in the Huntsville circuit. He was al- 
ways a man of steady, even habits, and went about performing the 
duties of his practice in a methodical, clear-headed, business-like way ; 
and the opening of court rarely, if ever, found him unprepared to 
take the proper steps in his cases, when they were called. 

Judge Burckhartt is possessed of a mind broad and logical in its 
operations, considerably of the philosophic cast, and he views ques- 
tions which come up for consideration not only as to their immediate 
causes and eflects, but as to the general principles which they in- 
volve and their relations with other questions of a kindred nature, 
and the influence, directly and ultimately, a given decision would 
have. Thus in the practice, whilst he was an untiring student of his 
cases, consulting all the law and precedents bearing upon them and, 
at the same time, more than ordinarily careful and exact in preparing 
his pleadings, and arranging and presenting his testimony, he de- 
pended more for success in the trial of causes upon some one or more 
principles of law involved, upon which he asked a favorable decision, 
than upon anything else — either technical advantages, influence as a 
speaker, or otherswise. He was therefore, principally, what is termed 
a court lawyer, as contradistitiguished from a jury hnvyer. Before 
the court his career was one of distinguished success i'or, being a fine 
lawyer himself, he w^as seldom found presenting a case for considera- 
tion in which there was not solid merit on his side, and never one in 
which he did not believe that he was in the right. Being thus an able 
and honorable practitioner, he was almost invariably successful with 
his cases before the court. And when he went to the jury he was 
usually so well prepared with instructions that it was not a difiicult 
task for him to make their way clear to a verdict for his client. 

While Judge Burckhartt never claimed to be a great orator, he was 
always a clear, forcible and convincing speaker, and generally carried 
the convictions of his hearers with him in his train of argument. Of- 
ten, indeed, when fully imbued with the justice and gravity of a 
cause, he rose to a high point of eloquence in his addresses before 
judge and jury, and whenever he essayed to touch the cords of senti- 
ment, he never failed to carry the hearts of those who heard him with 
their convictions, which he had alread}'^ secured. Long before he 
went on the bench, he Avas regarded on all hands as one of the leading 
lawyers of North-east Missouri, and he commanded a large practice, 
both in the circuit courts and in the State Supreme Court. 

Recocrnizing his eminent fitness and qualifications for the position, 
in 1862 he was elected circuit judge of the Second Judicial Circuit, 



445 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

and in 1864 he was re-elected. Subsequently he was appointed judge 
of that circuit by Gov. Fletcher, when the convention of 1865 ousted 
all the judges in the State, and was again re-elected in 1868. Since 
then he has been consecutively re-elected and has held that office con- 
tinuously up to the present time. As a judge, he has more than ful- 
filled the high expectations of those who honored him with their 
confidence and esteem in placing him in that grave and responsible 
office. A man of sound judgment and wide and thorough legal learn- 
ing, clear-headed and penetrating in investigating the merits of a 
cause, and anxious to do justice for the love of justice and that the 
dignity and majesty of the law may be upheld, his administration of 
his office has been such as to reflect lasting honor upon a position, 
which of itself would be an honor to any man to hold. 

Such are the weight and influence of his opinions on the bench, that 
fewer cases are appealed to the Supreme Court from his circuit, consider- 
ing the number and importance of cases tried, than from any other cir- 
cuit in the State, as the writer is informed by a prominent practitioner 
in the Supreme Court who has had every opportunity to know. An able 
lawyer and a learned judge, his ability and learning are only equaled 
by his high character and incorruptibility. 

*' With an equal scale 
He weighs the offenses betwixt man and man; 
He is not so soothed with adulation, 
Nor moved with tears to wrest the course of justice 
Into an unjust current, to oppress the innocent; 
Nor does he make the laws 
Punish the man, but in the man the cause." 

Though taking only the interest of a public-spirited citizen in poli- 
tics, since the demise of the Whig party Judge Burckhartt has voted 
the Democratic ticket, or rather he cast his first Democratic vote for 
George B. McClellan, having voted for Bell and Everett in 1860. 
During the war he was a steadfast Union man, but as bitterly depre- 
cated the excesses committed in the name of the Union as he de- 
nounced the outrages perpetrated on the other side. As a patriotic 
citizen he was for the Union above and beyond everything else, and 
he felt that after that was restored other things would soon right 
themselves. In this, time has already vindicated the wisdom and cor- 
rectness of his position. 

On the 16th of October, 1849, Judge Burckhartt was married to 
Miss Amanda McCampbell, a daughter of Wallace McCampbell, an 
extensive farmer and respected citizen of Randolph county, who set- 
tled in that county from Jessamine county, Ky., in an early day. 
This union has proved a long and happy one, and was blessed with 
seven children : John, who died at the age of 24 ; George Dorsey, 
who resides in this county some 10 miles south-west of Huntsville ; 
Maria, who is now the wife of J. A. Heether, a sketch of whom ap- 
pears in this volume ; Wallace, Odon, Guitar, the last two of whom 
are at home. Miss Ella being in school at Stephens' College, at Co- 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 455 

lumbia. The Judge has been a prominent member of the Masonic 
order for 30 years. 

*' Throughout his entire career," says a biographer of his life, 
"Judge Burckhartt has been characterized by prompt and energetic 
action and careful attention to business. Independent in thought, 
social and genial in manner, and inflexible in integrity, he has attained 
to that success and lives in the enjoyment of that reward which are 
the natural outgrowth of a true life." 

JUDGE MAY M. BURTON 

(Retired Farmer and Merchant). 

To give the history of the Burton family in Randolph county in all its 
details would be to write much of the history of the county itself, for 
representatives of this family were among the early settlers of the 
county, and its members have been more or less prominently identified 
with agricultural, business and public afitiirs here from the pioneer 
days of the country. It cannot be fairly expected that, in the space 
to which a sketch must be confined in this volume, anything like a 
complete review of the history of an old and prominent family can be 
given, but it is proposed 'to furnish such a frame-work of facts that at 
some future time a more perfect review may be written, if circum- 
stances call for its production. Judge Burton's father was originally 
from Virginia, though his parents became pioneer settlers of Kentucky, 
where the son, whose name was also May (the father of the Judge), 
was reared. After he grew up he lived in Kentucky until the out- 
break of the War of 1812, when he went bravely to the front in the 
defence of his country. He served with gallantry throughout that 
entire struggle, and was in the battle of the Thames, in which the 
celebrated Indian chief, Tecumseh, was killed, young May being 
present at the time he was slain in the progress of the battle. He 
remained in Kentucky after the war, until 1819, and was married in 
that State to Miss Nancy Woolfolk. He then removed to Missouri 
and settled near Higbee. He commenced in this county with prac- 
tically no means, having little more than his team and rifle, with a 
family to care for besides. He was a man of great courage and 
resolution, and even greater industry and intelligence. He went to 
work with a brave heart and willing hands, and opened a large farm. 
In time he became one of the wealthy and prominent farmers of the 
county and one of its leading citizens. He lived here until his death, 
respected and esteemed by all, and to the advanced age of 80 years. 
Two of his brothers also came to Randolph county, Elijah and James, 
both of whom are also now deceased. May Burton had a family of 
five children who grew to maturity, namely, Burrilla, who became the 
wife of Thomas J. Gordon, a leading citizen of the countj', and a 
State Senator from this district, but now deceased ; Irene, the wife of 
J. W. Waller, of Kentucky; Ambrose W., who was county and 
government surveyor prior to the war, but is now deceased; Joseph 
W., who resides near Higbee, and Judge May M., the subject of this 
24 



456 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

sketch. Three others died young, William, Edna, and John C. 
Judge May M. Burton was born in this county, December 14, 
1822, and was reared on his father's farm. His father being a 
man in good circumstances, the son was given an excellent general 
education. In early life he started as a school teacher, which he fol- 
lowed for several years, and became quite popular and successful in 
his chosen calling. On the 5th of December, 1845, he was married to 
Miss Minerva Brooks, a danghter of William H. and Susan (Pyle) 
Brooks, of this county. After his marriage Judge Burton settled 
down and engaged in farming. He secured quite an extensive tract 
of land near his father's old homestead, on which he resided and con- 
tinued farming and stock raising until 1870. Inheriting to a marked 
degree the stronger and better qualities of his father's character, he, 
too, became successful in agricultural life, and quite prominent as a 
citizen. In 1856 he was elected to the Legislature over George 
Settle, a prominent man of the county, by a large majority. In 1870 
he was elected a member of the county court, and has since been 
re-elected from time to time, having served in all nearly eight years. 
The year that he was first elected a member of the county court he 
retired from the farm and engaged in mercantile business in Higbee, 
Mo,, and in 1878 he moved to Sweet Springs, in Saline county, where 
he continued for about three years. Returning to the farm in 1881, 
he has since lived a retired life, having an ample competency on which 
to rely as old age comes on apace, and something to leave each of his 
children. Judge Burton's first wife died in April, 1881. She had 
borne him two sons who survive: Ambrose C. and William H., both 
of whom are carrying on the farm at the old homestead. Judge Bur- 
ton was married to his present wife July 5, 1883. Her maiden name 
was Sarah A. Lassiter, a daughter of Henry Lassiter, an early settler 
of the county from Kentucky. Her first husband, Robert G. Gilman, 
was for many years treasurer of the county and one of its most 
highly respected citizens. He died November 9, 1872. The Judge 
is a man still hale and well preserved. His eye is as bright and his 
step as elastic as would be expected of one 10 or 15 years his junior. 
Only 62 years of age as yetj to all appearances he stilljhas a future of 
much activity and usefulness. No man in the county is more highly 
esteemed. 

JUDGE SAMUEL and JAMES M. BURTON 

(Post-ofRce, Huntsville). 

The Burton family is one of the oldest in the section of country 
where they reside. Judge Burton's parents, Francis H. and Zilpha 
(Love) Burton, came to Randolph county in 1831, settling near Roa- 
noke. Four years later they removed to Salt Springs wher-e they 
lived until their death. The father died in the spring of 1857, in the 
sixty-eighth year of his aa;e, from being thrown from a horse. He was 
justice of the peace of Salt Spring township for many years. His wife 
died in 1862. They were from North Carolina and the family was 



I 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 457 

originally from the North of England whence they came to America 
in the colonial days of the country and settled in Virginia. From 
there branches of the family established themselves in North Carolina 
and a number of other States. Judge Burton was the oldest in their 
family of 11 children, the others being : Able F., who died at the 
age of 35 ; Frances, who died while the wife of Samuel Blanker- 
ship in 1858 ; David, who died in Chariton county in 1881 ; Eliza- 
beth, who died in 1864, the wife of Thomas Mathis ; Hutchins, of this 
county; Barbara, now Mrs. William Scritchfield, near Macon City ; 
James D., of this county ; Jane, now Mrs. Richard Belmear, of Hunts- 
ville ; and William, who died at the age of 35 and was a twin 
with David. Judge Samuel Burton, the subject of this sketch, was 
born in Caswell county. North Carolina, March 27, 1812, and was 
therefore reared in the old North State. He came out to Randolph 
county with his parents, and on the 2()th of May, 1834, was married 
to Miss Frances L., a sister to George Dameron. He had already be- 
gun farming for himself and has continued it up to the present time. 
In 1846 he settled on his present place. From his marriage up to the 
time of coming to the farm where he now lives, although interested in 
farming, he had lived in Huntsville and was identified with business 
at that place. Since locatina: on his farm, however, he has followed 
farming exclusively, united with stock raising. Judge Burton's farm 
contains 250 acres and he is comfortably situated. He has long been 
engaged in tobacco raising and has found it a very profital)le branch 
of industry. In 1866 he was elected judge of the county court and 
served four years on the bench with efficiency and with satisfaction to 
the public. He is a man of considerable prominence in the county 
and represented the county, in part, in the convention which nomi- 
nated that time-honored old statesman for governor, John S. Phelps. 
He has also been a delegate to district conventions and to various other 
meetings of the Democratic party. The Judge's wife died in 1859. 
She left him seven children: James M., Able F., Sarah A., married 
William Cooley, and died in 1857 ; William W., who was killed in the 
Confederate army under Pemberton at the siege of Vicksburg in 1863 ; 
Elizabeth H., now Mrs. B. S. Darr ; George B., died in 1876, leaving 
a family ; Martha M., now Mrs. Thomas Mayo ; Thomas S., and Eva 
now Mrs. N. Thomas Mathis. The Judge has been a member of the 
M. E. Church South for over 40 years. 

James M. Burton, present assessor of Randolph county and the 
eldest in his father's family of children, was born February 26, 1836. 
At the age of 19, having received a good common school edu- 
cation, he began teaching school, and continued it during the winter 
months for about 11 years. He became very prominent and pop- 
ular as a school teacher, and his services were in request wherever he 
was known. It was the many acquaintances that he formed by teach- 
ing school and the favorable impression he made that contributed very 
largely to his election to office afterwards. In 1875 Mr. Burton was ap- 
pointed deputy sheriff and deputy collector of the county, a position 



458 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

he held for three years. He was then deputy assessor for four years, 
and in 1882 he was elected assessor. Mr. Burton was quite popular 
in the positions he held, and is now regarded as one of the most capa- 
ble and efficient assessors the county ever had. During the war he 
served one year in the militia and was lieutenant under Capt. Hicks. 
On the 17th of October, 1856, Mr. Burton was married to Miss Anna 
E. Cockrill, a daughter of Benjamin and Jane (Duncan) Cockrill, who 
settled in this county from Kentucky in 1840. Mr. and Mrs. Burton 
have eight children: Thomas J., Frances L., Quantrell Lawrence, 
Ella D., Olive B., John A., Anna M. and Mary L. Frances L. is 
now the wife of John Jennings of Nebraska. Mr. and Mrs. Burton 
are members of the M. E. Church South, and Mr. B. is a Royal Arch 
in the Masonic order. 

MARY CARLSTED 

(Residence, Section 7, Township 53, Range 15, near Huntsville). 

Mrs. Carlsted is the widow of Christian Carlsted, who died oh the 
farm where she now resides November 18, 1877. She was born in 
Bavaria, June 26, 1839, and was a daughter of Gotleib P. Klink, of 
the Kino;dom of Bavaria. Mrs. Carlsted was reared in her native 
country, and when 20 years of age came to America with her 
brother, Philip Klink, their parents having previously died in the 
old country. Two years after her arrival in the United States, on 
the 9th of November, 1861, she was married to Mr. Carlsted. He 
was born in Prussia in 1836, and was therefore three years her senior. 
When he was 13 years of age, in 1849, he came to the New World, 
locating at first in Ohio. Later along he came to Missouri, and 
finally located in Randolph county. Here he met and married Miss 
Klink, the subject of this sketch, as stated above. After their mar- 
riage they settled on the farm where she now resides. Mrs. Carl- 
sted has a good farm of over 200 acres, and she and her sons are 
eno;ao-ed in stock-raisino;. Her husband left her five children : Sallie, 
now Mrs. John A. Burton ; William W., Florence S., Cassie D. and 
Mary C. Mrs. Carlsted and her children are members of the Mission- 
ary Baptist Church. 

MARK A. COOLEY 
(Assistant Superintendent of the Woodard Coal and Mining Company, Huntsville). 

Mr. Cooley, a prominent member of the above company, is a self- 
made young man, having accumulated all he has by his own in- 
dustry and intelligence. He was born in Batavia, Kane county, 
111., January 12, 1854. His parents were Allison and Alice M. 
(Peck) Cooley, and Mark A. was reared at Batavia. When a young 
man, or rather while still a youth, he worked two years on the Rock 
Island Railroad, and in 1875 came to Hannibal, Mo., and worked 
at the cabinet maker's trade, which he had previously learned, for 
two years. The summer of 1880 he spent in Colorado, and in the 
spring of the following j'^ear he came to Huntsville. Here he has since 
been identified with the coal business. He and Mr. Chipman have 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 459 

been the leading owners of mine No. 3 for some time, and in June, 
1882, that shaft and mine No. 2 were consolidated, and Mr. Cooley 
has since been assistant superintendent of the consolidated mine, 
having charge of the outside work of the bank, attending to the pur- 
chase of supplies, to the sales of coal, shipments, etc., etc. Mr. 
Cooley is a live, energetic man, and with the start he already has and 
his business qualifications and enterprise, he will doubtless become a 
more than ordinarily well-to-do citizen, no Providential hinderance 
intervening. On the 18th of April, 1882, Mr. Cooley was married to 
Miss Mollie L. Wilber, of Hannibal. 

ANDREW COX 

(Contractor and Builder, Huntsville). 

Mr. Cox, a thorough practical carpenter himself, is one of the lead- 
ing and most practical men in his line in this part of the county. His 
father before him was a carpenter and contractor, and to this occupa- 
tion young Cox was brought up. Being a man of more than ordinary, 
natural intelligence, and having worked at his trade faithfully from 
boyhood with but little interruption, it is not surprising that he has 
risen to a prominent position in his calling'. He now has charge of the 
construction of the opera house at this city, and has been the leading 
contractor and builder of Huntsville for a number of years. Mr. Cox 
is a native of New York, born in Orange county, near West Point, 
November 20, 1840. He was reared in New York, and received a 
good common English education in the local schools. At an early age 
he began the carpenter's trade under his father, and continued it up 
to the outbreak of the war. During the war he worked in the United 
States arsenal, and afterwards resumed general work at his trade. 
Later along he was superintendent of a small arms and ammu- 
nition manufactory at Springfield, Mass. In 1869 Mr. Cox came 
to Huntsville, having previously move West, and has since followed 
his business at this place. He is a man of character and business en- 
terprise, and has the confidence of the entire community. His busi- 
ness and reputation are steadily increasing. Mr. Cox's parents were 
Andrew and Rosanna (McRane) Cox, both natives of New York. 

WARREN T. DAMERON, M.D. 

(Physician and Surgeon, Huntsville). 

Dr. Dameron commenced the practice of medicine in Randolph 
county in 1849 and has been continuously engaged in the practice at 
Huntsville since 1851, a period of 33 years. In 1850 he was attracted 
to California by the gold excitement, but was absent only a year. As 
a physician it is not less than the truth requires to be said that his 
life has been one of excellent success. Possessed to a marked degree 
of the natural aptitutes and mental qualities, without which one can 
not hope for success in the practice of medicine, he has pursued his 
chosen calling with that fixedness of purpose and industry both as a 



4:60 HISTORY OF KANDOLPH COUNTY. 

student and practitioner, which wonld have made him successful even 
with less ability than he possesses and with less adaptability to the 
profession. In a short biographical sketch it is of course not expected, 
nor would it be proper to go into the details of the career of the subject 
in his business, industrial or professional activities. Nor can any ex- 
ception be made to this rule in the present case, although the subject 
is fairly worthy of a more than ordinary notice in the present volume. 
Let it be sufficient to say, however, that both as a physician and a 
man his life has been one of marked usefulness and without reproach. 
Personally, he is highly thought of by all who know him and highest 
by those who have known him longest and know him best. He is 
possessed of many qualities that draw around him warm and true 
friends and make him esteemed bv those amonof whom he lives. Dr. 
Dameron commenced life for himself without means or other advant- 
ages except the education, a good practical one, which his worthy and 
venerated father greatly assisted him to obtain. His Either wisely 
believed that the best heritage he could leave his children was an hon- 
ored name, an upright character and a good education, and these he 
transmitted to them all. Warren T. Dameron was born in North 
Carolina August 15, 1822, and was one in a family of 13 chil- 
dren. His parents were George B. and Mary W. Moore Dameron, who 
were reared and married in Virginia. The father was of French de- 
scent and the mother of English origin. They removed to North 
Carolina and later along, in ISB^, to Missouri, locating in Randolph 
county, where they lived until their death. The father was a farmer 
by occupation and was in comfortable circumstances. Both he and 
his wife were earnest and active members of the Methodist Church. 
He was especially active and zealous in church work as a lay member. 
He was a man of decided convictions and clear, sober intelligence, 
much given to thought, and therefore an instructive conversationalist 
to those with whom he conversed. In politics he was a sterling Jack- 
son Democrat, and all of his sons who grew up to be men followed in 
his footsteps, and those still living are unfaltering in their party fealty. 
He died December 18, 1848, widely and profoundly regretted, for he 
was one of the most esteemed citizens of the pioneer days of the 
county. Dr. Dameron was reared on the farm and educated in the 
local schools of the county. He subsequently studied medicine and 
afterwads attended Medical College from which he was duly grad- 
uated in 1849. Dr. Dameron has been twice married. First, in 1849 
to Miss Frances A. Horner, a daughter of M. and Keturah Horner, 
of this county. She died in 1859. September, 1863, he was married 
to his last wife, Mrs. Laura McLean, a daughter of Noah and Nancy 
Kingsbury, of Howard county, one of the best families of that county. 
She was educated at Columbia, Mo. Her first, husband, Dr. John 
McLean, died in 1858. Dr. Dameron has three children, one a 
son, George M., aged 34, bv his first wife, and two by his last wife, 
Lulie W., 18 years old, and Clifford Lee, seven years old. His first 
wife was a member of the M. E. Church, as was also his last wife, and 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 461 

the Doctor himself has been a member of that church from boyhood. 
He has long been an official member of the church and all his brothers 
and sisters followed the same faith, except a sister who married a 
Presbyterian minister, and very naturall}' identified her*elf with her 
husband's denomination. But four of Dr. Dameron's father's family. 
of children are now living. 

ANDREW MONROE ELLINGTON 

(Attorney at Law and Postmaster, Huntsville). 

Mr. Ellington, a 3'oung attorney of some seven years' experience 
in the practice, and a lawyer of thorough preparatory training, both 
literary and professional, as well as a young gentleman of good ability 
and excellent business habits, is a native Missourian, born at Fayette, 
Howard county, February 2, 1852. He comes of two old and re- 
spected families of this State — the Ellingtons and Monroes — names 
not unfamiliar to Missourians, especially to those who know anything 
of the church history of the State. For 30 years his father, W. 
T. Ellington, has been an active minister of the gospel in the M. E. 
Church South. Although now well advanced in age, he is still en- 
gaged in his great life-work with as much zeal and apparently with as 
much energy as characterized the labors of his earlier years. On his 
mother's side, Mr. EUino-ton was a g^randson of the late Rev. Andrew 
Monroe, a distinguished member of the Missouri Conference, and for 
over half a century one of the able and esteemed ministers of the 
Southern Methodist Church. He was one of the pioneer settlers of 
Central Missouri, and repeatedly held the office of presiding elder in 
his church. He died at Mexico, in Audrain county, where his remains 
are interred, and a suitable monument has been erected at his grave 
by the church, to commemorate his long and useful life, the memory 
of which is even more sacredly enshrined in the hearts of Methodists 
and good people all over the State. Young Ellington grew up at 
Columbia, Mo., and has had the best educational advantages the State 
affords. He graduated from the State University in the class of 1872, 
and he is still an honored member of the Phi Kappa Psi Society of 
that institution. After his grraduation, Mr. Ellington, who had de- 
cided to devote himself to the profession of the law, engaged in teach- 
ing school in Boone county in order to defray his current expenses 
while prosecuting his legal studies. He taught school with success 
for several years and read law while not occupied with the duties of 
the school-room. In 1877 he was admitted to the bar at Columbia by 
Judge Burckhartt, judge of the Second Judicial Circuit, and was grace- 
fully complimented by the court for his attainments as a licentiate. 
Mr. Ellington has always been of close, studious habits, and since his 
admission to the bar he has greatly advanced himself in the knowledge 
of the law by continued study. After his admission he went to Colo- 
rado and located at the county seat of Saguache county, where he 
practiced his profession for about four years. During his last two 
years in Colorado he served as school superintendent of Sagmiclu' 



462 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

county. Returning to Missouri in the winter of 1880-81, Mr. Elling- 
ton located at Huntsville for the practice of his profession, and has 
since been engaged in the practice at this place. The following July 
he was appointed postmaster at Huntsville, and still holds that posi- 
tion. His younger brother (Harry) is his deputy, and attends to the 
duties of the office, Mr. Ellington giving his entire time to the prac- 
tice. He is thoroughly wedded to his profession, and possesses the 
qualities and qualifications to rise to distinction at the bar, being 
ambitious to succeed, studious, attentive to business and well-trained, 
both generally and in his profession. In politics, Mr. Ellington is a 
Republican, but is a man of broad views, and quite as ready to con- 
cede to others the right to express their opinions freely as he reso- 
lutely claims the same right to himself. On the 27th of July, 1872, 
he was married to Miss Josie, a daughter of Frank Hammett, Esq., 
of Huntsville. Their first born and only child died in infancy, July 
4, 1883. Personally, Mr. Ellington is courteous and gentlemanly, 
and is much esteemed at Huntsville. 

THOMAS M. ELMORE 

(Formerly of the Huntsville Herald). 

Mr. Elmore, who has been identified with the newspaper business 
from early manhood, and is prominently connected with the business 
affairs of Huntsville, is a native of Illinois, born in Schuyler county. 
His father is William C. Elmore, now of Adair county. Mo., and his 
mother's maiden name was Eliza Clark. He was born in White 
county, Tenn., and she near Wheeling, West Va. Both came 
West when young, and they were married in Monroe county. 111., in 
1848. Nine years afterwards they removed to Missouri and settled 
in Adair county. They had a familj of 10 children, namely : George 
L., William H., Emily, Caroline, McLealen, Terry C, Jessie, Clar- 
ence and Thomas M. The father's life pursuit has been farming. 
He is a man of sober, clear intelligence, and is well informed in the 
aff'airs of the world, having always been an intelligent and discriminat- 
ing reader, devoting much of his time to the study of history. He is 
also quite fond of newspaper reading, and is well posted in the current 
events of the times. Thomas M., the subject of the present sketch, 
was reared on the farm in Adair county, and received a good general 
common school education. After quitting the fiirm he came to Ran- 
dolph county in 1869, and engaged in business pursuits and conducted 
a drug store at Huntsville for some time. At Huntsville he also 
became identified with the newspaper business, with which he con- 
tinued until a short time ago, when he retired from the Herald office. 
Mr. Elmore is well known among newspaper men as a good business 
manager, and a clear-headed, pointed writer. While he was con- 
nected with the Herald, that paper steadily grew in value and 
influence, and improved in every feature. He retired from the paper, 
leaving it one of the prominent and substantial cosmopolitan journals 
of the State. Mr. Elmore has always taken a public-spirited and 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 463 

intelligent interest in the general affairs of the community, and 
especially in its public and business enterprises. He is a prominent 
stockholder of the Huntsville Gas Company and of the Building and 
Loan Association. He is also a stockholder in and the president of the 
Huntsville Rake and Stacker Company, and is a director in all three 
of the companies above named. In 1878 he was married to Miss 
Ella Fort, a refined and accomplished young lady of this city, a 
daughter of Dr. Fort. They have two children : Susie E. and Helen; 
Mr. Elmore is recognized as one of the influential citizens of Hunts- 
ville, and is highly respected. Personally he is quite popular, and 
socially he and his excellent wife are much esteemed in the best 
society of Huntsville and wherever they are known. 

ANDREW JACKSON FERGUSON 

(County Treasurer, Huntsville). 

That intelligence and energy will ultimately succeed in life, what- 
ever may be the early circumstances in which they are placed, is 
illustrated in every community by the lives of its successful men. 
Early advantages are, of course, not to be despised, and every father 
should strive to afford his children all the opportunities for their 
advancement in his power to give them. But opportunities alone 
will not make a successful man. The qualities necessary to bring 
success must be inherent in the individual. If these are present, and 
his constitution is reasonably vigorous, he will succeed anyhow, and 
early advantages only tend to accelerate his success and make the 
road to its achievement shorter and less rugged. Among the 
prominent citizens of Randolph county who have risen in life by their 
own merits and exertions alone, the subject of the present sketch 
justly occupies an enviable position. Mr. Ferguson is a native of the 
Old Dominion, born at Danville, September 10, 1828. His parents 
were John and Sarah (Hopwood) Ferguson. When Andrew J. was 
still in childhood, his father was taken away by death, and the mother 
afterwards removed to Christian county, Ky., where the son princi- 
pally grew up. He was apprenticed to the saddler's trade at New 
Providence, Tenn., and after learning the trade, he worked at it in 
Kentucky and Tennessee until 1850, when he came to Missouri and 
located at Cape Girardeau. Mr. Ferguson followed his trade in Cape 
Girardeau for several years, and in about 1853 removed to Glasgow, 
Mo., remaining, however, only a short time, and coming thence to 
Huntsville where he has since resided. Mr. Fero-uson engaged in busi- 
ness here in the saddlery and harness line, and continued it with success 
until 1878. He was quite successful as a business man, and has 
accumulated a neat competency. Having lived an upright and blame- 
less life for so many j'-ears among the people of Randolph county, he 
has naturally won the confidence and esteem of the public. Recog- 
nizing his high character and excellent business qualifications, in 1864 
he was advanced to the position of treasurer of the county, the duties 
of which he discharged with singular efficiency and general satis- 



464 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

faction. In 1872 he was re-elected to the same office, and since that 
time he has been repeatedly re-elected, and still has charge of the 
financial affairs, or rather the public funds, of the county. His long 
continuance in this important and respon8il)le office shows in what 
high esteem he is held by the people of the county. His record has 
certainly been one upon which he can afford to look back with satis- 
faction and not without pardonable pride. How many young men 
starting out in the world with every advantage which means and 
parental affection can confer, fail to reach a station in life to be com- 
pared with that which the subject of this sketch has attained in the 
face of all obstacles and by his own character and industry? Mr. 
Ferguson has been twice married. His first wife was previously Miss 
Sarah A. Young, of Montgomery county, Tenn., but originally of 
Hopkins county, Ky. She died at Cape Girardeau, Mo., in 1851. 
To his present wife, formerly Miss Mary A. Boyd, originally of 
Kentucky, Mr. Ferguson was married November 3, 1853. Mr. 
Ferguson has four children : Ada, now the wife of H. G. Bourne, of 
Pueblo, Col. ; William B., of Montana; Claude and Beulah, the last 
two at home. Mr. Ferguson was a member of the militia during the 
war, and has long been a member of the Masonic order, being an 
initiate of the Commandery at Moberly and of the Blue lodge at 
Cape Girardeau. 

JOHN THOMAS FORT, M.D. 

(Physician and Surgeon, Huntsville). 

No biographical conspectus of Huntsville would be at all just or 
accurate which should not give a prominent and worthy place to a 
sketch of the life of the subject of this sketch, for the careers of few, 
if of any, have been more intimately and creditably interwoven with 
its history than that of Dr. Fort. And an outline of his life and 
family antecedents will be found interesting, even outside of his own 
identification with this place. Dr. Fort has not become a distin- 
guished man in the broader acceptation of that term, but his life has 
been a more than ordinarily active one, and one of much practical 
value to those among whom he has lived. Nor can the writer forbear 
the expression of the opinion that if, instead ot being a representative 
of, lie had been an exception to, the class whom Wordsworth de- 
scribes — 

"Nor having e'er, as life advanced, been led 
By circumstances to take unto the height 
The measure of themselves," — 

if he had been led by circumstances to fill an exalted position in the 
world, he would have acquitted himself with high honor and with 
credit to the station he occupied, for his qualities of mind and charac- 
ter are such that they would not prove unequal to the responsibilities 
of any place in life open to his advancement. Dr. Fort is a native of 
Randolph county, born four miles west of Huntsville, and on the 31st 
of August, 1826. His parents were pioneer settlers of Randolph 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 465 

count}'^, and his father's parents were among the first settlers of Da- 
vidson county, Tenn., locatins; on the site of the present city of 
Nashville in 1793, when there was only a block-honse standing where 
there now is a city of 75,000 inhabitants. Josiah and Piety Fort, the 
grandparents of Dr. Fort, located at Nashville from North Carolina, 
and William Fort, his father, was born in the block-house at that 
place October 19, 1793, his parents not then having made any im- 
provements of their own. William Fort grew up in Tennessee, and, 
considering the newness of the country in which he lived and his op- 
portunities, obtained a more than ordinarily good education. He 
subsequently read medicine and, as the old citizens of Randolph 
county know, he was for many years a successful and prominent 
physician. In 1815 he was married in Robertson county, Tenn., to 
Miss Patsey Gorham, and five years afterwards he came to Randolph 
county and located four miles west of Huntsville, where he lived to 
old age and until his death. Randolph county was then a wilderness, 
and his name justly occupies a place among those of its pioneer set- 
tlers. The place of his location here was, and is still known as 
Medical Springs, and there he opened salt works in 1823 and worked 
them for about 20 years, supplying salt for Randolph and Macon coun- 
ties. He and his good wife reared a family of six children : Henry 
T., now of Moberly ; Martha E., the wife of A. W. Burton, both of 
whom, however, are now deceased ; Amanda C, the widow of Joseph 
M. Hammett; Frances C, the wife of Giles F. Cook, but both are 
now deceased ; Andrew J., a prominent stock man in Montana Ten-i- 
tory ; and John T. Dr. Fort w;is reared on the farm near Huntsville 
and received a thorough education, taking, besides a general course, 
a complete classical course. His preceptor was Hugh McEwing, a 
Scotch scholar and a man of fine education. Mr. McEwing taught at 
Dr. Fort's father's residence, and was reputed to be the best teacher 
in this section of the State at that time. His attainments were sub- 
stantial and thorough, rather than flashy and superficial, and he 
brought up his pupils in the same way. At the age of 18 young 
Fort began the study of medicine under his father, and under the 
latter's instruction continued study until 1846, Avhen he entered the 
Medical Department of the State University, which was located at St. 
Louis. He took two regular courses of lectures in medicine and grad- 
uated with distinction in 1848. Immediately following his graduation 
Dr. Fort began the practice of his profession at his old home, with the 
view of relieving his father of much of the burden of a large practice 
and of establishing himself in life, but he was young and full of enter- 
prise and the spirit of adventure. About this time the California gold 
excitement broke out and, like many of the young men of Missouri 
and all over the civilized world, he was attracted to the Midas land 
beyond the Cordilleras by the genii stories of Pactolian sands that 
glistened in the sunlight in the far off" garden of the new found Hes- 
perides. He spent two years in California, but found it more con- 
genial, if not more profitable, to relieve suffering for gold than to dig 



466 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

for it. While there he was engaged in the practice, with excellent 
success, at Red Bluff. Returning to old Missouri in 1852, and de- 
siring to make himself thorough in his profession, so far as the in- 
structions of the schools go, the following winter he took a special 
course of lectures in the Medical Department of the St. Louis Uni- 
versity, and in the spring of 1854 located at McGee College, in Macon 
county. Dr. Fort continued the practice there for two years and then 
returned to the vicinity of his old home in Randolph county. In 1860 
he went to Robertson county, Tenn., locating at the place where 
his mother was born and reared, and continued the practice at that 
place for 15 years. He became very successful as a physician in 
Tennessee, and accumulated no inconsiderable evidences of prosperity. 
Returning to Randolph county in 1875, he has since been engaged in 
the practice at Huntsville. For nearly 10 years he has held the 
place here of one of the leading physicians of the county. No physi- 
cian stands higher in the practice in this community than Dr. Fort 
does at Huntsville. His success has been uninterrupted, both in re- 
lieving the suffering and in material affairs. Dr. Fort has been thrice 
married. To his first wife, formerly Miss Susan F. Cummins, he was 
married March 1, 1848, immediately after receiving his diploma at the 
medical college. She survived her marriage nine years, leaving him 
two children at her death: Susan F., who died in girlhood, and 
Martha, the wife of Thomas M. Elmore, editor of the Huntsville 
Herald. Three other children, sons, preceded their mother to the 
grave. In 1860 he was married to Miss Emily Fort, a cousin-germane, 
of Tennessee. She died in 1870, and to his present wife, formerly 
Miss Ellen C. Fort, a sister to his second wife, he was married some 
12 years ago. Dr. Fort has not confined his activities to the 
medical profession alone. He has for years been quite prominently 
identified with business affairs, public life and the benevolent societies. 
For' four years he was a partner with his brother, Henry Fort, in mer- 
chandising at Ft. Henry. For several years he carried on the drug 
business at Huntsville, and during 1879 and 1880 he was a partner 
with his son-in-law, T. M. Elmore, in the proprietorship and publica- 
tion of the Herald at this place. He was the editor of the Herald 
during that time, and he has long been known as a valuable news- 
paper correspondent from this point. He contributed very materially 
to the maintenance of the county seat at Huntsville by the vigorous, 
unanswerable arguments he published on that question. He has long 
been recognized as one of the most public-spirited citizens of the 
place and has done much to promote its prosperity. He has served 
in the city council, and was for several years mayor of the city. Dr. 
Fort is a Royal Arch Mason, and has been a member of the Masonic 
order for nearly 30 years, being now treasurer of the lodge at 
Huntsville. He is also a membor of the Select Knights and of the 
Knights of Honor. In recognition of his prominence in his profes- 
sion he has been given, and now holds, the position of examining 
surgeon of the Masonic Mutual Aid Societv, and is also exam- 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 467 

ining surgeon of the South-west Aid Society, of the New York Life 
Insurance Company, and of the Mutual Life Insurance Company. 

A. F. GILL 

(Farmer, Section 34, Township 54, Range 15, near Huntsville). 

Mr. Gill was a son of John and Mary (Watts) Gill, from Boyle 
county, Ky., who came to Missouri in 181L The father was a 
carpenter by trade, and followed that occupation in St. Louis for 
three years after coming to this then territory. From St. Louis he 
removed to St. Charles county, where he continued his trade and later 
along became somewhat identified with farming. He was born in 
1789, and died in 1872. A. F. was born in St. Charles county Janu- 
ary 20, 1834, and was reared in his native county. April 26, 1866, 
he was married to Miss Mary Fairchild, formerly of Warsaw, 111. 
She was a daughter of Capt. O. H. Fairchild, and her mother's maiden 
name was Ada W. Brown. Her father was for many years a well 
known steamboat captain on the Mississippi, and lost his life on the 
steamer Fashion between Memphis and New Orleans, his body never 
being recovered from the river. He was made the hero of one of 
John Hays' poems entitled "James Bledsoe," the poet having been a 
friend of Capt. Fairchild, and was afterwards private secretary to 
President Lincoln. Mrs. Faii-child still survives and finds a welcome 
and pleasant home with her daughter, Mrs. Gill. About the time of 
his marriage, Mr. Gill removed to Randoli)h county, and has since 
been engaged in farming in this county. He has a comfortable home- 
stead and his life has been one of satisfactory success. Mr. and Mrs. 
Gill have three children : Ada, Everett and Emma. Mr. G. is a 
member of the C. P. Church, and his wife is a member of the Baptist 
denomination. Mr, Gill was clerk of township 53, range 15, for five 
years, and has also served as county coroner. Mrs. Gill has but one 
sister surviving, Emma, who is now the wife of Judge James H. Vail, 
of Milner, Dak. He was for a number of years judge of the Iron- 
ton (Mo.) judicial circuit. 

ALONZO GROVER 

(Of Lay Bro^-. & Grover, Proprietors of tlie Valley Mills, Huntsville). 

Mr. Grover, a leading miller and thorough machinist of th« county, 
is a native of Ohio, born in Ashtabula county. May 19, 1834. When 
he was six years of age his parents, John and Jennie (Merritt) 
Grover, came West and located first in Knox county. Mo., but soon 
afterwards removed to Fulton county. 111. The father was a mer- 
chant by occupation, and followed that in Fulton county for many 
years. In 1850, however, he started to California, and was killed 
en route, 16 miles from Salt Lake City, from being overwhelmed 
by a mountain snow-slide. Alonzo was reared in Fulton connty and 
from an early age displayed a decided natural taste for the use of 
tools. He was encouraged in this and later alonsf be<jan to accustom 



468 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

himself to h:iudling and managing machinery, for which he always had 
a great admiration". He was not less apt in familiarizing himself with 
the principles and uses of machinery than he was zealous to learn and 
anxious to become a skillful machinist. He obtained a situation 
at Farmington, 111., in a large mill, and afterwards went to Gales- 
burg, that State, where he was engaged in milling for 11 years. Prior 
to this, he had become a thorough miller and skillful machinist, and 
his services were in request wherever he was known. He was offered 
a position on flattering terms at Ottumwa, Iowa, where he went 
and worked a year. He then came to Moberly, Mo., where he 
worked for about six years, being recognized as the best miller of 
that place. In 1879 he came to Huntsville and ran the City Mill until 
the fall of 1881, when he became a partner in the present firm. He 
has supervision of the milling machinery, and has just put in improved 
works of the latest and best make; and the Valley Mills, under his 
management, have taken a leading place among the best mills of the 
county. These mills were l)uilt in 1868 by Elias and John P. Lay 
and father, F. W. Lay, and were the first mills propelled by steam 
built at Huntsville. Elias Lay came to Missouri Avith his father when 
a lad eight years of age, away back in 1836. He followed farming 
here aft^r he grew up until 1868, when he came to Huntsville. His 
wife was a Miss Nancy E. Henderson before her marriage, and they 
have two children : Jane F., the wife of W. A. Rutherford, and Robert 
E. The mill has three runs of buhrs, and does a general merchant 
and exchange business. It has a capacity of 25 barrels a day, and its 
flour is made by the "new process." Mr. Grover bought out the 
interest of F. W. Lay, the father of Elias and John P., which 
interest he now owns. In December, 1868, Mr. Grover was married 
at Fairfield, Iowa, to Miss Margaret J. Russell, formerly of Ohio. 
They have two children; John E. and a girl, Jessie M. Mrs. G. is 
a member of the Old School Presbyterian Church. Mr. G. is a man 
of more than ordinary energy and enterprise, and has made all he has 
by his own industry and intelligence. 

HENRY C. HALEY 

(Blacksmith and Farmer). 
Mr. H. was born in Macon City, January 28, 1843, and was a son of 
James T* and Cynthia F. (Goggins) Haley, his mother's father being 
Wm. Goggins the original settler of Huntsville, one of the pioneers of 
Macon and Randolph counties. Henry C, the subject of this sketch, 
learned the blacksmith trade as he grew up before the war, and in 
1862 he entered the Confederate service under Capt. Waldon, and 
continued in the ranks of the South for about 18 months. He then 
came home and affairs were in such a shape that he couldn't stay un- 
less he became identified with the Union militia, for they then had 
possession of the country. He therefore became enrolled in the E. 
M. M., and was attached to them until the close of the war. After 
peace was restored he resumed his trade and has since worked at it. 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 469 

March 30, 1863, he was married to Miss Sarah B. Rutherford, who 
was born in Chariton county, July 6, 1848, and was a daughter of 
Shelton Rutherford of that county. Mr. Haley continued his black- 
smithinp;, and he has been on his present place for a number of years. 
His shop and farm are on the Roanoke Road, about four miles from 
Huntsville. He has a neat place of 60 acres aud is doinof very well. 
Mr. and Mrs. Haley have six children: Shelton L., William T., 
Beulah, Taylor Clay, Obie Dodson and Jim Morgan. Cynthia 
Frances was burned to death in a lire-place. Misfortunes never come 
alone. In July, 1878, a piece of iron struck Mr. Haley in the right 
eye and put it out. Both Mr. and Mrs. Haley are members of the 
Christian Church. 

JOSEPH MILLER HAMMETT 

(Deceased) . 

Joseph M. Hammett died at his residence in Huntsville on the 9th 
day of June, 1883. The death of no citizen of Randolph county ever 
caused more general and sincere regret throughout the county than 
that of Joseph M. Hammett. He had been a resident of the county 
for 56 years, and for a generation was prominent in its agricultural 
and business affairs and in the social life of its people. From a youth 
without means and with very limited educational advantages, he came 
up in the world to a position of comparative affluence, and made for 
himself a name for useful citizenship that will survive where his life 
was spent long after the marble that now marks his last resting-place 
shall have crumbled into dust. His life was an abundant success, not 
only in material affairs, but in making himself useful to those among 
whom he lived, and above all in winning and retaining the respect and 
esteem of his fellow-citizens, of which he was eminently worthy, and 
which when once won were never for a moment withdrawn. In every 
biographical history of Randolph county worthy of such a title, the 
name that heads this sketch must ever occupy a prominent place on its 
pages. As an agriculturist he was enterprising, progressive and suc- 
cessful — the leader by all odds of those around him; in business 
affairs he was energetic, clear-headed and honorable, and he founded 
one of the best and most reputable banking houses in the county, an 
institution of which he was the able head for years, and until his 
death ; and as a citizen he was public-spirited, always to the front in 
every movement designed for the public good, and oidy less generous 
of his personal services and advice than of his private means. To 
speak of this man's life as a neighbor and friend and in his family, 
would be to characterize one who was possessed of as few faults and 
as many estimable qualities in these particulars, as in most others, as 
are seldom united in one individual. The most eloquent tribute that 
could be paid to the character of a good and useful man was the pro- 
found and universal sorrow with which the news of Joseph Hammett's 
death was received by his neighbors and friends on the day that he 
yielded his body to the earth and his spirit to the God who gave it. 



470 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

As a husband, his memory is cherished by his widow, a good and true 
woman, worthy to have been the wife of such a man, as that of the 
kindest and best of men, ever faithful and devoted to his wife and 
children ; and as a father, his life is looked to as worthy of all imita- 
tion. No man was ever more loved and venerated in his own family ; 
and well he might be, for few, if any, in this world of human weak- 
nesses was ever a kinder and more exemplary husband and father. 
All in all, Joseph Hammett was such a man as fathers might wish 
their sons to be, and such a citizen as any community might well be 
proud to claim. Let us, therefore, give a brief sketch of this man's 
life — a sketch that we are not vain enough to believe can add anything 
to the name he has left behind, but one given only that we may show 
that we esteem his life and character as having been of the first im- 
portance as a representative citizen of Randolph county. Joseph Mil- 
ler Hammett was born in Warren county, Ky., December 25, 1809. 
His father, Elijah Hammett, was a native of South Carolina, in which 
State the ancestry of the family have been settled since long prior to 
the Revolution. The mother, before her marriage, was a Miss Mary 
Snodgrass, a native of Kentucky, in which State they were married, 
Elijah Hammett having come out to Kentucky with his parents when 
quite young. The mother was a daughter of David Snodgrass, a 
prominent citizen of Warren county, Ky., and a leading man in the 
official and military affairs in that section of the State. Joseph M. 
Hammett was reared on his father's farm, in Warren county, up to 
the age of 16, when, in 1826, the family removed to Missouri and 
located, first, in Howard county, but two years later came to Randolph 
county, where the parents made their home. Here the father entered 
land, and with the assistance of his son, Joseph M., improved a farm 
on which the former lived for many years. He died, however, at 
Waco, Tex., in 1857, having gone to that State on a visit. The 
mother died in this county in 1843. Joseph M. was the only son in 
their family of five children, the daughters being Mary, Rebecca, 
Martha and Louisa, two of whom only are living — Martha and Louisa, 
who are married and are residents of Texas. Joseph M. Hammett 
remained on the farm, some three miles north-west of Huntsville, 
until after he had completed his majority. His education, so far as 
school instruction is concerned, was limited to that afforded in the log 
school houses of the period. But inheriting a vigorous physical con- 
stitution, which the manner of his rearing tended greatly to strengthen 
(for he was brought up to the labors of pioneer life), he at the same 
time was possessed from youth of a marked taste for mental culture, 
and as years advanced, by study at home and general reading, he 
acquired even a wider range of useful knowledge than is to be had 
from the ordinary college course. Favored with good natural ability, 
his habit of learning all that could be acquired by his opportunities 
resulted in making him not only a thoroughly capable business man, 
so far as business rules and principles are concerned, but also a citi- 
zen of superior general intelligence and information. Reared on a 



I 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 471 

farm, that very naturally became his calling in early manhood, and 
although in after years he became quite successful in other pursuits, 
it was in agriculture, farming and handling stock that he achieved his 
greatest success. On the 20th of February, 1830, he was married 
to Miss Mary Millsapp, of Randolph county, a lady of singular excel- 
lence of character and amiability. Before his marriage Mr. Haramett 
had begun life for himself, and he now went to work with redoubled 
energy and perseverance to establish himself comfortably as a farmer 
and citizen. Industry and good management steadily prospered him, 
and in time he took a leading position among the agriculturists of this 
part of the county. Before the war he dealt quite extensively in 
stock, mainly mules and horses, and even after the war he con- 
tinued the stock business, but handled cattle principally. He was also 
largely interested in real estate, and dealt extensively in land. At 
the time of his death he owned over 6,000 acres in Randolph, Macon 
and Chariton counties. When it was proposed to construct the North 
Missouri Railroad he was one of the most earnest and active friends 
of the enterprise in the county, and contributed very materially to the 
location of the road through the center of Randolph county, or rather 
so that it became tributary to Huntsville. Always zealous in the 
cause of education, he took a leading part in the establishment of 
Mount Pleasant College, and up to the day of his death viewed its 
welfare and prosperity with earnest solicitude. In short, as has been 
said, no man in this part of the county went before him in aid of 
movements for the best interests of the community in which he lived. 
A large stockholder in the Huntsville Savings Bank, he was for a num- 
ber of years the president of that institution, and it was his well- 
known character and business ability that contributed in an important 
measure to give that institution the high reputation it enjoys in finan- 
cial and business circles and with the public at large. Indeed, it 
seems that in every movement and enterprise with which he identified 
himself, he jnfused new life and energy, and that he made its success 
doubly sure. Looking back over his past and considering what he 
accomplished, and in view of his advantages and opportunities, it must 
strike the most casual observer that he was a man of talents and ener- 
gies of a high order. Who can question that with such qualities of 
head and heart as he possessed, and with such energy and resolution, 
in more favorable circumstances he would have risen to more than or- 
dinary distinction among his fellow-men? But he was not a man am- 
bitious of fame. He sought rather to lead a life useful and just, and 
to accumulate by honest methods a competency for himself and some- 
thing for those who were to bear his name and come after him, while 
making his life valuable to the community in which he lived at the 
same time. And if a respectable measure of wealth came to him, it 
came to him as a result alone of his untiring industry, his intelligence, 
and his sober, frugal manner of living, ancT not by unjustly depriving 
any man of a feather's value. For public office he had no ambition, 
preferring to lead a quiet, active life as a private citizen ; and aside 

25 



472 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

from a short period in the Bhick Hawk War and a number of years 
in the city council of Huntsville, to the hitter of which he consented 
only as a matter of kindness to his neighbors and friends, he was 
never identified with the public service. Yet he always took an intel- 
ligent interest in public affairs, and ever threw his ballot and influ- 
ence for what he conceived to be the best interests of the community, 
the county and the whole country. Joseph M. Hammett was a typical 
private citizen, a valued neighbor and an inestimable friend, and as 
such his name and life are worthy of all remembrance. His first wife 
died in 1864. To the good woman who now survives him as his widow 
he was married February 20, 1866. She, at the time of her marriage 
to him, was a Mrs. Amanda LaFon, the widow of a Mr. LaFon, of 
this county. Of his first family of children there are five living: 
Francis Marion, president of the banking house of J. M. Hammett & 
Co. ; James W., a prominent stock-dealer of the county; Benjamin 
F., a prominent real estate dealer of St. Louis ; Charles H., cashier 
of the banking house of J. M. Hammett & Co. ; and Jefferson D., 
still at home on the old Hammett homestead near Huntsville. The 
father was for many years a member of the M. E. Church South, :ind 
was regarded as one of the pillars of his church at this place. His 
life from its morning until its sun was forever set was unclouded by a 
just reproach, and his name goes down in the " History of Randolph 
County " as one of the worthiest and best citizens of the county. 

FRANCIS M. HAMMETT 

(President of the Banking House of J. M. Hammett & Co., Huntsville). 

Mr. Hammett, as shown by the sketch of his father, which precedes 
this, was the eldest in his father's family of children, and was born on 
the old Hammett homestead near Huntsville on the 19th of August, 
1831. He was brought up on the farm and to know, all about hard 
work by experience ; but, naturally of industrious habits, this was not 
as distasteful to him as it otherwise might have been, while at the 
same time it had the effect to develop physical strength and insure him 
a good constitution well fitted for the activities of life. Colleges had 
not been founded here when he (!ame up, and he therefore had to rely 
on the neighbf)rhood schools for instruction and on study at home. 
Inheriting his father's taste, however, for books, notwithstanding the 
limited extent of his school advantages, he early succeeded in acquir- 
ing a more than average common English education for that time, 
principally by self-culture or study at home. He commenced in the 
world for- himself as a school teacher, and being a young man of 
industry and practical ideas, as well as of good education, he became 
quite successful and popular as a teacher. He spent a great deal of 
his time as purchasing agent for buyers of stock and tobacco outside 
of the county, and thus became generally acquainted with the people 
of the adjoining counties, as well as making some money. He was 
soon able to buy stock on his own account, and he was generally suc- 
cessful in his stock transactions. In 1850 he, like thousands of others 



\ 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 473 

in Missouri and everywhere else, was taken with the California fever 
and made a trip to the golden shores of the Pacific. He was in 
California for about a year, eno;;iged principally in mining, and, as in 
everything else, he was satisfactorily successful out there. Returning 
home, however, he resumed the stock business and engaged in farm- 
ing. From that time to this he has been interested in these industries, 
and, as the mantle of the father falls to the son, so he, like his father, 
has come to the front as a farmer and stock-raiser, and in everything 
else to which he has turned his attention. He is now one of the largest 
land holders in the county, and his homestead of 750 acres is without 
a superior as a grain and stock farm in the county. It is a handsomely 
improved place, well arranged with regard to fields and pastures, and 
the buildings are commodious and tastily constructed. Everything 
about the place, in short, shows that its proprietor is a modern, pro- 
gressive agriculturist. On his farms Mr. Hanmiett keep.s usually 
about 500 head of cattle. He is also a partner in the firm of Hammett 
& Hall, who have large stock interests — ranches and cattle — in 
Colorado and New Mexico, interests representing a value of nearly 
$300,000. To these interests Charles H. Hammett gives his personal 
attention, going out to look after their affairs in the West every few 
months. Mr. Hammett is also enoased in the banking business, and 
is president of the banking house mentioned above. This is one of 
the leading banking institutions in the county, and its reputation for 
stability is without a superior in this section of the State. He gives 
the affairs of this institution his personal attention. He succeeded 
his father in the presidency of the bank, and is carrying it forward in 
that career of prosperity and popularity in business circles and with 
the public, in which it has been conducted from the beginning. His 
personal reputation as a man of high character and superior business 
qualifications goes far to give this institution the enviable standing it 
has. Mr. Hammett has made a special study of the banking busi- 
ness, and, beins: a man of sober iudgment and clear intelliijence, he 
could not fail of success in this branch of business. Personally, the 
same respect and esteem in which his father was held is descending 
to him, and already he has the confidence and respectful consider- 
ation of all who know him. He is a sociable, plain, unassuming 
man, and a man of great solidity of character and personal worth. 
On the 23d of November, 1854, Mr. Hammett was married to Miss 
Mary S. Robertson, a daughter of Hiram Robertson, a prominent 
citizen of this county. They have had a family of ten children : 
Joella, the wife of A. M. Ellington; Benjamin H., William F., 
assistant cashier of the bank ; Sidney A., the wife of Thomas Roberts ; 
Stonie, James L., now in Colorado on the stock ranch; John H., 
Clarence J., Susan A. and Edwin De Young, the last three still 
children at home. Mr. Hammett and wife are members of the Cum- 
berland Presbyterian Church. Mr. Hammett is one of the public 
spirited citizens of this part of the county, and is ever ready to assist 
every enterprise, material or otherwise, that promises well for the 
commonwealth. 



474 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 



CHARLES H. HAMMETT 

(Cashier of the Banking House of J. M. Hammett & Co., Huntsville). 
Mr. Hammett has been cashier of this well known hanking institu- 
tion since 1876, and being a thoroughly qualified business man, both 
generally and in the banking business, and exceptionally well posted 
as to the resources and reputation of the people among whom princi- 
pally his bank does business (having been born and reared near 
Huntsville), he is peculiarly fitted for the successful discharge of the 
duties of his position. He was a son of Joseph M. Hammett, whose 
sketch precedes this, and when this fact is stated, a great deal is said 
for his character as a citizen and his success as a business man. Born 
on the old family homestead, near Huntsville, on the 30th of May, 
1845, he was reared on the farm, and when he came up, not only 
had good common school advantages, but the benefit of a general 
and scientific course at Mt. Pleasant College. Nothing serves as well 
to fix the elementary principles of a common English education in 
one's mind as teaching, and with this object in view as much as any- 
thing else, young Hammett taught school for nearly a year after leav- 
ing college. He then, in keeping with habits and traditions with his 
family, engaged in farming and stock-raising, with which he is still 
prominently identified. He has a fine farm of 1,000 acres of land, 
and deals in cattle, hogs and mules quite exclusively. He is also a 
member of the firm of Hall & Hammet Bros., which owns a large ranch 
and cattle interests in New Mexico and Colorado, representing a value 
of nearly $300,000. Mr. Hammett has charge of these interests, and 
makes a trip every few months to the West to look after them. He 
is also a member of the firm of Samuel & Hammett, leading real estate 
dealers of Huntsville. He is likewise treasurer of the Building and 
Loan Association. Mr. Hammett has been entirely successful in all 
his business enterprises, and while in general affairs he is regarded ai 
a man of superior judgment and business qualifications, it is as a 
financier that he has won his chief reputation. He has been cashier of 
the banking house with which he is now connected for a period of 
about 10 years, and while he has never been regarded as unjustly 
exacting in the matter of securities or illiberal in making loans, it 
stands out as a distinguishing fact in his record as a banker that he 
has never made a bad loan nor ftiiled to collect a debt which was con- 
tracted by him or through his advice. There is probably not another 
cashier in the State of Missouri ©f whom this can be said with truth. 
He is a man of more than ordinary penetration of mind, clear in judg- 
ment almost as a cloudless day, and never acts in business matters of 
importance, or in any other affair of moment, without first considering 
all the circumstances connected with it — what is necessary to be 
done, what effect his own course will have, and what the result is 
likely to be. In business affairs, and especially in financial matters, 
his opinion is sought and his judgment deferred to by many of the 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 475 

most intelligent business men of this section of the county, and 
indeed wherever he is known. In the discharge of his business 
he is quick and accurate, and always urbane and polite, and he is 
liked hardly less for his pleasant, agreeable manners than he is 
esteemed for his ability as a business man. Personally he is quite 
sociable and, in common Avith his brothers, he is plain and unassum- 
ing. While there is nothing light or frivolous in his character, he is 
at the same time quite companionable, not to say jovial, when 
free from business cares, and is always welcomed in every circle 
where he is known. Amono^ the bankers of the State he has an 
enviable reputation, for it is recognized by all that he has had not a 
little to do with making the house with which he is now connected 
the substantial, able financial institution which it is conceded to be. 
On the 25th of December, 1869, Mr. Hammett was married to Miss 
Fannie Jackson, a daughter of Able Jackson, a prominent citizen of 
Howard county. They have three children : Ladie Bell, Anna and 
Able M. Mrs. Hammett is a member of the M. E. Church South. 

JAMES W. HAMMETT 

(Stock Dealer, Farmer, Merchant, Real Estate Dealer, Etc., Huntsville). 

The life of Joseph M. Hammett, deceased, father of J. W. Ham- 
mett, was one of more than ordinary value to Randolph county in 
many particulars, in material affairs, as a public-spirited citizen and 
otherwise ; but in no respect was it of as great value as in the worthy 
citizens he has left to the county, who bear his name. That one is a 
representative of this family is sufficient assurance to those who 
know the family that he is a worthy and valuable citizen. And this 
is said not in any spirit of flattery, for no people are plainer and more 
unassuming than the Hammetts, but simply as a fact to which, so far 
as the writer knows, there is not a single exception. Certainly the 
subject of the present sketch forms no exception to the well known 
character and reputation of the family whose name he bears. His 
career has been confined to the sphere of private life, but has been 
one of great activity, singular good judgment and abundant success, 
and, like his father, he is one of the substantial men of the county. 
James W. Hammett, the second son of his father's family of children, 
was born on the old Hammett homestead, near Huntsville, January 1, 
1834, and his youth was characterized by very much the same experi- 
ences through which his father passed. In 1855, at the age of 21, he 
started out in life for himself, and went over into Macon county and 
engaged in farming. He was never troubled with any distasteful 
work, and entering upon the duties of farming with energy and reso- 
lution, and being a man of good habits and an excellent manager, he of 
course prospered. Feeling the need of a wife to preside over his 
home, which his own industy had provided, and having offered his 
heart and hand to a young lady eminently Avorthy of both, on the 15th 
of May, 185(3, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary A. Haines, a 
daughter of Jonathan Haines, a respected citizen of Handolph county. 



476 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

Mr. Hanimett continued fjirniing in Macon county for about 14 
years and made a large farm there, a place of about 400 acres, 
whicli he still owns. His place is near Callao, and in 1867 he 
engaged in merchandising in Callao and also dealing quite ex- 
tensively in tobacco, and buying and selling real estate and 
handling stock; in fact, since 1867, and indeed since prior to 
that time he has given his whole attention to various lines of busi- 
ness, and has been successful in all of them. Returning to Randolph 
county later along, he located on a farm near Huntsville, which he 
owns, a farm of nearly 400 acres, where he has continued farming, 
not only carrying on this place, but also superintending another farm 
of nearly 500 acres in the north-western part of the county which he 
owns. He is still handling stock quite extensively, including cattle, 
hoo:s and mules, and is engasred in the real estate business at Hunts- 
ville, buying, selling, trading, renting, etc.. farms, raw land, town 
property, and other real estate, and he himself owns some $10,000 
worth of town property in this city, including residences, business 
houses, etc. He is also a member of the banking firm of J. M. Ham- 
mett & Sons. Mr. Hammett, as these facts show, is one of the. live, 
pushing, enterprising men of Randolph county, and is eminently wor- 
thy to bear the honored name he has inherited from his father. In 
every relation of life he is without reproach. Mr. and Mrs. Hammett 
have had a family of seven children: Mary E., now Mrs. H. P. 
Hunter; Betzie B., now Mrs. F. P. Willey, of Moberly, Randolph 
county ; Joseph P., who has charge of the 500-acre farm in the north- 
western part of the county ; James H., Rebecca, Evan H. and Allie J. 
Hammett. Mr. and Mrs. Hammett are members of the Cumberland 
Presbyterian Church. 

BENJAMIN H. HAMMETT 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 16, To;ivnship 54, Range 15, near Huntsville). 
The subject of the present sketch, as is shown by the sketch of 
his father, Francis M. Hammett, which is the one preceding this, is 
the second in his father's family of children. He was born on his 
father's homestead, three miles north-west of Huntsville, December 
2, 1856, the old family residence being a half mile from where Ben- 
jamin H. now resides. He was reared on the farm and received his 
higher education at Mt. Pleasant College, but did not continue until 
his graduation, having quit the year before that would have occurred. 
On leaving college Mr. Hammett engaged in farming on his own ac- 
count, becoming a partner with his uncle, Benjamin F. Hammett, 
with whom he continued until 1878. He then went to Colorado and 
took charge of the ranch in which he had an interest with his father. 
He continued in charge of the ranch out there for three years. In 
1881 Mr. Hammett returned to Randolph county, or rather in the 
winter of 1880-81, and the following January, it being the 20th day 
of the \nonth, his marriage was solemnized with Miss Bindie F. 
Baker, a daughter of Granville Baker, of this county. She was born 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 477 

October 11, 1859. Mr. and Mrs. Hammett have one child, Christine. 
Durinoj the March foUowiiio; his marriao;e Mr. Hammett settled on his 

o or? 

present farm. Here he has a pUice of 260 acres, which is handsomely 
improved. Mr. Hammett makes a specialty of stock-raising, and 
also has some fine thoroughbred cattle. He is a stockholder in the 
Rake and Stacker Manufacturing Company. Mr. Hanmiett is a young 
man of energy and enterprise and has already a neat start in life. 
His future will doubtless prove as worthy and successful as that of 
the others in the county who bear his name and whose careers are 
already well advanced. 

JAMES D. HEAD 

(Deputy County Clerk, Huntsville). 

Mr. Head, a lawyer by profession and who has been officially con- 
nected with the public aft'airs of Randolph county more or less 
desultorily for 30 years, having held various positions in the county, 
including those of county clerk and county school commissioner 
among the rest, was born in Huntsville April 30, 1832, and was a son 
of Dr. Waller Head, a pioneer settler of Huntsville and for many 
years one of the leading physicians of the place and a highly respected 
and influential citizen of the county. Mr. Head's mother, before her 
marriage, was a Miss Hardenia P. Garth, a sister to Dabney C. Garth, 
an old and prominent merchant of Huntsville. Both parents were 
originally from Albemarle county, Va. Dr. Head represented this 
county in the Legislature and was a member elect of the State Con- 
stitutional Convention of 1845 at the time of his death. He was 
still comparatively a young man and if he had lived would doubtless 
have risen to the first prominence in the affairs of the State, for he 
was a man of a high order of ability and of great personal magnetism. 
His widow is still living and finds a welcome and pleasant home with 
her son James D., the subject of. this sketch. She subsequently be- 
came the wnfe of W. L. Boulware, of Cooper county, who is also 
now deceased. She and her first husband had a family of eight 
children, James D. being the fifth. James D. Head was reared in 
Huntsville and was educated at the State University, graduating in 
the class of 1850. He subsequently taught school for several years 
and was principal of the school at Glasgow and afterwards at Lafay- 
ette, and also later along of the school at Huntsville. While teach- 
ing he studied law under Hon. H. M. Porter and was admitted to the 
bar in 1855. Mr. Head began the practice here after his admission 
and continued it except when employed with official duties outside of 
the practice until 1879. He was county school commissioner for six 
years following 1854 and for five years after 1862 he was county 
clerk. He has also held the position of deputy in the county and 
circuit clerk's offices and is now holding that position in the county 
clerk's office. For a short time durins: the war he was a member of 
the State Militia, Union service, but was never called away per- 
manently from Huntsville. Mr. Head has been a member of the 



478 HISTOEY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

Masonic lodge for nearly 30 years. Personally, he is a man of 
irreproachable character and justly popular in the county. He is one 
of the most capable and efficient clerks the county ever had, and his 
services have come to be regarded as almost indispensible to the 
public service. 

BENJAMIN F. HE AXON 

(^Piincipal of the Public Schools, Huntsville). 

Prof. Heaton, a gentleman of advanced and thorough education and 
an educator of some 13 years' experience, is a native of the Old Domin- 
ion, born in Rappahannock county. May 12, 1850. The Heatons 
are representatives of the better class of people in Rappahannock 
county, and Prof. Beaton's parents were no exceptions to the others 
of their name in the county. His father was a well-to-do and intelli- 
gent farmer and occupied a high place in the esteem of those among 
whom he lived. He is deceased now, but his wife still survives, and 
is on her old family homestead in Rappahannock county. Benjamin 
F. was reared in that county to the age of 17, his youth up to that 
time being spent on the farm and in the schools of the county. At 
an early age he showed an ambition for the acquisition of an educa- 
tion and in boyhood and early youth was more than ordinarily atten- 
tive to his studies. Thouo:h his advantasres were those of the average 
youth of the vicinity, he made much more rapid progress at school 
than most of his associates and was soon fitted for college, for it had k)ng 
been the dream of his life to acquire a collegiate education. His 
father being a man of generous impulses, warm paternal affection, and 
of liberal ideas with reg-ard to education, and havinsf the intelligence 
to perceive that his son might accomplish something more in the world 
than the common lot of boys, if he should have proper advantages, 
resolved to give him the benefit of a course at college, and accordingly 
young Heaton was sent to Indiana where he matriculated at the Oxford 
Academy of Sciences in Oxford, of that State, where relatives of the 
family were residini*;. Youns; Heaton took a thorouo;h course at Ox- 
ford, continuing a student in that institution for four years. He grad- 
uated in 1872 with marked distinction, and in the same class in which 
Hon. Arnett Owen graduated, who subsequently became a U. S. district 
judge in New Mexico, but is now deceased. Immediately after his 
graduation, such was the high esteem in which Prof. Heaton was held, 
both personally and as a scholar, by the faculty of his Alma Mater, 
that he was tendered the chair of mathemathics and philosophy in 
that institution, which he accepted and occupied with distinguished 
ability and success for two terms. He was then offered the position of 
principal of the public schools at Boswell, Ind., at a flattering salary, 
and accordingly, taking charge of those schools, he remained at their 
head five years, and brought them to a high state of efficiency. In 
1877 he took charge of the public schools .of Fowler, in Benton 
county, and was soon elected superintendent of the schools of the 
county, a position he filled for four years and until 1879, when he 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY.* 479 

came to Missouri, having decided to cast his fortune with this State. 
Here he first located at Moberly, and was given charge of the High 
School at that place, which he conducted for two terms, and in 1882 
was elected principal of the public schools at this place — Huntsville. 
Prof. Heaton's career as an educator has been characterized by suc- 
cess from the l)eginning. A teacher by profession, he adopted this as 
his calling in life from choice, and in preference to all others, believing 
it to be the field of the greatest usefulness and the one eminently 
worthy the ambition and activities of any man who has a proper ap- 
preciation of the conditions and responsibilities of life. It is to edu- 
cation that the world must look for the conservation of the best 
interests of society and the future of humanity. It is by the mind 
that we see our way through life, the path that not only leads us 
through this transitory world, but that marks the journey on to Heaven. 
If then, education tends to improve and brighten the mind, what higher 
interest can mankind have at stake than the cause of general educa- 
tion? And he, who contributes to the promotion of the cause by de- 
voting his whole life to the work of instructing the young, renders a 
service to his fellow-men of the highest value. Thus Prof. Heaton 
looks at it, and viewing it in this light he has entered upon and pur- 
sued his great life-work with that earnestness, perseverance and zeal 
which could not fail of carrying him forward to a high place in his 
profession. It is not too much to say that he is one of the most thor- 
ough and successful educators connected with the public schools in 
this section of the State. He is a man of clear, practical ideas, wide 
general information, anindustrious studentand an indefatigable teacher ; 
and he is singularly fortunate in the ability he possesses to impress 
upon the minds of his pupils with ease and great pleasure to them the 
information he desires to impart. This is one of the most important 
secrets of his success. His services have been of great value to the 
people of Huntsville, not only in the practical instruction of the 
young, but in bringing their public schools to that plane of eflSiciency 
and success to which he has advanced them. On the 31st of July, 
1873, Prof. Heaton was married to Miss Olive A. Stingle,an accom- 
plished daughter of Edward Stingle, of Eandolph county. Mo. They 
have one child, Laura Belle. Mrs. H. is a member of the Christian 
Church, and the Professor professed faith in the Baptist Church, but 
was never baptized on account of the congregation being broken up 
by the excitement incident to the war, the church-house having been 
completely wrecked. He is also a member of the I. O. O. F. and 
Kniglits of Honor. 

JOHN A. HEETHER 

(Of J. S. Robertson &Co., Grocers, Huntsville). 

Among the prominent and enterprising young business men of this 
city the subject of the present sketch justly occupies an enviable posi- 
tion. He comes of an old and excellent family of Randolph county, 
and has had good advantages to fit himself for a successful business 



480 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

life. Mr. Heether was born in Huntsville, May 1, 1851, and is a son 
of Lewis (originally of Germany) and Catherine (Artman) Heether, 
the latter formerly from Kentucky. He was reared in this place, and 
his early years from boyhood were spent in the local schools and in 
assisting in his father's grocery store. Later along he took a course 
at Mt. Pleasant College, and in 1871 obtained a situation on the 
Wabash Railroad as U. S. express messenger between Kansas City 
and St. Louis, in which he continued for over two years, being also 
during a part of that time on the Missouri Pacific in the same capacity. 
In 1873 he left the road and began clerking for W. T. Jackson at 
Huntsville, and afterwards for J. B. Carney. He continued clerking 
until 1875, when, being in a situation to engage in business for 
himself, he established a store on his own account. Mr, Heether 
carried on his store until 1880, when he sold out and engaged in the 
mule trade, buying and shipping quite extensively to St. Louis. 
He also in a little while became a partner in the firm of J. S. Robert- 
son & Co., in the grocery and queen's-ware trade, in which he has 
since continued. They have one of the leading houses in their line 
at Huntsville, and carry an exceptionally large and well selected *stock 
of goods. Both men are of good means and excellent business quali- 
fications, and are very popular wherever they are known for their 
recognized integrity of character, accommodating disposition and 
agreeable manners. They will occupy a leading position in the busi- 
ness affairs of Huntsville as long as they desire to continue identified 
with its trade. Mr. Heether was married January 31, 1874, to Miss 
Maria, a daughter of Judge George H. Burckhartt. Mrs. Heether, 
coming of one of the best families in the county, is herself a lady of 
rare personal worth and superior charms of manners and conversa- 
tion. Mr. and Mrs. Heether are esteemed members of the best 
society at Huntsville. They have three children : Franklin Hobbs, 
Paul Oliver and Adam Smith. Mrs. H. is a member of the Baptist 
Church, and Mr. H. is Grand Foreman of the United Workmen order, 
and is a member of the Knights of Honor and of the Masonic order. 
He is a young man of fine intelligence, good education, and the best 
of business qualifications. Active, upright and enterprising, with 
the excellent start he already has in life, his future seems one of more 
than ordinary promise. 

HENRY AND THOMAS B. HERNDON, 

(Business Men, Huntsville). 
Every one who knows anything about the people of Randolph 
county is familiar with the life of the father of these gentlemen. Dr. 
Bertley P. Herndon, deceased, late of this place. He practiced med- 
icine at Huntsville for 45 years, without interruption and until his 
death in 1880, at an advanced old age, thus illustrating the distich in 
Cymbeline : — 

"By medicine life may be prolonged, yet death 
Will seize the doctors too." 



HISTOEY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 481 

He was a skillful and successful physician, a man of fine intelligence 
and wide information, an upright citizen and an esteemed neighbor and 
friend. No citizen of Huntsville was ever more generally and sin- 
cerely respected, and the news of his death was received by all who 
knew him with universal sorrow. He was from Albemarle county, 
Va., born in 1806, and came, to this county in about 1830. His 
wife, before her marriage, was Miss Margaret Belsher, of Huntsville, 
who died in 1883, at the age of 51. She was originally of Ken- 
tucky. They had five children: AdeliaW., now the wife of W. C. 
Davis, of St. Louis ; Henry, Bertley P., of Schuyler county ; Thomas 
B. and Mattie, /emme libre of St. Louis, who resides with her sister, 
Mrs. Davis. Henry and Thomas B. Herndon were born at Hunts- 
ville, respectively, February 7, 1851, and July 10, 1854. Both were 
reared here and educated at Mt. Pleasant College. Henry has been 
in business at Huntsville, and is now retail liquor dealer at this place, 
having a good trade and is doing quite well. He is an intelligent, 
worthy citizen and is well respected. About the worst thing that 
can be said of him is that he is not married, for every good man 
owes his aff'ections and a comfortable support to some worthy, good 
woman. Thomas B. was engaged in the grocery business here up 
to 1882, when he went to Sumner and embarked in the drug business. 
On the 22d of September, 1881, he was married to Miss Cynthia 
Amerman of Lewis county. 

MOSES HEYMANN 

(Dealer in General Merchandise, Huntsville). 

Mr. Heymann is a worthy representative of that large class of foreign- 
born citizens who have come to this country and done much to augment 
its prosperity in trade, commerce, manufactures, agriculture, and, in- 
deed, in every department of human energy and thrift. Native-born 
Americans, reared amid the multiplied advantages which this country 
a,fi^brds for successful careers and for the accumulation of wealth, often 
fail to appreciate the abundant opportunities everywhere about them, 
and in not a few instances fail to benefit by them. But let the intel- 
ligent foreigner come here from a countiy less favored than ours, more 
thickly populated, and where competition is much greater, and in a 
little while he will be well advanced on the high road to success. This 
fact is illustrated by the careers of our foreign-born citizens in almost 
every community, and by the careers of few more forcibly than by 
that of this sketch. Mr. Heymann was born in Kirchburg, July 24, 
1839, and was reared in his native country up to the age of 18, 
during which time he served a regular apprenticeship as required 
there, receiving a diploma for skill and proficiency. Li 1857 he 
came to America and was at Pittsburg, Pa., for a year. From 
Pittsburg he came to Randolph county. Mo., and began here as a 
peddler. From that time to this, with the exception of a short ab- 
sence, he has been a resident of Randolph county. In 1865 he opened 
a store at Huntsville and has since been ensfaged in merchandising at 



482 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

this place. Mr. Heymann has built up one of the largest mercantile 
establishments at Huntsville, and keeps employed in his store contin- 
ually four or five men. He does an annual cash business of over 
$30,000, and his trade is increasing from year to year. Such a record 
as this speaks its own eulogy, and nothing could be said to the credit 
of him who has made it greater than it implies. Fair dealing, and 
treating everybody respectfully and with accommodation have made 
him not only a successful merchant, but esteemed and popular as a 
man and citizen. On the 7th of May, 1863, Mr. Heymann was 
married in St. Louis to Miss Emily Schweich, of Trier on the Moselle, 
in France. Mrs. Heymann was born December 3, 1839, and came to 
America in 1858. They have eight children : Carrie, Dora, Gustave, 
Otelia, Bertha, Gertrude, Charlotte and Julius. Mr. Heymann has 
been a member of the Masonic order since 1861, and he is also a 
member of the A. O. U. W. For 13 years he has been secretary 
to the school board and he is also a member of the board of direc- 
tors of the Huntsville Gas Light Company, and a member of the 
Building and Loan Association. 

NEAL HOLMAN 

(Of Holman & Payne, Dealers in Hardware, etc., etc., Huntsville), 

Mr. Holman's father, John Holman (who was a brave soldier in 
the Black Hawk War), was one of the early settlers of Randolph county 
and gave the name to Silver creek which it still bears. He was mar- 
ried here to Miss Eliza Murphy, a daughter of Neal Murphy, another 
pioneer settler of the county. Both the father and maternal grand- 
father were originally from Kentucky. Neal Holman was the fourth 
in the family of his parent's children and was born on Silver creek, 
October 7, 1841, and reared on his father's farm. In 1861 he en- 
listed in the State Guard and followed the flag of the South for 12 
months, during which he participated in the battles of Boonville, Lex- 
ington, Pea Ridge, and numerous other engagements of less import- 
ance. He then became separated from the army and being unable to 
rejoin it, on account of intervening federal forces, crossed over into 
Illinois, and remained there as a refugee until the close of the war. 
While in Illinois he took up the carpenter's trade and learned it and 
continued to work at it until eight or nine years ago. In 1872 he 
went to California and was absent on the Pacific coast a year. Except 
during that time he has been in this county ever since the war. 
Durins: most of the time he has been engaged in farming in connec 
tion with carpentering. In January, 1882, he became a partner with 
Mr. F. T. Payne in the hardware business, and they have since con- 
ducted the business together. They have one of the best hardware 
stores at Huntsville, having an unusually well selected stock in their 
line and they are doing a large and steadily increasing business. 
They are both men of character and deal fairly with their customers, 
having uniform prices, and they sell at figures as low as the state of 
the market will allow, and hence while it has become known that they 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 483 

keep the best class of goods, it is equally well known that their prices 
are reasonable and fair. On the 24th of December, 1868, Mr. Hol- 
man was married to Miss Augusta Belsher a daughter of Milton Bel- 
sher of this county. They have five children : Ada M. , Willie, Russell, 
Jackson and Ethel. Mr. Holman is a stockholder in the Rake and 
Stacker Company. He also has a good farm of about a quarter section 
of land a couple of miles from town. He and wife are members of the 
Christian Church. 

JOHN R. HULL 

(Attorney at Law and Judse of the Probate Court, Huntsville). 

In preparing a biographical conspectus of Randolph county to 
accompany the general history of the county ,it would be an omission 
to be regretted, both by the publishers and by the public, not to in- 
clude a sketch of the life of the worthy citizen whose name stands at 
the head of this brief statement of facts. Judge Hull is a plain, un- 
assuming gentleman, of much worth and greater modesty, who has 
long and usefully been identified with the county ; a good lawyer, a 
faithful and capable official, and an upright and valuable citizen. This 
much is said of him in frankness and candor, for if his name is to be 
mentioned in the history of the county at all, not less could be said with 
truth. He has no desire to see his name in print, for he is the last 
man that would consent to be paraded before the public or to cut a 
figure, and the greatest difficulty we have in preparing this sketch is to 
so word it that it will not be objectionable to his sense of the fitness of 
things. Judge Hull is a native of Virginia, born August 31, 1831, 
and his family, a highly respectable one, had been settled in that State 
or colony for 100 years prior to the Revolution. His father, John 
Hull, was born ancl reared in Northumberland county, and his mother, 
whose maiden name was Sarah E. Ball, was of the same county. 
Judge Hull's parents died while he was still in childhood, and but one 
other of the family is now living, Sarah E., the wife of James W. Ball, 
of Carroll county. The Judge was reared by his uncle, R. H. Ball, a 
successful school teacher of Northumberland county, by whom the 
nephew was given a well grounded and thorough common English and 
classical education. At the age of 18 vouns^ Hull began the study of 
law at Baltimore, Md., under an able lawyer of that city, Hon. St. 
George W. Teackle. Continuing study at Baltimore until 1852, or for 
a period of three years, by which time he had reached his majority, he 
was then admitted to the bar. He remained in Baltimore until 1854, 
when he located at Huntsville, Mo., where he has since resided 
and been engaged in the practice. He married here on the 14th of 
October, 1858. Miss Josephine Ball, a daughter of Frederick and 
Martha K. Ball, became his wife. She survived, however, less than a 
year, dying August 18, 1859. December 7, 1873, he was married to 
Mrs. Lou. J. Horner, widow of James S. Horner, and a daughter of 
Noah Kingsbury, of the well known Kingsbury family, of Howard 
county, one of the oldest and best families in that county. She has 
two children by her former marriage : Laura S. and Lena P. Horner. 



484 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

The Judge has no children of his own. Judge Hull has always been 
recognized as a safe, reliable lawyer and upright man. A man of 
solid, substantial, instead of brilliant, flashy talents, he depends for 
success in his profession more on industry in making himself 
thoroughly familiar with the law and the facts of a case, and presenting 
them to judge or jury in a clear, practical, common sense light, and 
appealing to their judgment and intelligence for a favorable decision, 
than on sharp turns in the practice and brilliant triumphs as an orator. 
He is a forcible, convincing speaker, and his high character gives his 
words more than ordinary weight with judge and jury. His career as 
a lawyer has been one of satisfactory success, and without a blemish, 
Judge Hull was for two years county attorney of Randolph county, 
and afterwards prosecuting attorney from 1872 to 1875. In 1882 he 
was elected probate judge, and is still serving in that office. The fact 
that he. was advanced to a position in which he has, to a large extent, 
the care of the estates of widows and orphans, shows in what confidence 
he is held by the people of the county. The duties and responsibili- 
ties of this office he has discharged thus far with singular efficienc}'- and 
good judgment, and commendation is the opinion everywhere ex- 
pressed of his career as a judicial officer. The Judge and his wife are 
both members of the M. E. Church South, and he has been a member 
of the Masonic order for 28 years, having filled every station in the 
local lodge. 

JOHN THOMAS HUNT 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser). 

Mr. H., an energetic farmer and worthy citizen of Salt Spring town- 
ship, was a grandson of Daniel Hunt, from whom the city of Huntsville 
took its name, he having settled on the site of that place away back 
when the inhabitants of the territory now included in Randolph county 
could be numbered on one's fingers. He and his brother, Nathan, 
came out from Kentucky among the first settlers of this part of the 
count}^ and both lived here until their deaths. In Daniel Hunt's 
family were two sons, William and Andrew, the first of whom mar- 
ried Miss Matilda Turner, also originally from Kentucky. Of this 
union came John Thomas Hunt, the subject of the present sketch, 
who was born on the present site of Huntsville, September 15, 1845. 
His father was a farmer by occupation, as was also his grandfather, 
but his father went to California during the gold excitement and died 
there in 1849. He left one other child besides John Thomas, Sarah 
M., who is still unmarried. John Thomas was reared by his uncle 
Andrew and remained with him until of majority. He was brought 
uj) to a farm life and received a good practical education in the com- 
mon schools. In 1864 he enlisted in the Southern service, and was 
under Capt. Jack Baker most of the time, the hitter's company be- 
ing a part of Elliott's brigade. Remaining out until the surrender 
at Shrevejjort, he then returned to Randolph county, and engaged in 
farming, which he has since followed. March 4, 1869, he was married 
to Miss Eliza J. Cha[)man, a daughter of Robert and Eliza J. ( Barnes) 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 485 

Chapman, of this county, but originally of Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. 
Hunt have four children : Ella, Arthur, Wilnier and Lillie. One is 
deceased, John Forrest Jackson. Mr. Hunt's farm contains 200 
acres, and he has resided on his present place for the past seven years. 
He is quite extensively engaged in the stock business, raising and 
shipping cattle, hogs and mules. Mr. and Mrs. Hunt are members 
of theM. E. Church South. 

CLIFTON T. KERBY 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 3, Townstiip 53, Range 15, near Huntsville) . 

Mr. Kerby has one of the handsomest farms in Salt Spring town- 
ship. His place contains over 300 acres and is a plat of land of more 
than ordinary natural beauty. It is gently undulating, sufficiently 
rolling for good natural drainage, but not broken enough to cause 
vrashes by cultivation and heavy rains. His improvements are of a 
character to correspond with the natural beauty of his land. His 
fences are substantial and in excellent repair and his buildings are 
neat and comfortable, and constructed with an eye to appearance only 
less than utility and durability. Mr. Kerby, as his place shows, is a 
progressive, enterprising and successful farmer. He is a native of 
Kentucky, born in Madison county, August 10, 1849. His parents 
wereE. P. and Elizabeth E. (Baker) Kerby. When Clifton T. was 
a lad 10 years of age, they came to Missouri and settled in Howard 
county, where they lived for 14 years, and then came to Randolph, 
locating a mile and a half from Huntsville. The father always fol- 
lowed farming and stock-raising, and Clifton T. followed his example. 
He remained with his father until his marriage, which was the 22d of 
February, 1872. Miss Cassie Rutherford then became his wife. She 
was a daughter of Jesse and Sallie (Adams) Rutherford, and was 
born in Randolph county. May 26, 1851. Both her parents are de- 
ceased. When she was only five years of age her mother died, and 
she was reared by her grandmother in Howard county. Her father 
died in 1865. Mr. Kerby settled on a farm, where he now resides, in 
1872. Mr. and Mrs. Kerby have five children : Joseph, William, 
George, James, and a girl, Lucy. Both parents are members of the 
Christian Church. 

THOMAS B. KIMBROUGH 

(Attorney at Law, HimtsvilleJ. 

Mr. Kimbrough has been actively engaged in the practice of his 
profession for nearly 20 years, or since 1866, and his life as a law- 
yer is better written in the judicial records of the county than it 
could possibly be sketched here. A man of untiring energy, a close 
student and a careful practitioner, it is but the truth to say that he 
has long been recognized as one of the safe and successful lawyers of 
this circuit, and that he commands the confidence of the pul)lic not 
only in his profession but as a man and citizen. As a counselor he is 
cautious, discerning and safe ; in shaping the case of his client on the 



486 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

record — in stating the facts on which he relies tor the assertion or 
the defeat of a chiiiu — he is accurate, painstaking and vigihmt ; and in 
the trial of a cause his resources are almost inexhaustible ; he lays 
before the triers, whether court or jury, every relevant fact ascertain- 
able by legal evidence. His comments on the evidence are always 
forcible and often masterly ; and in the discussion of the legal prin- 
ciples applicable to these facts he has few if any superiors in the 
circuit. Mr, Kimbrough was born and reared in Randolph county, 
and was a son of John S. and Lucinda C. (Hamilton) Kimbrough, 
his father of North Carolina, but his mother of Kentucky. They met 
and were married, however, in Randolph county, Avhere they reared 
their family and lived until his father's death, which occurred in 1874. 
His mother is still living. John S. Kimbrough came to Missouri when 
a mere boy with his uncle, Thomas Kimbrough. The latter first came 
to Tennessee in about 1816 from Surry county, N. C, when 
the nephew was only seven years of age. The following year he 
removed to Todd county, Ky., and in 1818 came to Howard 
county. Mo., but the next year settled permanently in Randolph 
county. Here the nephew grew up and was married, as stated above, 
to Miss Lucinda Hamilton. Thomas B, Kimbrough, the subject of 
this sketch, spent his youth at home on the farm of his father. How- 
ever, when 15 years of age he went to Glasgow and attended 
school for a short time and then began teaching near Renick. He 
subsequentl}'^ taught at other points and later along entered Mt. Pleas- 
ant Colleo-e in which he continued as a student until his graduation in 
1860. Mr. Kimbrough resumed teaching after his graduation and 
kept it up for about five years, during which time he had charge of a 
number of the best schools of the county, including the select school 
at Roanoke in connection with Prof. James Roan. In the meantime, 
he had occupied his leisure to good advantage Avith the study of the 
law, and at the March term of the circuit court of Randolph county, 
in 1866, he was admitted to the bar and duly licensed to practice by 
Judge Burckhartt. He at once entered upon the practice of his pro- 
fession and has continued it from that time forward without interrup- 
tion. In 1876 he became a member of the legal firm of Kimbrough 
& Terrill, in which he has continued up to the present time. This 
firm has a large practice and is one of the leading firms at the bar in 
the circuit. Mr. Kimbrough has from the beginning been thoroughly 
wedded to his profession, and aside from the general interest he takes 
in political affairs he gives the law his whole time and attention. A 
man of superior order of ability, he has risen to his present promi- 
nence as a lawyer by using his talents as the successful farmer uses his 
plow — industriously and patiently, from early morn until dewy eve. 
Mr. Kimbrough, though an active participant in the political affairs of 
his county, has a brief record as a candidate for personal preferment. 
When a young man, away back in 1866, he ran for county treasurer 
and was defeated by his opponent, Robert Gillman, by a small ma- 
jority, since which he has had no desire to engage again in a canvass 



I 



i 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 487 

for office, and he has steadily refused to become a candidate in any 
circumstances. An earnest Democrat, however, he is always anxious 
to see the principles of his party prevail at the polls. Being a good 
speaker he has been called to take the stump for his party in Ran- 
dolph and neighboring counties in every canvass which has occurred 
for the last ten years, a call that he has never declined ; and no man 
has contributed more materially to the success of his party in this 
section than he. Mr. Kimbrough is a singularly entertaining and 
popular speaker, and he never fails to draw a large gathering to hear 
him whenever he is announced to speak. While his arguments are 
convincing, he intersperses his remarks with well-toned and apt anec- 
dotes, so that he amuses while he instructs, and having much enthu- 
siasm himself, he inspires his audience with the same spirit and zeal ; 
and thus his speakings prove of much practical value to the party in 
stimulating the people to come out to the polls and vote as all good 
men should vote — the straight Democratic ticket. Mr. Kimbrough 
has been twice married. His first wife, before her marriage, was a 
Miss Julia A. Roan, of Roanoke. To her he was married August 14, 
1862. She died about eight years afterwards, June 13, 1870. To his 
present wife, previously Miss Carrie L. Vroom, he was married March 4, 
1874. She was previously a successful school teacher and had been con- 
nected with the public school at Jefi'erson City. She is a lady of superior 
intelligence and excellent education. They have one child, Roscoe H. 
They lost a little daughter in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Kimbrough are 
members of the Baptist Church, and he has been a member of the 
Masonic order for nearly 20 years. In 1868 Mr. Kimbrough was 
chosen a member of the board of trustees of Mt. Pleasant College, 
and he has been secretary of the board ever since that time. He has 
also held the office of city attorney, but without any desire or solici- 
tation on his part. Mr. Kimbrough is a relative to John S. Kimbrough, 
a prominent citizen of Clinton, Mo., one of whose daughters is the 
wife of Hon. Harvey W. Salmon, ex-State treasurer and probably the 
next governor of Missouri. 

JOHN P. KLINK 

(Post-office, Huntsville). 

Mr. Klink is a Bavarian, and the son of Gotlieb F. Klink and Jacob 
Wena Wooldridge, both natives of Bavaria. He was born April 14, 
1828, and lived in his own country until 1849. He received a good 
education in his native language and when 15 years of age began 
to learn the baker's trade, and after serving as apprentice at it for 
three years he traveled through Germany, plying his vocation in the 
different cities. As at the age of 21 every young man is required to 
enter the army and as no minor is permitted to leave the State, John 
P. being on the border line, slipped away and emigrated to the States. 
After a stormy and adventurous trip across the ocean, he landed at 
New Orleans, May 8, 1849. He first chose St. Louis as his field of 
future greatness, but after working at his trade there for 18 
26 



488 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

months, and at Boonville nine months, he went to Glasgow in 1852 
and started a bakery for himself. He carried this on a year, then 
came to Randolph county and went into business at Huntsville. For- 
tune frowned upon his venture, and after two months he was burned 
out, losing everything in the world he possessed, even his clothing. 
He had positively not a hat for his head. Left thus, lord of himself 
and naught beside, many men would have given up in despair, but 
Mr. Klink rising like a Phoenix from the flames and with the timely 
aid of a friend, started again and after 14 years of hard work and 
close attention to business, accumulated a nice property. His was 
the first bakery in Huntsville and indeed in the whole section of the 
country. Mr. K. still owns this as well as residence property in the 
town. In the spring of 1866 he bought a farm already partially im- 
proved and moved out to it. He now has 440 acres of land all fenced 
and about 240 acres cleared and improved, a nice one-story residence, 
ice-house, stables and other out-buildings, also a thrifty young orchard 
of 100 trees, beside grapes and other small fruits in quantity sufficient 
to supply himself and his neighbors. Mr. Klink was married Febru- 
ary 14, 1855, to Miss Elizabeth S., daughter of Robert Belsher, 
formerly from Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. K. have a family of eight 
children: Mattie, Jonathan, Sylvester, Louisa, Emma, George W., 
James F. and Mary Sue. Mrs. R. belongs to the Baptist Church 
while her husband is inclined to the Lutheran faith. He is an ancient 
Odd Fellow, and has filled many of the chairs of the order. As gold 
tried by fire, Mr. Klink has emerged from the furnace of life's vicis- 
situdes. He now occupies a position which few men mid the 
"changes and chances of this mortal life" attain. 

JUDGE ASHLEY G. LEA 

(Huntsville). 

An old pioneer citizen of Randolph county, and for many years one of 
its most successful farmers, now four years past the allotted age of 
three-score and ten. Judge L. is spending the Indian summer of his life 
comfortably situated on an excellent homestead ^ and in comparative 
retirement, favored with a competency of this world's goods, blessed 
with the respect and esteem of his neighbors and acquaintances, and 
happy in the love and veneration of his own family. Having lived a 
useful and successful life and a life upon which no breath of reproach 
has ever fallen, and having passed his days in the consciousness of his 
duties and responsibilities here, and in the full faith of a life beyond 
the grave — having lived in accordance with the principles and doc- 
trines of the Christian religion, as nearly as the weakness of flesh has 
rendered possible, and having fixed his hope on the Redeemer whom 
he has ever tried to serve, and in whom he has ever trusted ; now, as 
the shadows of the evening of life begin to fall, he can look back upon 
the day of his earthly career with but few regrets, and forward to the 
dawning of the glorious morning of immortality with hope and faith, 
and without fear. To have so lived is to have fulfilled as nearlv as 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 489 

commonly falls to the lot of men the true mission of mankind upon 
the earth. Ashley G. Lea was born in Caswell county, N. C, 
February 3, 1810. He was reared in his native State, and was 
there married on the 5th of September, 1832, to Miss Mary Matlock, 
a sister to Capt. Matlock, of this county. Six years afterwards he and 
his wife came to Missouri with the Matlock family, and he located 
three miles west of Huntsville where he bought land and improved 
the farm which William Smith now owns, building the brick residence 
still on the place. The place contained 340 acres of land. Judge 
Lea removed to his present place in 1865. This is situated a mile and 
a half south of Huntsville and contains 230 acres. He has so\d it, 
however, to his son-in-law, John T. Dameron. Judge Lea was a 
member of the county court for eight years, his colleagues having 
been Judges Charles B. Stewart and Joseph Goodding and others. 
Li 1849, during the gold excitement, he went to California, where he 
was engaged in mining and in the grocery trade for about two vears. 
The Judge and Mrs. Lea have had a family of five children : James 
M., Anavia, now Mrs. John Henderson, of Salisbury, Mo. ; Mary, 
now Mrs. George T. Malone ; Josephine, now Mrs. John T. Dam- 
eron ; and William G., who is a farmer and stock-raiser, residing 
six miles north-west of Huntsville. Judge Lea has been a member 
of the Masonic order 40 years. He was road and bridge commis- 
sioner for six years following 1866, and was four years justice of the 
peace. He and wife are members of the M. E. Church. 

John T. Dameron was born October 20, 1845, and was a son of Will- 
iam L. and Priscilla (Cravens) Dameron, his mother being now de- 
ceased, but his father is still living, and, at the age of 65, finds a 
pleasant home with his son. John T. was reared on the farm, and Avas 
married to Miss Josephine Lea, June 10, 1856. He subsequently fol- 
lowed farming in this county, and in 1880 bought his father-in law's 
farm where he now resides. He makes a specialty of raising cattle 
and hogs. In 1861 he enlisted in the State Guard under Capt. San- 
ders and was in the battles of Lexington, Dry Wood and less engage- 
ments, under Capt. Sanders. He was subsequently under Capt. 
Matlock, and while with him was in the battle at Pea Ridge. He was 
honorably discharged at the end of his service, but on his way home 
was made a prisoner at Springfield, Mo., by the Federals and 
confined at Springfield for three months. After this he staid at home 
until 1864, when, his life being threatened by the militia, he started 
South to join Price, but on the way fell in with Quantrell's men with 
whom he served for three months. He then made his way to Illinois, 
and took no further part in the war. Mr. and Mrs. Dameron have 
five children: Ashley, Lutie, Frank, John E., Pencie, and an infant. 
He and wife are members of the M. E. Church South. 

RICHARD EARICKSON LEWIS 

(Proprietor of the Randolph Creamery, and Farmer and Stock-raiser). 

Mr. Lewis is a worthy representative of that old and respected fam- 
ily of Central Missouri whose name he bears. His father, Col. Ben- 



490 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

jamin Lewis, was for many years one of the leading and wealthy men 
of Howard county, and, indeed, was one of the prominent men of the 
State. He accumulated a large fortune in the tobacco business, and 
was as highly esteemed for his many estimable qualities of head and 
heart as he was eminently successful in the business affairs of life. 
He was a man of sterling integrity and great business ability, and was 
one of the most public-spirited citizens in his section of the State. 
His brother, Maj. J. W. Lewis, was also a prominent man of the 
State, and the descendants of each occupy leading positions in busi- 
ness or agricultural life wherever they reside. Col. Ben Lewis was 
for a number of years vice-president of the North Missouri Railroad, 
and later of the St. Louis, Kansas City and Northern. He is one of 
the leading railroad and business men of St. Louis. Richard E. 
Lewis, the subject of this sketch, was born at Glasgow, Mo., Decem- 
ber 30, 1857, and was principally reared in Howard county. He had 
the benefit of a thorough course of training in the common and inter- 
mediate schools, and afterwards entered Princeton College, of New 
Jersey, from which he graduated with marked credit. Upon re- 
turnins: from coUeo^e in 1877, he located at St. Louis and eno;aged in 
the coal and iron mining business in which he continued with success 
for about for years. In 1881 Mr. Lewis decided to engage in agri- 
cultural pursuits, for which he always had great preference, and he 
came to Randolph county and located on a farm in the vicinity of 
Huntsville. Here he has a place of 1,000 acres and is extensively 
engao-ed in stock-raising;. In the fall of 1882, in association with 
others he organized the Randolph Creamery Company, and estab- 
lished a creamery at Huntsville which now has a capacity for 2,400 
pounds of butter per day. In connection with this, he has his farm 
stocked with milch cows, which afford a large percentage of the cream 
used by his creamery. Both in stock-raising and the creamery busi- 
ness, Mr. Lewis has been quite successful, considering the time he 
has been thus engaged. October 20, 1880, Mr. Lewis was married to 
Miss Libbie N. Hutchinson, a daughter of John Hutchinson, a prom- 
inent citizen of Chariton county. Mrs. Lewis is a lady of culture and 
refinement and presides over her elegant home with rare grace and 
dignit3^ She is much esteemed in the best society of Huntsville and 
vicinity. Mr. and Mrs. L. have two children : Sarah Eleanor and 
Christine. Both parents are members of the Presbyterian Church, 
and Mr. Lewis is a prominent member of the Masonic order. 

ALONZO M. AND JOHN C. McCRARY 

(Of McCrary Bros., Grocers, Huntsville). 
These young gentlemen, both energetic and thoroughly qualified 
business men, are representatives of one of the pioneer and highly 
respected families of Howard county. Their grandfather, Benjamin 
McCrary, came to that county from Tennessee among its first settlers, 
and died there in 1881 at the advanced age of 93, and on the farm 
which he opened when the Indian and bear were still in the county. 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 491 

The father, John McCrary, was reared in Howard county, luid when a 
young man was married there to Miss Mariam Witt, of another old 
and prominent family of that county. He and wife are still livinor on 
their farm near Fayette and are in well-to-do circumstances. The 
SODS, Alonzo M. and John C, were born, respectively, March 15, 
1853, and Fel)ruary 2, 1858, and were reared on the farm. Alonzo 
M. McCrary remained on the farm near Faj^ette until the fall of 1880, 
when he came to Salisbury and engaged in the grocery business with 
B. F. Davis under the firm name of McCrary & Davis, where he 
remained until 1882, when he established his present business at 
Huntsville with his brother, John C. On the 16th of October, 1878, 
he was married to Miss Ada Graves, a daughter of Terry Graves, of 
Huntsville. They have one child, an infant. Floy, a daughter, died 
in infancy. His wife is a member of the Baptist Church. 

John C. McCrary received his general education at Central College 
in Fayette, and in 1882 took a course in commercial college, graduat- 
ing from Bryant's Commercial College at St. Joseph in the spring of 
1883. He then came to Huntsville and became a partner with his 
brother in their present business the same year. They carry an excel- 
lent stock of groceries and are rapidly building up a large trade. 
Both are young men of character and popular manners, and have 
already won the confidence and esteem of the community. 

BASLEY W. MALONE 

(Superintendeat of the Couaty Eleemosynary Farm, near Huntsville). 

Mr. Malone has had charge of the county farm for nearly six years, 
and in that time, by his industry, intelligence and good management, 
has made it one of the handsomest and best conducted_^ places of its 
kind, and, withal, one of the least expensive, the number of inmates 
considered, in the State. It is not a common thing that a man of his 
character and ability, capable of succeeding anywhere, is found in 
charge of an eleemosynary establishment of this kind ; not that they 
are not worthy of the attention of the best of men, for the duties at- 
taching to them should command the best qualities of head and heart, 
but that men of enterprise and capacity generally direct their ener- 
gies in other lines, and in business and industries partaking more 
directly of individual interest. When, therefore, one can be found to 
take charge of a place of this kind and manage it as Mr. Malone has 
managed this place, he is entitled only to the more credit for his ser- 
vices, and this has not been refused him by those who know him and 
are familiar with his manner of carrying on the county farm. He 
stands high in public esteem, as does also his excellent wife and fam- 
ily. Mr. Malone is a native Randolphian, born on Sweet Spring 
creek, March 27, 1831. His parents, Thomas and Elizabeth (Dame- 
ron) Malone, came to Randolph county from North Carolina in 
1829. The father died here in 1843, and the mother four years after- 
wards. They had a family of 11 children, most of whom are living, 
and are themselves the heads of families., but Basley W. is a resi- 



492 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

dent of Randolph, as is all of the family, except one, who lives in 
Sacramento City, Cal. He was reared to habits of industry, and on 
the 29th of June, 1854, was married to Miss Susan F. Collins, a 
daughter of Lemuel and Courtney (Robertson) Collins. Her father 
died and her mother afterwards married Thomas Jackson, who is also 
now deceased, but the mother is still living at the advanced age of 
70. Mr. Malone I'^ed from the age of 14 with his uncle, George A. 
Mathis, and was ^aged in putting up tobacco until his marriage. 
He then engaged coopering at Mt. Airy, and also ran a blacksmith 
sliop for about i ^i years. In 1864 he enlisted in Capt. Matlock's 
company of the ^Southern service, but was soon afterwards captured 
in October, and kept in prison at St. Louis and Alton until Febru- 
ary, 1865. Returning to Randolph county, he engaged in farming 
near Clifton, where he continued for eight years. Coming to Hunts- 
ville in 1873, he was engaged in putting up tobacco and the butcher 
business here until he took charge of the county farm. Mr. and 
Mrs. Malone have one daughter, Katie M., now a young lady. Mr. 
Malone has been an elder in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church 
for 20 years, and has been a member since he was 15 years of age. 
He is also a member of the I. O. O. F. and is treasurer of the lodge 
at Huntsville. For one term he was deputv sheriff of the county 
under Capt. W. F. Elliott. 

JOHN W. AND WILLIAM Y. MASON 

(Farmers and Stock-raisers). 

These brothers, independent farmers and stock-raisers of Ran- 
dolph county, first saw the light on the same day, June 2, 1849. 
Their father, ^illiam Mason, was a native of Kentucky, where he 
lived until after his marriage. His wife was Elena J. Payton, also a 
native of the State. Mr. Mason moved to Missouri in 1844, and lo- 
cated on the farm where his sons now live. John W. and William 
Y. were raised on the farm and educated at the neighboring schools. 
Since the death of their father, April 17, 1872, they have taken 
charge of, and carried on the farm, which is a large and flourishing 
one. It comprises 480 acres with about 300 improved and in culti- 
vation. William Y. Mason married October 14, 1874, Miss Itheua 
Owen, daughter of James Owen, a Kentuckian, but one of the pio- 
neers of the county. They have only one child, Ivola. Two years 
after his brother succumbed to the almost inevitable fate of man, J. 
W. Mason followed suit, wedding January 5, 1876, Miss Theresa J., 
daughter of Josiah Terry, a resident of Randolph. To them were born 
three children : Mittie White, Owen and Asa. Though these brothers, 
with that peculiar affection which always seems to animate the hearts 
of twins, have clung together, yet they do not make one household ; 
J. W. continues to live in the old homestead, which is a handsome 
two-story building ; he has a good barn, ice-house and other things 
necessary to the comfort of a prosperous farmer, including a nice 
young bearing orchard of seventy trees. William Y. has a pretty, 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 493 

new, one-story residence, ice-house, two good barns and fine 
orchard. In the sight of these two men bound by the closest tie 
that unites one man to another, dwelling in this haunt of peace, 
where "Nature's heart beats strong," surrounded on every side by 
associations and reminders of a past generation, there is something 
almost Arcadian : — 

Noiseless falls the foot of time 
That only treads on flowers, 

and though these respected gentlemen are in the fir u vigor of man- 
hood, one can imagine them living thus serene and happy for at 
least a hundred years to come. 

JAMES HORACE MILLER 

(Deputy Circuit Clerk, Huntsville, and Farmer and Stock-raiser). 
Mr. MUler, a self-made man, and one of the popular citizens of 
Randolph county, is a native of the Blue Grass State, born in 
Nicholasville, Ky., April 16, 1832. His parents were Thomas and 
Nellie (Branham) Miller, both of old and respected Kentucky fami- 
lies. The father died, however, when James Horace was but two 
years of age, and after becoming old enough to be of any service 
he was given a position in a store, and he continued identified 
with merchandising in the capacity of a clerk until he was 20 
years of age. His education was acquired mainly by self-culture 
or study during leisure hours without an instructor. The nature of 
his duties as a clerk were such that to be efficient and capable he 
needed a good practical education, and this he had the industry 
and force of character to acquire. He became a very successful 
and popular clerk, and his services were in request wherever he 
was known. In 1852, however, he decided to cast his fortune with 
the future of Missouri, and he accordingly came out to this State 
and selected Macon county as the place of his residence. There 
he encased in clerkino; and afterwards obtained a situation in the 
county clerk's office. When the war broke out he promptly en- 
listed in the State Guard under Gov. Jackson's call, and for three 
years afterwards he followed the Southern banner and participated 
in many of the hardest fought battles of the war. He was honor- 
ably discharged at the expiration of his service, but while on his 
return to Missouri he was made a prisoner by the Vermont troops 
and confined at Camp Morton, in Indiana, untu about the close of 
the war. During most of his service in the Confederate army Mr. 
Miller held the rank of orderly sergeant, and he was noted in his 
regiment for the efficiency and energy with which he discharged the 
duties of his office. He returned to Missouri after his release from 
prison and engaged in farming near Darksville, in this county. On 
the 12th of November, 1868, he was married to Miss Mattie, a 
daughter of Watson and Hannah (Marvin) Carter, of Randolph 



494 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 



county, but originally of Virginia. Mr. Miller continued farming with 
success until 1878, when he was elected assessor of the county and 
served for four years. In 1882 he was a candidate before the Demo- 
cratic convention for the nomination to the office of county clerk, but 
was defeated by Mr. Wight. Since that time he has been deputy 
circuit clerk, the position he now holds. Mr. Miller was a capable 
and energetic farmer, and has made a very efficient and popular county 
officer. He is one of those whole-souled, open-hearted, generous 
men, who cannot help being kind and accommodating, and whom 
the people cannot help liking if they would, and would not if they 
could. He is an outspoken, frank-minded man, a good talker, be- 
cause he always has something worth listening to to say, and he 
makes friends wherever he goes as fast as a hungry barn-fowl swal- 
lows dough. As honest as dajdight, and the soul of cleverness in 
every way, he is just the man to be popular in any well regulated 
community, and although he ran on the outside track and came out a 
neck behind in 1880, only because he thought he could win anyhow, — 
it is not always the boy who knocks the first apple who gets over the 
fence with the most fruit. Several bad harvests hardly ever follow 
each other in succession, and it is not improbable that the next 
reaping will fill his granary, — at any rate, that seems to be the 
opinion of the public now, for the people recognize the fact that 
official advancement could not be more worthily bestowed than on 
him, a man who has ever stood up for their interests when others 
were silent, if doing nothing worse, and one whom they know to 
be capable and honest. The people have a native and incorrupti- 
ble sense of fairness, and they will not always submit to see a man 
pushed aside to make place for others no more worthy and capable 
than he. Mr. Miller is a prominent member of the Odd Fellow's 
order, having taken the highest degree in the lodge, and he is also 
a member of the Knights of Honor and of the Masonic order. 
Mr. and Mrs. Miller have five children : Anna, Maggie, Thomas, 
Nellie and Mary. Mrs. M. is a member of the Baptist Church. 

THOMAS BENTON MINOK 

(Huntsville). 

Mr. Minor descends from an old and respected Virginia family. 
His ancestor of the fourth generation, Joseph Minor, was a well-to-do 
farmer and worthy citizen of Culpeper county, where he lived until 
his death. He left a family of several children, including George 
H. Minor, who, after he grew up, married Mary Gatewood, of the 
adjoining county of Spottsylvania. She was a daughter of Joseph 
Gatewood, Sr., of that county, and was one of two sisters in a 
family of seven. One of her brothers, Joseph Gatewood, Jr., sub- 
sequently removed to Kentucky and then to Pike county. Mo., 
and Dr. R. H. T. Gatewood, of Audrain county, near Wellsville, 
is his son. George H. Minor and wife, nee Mary Gatewood, also 
removed to Kentucky and located in Scott coupty where he lived 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUiNTY. 495 

for many years, but in 1831 he, too, came to Missouri and settled 
permanently in Randolph county, where he and wife died at ad- 
vanced ages. They had a family of 18 children, namely : Samuel, 
born August 8, 1811, married Luvena Stewart, and died in Ran- 
dolph county; Joseph L., born September 18, 1812, married Sallie 
A. Cavins, and resides at Huntsville ; John, born October 25, 1815, 
married Mary R. Cook ; they became the parents of the subject of this 
sketch, and will again be referred to further along ; Larkin, born May 
1, 1816, now deceased ; Mary A., born December 19, 1817, became 
the wife of Henry Thomas, and resides in Chariton county, in 
Salisbury; Merritt, born February 17, 1819, married Elizabeth 
Stewart, and died in Randolph county; Eliza, born March 19, 1821, 
is now deceased ; Virginia, born November 6, 1822, is also deceased ; 
Lydia, born March 10, 1824, married Walter Bohn, now of this 
county; Henry, born October 18, 1825, married Rachel Sears, and 
lives in Polk county ; Harriet, born October 21, 1827, died in this 
county ; Haskins, born April 22, 1829, also died in Randolph county ; 
Elizabeth, born October 27, 1830, is also deceased ; Cinsey, born 
July 1, 1832, married George W. McDonald, and deceased in this 
county ; Josephine, born July 3, 1834, married W. A. Thomas, and 
died in this county in 188ii ; Willis, born April 24, 1837, married 
Martha Epperly and resides in Chariton county, in Salisbury ; Sallie, 
born August 6, 1840, married Andrew Agee and resides in this 
county; and Lewis, born December 9, 1841, married Barbara Ep- 
perly and resides in Salisbury. The father of these, George H. 
Minor, was a man of sterling character and solid intelligence, and 
led a life- without reproach and was fairly successful as a farmer, also 
a school teacher. His wife was an estimable lady and greatly loved 
in her own family, as well as prized by others who knew her as a neigh- 
bor and friend. 

John Minor, their third son, who afterwards became the father 
of the subject of this sketch, was still a youth when the family 
came to Missouri. In early manhood he liecame a cabinet maker and 
worked at his trade at Huntsville for many years. He was regarded 
as a mechanical genius by those who knew him, for there was 
hardly anything possible to skill and judgment in the use of tools 
that he could not do. This was especially the case in wood work, 
and he was considered the best cabinet maker in all this section of 
country. Later along in life, however, he located on a farm in the 
county and became comfortably situated. He was for many years 
an earnest and faithful member of the Missionary Baptist Church 
and was a zealous worker in the church. He was one of the charter 
members of the Mt. Salem Church and built the present house of 
worship at that place. He was an intelligent and close reader of the 
Bible, and became a licensed preacher, and did much valuable work 
for his church and the cause of religion, though he never preached a 
great deal. He was a man of kindly disposition and sober thought, 
and wielded a marked and beneficial influence on those around him. 



496 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

Self-educated himself, he appreciated the importance of education, 
and o:ave his own children the best school advantao;es his circum- 
stances would allow. He died July 14, 1879, sincerely and deeply 
regretted by all who knew him. His wife had preceded him to the 
grave about eight years, dying June 8, 1871. They had a family of 
twelve children, as follows : John S., born May 7, 1840, married Miss 
Mary E. Brockman ; Samuel C, born March 8, 1842, married Mary 
E. Buffington ; Thomas Benton, the subject of this sketch ; Josephus, 
born February 19, 1846, married Minerva F. Bradley; Melchisedec, 
born January 9, 1848, married Florence Ford ; Monroe, born Novem- 
ber 30, 1849, married Laura F. Patrick; Cecelia J., born March 1, 
1851, married George T. Burton; Julia A., born July 15, 1853, not 
married; Isadora, born July 25, 1855, married John H. Cash; Mary 
Ellen, born February 25, 1857, died in tender years; Stephen W., 
born July 25, 1858, died in infancy ; andLarkin, born March 8, 1862, 
single. Melchisedec and Isadora reside across in Chariton county, 
but the others living are residents of this county. 

Thomas Benton Minor was born on the family homestead in Ran- 
dolph county, August 25, 1843. Reared on the farm, he was brought 
up to habits of industry, and received a good common-school educa- 
tion. But after he grew up he decided to engage in business life, 
and in 1866, going to Boonville, he embarked in merchandising as 
salesman in the employ of J. S. McFadden (the husband of Mr. M.'s 
mother's ©nly living sister, her maiden name being Cecilia Cook). 
In 1868 he returned to Randolph county and resumed the mercantile 
business at Huntsville, handling a stock of general merchandise with 
his father underthe firm name of T. B. Minor & Co. In 1873 Mr. M., 
disposing of his interest to his father, went to Moberly and commenced 
the clothing and merchant-tailoring business, which he continued un- 
til 1875, when he returned to Huntsville and became identified with 
the insurance business. He has followed this ever since, and with 
more than ordinary success considering the population of the place 
and adjacent territory. He has built up the leading insurance agency 
of Huntsville and one of the prominent agencies of the county. He 
represents the Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York, the 
largest insurance company in the world, its cash assets aggregating 
over $100,000,000, and is the oldest company in the United States. 
He also represents the following companies which insure against losses 
by fire, lightning, wind, storm, tornado, etc. : ^tna, of Hartford, 
Conn. ; American, of Philadelphia, Pa. ; American Central, of St. 
Louis, Mo. ; Continental, of New York, N. Y. ; Fire Association of 
Pennsylvania; Fireman's Fund, of California; German American, of 
New York, N. Y. ; Underwriter's Agency, New York, N. Y. ; Insur- 
ance Company of North America; Pennsylvania Manufacturers' In- 
surance Company, Massachusetts ; Phoenix, of New York, N.Y. ; Spring- 
field Insurance Company, of Mass. ; North British and Mercantile, of 
England ; and the Queen Insurance Company, also of England. 

Mr. Minor attributes his success to the fact that he has devoted him- 
self, so far as business activities are concerned, exclusively to the in- 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 497 

surance business. He says that he has found by experience that " a 
man had better do one thing well than to try to do many things and 
do none well." His success in business certainly shows that his ideas 
and methods are worthy of imitation, whilst it reflects no ordinary 
credit on his character, energy and intelligence. On the 20th of 
February, 1879, he was married to Miss Lucy A. Jones, of this 
county, a daughter of Evan Jones, originally of Lanchire, Wales, and 
wife, formerly of Covington, Ky. Mrs. Jones' maiden name was 
Mary A. Harper. She and husband lived in Schuyler county, and 
their daughter, now Mrs. Minor, was reared in Schuyler and this 
county, and principally educated at Moberly. Mr. and Mrs. Minor 
have three children : Mary Dundee, born March 18, 1880 ; Lucelia, 
born March 23, 1882, and Byron Benton, born February 25, 1884. 
Mr. and Mrs. M. are members of the Missionary Baptist Church at 
Huntsville, and Mr. M. has been a member of the Masonic order since 
1869. 

HON. HENEY A. NEWMAN 

(State Commissioner of Labor Statistics; Residence, Huntsville). 
To any one who knows anything of the politics of Missouri for the 
past 10 or 15 years, the name that heads this sketch is not an un- 
familiar one. Col. Newman has many of the stronger and better 
qualities for a public man and leader of men. He is public spirited, 
generous almost to a fault, a man of strong convictions and zealous in 
the maintenance of them, a fine organizer, a fearless, bold leader, 
yet a discreet and safe tactician. In the war he was a gallant soldier 
of the South, and greatly distinguished himself by his intrepidity on 
more than one bloody field. He started out in 1861 and did not re- 
turn until the broad bars and bright stars of the Confederate banner 
went down in defeat to rise no more for ever. He surrendered at 
Greensboro', N. C, being at the time on the staff of Gen. D. 
H. Hill. After the war he returned home and went to work as a 
worthy citizen to establish himself in life, for he had lost practically 
all his proj)erty during the struggle. Of course such a man as he is 
could not sit quietly down and fail to take part in public affairs when 
issues of so much importance were constantly before the people. A 
man of broad intelligence, superior general education, a speaker of 
great ability and eloquence, as well as a citizen of potent influence 
amongthe people where he lived, by the process of " natural selection," 
as Col. Farr of Jefferson City would say, in the language of Darwin, 
his favorite naturalist and scientist. Col. Newman was called from the 
shades of private life, like John the Baptist was called to preach to the 
natives of the wilderness, to take the rostrum, or rather the stumps, 
and to point out to his fellow-citizens in that burning eloquence for 
which he is noted, their duties in the great crisis in which the people 
were involved, and to lead them up to a higher and purer plane of 
civil administration, or in other words, to show them how the country 
might be saved, and to lead the way for its salvation. Appreciated 
for his ability as a statesman and orator, in 1872 the people of Ran- 



498 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

dolph county rose up with one glad acclaim and elected him to the 
Legislature. Seated in the law-making assembly of the State govern- 
ment, where wise enactments were to be placed upon the statute books 
for the preservation of the rights and liberties of the people, there the 
wide and profound sweep of his intellect became manifest to every in- 
telligent citizen, and beseemed to grasp, as by intuition and at the 
moment, the condition of the situation and to understand with marvel- 
ous wisdom the great reforms that were necessary to be brought about 
for the welfare and best interests of the Commonwealth. In the Legis- 
lature, Col. Newman took a high position, and held it with distinguished 
ability to the end of his representative career. He originated and car- 
ried forward to final enactment many of the most wholesome laws in 
our civil and criminal code. We have not time nor space to specify 
these numerous enactments — details are tedious, and only those of 
entomological minds can stop to consider them. Col. Newman re- 
turned home after his service in the Legislature and received the con- 
gratulations of all his constituents, not only on the high value of his 
services, but on the position of prominence and influence to which he 
had elevated their county in the representative hall of the State. He 
was not again in the public service as an official for some six years, 
though he was warmly urged by the people for various positions ; but 
whether in or out of office, he was ever found standing up fearlessly and 
boldly for the rights and best interests of his county, the State, and 
the whole country. In every campaign since the war Col. Newman 
has taken an active part as a public-spirited citizen and orator, and 
there is not a hall in this section of the State that has not echoed his 
voice as he spoke for honest government and purity and wisdom of 
civil administration ; while in Randolph county the native stumps are 
as familiar with the tread of his feet, and the atmosphere as used to 
the sound of his voice, as they are to those of the scarlet-crowned 
woodcock. Col. Newman has of course always been a. Democrat, and 
he belongs to the unterrified of his party, the boys that fear no noise. 
Wherever a few Democrats are gathered together in Missouri in the 
name of Thomas Jefferson there will he be found also, and no face is 
more familiar in conventions and committees, district, county and State, 
to representative Democrats, than that of Henry Newman. He is at 
present a member of the State Democratic Central Committee, and is 
always a prominent figure in State and county conventions. In 1878 
he was secretary of the State Senate, and in 1883 he was appointed 
State Labor Statistician by Gov. Crittenden. While the Governor 
recognized the fact that Col. Newman was a representative Democrat 
of the Confederate element in the State which, according to all rules 
of politics, was entitled to representation in the Governor's adminis- 
tration. Col. Newman's superior qualifications for the office and his 
well known sympathy for the laboring classes are the controlling con- 
siderations which brought about his appointment. Col. Newman was 
brought up on a farm himself and to hard work, and he therefore 
knows from personal experience what the hardships and deprivations 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 499 

of the men of toil are ; and having given the question of the relations 
between hibor and capital profound study for years, and having trav- 
ersed in his investigations the whole field of political economy, from 
Serra, the Italian economist, indeed from Plato, to Henry George, of 
our own time and country, he is conversant with all the principles in- 
volved in the subject with which he has to deal, and understands 
thoroughly the true theory upon which the affairs of his office should be 
administered. In late years he has made it a special study to discover 
the practical operations of the industries in this country in all their 
bearings, and no man in the West understands better the reforms 
needed to place labor and capital in just and satisfactory positions with 
regard to each other. These reforms he will outline in recommenda- 
tion to the legislative branch of the State government which will be 
laid before that body by the Governor, and which, if enacted into laws, 
will produce, as those best capable of judging believe, the most salu- 
tary and satisfactory results. Col. Newman's whole heart and energies 
are enlisted in the great work of effecting a wise solution of the diffi- 
culties resulting from the conflicts between capital and labor, and the 
troubles arising from the varying interests of these economic factors. 
His services in his present office will doubtless prove of the highest 
value to the State, and reflect honor upon himself and the State 
administration of which he is a worthy representative. Col. Newman 
is a man still in the prime of life, not only in age but physical and 
mental vigor. He was born in Staunton, Va., March 29, 1835, and 
was a son of Jacob and Caroline (Austin) Newman, both representa- 
tives of old and influential Virginian families. He was reared in 
Virginia and received an excellent and general education, and in 1856 
he came to Missouri and located near Knoxville. Col. Newman has 
been a resident of this State for a period now of nearly 30 years, and 
has proved himself not only a usefnl citizen, but one more than ordin- 
arily zealous for the welfare and prosperity of his adopted State. On 
the 28th of August, 1856, he was married to Miss Sarah F. Austin, a 
distant relative of his. They have been blessed with a worthy family 
of children, and their married life has been one of singular happiness. 
Col. Newman, as stated above, makes his home here at Huntsville 
where he has long resided, and is one of the most prominent citizens 
of that place. 

JOHN CHRISTIAN OLIVER, M.D. (deceased) 
(Huntsville). 

On the 18th of November, 1881, was suddenly stricken down of 
apoplexy in this vicinity. Dr. John C. Oliver, in the meridian of his 
usefulness, who died at 11 o'clock, a.m., shortly after having received 
the fatal stroke. To those of the present generation in Randolph 
county, and particularly in the vicinity of Huntsville, no written 
record of this good and useful man's life is necessary to inform them 
whom and what he was, for the worth of his character and services 
is engraved on the hearts of all who knew him. But soon these 



500 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

of the present will pass away, and it is but the performance of a duty 
to transmit to posterity some knowledge of this man's life, that the 
influence of his example may, like the wave of a sea, go vibrating on 
toward the further shore of time. Not only are such lives as he lived 
valuable in themselves and to those among whom they live, but the his- 
tory of their careers are valuable for the lessons they teach to those of 
the future, and wherever Christian character and successful efforts for 
the good of humanity are appreciated among men. While his was 
not a life to attract the attention and admiration of the idle, unthink- 
ing world, it was such a life that the more it is studied and the better 
understood — plain and unobtrusive, but sincere and useful — the 
more and the better it is appreciated. A man of large humanity and 
warm sympathies, and one Avhose highest ambition seemed to be to 
make himself useful to the utmost of his capacity and opportunities 
while yet in youth, he determined to devote himself to the medical pro- 
fession as affording to him, as he believed, a field of the greatest 
usefulness. Continuing steadfast to this purpose, under the instruc- 
tion of his father and afterwards by the knowledge acquired at a med- 
ical college he became a physician, and he pursued the practice ot" his 
chosen calling without interruption and with unabated zeal until he was 
finally stricken down in death while absent from home attending a 
patient, — dying, as we have every reason to believe he preferred to 
die, whilst in the performance of his duty to suffering humanity, for 
which he had already done so much, and for which it was his greatest 
pleasure to labor. Possessed of a mind of more than ordinary 
strength and clearness, and a hardly less devoted student than he was 
a zealous and faithful practitioner, he inevitably rose to a position of 
marked honor and distinction in his profession, and his skill and learn- 
mor were recognized wherever his name was known. No one of his 
qualities of mind and heart could fail to make a good and useful cit- 
izen ; so, it is but stating a sequence to say, that as a member of the 
community in which he lived none were more forward in measures 
for the common weal than he. Public spirited, and a man of broad 
and enlightened views, he was equally generous of his time and means 
when they were required for the general good. In his family he was 
loved and esteeined with singular tenderness and admiration. As hus- 
band and father he seemed to be all to his loved ones they would have him 
be, and by them his memory is cherished with a sacredness that speaks 
a noble eulogy of his life around his own hearthstone. In a word, in 
the character and career of Dr. John C. Oliver were combined as many 
virtues and as few faults as seldom fall to the lot of a single life. 
Commenting on his death the Moberly Daihj Monitor thus spoke of 
him: " Dr. Oliver was an old and estimable citizen of Huntsville, a 
man of clear head and large information, of warm heart and gener- 
ous impulses, widely known and universally respected. * * * 
Huntsville has lost one of her best citizens, the Medical Society an 
able and influential member, Randolph county a prominent and use- 
ful resident, and his family a devoted husband and indulgent 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 501 

father. * * « <'Dr. Oliver will be greatly missed, and his 
place in the community will be hard to fill. In every relation of life 
he was a true and just man, one whose obligations to his family and 
to society were faithfully and scrupulously fulfilled. * * * 
The sudden death of Dr. John C, Oliver on Friday was succeeded 
by the funeral and burial of the remains 3'esterday. The funeral ora- 
tion was pronounced by Elder S. Y. Pitts in the chapel of Mt. Pleasant 
College. The chapel was crowded to its utmost capacity, and a large 
number were unable to gain admittance. Not only did Huntsville 
pour out her population to pay the last sad rites to the eminent physi- 
cian and justly popular citizen, but many persons were in attendance 
from Moberly and various other parts of the county and State. Such 
was the high esteem in which the deceased was held that, notwith- 
standing the inclemency of the weather, Huntsville witnessed yester- 
day the largest funeral procession in her history. The burial rites 
were observed in the Masonic fraternity, the deceased having been a 
Mason for many years. Mr. Colmass, of Kentucky, an eminent Ma- 
son and distinguished traveler and lecturer, conducted the ceremony. 
Here, as in the chapel, the deep solemnity and awe that pervaded the 
assembly attested the sincere regard and affection in which Dr. Oliver 
was held. Sorrow w^as marked on every countenance, and the body 
was laid to rest amid the tears and sobs of an affectionate people." 

John Christian Oliver was born in Fayette county, Ky., May 1, 
1825. His father was Di". Presley T. Oliver, subsequently a lead- 
ing physician and prominent citizen of Randolph county, who is re- 
membered by all who knew him as a man eminently worthy to have 
been the father of such a son as him, a sketch of whose life is given on 
these pages. The mother's maiden name was Jane Christian, and both 
parents were born and reared in Kentucky, where they were married 
in 1817. In 1850 the father came to Missouri with his family and lo- 
cated in Washington county, but two years later removed to Cooper 
county, and in 1836 crossed the river and settled in Randolph county, 
near Renick, where both he and his wife lived until their deaths. He 
was entirely successful as a physician, both in the practice and in the 
accumulation of property, and left a comfortable estate at his death. 
He died on his farm near Renick, June 12, 1863. He was a man of 
great public spirit, and took an active and intelligent interest in the 
general affiiirs of the community and the county. He represented the 
county in the Legislature in about 1848, and was always regarded as 
one of its most intelligent and worthy citizens. He was long a member 
of the church and was quite prominent in church affairs. Though fond 
of books, he was more a man of original thought than a follower after 
others. A man of pleasing and popular address, nothins: delighted 
him more than to be among his friends and acquaintances for social 
converse, and he was always prized among them as an agreeable com- 
panion. He preceded his good wife to the grave some two years, a 
most estimable lady. They had a family of six children : Frederick 
G. and Robert C, both now deceased; Simeon T., who is now a 



502 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

farmer near Renick ; Judith, who is now residing near Renick and is 
the widow of Noah Martin, deceased; Martha A., who is now the 
widow of George W. True and resides at Moberly ; Mary J. who is 
now the wife of James R. Neale, and resides in Prairie township ; and 
John C, the subject of this sketch, who, in common with his brothers, 
Frederick G. and Robert C, became a physician. Dr. JohnC. Oliver 
was reared in the county and studied medicine under his father. 
Later along he attended medical college at Cincinnati, Ohio, where he 
was honorably graduated. Immediately after his graduation he re- 
turned to Randolph county and engaged in the practice of his pro- 
fession. On the 23d of January, 1850, he was married to Miss Sarah A. 
Eddins, an orphan girl, who was reared by her uncle, Robert Mitchell, 
who resided near Huntsville. For seven years following Dr. John 
C. Oliver resided on a farm near Renick, where he devoted his whole 
time and energies to the practice of his profession with his father. 
In 1857 he removed to a farm four miles north-west of Huntsville 
where he resided 12 years, coming thence to Huntsville in 1869, 
the place of his residence from that time until his death. As has been 
intimated above, his career as a physician was one of eminent success. 
For years prior to his taking off he had enjoj^ed an extensive and lu- 
crative practice, and was regarded as one of the most capable physi- 
cians throughout the whole section of country in which he lived. He 
accumulated a handsome estate as the material reward of his long and 
useful services in the medical profession. He was a student by nat- 
ural inclination from boyhood, and his studies were not confined to 
his profession, but extended over a wide field of investigation. Thus 
it was, that he became a man of more than ordinarily large and thor- 
ough information. Though taking a lively interest in the various 
societies of vvhich he was a member, he was pre-eminently fond of 
home, and when not occupied with his duties as a physician or citizen, 
he was invariably found in the bosom of his family. Dr. Oliver 
had no taste for public life, yet he always did his full duty as a citizen, 
striving at all times to promote the best interests of the public. All in 
all, he was one of the truest and worthiest men in genuineness of char- 
acter with whose citizenship Randolph was ever honored. He left 
two children : Lelah M., who is now the wife of L. B. Keebaugh, now 
a prominent druggist of Huntsville, and John E., who is now taking 
a course of lectures at the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia. 
Mrs. Oliver, the mother of these, is also living, a woman of many 
estimable qualities, and who is greatly prized as a neighbor and ac- 
quaintance by all who know her. 

EDWARD C. PEW and DAVID S. BENTON 

(Of Pew & Benton, Dealers in Groceries, Queen's-ware, etc., etc., Huntsville). 

These gentlemen, who have one of the leading grocery stores in 
Huntsville, engaged in business here together in the fall of 1880, and 
Mr. Pew had been in the same business for a short time before. They 
carry an excellent stock of goods in their lines, large and well selected, 



\ 



HISTORY or RANDOLPH COUNTY. 503 

and buying entirely for cash, they are able to sell at prices which place 
them beyond the fear of competition. Their trade has steadily 
increased from the beginning, and they number among their customers 
a large percentage of the best citizens of Huntsville and surrounding 
country. Considering their prominence as merchants of this place, it 
would be an omission inexcusable not to include in this volume, which 
purposes to give a biographical conspectus of the county as well as its 
general history, short sketches of the lives of these gentlemen. Mr. 
Pew is a native of Kentucky, born at Lexington, September 4, 1844, 
and was a son of John and Mary (Longmore) Pew, both originally of 
Virginia. When Edward C. was still in tender years, the parents 
removed to Trumbull county, Ohio, where he grew to manhood. He 
was educated at Meadville, Pa., but did not graduate, having to quit 
college on account of failing health. Returning home, he remained 
there until 1860, when he came to St. Louis. He subsequently took 
a course at Bartlett's Commercial College, of Cincinnati, aud follow- 
ing this was engaged as a book-keeper for a large mercantile house for 
some time. Desiring outdoor work, however, he went on the road as 
a commercial traveler and continued in that employment, being on 
the road about half the time and in the store the other half, until the 
spring of 1880, when he came to Huntsville and engaged in his present 
business. He has therefore had a thorough business training, not 
only theoretically at commercial college, but practically in a business 
house and on the road selling goods. In the latter part of the business 
he learned thoroughly the art, which so few have, of making friends 
readily and retaining them permanently, a quality of the first impor- 
tance to the successful merchant. This has been one of the many 
secrets of the success of his firm at Huntsville. On the 7th of August, 
1873, he was married to Miss Laura Elkin, formerly of Springfield, 
111. They have one child: Edward W. Mrs. P. is a member of the 
Christian Church. 

David S. Benton, the junior member of the firm, native is a 
Missourian, born at Platte City, September 2, 1842. His father. Dr. 
Delford Benton, is well known to most old Missourians, for in his 
younger days he was a man of prominence and great activity. He 
was in business at St. Joseph after being a resident of Platte City, and 
went to California in 1850, returning two years later. Florissant, in 
St. Louis county, became his permanent home, and he is well and 
favorably known in that county. Mr. Benton's mother, before her 
marriage, was a Miss Susan Musick, of the old and prominent 
Musick family in this State, several of whose representatives have 
become distmguished in the ministry, at the bar and other callings. 
David S. was reared at Florissant, and his youth was divided between 
attending school, assisting in his father's store and at work on his 
father's farm. On reaching his majority, he went to Helena, Mon., 
and built the second house in that place. He remained there engaged 
in mining until 1866, and was interested in the celebrated Grizley 
Gulch and Last Chance Mines, meeting with good success. He had 
27 



504 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

many thrilling experiences in the far North-west as a member of vigil- 
ance committees and in other affairs, which we have not the space to 
relate. Keturning to Missouri, he was engaged in farming in St. Louis 
county until the spring of 1880, when he came to Randolph county 
and engaged in farming in this county. He followed farming here 
until the%Ul of that year, when he came to Huntsville and became a 
partner in the present firm. He is a man full of energy and industry, 
of o-ood business qualifications, a whole-souled, genial companion, and 
very popular with all with whom he becomes acquainted. He contri- 
butes his full share to the popularity and success of the firm of which 
he is a member, and is a valuable acquisition to the business interests 
of Huntsville. 

SANFORD G. RICHESON 

(Of T. G. Dulany & Co., Lumber Merchants and Dealers in Builders' Hardware 
Paints, Oils, etc., etc., and House Furnishing Materials, Huntsville). 

Mr. Richeson became a member of the above-named firm in the fall 
of 1878, and has since been continually identified with the business, 
o-ivino- it his whole time and attention, Messrs. Dulany & Richeson 
have built up a large trade as lumber merchants, and now carry one 
of the leading stocks, if not the principal one, in their lines in this 
part of the country. Their motto has ever been to deal fairly with 
their custom, and to sell them the best goods for the prices charged 
that the state of the trade will allow. Hence they have won the con- 
fidence of the public, and customers have no hesitation in sending to 
them for supplies, for they know they will get as good, if not better, 
bargains than can be had elsewhere. Mr. Richeson was born in 
Taylor county, Ky., March 5, 1848, and was a son of Joseph E. and 
Margaret A. (Turner) Richeson, later along well known and highly 
respected citizens of Randolph county. The father, Capt. Richeson, 
came to this county in about 1832, and resided here some four years, 
at the expiration of which he returned to Kentuck3^ He was a young 
man when he came to Randolph county, and here met and married 
Miss Turner. She was a daughter of Judge Joseph Turner, one of the 
pioneer and prominent citizens of the county, and for many years a 
member of the county court. He is still living in the county at a 
venerable and well-preserved old age. Capt. Richeson returned to 
Kentucky with his young wife, as stated above, remained there 
engaged in merchandising until 1856, when he came back to Randolph 
county, and settled permanently on a farm nine miles south-west of 
Huntsville. A Southern man in sympathies and principles, and having 
the courage of his convictions, when the war broke out in 1861, he 
joined the Southern army, becoming forage master for Thompson's 
reo-iment in Shelby's brigade, in which he served until 1863. He then 
came home and organized a company of Southern volunteers, of which 
he was made captain, and which he started to lead back to Price's 
command in the South. He was intercepted on the way near Cole 
Camp by a superior force of so-called Home Guards, or in other words, 
horse thieves, house burners and murderers, and was taken prisoner. 



HISTORY or RANDOLPH COUNTY. 505 

Although a reguhir Confederate soldier and an officer in the army, 
whose record bore no mark but that of bravery and honorable man- 
hood, he was taken out by the cowardly assassins who captured him 
and brutally murdered. It was the fashion in those days with the 
Home Guards and militia to call everybody who failed to join them in 
their lawless depredations, and whom they ran off from home for that 
reason, by the general name of " bushwackers," and to shoot them 
when they captured them because they ran away to keep from being 
shot at home. Many of the purest and best men in almost every 
county in the State were thus murdered by lawless scoundrels who, 
before the war, were social outcasts, and too trifling to keep them- 
selves clean. Sanford G. Richeson, the subject of this sketch, 
joined the Southern army in 1864, serving in Perkin's regiment, under 
Shelby. He was subsequently transferred to the 8th Missouri infan- 
try, in which he served until the close of the war. During the last 
year of the war, his mess of nine men, while on detail duty, were 
captured, and all but himself were shot — another example of the 
humanity and bravery characteristic of the other side in the trans- 
Mississippi department. After the war, Mr. Richeson returned to 
Randolph county and followed farming for about five years, and the 
next four years he was at Salisbury, in Chariton county, where he 
served as constable and was deputy sheriff of that county. He 
engaged in his present business, as stated above, in 1878. On the 
11th of January, 1870, he was married to Miss Mary E. Minor, a 
daughter of Joseph L. Minor, of Springfield, Mo. They have six 
children: James W., Vallie A., Joseph G., Edgar T., Birtie and 
William T. Mrs. R. is a member of the M. E. Church South, and 
Mr. R. is a member of the I. O. O. F., having held all the lodge offices 
in that order. He is treasurer of the board of school directors, and is 
a stockholder in the Building and Loan Association and in the Gas 
Light Company. 

THOMAS W. ROBERTS 

(Deputy Collector, Huntsville). 

Mr. Roberts, though quite a young man, occupies one of the most 
important and responsible official positions of the county, having full 
charge of the collector's office, and what is more to his credit, dis- 
charges his duties with that soberness and close attention to business 
to be expected of men only much further advanced in years than he, 
and with that efficiency and vigor characteristic of youth and zeal and 
possible to those only of thorough business qualifications and untiring 
industry. He is doubtless the youngest county collector in the State, 
for as has been said, he has complete charge of the office ; and it is not 
too much to say that the duties of the office are as well and faithfully 
attended to as those of any official position in the county. Mr. 
Roberts, notwithstanding he is quite a young man, has had no small 
amount of business experience, and his experience as a business man 
has been entirely successful. He was born in this county July 13, 
1857, and is a son of Henry H. Roberts, the present collector of the 



506 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

county. His mother's maiden name was Sallie C. Coates, of the old 
and well known Coates family, of Randolph county. His father has 
principally followed farming heretofore and Thomas W. was reared on 
the farm. After attending the preparatory schools, at the age of 16, 
he entered the State Normal School at Kirksville, where he took a two 
years' course of instruction. He then taught a term of school and 
following this began clerking for Duncan & Vince. He clerked for 
two years in that establishment and learned the business thoroughly. 
He then bought Mr. Duncan's interest and the firm became Vince & 
Roberts, in which he continued in the dry goods business until De- 
cember, 1882, when he sold out and the following year took charge 
of the collector's office, his fiither having been elected to this 
position the November before. He has now had charge of the office 
for two years and, as has been said, has managed its affairs 
with singular efficiency and success to the satisfaction of the public. 
His record thus far in the activities of life has been one of more than 
ordinary credit and his future seems especially bright with promise. 
Mr. Roberts, at the age of 24, or rather in his twenty-fourth year, was 
married January 9, 1881, to Miss Sidney A. Hammett, a daughter of F. 
M. Hammett, of Randolph county. They have one child, Victor E. 
Mrs. R. is a member of the M. E. Church. 

[contributed. J 

JUDGE WILLIAM SAMUEL (Deceased), and REUBEN SAM- 
UEL (Deceased) 

(Former County Clerk and Recorder). 

To give a biographical sketch of the Samuel family would require 
more space than any delineator of character or writer of State or 
county history would be willing to devote to a family, however dis- 
tinguished they may be, or may have been in past ages. The Samuels 
were pioneers to Kentucky from Virginia, and the grandfather and 
fathers of the names that are deemed worth}'" of mention in' history, are 
of Welsh descent. From Judge William Samuel, a native of Caroline 
county, Virginia, has sprung numerous Samuels, who have for more 
than half a century back been prominent citizens of several States of 
this Union. Judge Samuel's sons were well trained to business ; edu- 
cated in the best schools accessible in the county where they were 
born. Listening to the glowing accounts given by tourists visiting the 
newer country west, William Samuel with four sons and five daugh- 
ters left a comfortable homestead, and friends dear, for a wider scope 
of country, where energy and industry promised surer reward for labor 
in tilling the soil ; the avocation followed by the father of a large 
family of sons and daughters. His circle of young children to provide 
for as planter, farmer and trader, consisted of William Jr., Reuben, 
John and Robert. Daughters : Nancy, Elizabeth, Agnes, Fannie and 
Phebe. William Samuel, Jr., the oldest son of William Samuel, had 
two sons and two daughters, Washington and William ; daughters : 
Nancy and Eliza. Washington when quite young located near George- 



i 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 507 

town, Kentucky, and was a wealthy farmer ; has many sons and daugh- 
ters now living in Kentucky and other States. Nancy married Samuel 
Pryor, the father of Judge William Pryor of New Castle, Kentuck}', 
and Eliza married Judge James Pryor of Covington, Kentucky. John 
Samuel, of New Castle, had no heirs ; possessed great wealth ; was hon- 
ored at any time during his manhood with any position he desired 
within the gift of his countrymen, having often served the county in 
the Legislature ; he was au eloquent and forcible speaker ; he was tall 
o;raceful and diii^nitied, and considered one of the finest men in Ken- 
tucky, a friend and associate of Clay and Rowan. RoVjert Samuel, 
third son of William Samuel, was born in Caroline county, Virginia, 
settled in New Castle, Kentucky, studied law, but soon gave it up for 
more lucrative and pleasing pursuits, embracing all the enjoyments of 
chasing the fox and wild deer on the hills and valleys of his farm. 
Robert Samuel had only one son, John White Samuel, who before the 
age of eighteen was high sheriff of Henry county, Kentucky. After 
serving his term faithfully without default, he entered into business as 
clerk with his cousins E. M. and George W. Samuel, at the time one 
of the largest commercial houses in North-west Missouri ; from their 
employment he commenced the mercantile business in Andrew county, 
before the Platte country was ceded to the State, erected a log store- 
house on Hackberry Ridge amidst the pea-vines and rushes then lux- 
uriant over the verdant soil of the Platte river up and low lands. In 
the little loo; store-house which was removed to Savannah and occu- 
pied by Mr. Samuel till his death in 1846-47, his industry, honesty 
and business qualities gained the good will of every citizen of the 
county ; he died in the prime of life and was buried by the side of James 
Winston, grandson of Patrick Henry, the Cato of America ; over his 
grave the hardy pioneers wept for the loss of a just man. 
Agnes, the eldest daughter of Judge Samuel, became the wife of 
Daniel Brannum, of Shelby county Ky., and their many sons and 
daughters have a history in the State of Kentucky. Elizabeth Samuel 
married Henry Pemberton ; Fanny became the wife of Edward 
Vaughn. Phebe Samuel was twice married, first to William Mont- 
joice and after to Thomas Craig, a celebrated Baptist minister. From 
the several fimilies that have intermarried with the Samuels, history 
has pointed out many occupying high positions in several States who 
take active part in the politics of the present day, as their forefathers 
have done in the past. But after rounding up the histor}'' of a family, 
thus tracing to ancestors, it paves the way to get fully the genealogy 
of the family that may be claimed as pioneer settlers of Randolph 
and Howard counties. Reuben Samuel and four of his sons may be 
justly claimed as among the earliest settlers of Randolph, and one 
that of Howard county. Reuben Samuel was born in Bowling Green, 
Caroline county, Va. ; was a carpenter, l)uilder and contractor, and 
learned his slaves the trade, and for many years superintended and 
employed many hands in this business ; there being no shoddyism in 
the family they did not adopt the fashionable calling for such a trade, — 



508 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

that of architect. His education and business qualifications were ap- 
preciated and he was prevailed upon to ask of the elective magistrates, 
he being one, the office of recording clerk of the circuit and county 
court. He ran for the office and tied his worthy opponent whose 
father had held the office for 40 years, holding the casting vote 
himself, and rather than withhold it he cast it for his opponent, Ed- 
mund P. Thomas, who, if alive, holds it yet. The trickery of the 
present day in elections was not then known, but self-respect forbid 
the l)uying or selling of votes for money. Mr. Samuel with his large 
family soon left Kentucky to seek home and fortune in Missouri ; on 
account of limited means sojourned temporarily in Lebanon, 111. 
Recruiting in funds, he pursues his course but sees the prospective 
greatness of St. Louis, invests his limited means in lots, the value 
increases, he sells them and buys a cargo of flour, charters a boat, 
the second or third that ever ascended the Missouri river destined 
as high up as Council Bluffs ; the boat sinks a few miles below Old 
Franklin, no insurance, and his fortune ere this has been food for 
sharks in the Gulf of Mexico. His capital left to build a fortune on 
was his life, saved by swimming ashore with pocket-book and coat in 
his teeth. Mr. Samuel, after all these reverses, returned to Ken- 
tucky, then straight back to Randolph county where he was placed in 
the best office in the gift of the good people of Randolph county, 
which he held to his death, and then to his son, W. R. Samuels, and 
now held by a grandson, Joseph Chilton Samuel. Thomas J. Samuel, 
the oldest son of Reuben Samuel, was born in New Castle, Ky., died 
in Huntsville, where he has resided the greater part of his long and 
useful life. One of the purest, best and noblest of mankind, he 
sought never to amass gold. His own pure heart was a rich mine of 
jewels. Money with him was but baskets of bread ready to scatter to 
friend or foe that needed his charity. Randolph count}^ had him with 
her people as far back as 1826 ; his aged, helpless parents had him 
with them alwavs ; his care and his hands were their support and 
solace till the venerable parents rested in peace in the cemetery, a few 
miles south of Huntsville, Avhere the noble son followed to rest by 
their side. Thomas J. Samuel has one son, Joseph C. Samuel, 
clerk of the circuit court and recorder of Randolph county. His 
father's example is his polar star, no other would be safer to watch. 

Sarah Samuel, the only sister of five brothers, died in Huntsville 
with that dreadful malady, consumption, contracted by exposure; 
she was noted for her energy and perseverance, charitable to a degree 
that robbed herself of the comforts of life. 

Edward Madison Samuel, second son of Reuben Samuel, was a 
native of Henry county, Ky., born in 1807; his history can never 
be fully written, for but few men now living know how closely identi- 
fied he has been with public interests, by which the great State of 
Missouri shaped its policy when in its infancy. His tongue, his pen, 
and his purse always free to serve his adopted State, no man in 
Missouri has labored harder to advance and push on enterprises of 



A 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 509 

internal State improvements than Mr. Samuel. He was an able 
writer, a good speaker ; a writer of more than ordinary ability ; 
articles from his pen have contributed largely to the news journals as 
far back as the Intelligencer, published in Franklin, by Nathaniel Patten 
and John T. Cleeland, when the brilliant intellects of Gamble, Bates, 
Guyer, Leonard, Carroll and others contributed to the only news- 
paper in the Boone's Lick country. Edward M. Samuel was then the 
youth whose intellect was bright, and by men of great ability consid- 
ered a youth of great promise. Mr. Samuel became a partner oi 
Lamme Brothers in 1826, the most wealthy and extensive merchants 
above St. Louis ; remained with that firm until his own fortune was 
ample to establish himself in the same business in Liberty, Clay county, 
Mo., when he became one of the leading merchants of North-West Mis- 
souri, retiring from business with ample fortune ; was considered the 
most popular and available Whig ; was nominated by a Whig con- 
vention and made the race for Congress, when two members were to 
be chosen by the State at large ; was only defeated by a small major- 
ity by the invincible Democracy, when they had such odds against 
the Whig party in the State. After his defeat he was appointed re- 
ceiver of the hind oiSce at Plattsburg by Gen. Harrison, and dis- 
charged the duties with fidelity and honesty, which speaks well for an 
agent handling public money. The noble deeds of E. M. Samuel 
have been recorded elsewhere in history; from the pulpit his piety, 
his Christian virtues and his usefulness have been graphically com- 
mented upon by able divines, who knew him more than a half-century 
ago ; as a worker in the wilderness, when only the good could pass 
through the privations incident to a new country and remain spotless, 
unsullied and guiltless of crimes or a dishonest act or deed that sul- 
lied his good name. Mr. Samuel sold his splendid homestead near 
Liberty, removed to St. Louis, established the Commercial Bank, 
placed it upon a firm basis, gave it a national reputation, and it has 
maintained its firmness since the death of Mr. Samuel, who died pres- 
ident of the institution. Mr. Samuel was senior in the commercial 
house of E. M. Samuel & Sons, and the firm still exists under the 
same name by his three sons, Webb M. Samuel, Edward E. and W. 
P.Samuel. Mr. Samuel has two daughters living: Martha, Mrs. 
Ray ; Jennie, Mrs. E. C. Eingo ; the first of Marshall, Mo., the lat- 
ter of St. Louis. 

George Warren Samuel was born in New Castle, Henry county, 
Ky., June 4, 1810; came to Fayette, Howard county. Mo., in the 
yaer 18^8 ; obtained a clerkship with Harrison, Glasgow &Ross, who 
were then the wealthy merchants of Missouri. Inexperienced as he 
then was, much labor was required of him as book-keeper and sales- 
man in a commercial house doing the largest business ©f anv mer- 
chant above St. Louis, the house selling the greater portion of 
merchandise that went across the plains to New Mexico ; a trade so 
profitable that the junior partner, James Harrison, was indebted for 
a great portion of his immense estate left at his death. Mr. Samuel, 



510 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

after leavino; the house, set up business for himself and obtained large 
credit in Philadelphia, which enabled him to do an extensive business 
in many counties as a merchant, which business he followed up to the 
year 1852, when he became president of the Southern Bank of St. 
Louis, Branch at Savannah, Mo., which institution he managed with 
great success to the commencement of the war, when the institution 
had to close ; and by his exertion, at all times surrounded by great 
danger, he managed to convey the bank's large deposit to the parent 
bank at St. Louis in safety. His standing as a citizen, his business 
qualifications, his success as banker, merchant, farmer, and in his 
varied avocations ; his eventful life, his delicate health whilst pursuing 
arduous and hazardous lines of trade, is more fully set forth in the 
historical work, the United States Biographical Dictionary, published 
in 1878, at Kansas City. Mr. Samuel had only one son and three 
daughters, Eliza Barr, the wife of Henry VV. Yates, banker, Omaha, 
Neb. ; Florence Tilton, the wife of Maj. John T. Johnson, of the 
Merchants' Bank, St. Joseph ; and Anna Imby, the wife of John S. 
Lemon, banker. George W. Samuel and W. R. Samuel are the only 
living sons of Reuben Samuel — G. W. Samuel over 70 and W. R. 
over 60 years old. Four of the brothers have borne arms and served 
the State in war, obeyed their country's call, whether in a conflict for 
liberty or invasion. Thomas and Edward served in the Mormon and 
Black Hawk War, Chilton and Robert in the Mexican War under Gen. 
A. W. Doniphan and Gen. Price; one as non-commissioned and the 
other as first lieutenant. In the battles fought their man}' comrades 
fell whilst they escaped shot or shell, but the poisonous climate 
fastened a deadly disease upon Chilton, and the brave, noble boy, 
died after reaching home. 

Col. David Todd Samuel was the only son of George Warren Sam- 
uel, of St. Joseph, Mo., son-in-law of the late Judge David Todd, 
deceased, of Columbia. The brilliant, brave, and chivalrous Colonel 
was killed at the battle of Kenesaw Mountain, on the 30th of 
August, 1864 ; afterwards interred with the honors of war in the city 
cemetery of Atlanta, Ga., where his father after his interment found 
his remains and brought them for final sepulcher by the side of his 
little brother and sister. The young Colonel was but a youth, only 
24, when captured at Camp Jackson, and was a lieutenant under Col. 
Bowen. Returning to his home in Andrew county, with no intention 
of entering the rebel service, his situation became so perilous that 
amid the excitement of the hour he left friends and home, and his last 
words spoken to his father were : " Father, I had rather fall in battle 
than forsake m)^, comrades with whom I have enlisted." As major, 
assisted by Col. Jeflerson Patten, he raised a small regiment of vol- 
unteers, with which he fought at Blue Mills, Lexington, Pea Ridge, 
Corinth, Vicksburg, Kenesaw, luka, Atlanta, and Jonesburgh. At 
the time of his death he was colonel of the Third C. S. A., and was 
the youngest officer of rank west of the line of Southern States. 
His brightness was a shining light for the deadly missies that hides 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 511 

the noble youth from bereaved parents, who had watched over and 
guided him when his infant smiles were their joy and pride. 

The five Samuel brothers were tall, slender, had dark hair even in 
old age, blue eyes ; all merchants and bankers except one, the 
youngest ; in height not an inch, differing in weight not more than ten 
pounds ; all taking after their ancestors, the Bartletts, on the mother's 
side and Samuels on their father's side. 

HON. WILLIAM E. SAMUEL 

(Of Samuel & Hammett, Real Estate Agents, Huntsville). 

Mr. Samuel, the fifth son of Reuben Samuel, a sketch of whom pre- 
cedes this, is a worthy representative in every way of the honored family 
whose name he bears. Now in his sixty-second year, his life has been 
one of great activity and usefulness, and one untarnished by a wrong act. 
Coming out to Missouri with the rest of the family, when a young man 
he commenced mercantile life as a clerk for his brother, E. M. Samuel, 
at Liberty, Missouri. Later along, he engaged in merchandising on 
his own account, having removed to Huntsville. This was nearly forty 
years ago, and he has been a resident of Randolph county from that 
time to this. In point of character and ability he is no exception to 
the others of his family, and though a man the least self-seeking and 
ambitious of political advancement, as far back as 1852 he was elected 
by the Whigs, and not a few votes from the Democratic party, to rep- 
resent Randolph county in the State Legislature. As a law-maker, 
his course was marked by strict fidelity to the interests of his consti- 
tuents and the State, and by earnest and effectual efforts throughout 
his term to promote the general welfare by wise and judicious legisla- 
tion. As a man of sound judgment and sober intelligence, he was not 
only appreciated in the Legislature for his character and sterling com- 
mon sense, but he was abundantly able to make his influence felt on 
the floor of the House as an advocate of sound enactments and an op- 
ponent of injudicious legislation. In 1856, Mr. Samuel was elected 
as circuit and county clerk and recorder, a position he filled with such 
efficiency and satisfaction that he was continued in it by repeated re- 
elections for a period of ten years. He then retired from office to 
engage in the tobacco business, which he has since carried on. He 
has so lived that the truest and best wealth this life can afford has 
come to him to enjoy — the confidence and esteem of all who have 
known him long and well. For the last five years Mr. Samuel has 
been engaged in the real estate business with Charles H. Hammett. 
They do the leading business in this line at Huntsville, and both are 
implicitly trusted and are more than ordinarily popular. Mr. Ham- 
mett has most of the leading characteristics, mental and physical, of 
his father, who was a man of great generosity, singular unpretentious- 
ness, marked kindness of disposition, unusual agreeableness of man- 
ners, and, withal, one of the good and true men of Randolph county — 
a man of whom, when he is gone, no expressions of his life will be 
heard except those of appreciation for his many estimable qualities, 



512 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

and regret that he could no longer be spared to those among whom he 
has led so useful and blameless a life. In March, 1849, Mr. Samuel 
was married to Miss Mary W. Lewis, a daughter of Tucker and Mary 
(Gilbert) Lewis, of this county, but originally of Virginia. They 
have two children, Edward E. and Mollie, now the wife of Andrew T. 
Bissell, of Chicago. Mr. and Mrs. Samuel are members of the church, 
Mr. S. of the Baptist, and Mrs. S. of the Methodist (South) congre- 
gation. 

GEORGE WARREN SAMUEL 

(St. Joseph, Mo.). 

Mr. Samuel was one of the pioneer merchants of Randolph county, 
having located at Huntsville among the first business men of that 
place. He is also a representative of that prominent and influential 
family of this State whose name he bears, and a number of whose 
members have been long and usefully identified with the growth and 
development and the public afiiiirs of Randolph county. For these 
reasons the present " History of Randolph County " could hardly claim 
to be complete without including on its pages an outline of the life of 
the subject of the present sketch. A short biography of his life has 
already Vieen published in the " U. S. Biographical Dictionary " 
(Missouri Vol.), which, well written, though brief, we cannot do 
better than to present : — 

George Warren Samuel was born June 4, 1810, at New Castle, Henry 
county, Ky. He was the son of Reuben Samuel, of Caroline county, 
Va., and grandson of Col. Edmond Bartlett, of Spottsylvania county, 
Va., and Judge William Samuel, of Virginia, the former being in the war 
of 1812. Among his father's connections arethe Vaughans,Pembertons, 
Baldwins, Toombs, Brannins and Craigs, all emigrants from Virginia to 
Kentucky. 

At the age of 17 George left school without a liberal education, not 
being able for want of means to master the languages and obtain a 
thorough collegiate course, his father having met with reverses and 
lost his once ample fortune. In feeble and delicate health he started 
out to seek his fortune in the West, and reached Fayette, Howard 
county, Mo., in November, 1828, with only 50 cents, a mother's 
parting blessing and a clear conscience, and with these he was wealthy. 

He entered the mercantile house of Harrison, Glasgow & Ross, then 
the largest dealers in merchandise and trade in the West above St. 
Louis. After remaining with them two years, his employers' implicit 
confidence was gained, and with their aid and commendation he 
embarked in the mercantile business in Chariton, Mo., but on 
account of the unhealthiness of the locality he removed to Huntsville, 
Randolph county. The few settlers of this county not aff'ording suf- 
ficient trade for his energy, he formed a partnership with the Lammes, 
of Columbia, which being entered into by correspondence, caused the 
unfrequent incident of an introduction to his own partners upon his 
removal to Columbia, in 1834. In 1835 they erected the first paper 
mill west of the State of Ohio, at Rockbridge, Boone county, which 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 513 

was profitably managed by the late John Keiser, who was a part 
owner. The depreciation of State banks at this time produced a 
panic, which, added to the burning of the paper mill, brought the firm 
into depressed circumstances. 

Mr. Samuel's declining health required a change of climate, 
and a sea voyage was recommended. The vessel was wrecked 
near the Bemici island, on Moselle rock. He managed to get 
back to Missouri, although a mere skeleton and penniless. A 
friend, the wealtiiy Thomas Smith, of Kentucky, with his means 
assisted Mr. Samuel to embark in the packing business, but the exper- 
iment was unfavorable, and the investment proved a bad one to himself 
and the friend who furnished the money, as in those days pork was 
mostly fattened by the mast of the woods, and when shipped to foreign 
markets usually lost by shrinkage or became spoiled. Another venture 
seeming necessary, and steamboating promising to be remunerative, 
his next venture was on the river. A steamboat was built, but the 
sj^eculation proved disastrous and his fortune was again diminished. 

In 1838 Mr. Samuel was married to Miss Rebecca T. Todd, daughter 
of the late Judge Todd, early in life a captain under Gen. Harrison in 
the War of 1812. In the passing resolutions of condolence and regard 
in reference to the death of Hon. David Todd, his constituents pre- 
sented the following preamble with resolutions : — 

" Whereas, in the order of an all-wise Providence, death has removed 
from our midst, and from the places long familiar to us as the scenes of 
his usefulness, our professional brother and highly esteemed citizen, the 
Hon. David Todd, the pioneer of our profession in Central Missouri, 
himself the immediate descendant of one of the pioneer settlers of Ken- 
tucky ; the oldest lawyer, with a single exception, in the State ; judge of 
the circuit court of Howard county from the year 1819 to 1836 ; subse- 
quently, and until a few years preceding his death, a leading member 
of our bar ; we, his associates, some of us of 40 years standing, 
assemble here in order to give a public and lasting manifestation of 
the high esteem in which we held the deceased in his lifetime, and of 
our great respect for his memory now that he is removed from us for 
ever." 

He was the son of Gen. Levi Todd, of Fayette count}^ Ky., 
who settled in that State as early as 1776, and was the first clerk 
of the county, which position he held until his death in 1807. In 
that year Judge Todd was one of the guard that conducted Blen- 
nerhassett, who was supposed to be implicated in the treasonable 
objects of Aaron Burr, to Richmond, Va. After this time he was 
a student at law under the instructions of the late Chief Justice H. 
G. M. Bibb and Henry Clay. While in the office of the former, the 
Hon. John J. Crittenden was his fellow-student, with whom he formed 
a lasting friendship. Mrs. Samuel was a niece of James Barr, of 
Boston, whose large fortune, had justice been done him by the United 
States Government, would have fallen partly to her. She was also 
related to the Warfields, Bullocks, Stewarts, Rhodes, Carrs, Burks, 



514 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

Clays, Hunts and Todds. Mrs. Samuel and Mrs. Lincoln were 
cousins. 

Mr. Samuel's many reverses emboldened him to try other fields 
with new hope, and when the Platte country was ceded to the States, 
in 1838, he removed to Platte City. In Martinsville he erected 
a neat, plain cottage — the first house upon which a saw, hammer and 
plane were used in Platte county — which afterwards fell into the 
possession of Hon. David R. Atchison, for one day President of the 
United States. Prior to his moving to Platte City, he saw the great 
future of the site upon which the city of St. Joseph now stands. He 
was eager to possess it, and a company was formed to buy it ; a bargain 
for the pre-emption right for $1,600 was made between them and the 
proprietor, and but for a trivial offense given by one of the company 
to the owner of the land, it would have been the property of Moss, 
Samuel, Hughes and Thompson. 

Notwithstanding continued disappointments his courage and hope did 
not succumb. He again embarked in mercantile business, in Savannah, 
Mo., where he remained until 1860, at which time he found his fortune 
again restored. Being driven out by the war and again crippled fin- 
ancially, he removed to St. Joseph in 1868, and organized " The St. 
Joseph Fire and Marine Insurance Company," of which he was for a 
length of time president, and is now a director. It is considered the largest 
and strongest institution of the kind in the West. He was interested in 
stores in tlie counties of Howard, Boone, Clay, Shelby, Randolph, 
Ray, Lafayette, Clayton, Caldwell and Andrew, and is well known 
and respected for his indomitable energy and integrity, passing through 
all the panics from 1830 to 1877, making no compromise with his 
creditors, but paying always 100 cents on the dollar ; and it is a well 
known fact that he owes no man a just debt, and that to his know- 
ledge, he never wrono;ed a fellow being;. 

On the 26th of July, 1865, Mr. Samuel was bereft of his wife, 
a lady who had brought from her home of refinement to her 
then wild Missouri home, those qualities of mind and heart which 
eminently fitted her to the position to which she was introduced 
by the social and official standing of her husband. A month 
later, on the 26th of August, 1865, his only son. Col. David Todd 
Samuel, was killed at the battle of Kenesaw Mountain and was 
interred with the honors of war in the city cemetery of Atlanta. His 
father brought his remains to Columbia, Mo., for sepulcher. 

Mr. Samuel has three daughters : the eldest, Eliza Barr, is the wife of 
Henry W. Yates, cashier of the First National Bank, Omaha, Neb. ; 
Anna Imley is the wife of John S. Lemon, a retired and wealthy mer- 
chant of St. Joseph ; and Florence Tilton is the wife of J. T. Johnson, 
of St. Joseph. 

Notwithstanding his varied and eventful life, his many disap- 
pointments and bereavements, he is still cheerful and bears well 
his age, spending no idle days nor even letting the sun set on one 
unfinished duty. He has never desired nor held public office, but has 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 515 

always taken an active part in politics, being from his earliest recol- 
lection of parties a firm Whig, and has almost worshiped Henry Chiy 
as a statesman. The unbounded and lasting friendship of that hon- 
ored statesman was bestowed upon any of the family of his former 
law student. Judge Todd ; he sent a lock of his own hair to the 
Judge's youngest daughter just before his death, which tribute of 
affection is still in possession of a member of the family. 

Since the extinction of the Whig party he has been a Democrat, for 
whom and for public enterprises in general he has always given a 
helping hand. 

Moral principles being instilled into his mind by a pious and loving 
mother, he has always been religiously inclined, although somewhat 
skeptical as to some of the doctrines held by the church. He has no 
well-defined belief upon religious subjects, adopting the principles so 
beautifully expressed in Don Carlos : — 

" In my creed is blended 
All creeds that seem to come from God, 
Or end in God and Heaven ; 
All creeds which do inculcate 
Love of man unto his fellovF, 
And creature to Creator, 
All that tends to purer life on earth, 
Or holier life in Heaven." 

Although he has always held himself in readiness to serve his 
country in defending his State or section, yet he has never desired 
military fame, and has no military record. 

Mr. Samuel is greatly respected by all who know him as one of 
Nature's noblemen — a friend in need, a counselor in trouble and a 
sympathizer in sorrow's dark hour. That part of his native character- 
istics which are necessarily exposed to the public — his business tact 
and commercial integrity — are too well known to need mention. 

JOSEPH C. SAMUEL 

(Circuit Clerk and Recorder, Huntsville). 

Mr. Samuel is the only son of Thomas J. Samuel, referred to in the 
sketch of Judge William and Reuben Samuel given above. His father, 
who is remembered as one of the best men who ever lived in Randolph 
county, died here in 1875 at the age of 72. He had served three 
terms as sherifi:' of the county, and being an early settler, took part 
in the Indian troubles of the pioneer days of the country. His wife died 
in 1882 in her fifty-seventh year. She was a Miss Susan A. Murphy 
before her marriage. Joseph C. Samuel was born near Renick, July 
3, 1850, and was reared in the county. His education was received 
at Mt. Pleasant College, which he completed in 1869. He then en- 
gaged in the mercantile business as clerk in Huntsville, and subse- 
quently clerked for difierent firms. In 1875 Mr. Samuel engaged in 
the boot and shoe business which he followed with success for two 
years. He then became a partner in the lumber trade with Dr. J. D. 



516 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

Hammett. In 1879 he established a real estate and insurance office 
at Huntsville, the business in which he continued until he was elected 
to his present position. He was elected to this office in 1882, det'eat- 
intr for the nomination several prominent and popuhir men in the 
county. He was chosen at the polls by a majority of over 1,400. 
His opponent at the final election was Dr. J. C. Tedford, a man of ex- 
tensive acquaintance and great personal popularity. These facts speak 
a hitrher eulogy upon his character, personal worth and business 
qualifications than anything could express which might be said here. 
On the 5th of January, 1876, he was married to Miss Tillie Owen, a 
amiable and accomplished daughter of Thomas J. Owen. She was 
taken from him by death August 1, 1882. She left him two children, 
Ella T. and Louisa. Mr. S. is a member of the I. O. O. F. and 
Knights of Honor. He is a man of many estimable qualities both of 
head and heart, and is one of the most popular officers in the county. 
With his character and integrity, and his close business habits, united 
with his pleasant manners and kind and accommodating disposition, 
there can be no doubt that he will remain in his present office as long 
as he desires the position. None who bear his name are more highly 
esteemed or more worthy of the estimation in which they are held. 

EDWARD E. SAMUEL 

(Manufacturer of, and Dealer in Tobacco, Huntsville). 

Taine, in his English Literature says, that ideas like fishes go in 
shoals, and that through all history they are found in greater abund- 
ance and excellence first in one country and then in another, on down 
through the ages. However it may be with regard to ideas, the great 
principle of heredity certainly proves that success in life unquestion- 
ably runs in families, and no one who has given family biography any 
considerable thought or investigation will for a moment question this. 
Here is an evidence of the fact in the career and the antecedents of 
the young man whose name heads this sketch. Still two years less 
than 30 years of age, he is already recognized as one of the promi- 
nent and successful men in business affairs in the section of the State 
where he resides, and his ancestors on back through Kentucky and 
Virginia for generations have been not less successful than he is, and 
still has every promise of becoming. Mr. Samuel is a son of Hon. 
William R. Samuel, whose sketch is one which precedes this. 
He was born in Huntsville, April 3, 1856, and was brought up to 
business life, receiving in addition an advanced education. He first 
passed through Mt. Pleasant College and then entered Michigan 
University, where he took a literary course, continuing a student in 
that eminent institution for two years. Returning from Ann Arbor 
in 1877, then 21 years of age, he engaged in handling leaf to- 
bacco, and soon afterwards became a member of the firm of Thom- 
son, Lewis & Co., in which he continuefl with advantage to himself 
and the firm for two years. He then engaged in the same business on 
his individual account, and he became recognized as such an authority 



A 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 517 

in the tobacco business, as well as being a man of education and high 
character, tliat in 1880 he was appointed State Tobacco Inspector by 
Gov. Crittenden. Filling that office with credit and ability for a 
year, he then resigned in favor of the appointment of his friend, J. M. 
Staple. While State Tobacco Inspector he was successfully engaged 
in the commission business in St. Louis as a member of the firm of 
Cummiskey & Samuel. After his official resignation, he engaged in 
the tobacco business again at Huntsville on his individual account, 
which he has since continued. He puts up now from 400 to 1,000,000 
pounds annually, employing some 100 hands. Mr. Samuel has two 
factories, and is having abujidant success in his line of business. On 
the 16th of October, 1877, he was married to Miss Miller McLean, a 
daughter of F. M. and Jennie (Stewart) McLean, of Randolph county. 
Mrs. and Mrs. S. have two children, Mary and Jennie. Mr. S. is a 
stock holder in the Raker & Stacker Manufacturing Company, and 
the Building and Loan Association. He is a member of the Knights 
of Honor. 

ABBOTT W. SCOTT 

(Doctor of Dental Surgery, Huntsville, Mo.). 

How completely circumstances direct and control the careers of 
men is illustrated by the life of Dr. Scott. The great difierences we 
observe in the stations which men occupy in the world, result not so 
much from original differences of talents, as from differences of cir- 
cumstances tending to the development of the talents of each, and 
of the manner in which individuals improve such circumstances. 
This is the view held by Adam Smith and John Stewart Mill, Sir 
Isaac Newton, Sir William Jones, Dr. Johnson, Raynolds, the great 
English artist, and most of the great minds of all countries. Dr. 
Scott has become one of the leading dentists of North-east Missouri, 
and his name is recognized as authority in his profession, wherever 
he is known. Yet, but for slight circumstances, he would have been 
a farmer to-day, and doubtless a successful one. He was reared a 
farmer, and married and settled down with the view of making that 
his permanent calling. He was following farming and getting on sat- 
isfactorily well when his health failed and he had to turn his attention 
to something else for the support of his family. He was then living 
near Warrenton, and there was a dentist at Wentzville, by the name 
of Dr. J. C. Goodrich, who suggested the idea to him of studying 
dentistry. He accordingly went to work to become a dentist with 
that industry, application, and perseverance that never fails to bring 
success in any calling. The result of his embarking in this profes- 
sion is known to every citizen of Huntsville and throughout the sur- 
rounding country. He has a large practice, and has made an enviable 
reputation in his chosen calling in life, Dr, Scott was born in How- 
ard county, August 22, 1825, and was a son of Davis and Catherine 
(Woods) Scott, originally of Kentucky. The father came to How- 
ard county as early as 1817, and was for a time in Fort Cooper. 
In 1830 the parents removed to Monroe county, or rather the father 



518 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

did, his wife having died four years before. He has since lived in 
that county engaged in farming. His second wife was a Miss Nancy 
Embree, also of Howard county. She is still living. Abbott W. 
was reared in Monroe county, and was married there May 14, 1846, 
to Miss Sarah H. Wright, originally of Bourbon county, Kentucky. 
In 1852 he went to Warren county and followed farming for some 
seven years, but his health failing, he took up the study of den- 
tistry, as stated above, and since tliat time has devoted all his time 
and energy to the profession of dental surgerj^ He located at 
Huntsville in 1865, and has been here ever since. Dr. and Mrs. 
Scott have five children: Mary C, the wife of David Morrill, of 
Ralls county; Emma F., the wife of John Skinner; Ella L., James 
E. and Beverly P. ; the last three are at home. Andrew D. is de- 
ceased, dying in 1880, at the age of 27. Dr. and Mrs. S. are mem- 
bers of the Christian Church, and the Doctor is a member of the 
Masonic order. 

REV. MILTON J. SEARS 

(Pastor of the Silver Creek Baptist Cliurch, and Evangelist). 

Maine, discussing the origin of civilization in his "Ancient Lay," 
savs, that in the family is to be found the germ of civil society and of 
all systems of government known to history. In the Mosaic period it 
was not an uncommon thing for a single family to found a com- 
munity which in time developed into a state, or local government, 
with all the attributes and powers of an independent people. In- 
stances of this kind then, and indeed afterwards, are too numerous 
and too well known to the reader of ordinary information to require 
mention. But later along still, population became so considerable 
that emigrations occurred in large numbers and instead of a new com- 
munity being founded by a single familj^, a number of families would 
go out into a new land and establish a colony. .And this system of 
colonization, or the settlement of a new country by a part of the peo- 
ple from an older one, has been and still is history repeating itself 
from the beginning. Thus Southern Europe was settled and North- 
ern and Western Europe and all other countries under the sun ; and 
in common with the history of the settlement of other countries, this 
is the history of the settlement of our own — of every State and 
county and township in the Union. As heredity is a great fixed 
natural law, the unending manifestations of which are observable in 
everything around us, so every community partakes to a marked de- 
gree of the characteristics of its founders and early settlers. For in- 
stance, the early Protestant settlers of Missouri were Baptists, and 
hence to this day we see that the oldest communities of the State, 
aside from the large cities, or in ather words, those which have had 
principally a steady, natural growth, are still essentially Baptist com- 
munities. So, Missouri was settled originally by Kentuckians and 
Virginians and other Southern people. Hence to this day it is essen- 
tially a Southern State. Likewise one may go into any county, and 
by discovering the leading characteristics of the earlier settlers, he will 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY, 519 

be able to form an accurate opinion of the character of the people at 
the present time. Hence it is that in writing a history of the county 
it is of the first importance to study the history of its early families. 
This, like a torch, throws a bright light on conditions and events which 
would otherwise be undiscoverable. It is for this reason that so much 
space is given in the present volume to family histories. These con- 
tain the facts which go to make up the history of the county, and the 
history itself is but a summarization of these facts or a short and 
generally imperfect statement of them. Viewing the history of a 
county thus, no pages in this volume can be considered better occu- 
pied than those which give a history (and, unfortunately, too short a 
one) of the old and representative family of Randolph county, the 
name of a member of which stands at the head of this sketch. Here 
is a family that has been identified with the county from its pioneer 
days, — prominently and worthily identified, — a family, the members 
of which, by reason of their numbers, character and influence, have done 
not a little to give character and direction to the community in which 
they have lived for so many years. It is such a family as any worthy 
and intelligent citizen of the county would be glad to refer to as a 
representative of the character, intelligence and worth of the people. 
An old Baptist family, to its influence is due not a little the fact that 
the people of Randolph county, and especially the community where 
it has been so long settled, are largely Baptists in religious feeling 
and faith. The Sears family was originally of Virginia and came to 
that State, then a colony, from England nearly a century before the 
Revolution. John Sears came out to Kentucky in an early day and 
settled near Bowling Green, where he reared a family of children. 
He was a man of strong character, great industry and superior intel- 
ligence, and was possessed of great reverence for religion, being an 
earnest church member himself. In his family were four sons : Hardy, 
Ivison, Henry and William. Henry moved from Kentucky and settled 
in Montgomery county, Illinois, in 1820, and became a prominent Bap- 
tist minister in Central and Southern Illinois, where he labored con- 
tinuously for about the space of 40 years. He died in the year 1860, 
leaving a widow (who has since died) but no children. The other 
three came to Missouri, all settling in Randolph county, where they 
lived until their deaths, but William subsequently settled in Macon 
county and became the founder of the well known and influential 
Sears family of that county. He was a Baptist ministerand died there 
at a ripe old age greatly loved and venerated for his nobility of 
character, his Christian piety and his long and useful life. Hardy 
Sears, the oldest of the three brothers, was a good and true man and 
worthy citizen, and died in this county leaving a family of children. 
Ivison Sears, the next oldest of the three brothers, was married near 
Bowling Green, Ky., in 1817, and came to Missouri in the spring 
of the second year afterwards. His wife's maiden name was Sarah 
Ryals, of an old North Carolina family, which was of Irish descent. 
John Sears, the father of the four sons, came to Missouri in 1820 and 

28 



520 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

died in Randolph county. Ivison Sears settled near Huntsville and 
improved a large farm. He became comfortably situated m life and 
lived here a prosperous, highly esteemed citizen until his death, or 
for a period of 35 years. He died in 1854. All old settlers remem- 
ber him as a generous and hospitable neighbor, a worthy and usehil 
citizen, and a kind-hearted and Christian man. His wife survived him 
but three years. They had a family of 13 children, namely: 
Matilda, who died whilst the wife of Rev. John Roan, an early Baptist 
preacher of the county ; Martha, who died the wife of Caswell Court- 
uey ; Mary, who died whilst the wife of Valentine McCully ; Theophi- 
lus became a prominent citizen of the county, and died m 1874 
whilst public administrator. His son, Hon. Walker S. Sears, now 
represents Macon county in the Legislature ; Elizabeth is the wite ot 
John T. Cavens ; Sallie A. is the wife of Henry Shepperd, of Cliariton 
county ; Malinda J. is the wife of Calvin Smith, of this county ; Lewis, 
a Baptist minister in Texas county, this State ; Albert F.. a resident 
of Huntsville; Woodson D., died in Gratiot Street Prison during the 
war He was one of the prisoners who drew for his life at the Pal- 
myra massacre but drew a " life-slip " and was accordingly not shot ; 
William B., for a number of years a merchant at Renick, who died at 
his home in October, 1867 ; Milton J., the subject of this sketch, and 
Oliver P., of Texas county, the last two being the sixth and seventh, 
respectively, in the family of children, but the others being stated in 
the order of their birth. Rev. Milton J. Sears was born on the farm 
near Huntsville, January 13, 1830, and was educated at a private 
school receivino- an excellent general English education. Subsequently 
he taukt school and studied for the ministry while teaching, having 
decided to devote himself to the service of his Maker and humanity m 
that sacred calling. Rev. Mr. Sears began preaching when in his nme- 
teenth year and has continued his labors in the pulpit from that time 
to this In 1850 he was ordained by Elder William Sears, his uncle, ot 
Macon county, and by Rev. James Ratcliff. The same year of his 
ordination he was installed as pastor of the Silver Creek Baptist 
Church, and has continued in this pastorate from that time to this. 
For the past two years he has been engaged in evangelical work, a 
portion of the time in the Eastern part of the State, and the balance 
of the time in the Southern part, though he has continued in the pas- 
torate of the Silver Creek Church, preaching there regularly every 
month. The Silver Creek Church is the oldest Baptist organization 
in the county and his continued pastorate, now for over 30 years, 
shows how much he is esteemed both as a minister and a man by those 
who have known him longest and best. A man of sincere piety .and 
o-reat zeal in the cause of religion, he is at the same time an eloquent 
and successful preacher, and has contributed as much to the pi-ospenty 
of the Baptist Church in Randolph county as any minister ot his de- 
nomination within its borders. No man in the county stands higher 
in o-eneral confidence and esteem. Since his brother's death he has 
dis?haro-ed the duties of public administrator, receiving the office first 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 521 

by appointment and subsequently being elected to it. Mr. Sears was 
a member of the board of trustees of Mt. Pleasant College for many 
years and until the college building was destroyed by fire. On the 
24th of July, 1851, he was married to Miss Cynthia A. Oliver, a native 
ot Clark county, Ky., born August 13, 1833, and the daughter of John 
and Cynthia Oliver who came to Randolph county in about 1837, 
where the father died in April, 1877, in the ninetieth year of his 
age. Rev. Mr. and Mrs. Sears have reared a family of seven child- 
ren : Madison L., who has just retired from the real estate business 
at Denver, Col., and has recently located in St. Louis as special and 
adjusting agent for the Manufiicturers Insurance Company of Boston, 
representing Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, Wyomino- ; 
Victoria A., now the wife of Felix Aubuehen, of Grenola, Kansas;' 
Henry L., a prominent lawyer of San Francisco, Cal. ; Emeline C.,' 
now Mrs. Benjamin McCrary, of Chariton county; Anna M., a 
graduate of Mt. Pleasant College, and at present a teacher at Hunts- 
vdle ; Minnie and Stella both voung ladies at home. Mr. Sears is 
the author of the "Primitive Baptist Hymnal," a book of sacred 
songs used extensively in Baptist churches. It contains a number of 
selections of music composed by his daughter, Victoria, for some time 
a teacher of music at Mt. Pleasant and Hardin CoUeo-es. 

JOHN C. SHAFFER 

(Huntsville) . 
A resident of Randolph county for 47 years, Mr. Shaefer has from 
time to time been prominently identified with its business and public 
affairs. His name has stood out for nearly half a century as a syno- 
nym of integrity of character, personal worth and useful citizenship. 
He was born in Carlshafen, Hesse, now a part of Prussia, Germany, 
on the 11th of October, 1814, and was a son of John H. and Mary 
Hoffman Scheafer (as the name was originally spelled), both of old 
and respected German families. John C. received an ordinary edu- 
cation in his native language and was brought up to the tailor's trade, 
which he learned thoroughly, as has ever been required of apprentices 
m that country. In 1833 he came to America, landing at Baltimore, 
but soon proceeded to Washington City, where he worked for Christo- 
pher Echloff at his trade for about 15 months. He then went to 
Charlottesville, Va., where he pursued his trade for about three 
years. While there he met and married Miss Ellen Day, of that place. 
She was born January 19, 1815, and they were married January 26, 
1836. The following year he moved to Missouri and located at Hunts- 
ville, where he has lived continuously up to the present time. He 
followed tailoring here for nearly 30 years. Having a good ordinary 
education in his native language, he applied himself to study in the 
English language, and obtained, also, an excellent general English 
education. A man of superior intelligence and excellent address, he 
soon attained to considerable prominence at Huntsville and became 
highly esteemed for his high character and business qualifications. 



,•*« . '•' ' 

522 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

In 1866 he was elected county clerk, and filled the office with efficiency 
and entire satisfaction to the public. In 1870, his term of official 
service having expired, he and his sons, C. B. and J. M., engaged in 
merchandising, and he continued the business a number of years. He 
then sold out, and has since been identified with no regular business 
pursuit. He is, however, secretary to the Building and Loan Asso- 
ciation, and also secretary for the Independent Coal and Mining Com- 
pany, in both of which he is a stockholder. Mr. Shaefer has been 
a member of the Masonic order for over 42 years, and has held 
the office of secretary during nearly all that time. Mr. and Mrs. 
Shaefer have had nine children : Sophia M., who died in 1876, the wife 
of Dr. Waldo Lewis, or rather his widow, for he preceded her to the 
grave some 10 years; Dabney G., who died at the age of 17; 
August G., wh© died in 1876, aged 33; Jennie, now Mrs. V. B. 
Calhoun; Mary ^., femme litre; Kate, now Mrs. John D. Gregory, 
of Norborne, Mo. ; Dora, a popular teacher of the county ; Charles 
B., cashier in the Randolph Bank of Moberly, and James M., of Tay- 
lor's dry goods store.. Mr. and Mrs. Shaefer have been members of 
the Baptist Church for nearly 50 years. 

J. H. SIMMS 

(Retail dealer in Wines, Liquors, Cigars, Tobacco, etc., etc., Huntsville). 

The early settlement of Randolph county was effected principally 
between 1825 and 1835. Of course, before that time there were a 
large number of pioneers who settled in the county, and after 1835 
there was a steady stream of new comers from Kentucky, Virginia, 
and several of the other Southern States. But betweeen the dates 
we have named there was, perhaps, a larger bulk of immigrants to 
the county than at any equal period prior to the Civil War. It was 
during that time that Mr. Simms' parents came to this county. 
Rufus and Mildred (Austin) Simms were from Virginia, and came 
here in 1830. They settled three miles west of Huntsville where 
they became comfortably situated on a good farm, and lived there 
until their death. James H. was born on the farm March 25, 1847, 
and was brought up to a farm life, getting a good common school 
education. Although a youth of only about 15 years of age when 
the war broke out, he enlisted in the State service under Gen. Price, 
and subsequently participated in the battles of Pea Ridge, Lexington, 
and other less engagements. After his term of service was out in the 
State Guard he returned home, and was on the farm the balance of 
the time until the close of the war. During the year 1864 he took a 
course at school at Callao. In 1865 he engaged in the saloon busi- 
ness which he has since continued, except for one year. He now 
has two saloons in Huntsville and keeps the best Kentucky whiskies 
to be had in the market, while the fragrance of his cigars and tobacco 
is such as to make infants smile and maidens long for quaffs of its de- 
liciousness. Mr. Simms has had saloons at Moberly and Nevada 
City, which, however, were only branches of his business at Hunts- 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 523 

ville. On the 23d of April, 1879, Mr. Simms was married to Miss 
Sullie Hall, a daughter of Daniel Hall, of this county. Mrs. S. is a 
member of the Christian Church. Mr. S., though not a church mem- 
ber, is a man of religious instincts, and fully appreciates the import- 
ance of churches, when properly conducted, to the well being of 
society. He is himself a temperate, substantial citizen, and reliable, 
upright man. He is much respected in the community by saints as 
well as sinners. 

JOHN SUTLIFF 

(Owner and Proprietor of the Huntsville Woolen Mills). 

Mr. Sutliff's whole life has been identified with the woolen millings 
business. His father before him, Phineas Sutliff", was connected with 
the same business, and was a native of Massachusetts, coming origin- 
ally of an old and worthy English family. Mr. SutlifTs mother was a 
Miss Susanna Teasdale, a native of New Jersey. Phineas Sutliff went 
to the latter State and located at Bloomfield, in Essex county, where 
he ran a large woolen mill for a number of years. The son, John, 
was born at Bloomfield, July 12, 1824. In 1837 the family removed 
to Cumberland county. Pa., and located at Newville, where the father 
ran a woolen mill for about 10 years. He then located in Butler 
county of the same State, where he was engaged in the same business 
until his death. He died in 1865. John SutliflT remained with his 
father at work in the woolen business until he was 18 years of age, 
when he started out for himself. Before he was 21 years of age he 
had put up a large woolen mill in Pennsylvania, and ran it with suc- 
cess for about two years. He then came West, locating at Glasgow, 
Mo., where he was employed in putting up the machinery of a woolen 
mill at that place. There he erected the first woolen mill ever estab- 
lished west of St. Charles. In 1855 he came to Mount Airy, in Ran- 
dolph county, and has been a resident of the county from that time 
to this, for a period now of nearly 30 years. He built a woolen mill 
on Silver creek, now known as the Silver Creek Woolen Mills. Mr. 
Sutliff carried on the mills there for a period of 16 years and came 
to Huntsville in 1872, having previously erected the Huntsville 
Woolen Mill, of which he took full charge. This mill was erected by 
a joint stock company in which Mr. S. is a leading stockholder, and 
has a capacity of 340 spindles, being a one-set mill. The company 
represents a capital of $16,000. The mill consumes about 40,000 
pounds annually. Mr. Sutliff is without question one of the most 
capable and skillful woolen-milling men in this section of the State, 
and has contributed no inconsiderable part to the energy and success 
which has characterized his line of industry in this county and through- 
out the surrounding country. He has led the way in this important 
branch of manufactures, and by his example others have been encour- 
aged to engage in the'same business. His removal to Huntsville was 
a valuable acquisition to the best interests of the place. On the 19th 
of August, 1846, Mr. Sutliff was married to Miss Amanda C. Varnum, 
whose father was one of the' pioneer settlers of Butler county. Pa. 



524 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

Mr. and Mrs. Sutlifl'have six children : Enoch Phineas, Susan Sophia, 
Sarah Jane, William Henry, Amanda Catherine and Hattie Harriet. 
Mrs. S. is a member of the Old School Presbyterian Church. 

GEORGE T. SWETNAM 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser). 
It was away back in 1828, when the subject of this sketch was a lad 
only about seven years of age, that his parents, John and Sarah (Goff) 
Swetnam, came to Missouri. They were from Clark county, Ky., 
where George T. was born July 9, 1821, and they settled in Howard 
county, near Burton, where they lived long and respected lives and 
died greatly regretted by those who knew them. George T. was 
brought up on the farm near Burton and was reared to know all 
about hard work, not from observation, but by actual experience ; for 
those were not the days of shaded riding breaking plows and sulky 
plows and all that sort of thing, but the prairie was broken with three 
yokes of cattle, and corn covered with a hoe and planted one way and 
weeded in between by hand or with a hoe. There was work to do in 
those days and no foolishness, as now, riding around on a sulky plow 
reading "Daring Dick of Denver," or "The Monstrous Monk of 
the Mountains." George T. Swetnam, after he grew up was mar- 
ried, on the 24th of December, 1848, to Miss Nancy E. Barter, a 
daughter of Rev. Asa J. Barter, an early settler of Howard county. 
In 1850 Mr. Swetnam came over into Randolph county and settled 
seven miles north of Huntsville. Four years later he removed to 
his present farm where he has resided ever since, for a period now 
of 30 years. He has a good farm here of 250 acres. For a num- 
ber of years he grew tobacco mainly, but for some time past has 
given his attention mainly to stock-raising. Mr. and Mrs. Swetnam 
have 11 children: John A., the present county surveyor, whose 
sketch follows this ; Josephus, who died at the age of 30, November 
19, 1881 ; William L., now a resident of California; Susie, educated 
at Mount Pleasant College, and now a popular teacher in the county ; 
Elmer, Lura, Nancy C, Lizzie N., and George — the last four still 
at home. Mr. and Mrs. Swetnam are members of the Baptist Church. 
They are highly respected residents of the county. 

JOHN A. SWETNAM 

(County Surveyor, Huntsville). 

Mr. Swetnam, who was for a number of years a prominent and pop- 
ular educator of the county, and is a man of superior culture and ex- 
cellent business qualifications, was born and reared in the county, 
which has continued his permanent home. Mr. Swetnam's parents 
are George T. and Nancy E. (Barter) Swetnam, old and respected 
residents of the county. His father is a successful and influential 
farmer, and is in comfortal)le circumstances. John A., born on his 
father's farm, near Darksville, April 22, 1850, remained at home, as- 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 525 

sistingonthe place after he became old enough to be of service, and at- 
tending the neighborhood schools until he was 19 years of age, when he 
came to Huntsville and entered Mount Pleasant College. He took a reg- 
ular course at this institution and graduated in the class of 1874 with 
David Gentry, of Audrain county, John S. Gashwille, now deceased, 
and a number of others, occupying a creditable position in his class. 
Mr. Swetnam, immediately following his graduation, engaged in teach- 
ing school in Randolph county, and spent nine years in that profession. 
During this time he was assistant in the school at Roanoke, and had 
chargfe of several other leadinsr schools of the countv. For three 
years he was professor of mathematics at Mount Pleasant College, his 
alma mater, and was engaged in teaching at Clifton at the time of his 
election to the office of county surveyor. While at school, as a stu- 
dent and afterwards as a teacher, Mr. Swetnam always showed a 
marked preference for mathematics, and became more than ordinarily 
advanced and proficient in that science. He takes the same view of 
mathematics in which Washington always regarded it. Every one is 
familiar with the fact of the latter's partiality for that science. In 
his letter to Nicholas Pike, the author of the first American arithmetic 
ever published, he thus expresses his admiration for the science of fig- 
ures : "The science of figures, to a certain degree, is not only 
indispensably requis.te in every walk of civilized life, but the investi- 
gation of mathemati cal truths accustoms the mind to method and cor- 
rectness in reasoning, and is an employment peculiarly worthy of 
rational beings. Tn a cloudy state of existence, where so many things 
appear precarious to the bewildered research, it is here that the 
rational faculties find a firm foundation to rest upon. From the high 
ground of mathematical and philosophical demonstration we are insen- 
sibly led to far nobler speculations and sublime meditations." It 
was Washington's partiality for mathematics that led him to the study 
of that science which fitted him at an early age for the work of sur- 
veying, and it was in that profession that he started out in life. As 
an exercise of the mind there is unquestionably no study equal to the 
science of mathematics, and it was the study of this science which 
contributed largely to prepare the Father of His Country for the great 
duties and responsibilities which were destined to rest upon him. Mr. 
Swetnam, in his study of mathematics, of course became thoroughly 
conversant with the science of surveying, and it was in recognition of 
his qualifications in this direction, not less than on account of his high 
character and personal popularity, that he was elected to the office of 
surveyor irl 1880. He has given general satisfaction in his present 
position and is regarded as one of the most able and efficient survej^- 
ors the county ever had. He is also ex-officio road and bridge c(nn- 
missioner, and has been appointed by the county court to the office of 
county inspector of mines. Mr. Swetnam is a stockholder in the 
Huntsville Fleming Raker & Stacker Manufacturing Company, and 
is secretary of the company. This company has a capital stock of 
f 10, 000, fully paid, and was organized in 1883. On the 12th of Seji- 



526 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

tember, 1875, Mr. Swetnam was married to Miss Margaret E. Baker, 
daughter of Nathan and Irene T. (Mathis) Baker, of this county. 
She was a woman of singular gentleness of mind and rare culture, and 
industrious and enterprising, a devoted wife and kind mother, but soon 
fell a victim to that dread malady, consumption. She died June 4, 
1880. Two of her children are with her in her home beyond the 
grave. One survives her. Prince W., aged seven. Mr. Swetnam is 
a member of the M. E. Church South, and is superintendent of the 
Sabbatii-school of his church. He is an active worker in the church 
and is regarded as one of its most valuable and worthy members. 
Still quite a young man, the future undoubtedly has much useful- 
ness in store for him, both in public affairs and in private life. 

JOSEPH W. TAYLOR, M.D. 

(Physician and Surgeon, Huntsville). 
The positions of prominence in the various walks of life we now see 
occupied by men well advanced in years will soon be taken by younger 
men, as their seniors gradually pass off the stage of hurnan activity 
by superannuation and death. Whom these successors are to be de- 
pends almost alone upon the exertions and ambition of each individual. 
Two youths may start out in life side by side, and with equal intelli- 
gence and advantages. One will achieve marked success and rise to 
prominence and influence. The other will fail and remain in obscur- 
ity. The true secret of their varying fortunes lies in the difference of 
spirit which animates them and the difference of application and per- 
severance with which they pursue their respective careers in life. It 
was a frequent remark of John Stuart Mill, one of the greatest econo- 
mists and philosophers of modern times, that *' What I could do, 
could assuredly be done by any boy or girl of average capacity and 
healthy physical constitution." His position, as is well known, was, 
that there is not so much difference in the capacities of individuals as 
is generally imagined ; and that it is by industry and perseverance 
almost alone, occupations being the same, that distinctions ultimately 
obtain. While it may be going too far to follow him to the end in 
this view, he is certainly right to a very great extent ; and no more 
conclusive evidence of a young man's ultimate prominence in his call- 
ing can be given than that he possesses these qualities. In the 
medical profession at this place we have more than one physician 
whose career illustrates this doctrine of Mill ; men who have risen in 
the absence of early advantages to success and local prominence in 
their profession, and solely by their own industry and perseverance as 
students and practitioners ; and taking the secret of their success as a 
criterion to judge the future of the younger members of the profes- 
sion, it is not difficult to i)oint out those who are to occupy the places 
of these old and prominent physicians when they have passed off the 
stage of action. Prominent among this class of young men in Ran- 
dolph county is without question the subject of the present sketch. 
A young man of sterling natural intelligence and good constitution, 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 



527 



and having devoted himself to the medical profession, he has pursued 
his studies and attended to his practice with that industry and resolu- 
tion that, if continued, cannot fail to place him in the front rank of 
his profession in Eandolph county. So as time rolls on, he will 
probably become one of the foremost physicians O'f the county and a 
leading,' influential citizen, while others, school-mates of his, perhaps, 
without the qualities he possesses, in the years to come, will still find 
themselves as little distinguished among their fellow-men as when he 
and they started out youths together. It is such representative citi- 
zens as are here spoken of, both present and prospective, whose 
sketches it is desired to give in this volume, and therefore the sketch 
of Dr. Taylor, Jr., properly finds a place on these pages. Dr. Joseph 
W. Taylor is a son of Dr."^ William H. Taylor whose sketch follows 
this, and was born at Huntsville October 21, 1854. He was educated 
at Mt. Pleasant College, and intended when in youth to devote him- 
self to the profession of pharmacy. In pursuance of this purpose he 
studied pharmacy, and in 1874 took a course of pharmaceutical lectures 
at Louisville, Kentucky. Returning home after this, he was engaged 
in clerking at Huntsville, but soon decided to follow the example of 
his father and become a physician. He read medicine under his father 
for two years, and applied himself to study with great assiduity and 
perseverance. In 1876 he entered the Medical Department of the 
University at Louisville, Kentucky, where he took a course in medi- 
cine and surgery, and continuing his studies, in 1877, he then attended 
the Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia, from which he gradu- 
ated with marked credit in 1878. Coming home now to Huntsville, 
he engaged in the practice with his father and has made gratifying 
progress in his profession as a practitioner. He is studious and pro- 
gressive in his idea and faithful and attentive to his. practice, and is 
rapidly winning the confidence of the community in his skill and 
ability as a phvsician, as he has always had it personally and in the 
ordinary afl'airs of life. On the 24th of September, 1878, Dr. Taylor 
was married to Miss Jennie B. Rutherford, a daughter of W. T. 
Rutherford. They have two children, Reba and Willie. Mrs. T. is 
a member of the Christian Church, and the Doctor is a member of the 
I. O. O. F. and of the Knights of Honor. They have a beautiful 
residence in the suburbs of the town with a handsome farm tributary. 

WILLIAM H. TAYLOR, M.D. 

(Physician and Surgeon, Huntsville). 
Dr. Taylor, who has been engaged in the practice of medicine at 
Huntsville, with but little intermission but for two years less than 40 
vears, is well known as one of the most prominent and successful 
phvsicians in the county, and whose character as a man, without a 
blemish, stands high for the many estimable qualities of head and 
heart he possesses. His parents were John and Mary (Bartlett) 
Taylor, who were the first settlers of what is now Schuyler county, 
their nearest neio-hbors at that time being at Kirksville, 50 miles 



528 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

away. The father died in Schuyler county on his farm, and the 
physician who attended him in his last illness had to come from 
Huntsville, a distance of nearly 100 miles. His death occurred July 
21, 1835. Prior to going to Schuyler county he had lived at Hunts- 
ville, locating here as early as 1827. He kept the first hotel, called 
the Taylor House, ever opened in the county, and built the first brick 
house, long known as the Austin House, ever erected in the limits of 
the county. It was in 1833 that he left Huntsville for Schuyler 
county, where he lived until his death. He and wife were both from 
Kentucky, and his father's family was originally from Virginia. His 
wife survived him about five years, dying on a farm four miles north 
of Huntsville, August 14, 1840, at the age of 40 years, the ftimily hav- 
ing come to this county after the fiither's death. There were seven 
children : Hardin M. W., who died in 1857 ; Edmund T., who was 
under Gen. Price in the Mexican War and died near Santa Fe during 
that struggle; William H., the subject of this sketch; John B., a 
stock-raiser near Helena, Montana ; George W., at Huntsville ; Sarah 
E., who died while the wife of Benjamin Brooks, and Martha P., now 
Mrs. Paul C. Murphy. William H. Taylor remained on the farm 
with his mother near Huntsville and attended school at this place 
until 1843, when he went to Louisville, Kentucky, and clerked in a 
drug store at that place for about four years. He had decided to 
make the practice of medicine his calling for life, and while in the 
drug store he pursued a regular preparatory course of study for that 
purpose, occupying all his leisure time, and especially the evenings 
after business hours, often until 12 o'clock, with his books. He took 
three courses of lectures in the Medical Department of the Louisville 
University then under the presidency of Dr. Caldwell, graduating in 
1848. Li the meantime, however, he had returned to Missouri after 
his first course of lectures and engaged in the practice at Huntsville. 
He resumed his practice here immediately after his graduation and 
started the first drug store ever established in the place. This was 
in May, 1848, and he has since been identified with the drug business 
more or less desultorily and with the practice of medicine continu- 
ously, except from 1858 to 1861, when he was in the drug business. 
He was also at one time interested with his brother, George, in the 
mercantile business. In the practice of medicine his son, Joseph W., 
is now his partner and has been since 1868, when the latter graduated 
from the Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia. Dr. Taylor was 
first married January 29, 1850, to Miss Margaret Murphy, daughter 
of Neil and Hannah (Davis) Murphy, of this county. She' was his 
companion for over twenty years, but on the 6th of October, 1870, 
was taken from him by death, leaving him two children, Joseph W. 
and Ernest. On the 21st of May, 1872, Dr. Taylor was married to 
Mrs. Mary Wisdom, the widow of Caswell Wisdom, deceased, and 
the daughter of John and Mary Reed, of this county. She is a sister 
to Capt. Reed, well and favorably known by most old residents of the 
county. The Doctor and wife are members of the Christian Church, 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 529 

and the Doctor is a charter member of the Odd Fellow's lodge, or- 
ganized in Huntsville in 1847, and has held every station in the lodge, 
as well as being also a member of the Encampment. He is also 
identified with the Masonic order, being a member of the lodge at 
this place. The Doctor, althongh he has seen nearly forty years of 
hard and active practice in his profession, and is now over sixty years 
of age, is remarkably well preserved, being still erect in form and 
quick and elastic in step, and looks to be still a middle-aged man, or 
as young as men usually are ten or fifteen years his junior. He has 
always stood high as a physician and has ever had a leading practice in 
this part of the county. Personally, no man is more highly 
esteemed. He has held the office of mayor and councilman, but has 
never had any desire for official advancement. 

E. W. TAYLOR 

(Of Taylor & Keebaugh, Druggists, Huntsville). 

Mr. Taylor, an energetic and successful young business man of 
Huntsville, is a son of Dr. W. H. Taylor, whose sketch precedes 
this, and was born at this place October 8, 1858, being the youngest 
in his father's family of children. He was reared at Huntsville and 
educated at Mt. Pleasant College, taking a regular course in that in- 
stitution and graduating with credit in the class of 1878 under the 
presidency of Rev. Dr. Baker. Having made up his mind to devote 
himself to a business life, immediately after his graduation he en- 
tered the drug store of Woodbury & Baker to learn the practical 
details of merchandising. Later along he became a partner with 
Dr. Fort in the drug business, under the firm name of Fort & Taylor, 
and made a regular study of pharmacy. He is now, and has been for 
some time past, a registered druggist of the county. Some two years 
ago Mr. L. B. Keebaug-h bouo^ht Dr. Fort's interest in the store and 
the firm has since been Taylor & Keebaugh. This is one of the lead- 
ing drug firms of Huntsville, and is one of the oldest and best known 
houses in the drug line in the county. Messrs. Taylor & Keebaugh 
have greatly improved the stock of drugs and have considerably in- 
creased it since they became proprietors of the house, and its trade 
has had a marked increase. Both being men of first-class business 
qualifications, they carry on their business with that intelligence and 
enterprise which cannot fail of success. Courteous and polite to all, 
and perfectly fair in their dealings with customers, they have the full 
confidence of the conmiunity, and are popular not only as druggists, 
but personally as neighbors and citizens. Mr. Taylor is thoroughly 
conversant with all the details of his business, and is a capable and 
skillful druggist. The fact that this store is largely patronized by 
physicians, who are always exacting in the compounding of their pre- 
scriptions, shows how he is regarded as a druggist by those most cap- 
able of judging, Mr. Taylor is a stockholder of the gas company 
of this city and in the Building and Loan Association, and in the 
Raker and Stacker Manufacturing Company. 



530 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 



JOHN N. TAYLOR 

(Merchant, Dealer in Faraiture and Carpets, Wagons and Buggies, etc., etc., 

Huntsville). 

Mr. Taylor, although still comparatively a young man, and hav- 
ing started out in life for himself on reaching his sixteenth year, 
with no means, is now one of the prominent and substantial busi- 
ness men of Randolph county. He has just cause to be satisfied with 
his past, and to look with hope for a more than ordinarily prosper- 
ous future. Possessing many of the stronger and better qualities 
and qualifications for a successful life in business, he is at the same 
time favored with that integrity of character and pleasant and accom- 
modating disposition which challenge the respect and esteem of all 
with whom he is thrown in contact. He is a native of Pennsylvania, 
born July 21, 1850, and a son of John M. and Isabella (Silverwood) 
Taylor, both of old and respected Pennsylvania families, and both of En- 
glish descent. John N. was reared in Pennsylvania up to the age of 16, 
occupying his time to good advantage either at school or assisting in 
his father's store. But of an enter[)rising disposition and desiring to 
accomplish something in life without waiting until he attained man- 
hood, he struck out for the great West, and finally called a halt at 
Sigourney, Iowa, where he worked at the cabinet-maker's trade. 
After working there three years he went over to Richland, in the 
same State, where he was married to Miss Eliza J. Stroup, a daugh- 
ter of John Stroup, formerly of Pennsylvania, but an early settler of 
Keokuk county, Iowa, and one of the prominent and influential men 
of that county. This was the 25th of August, 1870, and the follow- 
ing week after his marriage Mr. Taylor, instead of settling in Iowa, 
came promptly to Missouri to seek a location for the purpose of car- 
rying on his trade. Selecting Huntsville, he went to work here with 
the little means he had to establish himself in life. His career since 
has been one of unusual success. He soon had a large furniture store, 
and in eight years he added a carpet department. Later along he es- 
tablished a vehicle warehouse, opening a fine stock of wagons and 
buggies. He now does the largest business in his line of any man in 
the county, and has one of the largest establishments in North-east 
Missouri. With characteristic enterprise, when the contract was to 
be let for the erection of the court-house at this place, he, with five 
other gentlemen, put in their bid, which was accepted, and they are 
now carrying on the work of building that structure. He also has 
a branch house at Salisbury in'charge of his brother, William H. Tay- 
lor, where he carries a stock representing over $5,000. Such a rec- 
ord of business success is rarely equaled, and reflects the highest 
credit on his character and business qualifications. He says the se- 
cret of his success is that he pushes everything for all it is worth and 
deals fairly at all times and in all circumstances. He has thus not only 
succeeded, but has won the confidence and esteem of the public. No 



i 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 531 

man in Huntsville stands higher than he. Mr. and Mrs. T. have four 
children : Marj H., Maud S., Lucile G. and Lida. He and wife are 
members of the Baptist Church. 

WILLIAM TERRY 

(Farmer, Section 11, Township 54, Kange 15, near Huntsville). 

Mr. Terry is vvell known in this section of the county as one of its 
most worthy citizens. His life has been one of more than ordinary 
activity and without reproach. He was born in Wayne county, Ky., 
October 30, 1808, and was a son of Josiah and Nancy (Thomas) 
Terry, early settlers of the Blue Grass State from Tennessee. Capt. 
Terry was reared in Madison county, to which his parents removed 
when he was quite young, and in December, 1830, was married to Miss 
Ithema Pay ton, a daughter of Yelverton and Mildred (White) Pay- 
ton, and born in Madison county, November 30, 1813. Mr. Terry 
and wife came to Missouri in 1837, settling on section 2, township 54, 
range 15, where he bought 160 acres of land and improved a farm on 
which he lived for many years. In Kentucky he had learned the tan- 
ner's trade, and in this county he set up a tannery on Dark's creek 
which he conducted for about eight years. Excepting this he has been 
engaged in farming and raising stock ever since he came to the county. 
He came to his present farm in 1869 and has resided here ever since. 
His tract of land contains nearly 500 acres, and he is comfortably 
situated. Since the war he has grown a great deal of tobacco, and 
has found this a very profitable branch of industry, and has also raised 
considerable cattle and mules. In 1850 Mr. Terry went to California 
and was engaged in mining out there for a year with pretty o-ood suc- 
cess. He and wife have reared a fomily of four children : Josiah 
William, Nancy J. and Mildred A. Nancy J. is now the wife of Will- 
iam Elliott, and Mildred A. is now the wife of Thomas Jackson, of 
Salisbury, Mo. Mr. Terry has traded quite extensively in land and 
owned at one time about 1,100 acres. He still has 675 acres. His 
farm is largely run in grass. 

Capt. Josiah Terry, the eldest in his father's family of child- 
ren, was born in Madison county, Ky., December 17, 1832, and 
was reared in Randolph county. In 1850, at the acre of 17, he 
went to California with his father, but remained out there three years 
and four months, engaged in mining and fighting Indians, but princi- 
pally the latter. He was in the militia that carried on a war against 
the Piutes and Diggers, and was in several hot fights, experiencing- 
more than one narrow escape from the scalping knife of " Lo, the poor 
Indian, who sees God in evervthing." He returned to Missouri in 
the spring of 1853 and had not a little of the yellow dust that makes 
happy the hearts of both saints and sinners. He now proceeded to 
get a wife, and accordingly on the 12th of January of the following 
winter, was married to Miss Martha J. Turner, a daughter of David 
Turner of this county. He and his young wife then settled on a farm, 
where he went to work as an industrious farmer and stock-raiser. In 



532 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

1861 he raised a company of volunteers for the Southern service, being 
elected captain, and served until 1862, when his time being out, he 
enlisted in the regular Confederate army, or rather, raised another 
company, of which he was also made captain. He was with Gen. 
Heinman after this, and at the reorganization of the army he resigned 
his commission, and joined Gen. Parsons, and was afterwards captured 
at Helena, Ark., and confined in military prison at Alton until 
May, 1864. He was then released on parol and went to Iowa, where 
he remained until the close of the war. Coming back to Missouri, he 
has since been engaged in farming and trading in and shipping stock. 
He has served as justice of the peace several terms and is one of the 
respected, influential citizens of his vicinity. Captain and Mrs. Terry 
have seven children: Theresa J., now Mrs. Jennie Mason ; Emily F., 
Joella, Jennie, Alfred, Talton and Arthur. Theresa and Joella have 
been popular teachers in the county. 

BENNETT E. TRELOAR 

(Railroad and Express Agent and Telegraph Operator, Hnntsville). 

Mr. Treloar, one of the most popular and efficient j^oung officials 
in the service of the Wabash, is a native of Wisconsin, born at Dodge- 
ville, Iowa county, April 4, 1857. He was a son of Rev. James T. 
Treloar, an able minister of Dodge ville, a man of tine talents and 
profound learning, an erudite theologian and a distinguished pulpit 
orator. He was originally from England, but came to this country 
when a youth, and was married in Canada to Miss Jane Dale, a lady 
of great strength of mind and character and many accomplishments, 
as well as of the most amiable disposition. They -had a family of 
several children, and, illustrating the truth of the position which 
many learned people hold, that refined and cultured parents are gen- 
erally favored with children capable of distinguishing themselves in 
letters, the fine arts, and all the higher spheres of human skill and 
genius, it is a fact that all of Rev. Mr. Treloar's children are musi- 
cians of rare excellence and culture. One of their sons is now a 
teacher of music in Synodical College, and one of their daughters a 
teacher of oil painting and drawing in the Female college at Richmond, 
and Bennett E., himself, is an accomplished musician. He came to 
Missouri in 1873 and attended Mt. Pleasant College for two years. 
He was then in the music business at Red Oak Junction, in Iowa, 
for two years. Returning to Missouri, he was in the boot and shoe 
business at Mexico for two years, and in 1880 came to Huntsville and 
learned the telegrapher's business under E. S. Bedford. In 1882 he 
was in the train dispatcher's office at Kansas City, and afterwards in 
the freight office there up to July, 1883, when he returned to Hunts- 
ville, and has since been chief railroad and express agent and tele- 
graph operator at this place. He has two assistants. Mr. Treloar's 
father is deceased, and his mother and two sisters, Jennie and Ada, 
are with him at Huntsville. He is a member of the Knights of Honor. 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 53i 



ISADOR VAN DERBECK 

(Proprietor Depot Hotel, Huntsville). 

The Van Derbeck family, as its name indicates, came originally from 
Holland, but during the Napoleonic wars Mr. Van Derbeck's ancestor 
of the third generation, who was impressed into the French service, 
finally settled in the North of France, or in the department Le Nord, 
where his descendants have since resided. Isador, the subject of this 
sketch, was born there on the 13th of June, 1848, and was reared in 
his native department. After he became old enough he began work 
in the coal mines of Northern France, and continued there until 1872. 
He passed through all the branches of coal mining and came to Amer- 
ica during the year stated above, and worked in the Collinsville 
mines, near Belleville, 111., for about seven years, and was foreman 
under Pitts Bros, for about two years in the Canton mine. In 1879 
he returned to France on a visit, but, coming back to America the 
following year, he subsequently followed coal mining at Murphysboro, 
111., for about a year. In 1881 he came to Missouri, and in August 
of that year to Huntsville, and after mining here a short time he be- 
gan keeping boarding-house, the business finally developing into his 
present Depot Hotel.. A man who likes good things to eat himself, 
and wants clean beds and comfortable rooms, he knows how to run a 
hotel, and when guests leave they generally express a regret that 
they can not stay longer, for it is a luxury to eat at his table, sleep in 
his beds and while away leisure hours in his cosy, comfortable rooms. 
His prices, too, are so reasonable that one becomes richer the longer 
he boards with him, while of course he becomes fatter and happier. 
And for guests who enjoy an occasional " dhrop o' tli' crayture," or 
a fragrant chew of tobacco or a delicious smoke, he keeps a neat bar 
with the best refreshments to be found in town. On the 30th of 
April, 1878, Mr. Van Derbeck was married to Miss Adele Duguenay, 
originally of the land of vines, France, They have three children : 
Victor, Martile and Arthur. 

JOHN B. WHITE 

(Farmer, Section 5, Township 53, Range 15, near Huntsville). 
Daniel B. and Susan (Stere) White, the parents of John B., came 
to Missouri from Virginia in 1836 and settled in the north-western part 
of Howard county, where they still reside. John B. White was born 
on a farm near Glasgow, July 30, 1845. When 15 years of age he met 
with an accident bv which he lost his right leg. A gun Avent off, in- 
flicting a wound, on account of which his leg had to be cut off a few 
inches below the knee. After that his parents designed him for an 
indoor, commercial life, and he was educated with that object in view. 
After attending school at Glasgow for several years, he took a course 
in Bryant & Stratton's Commercial School at St. Louis. After his 
commercial course he returned here, and finallv decided to follow an 



534 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

agricultural life, for which he had a decided preference. He remained 
at home engaged in farming with hia father until his marriage, which 
took place on the 27th of March, 1872, when Miss Denie B. Garth 
became his wife. Her parents were Garland and Mary (Burnley) 
Garth. Miss Garth came to Missouri in the year 1866 and lived with 
her uncle, Mr. D. C. Garth, her father having died during the war. 
The Garths were originally of Albemarle county, Virginia. Mr. 
White and his wife after their marriage set up for themselves, and he 
engaged in farming in Howard county, or rather continued it. In 1875 
he removed to Randolph county, where he bought the Minor Rucker 
farm, situated four miles west of Huntsville, where he still resides. 
This farm contains nearly 300 acres of fine land, and is one of the 
choice places of the township ; is within one mile of the celebrated 
Randolph medical spring. Mr. White makes somewhat a specialty of 
stock-raising, and is quite successful. Mr. and Mrs. White have three 
children : Sue Mary, Daniel Boone and Fannie D. Burnley died at 
the age of four. Mrs. W. is a member of the M. E. Church South. 

JAMES WILLIAM WIGHT 

(County Clerk of Randolph County, Huntsville, and Farmer and flue Stock-raiser). 
Mr. Wight was elected to his present position in November, 1878, 
and has held the office ever since that time, having been re-elected in 
1882, and he still has two years to serve of his second term. Mr. 
Wight's contest for the office, or rather for the nomination for the 
office, the first time he ran, was one of more than ordinary spirit, there 
being four prominent and popular men beside himself before the con- 
vention for the nomination, at the time he was chosen to bear that 
honor. He had never figured in public life before, except as a private 
citizen, but he was well and favorably known to the people of the 
countv, and he was chosen, not through any sharp management of his 
canvass, but because he was regarded as the best man for Llie place. 
Having been thoroughly educated as he grew up, and being a man of 
high character and excellent business qualifications, these considera- 
tions added to his urbane manners and genial disposition so recom- 
mended him to the people and the convention that his defeat was 
hardly less than impossible, even with the Avorthy opponents he had 
to meet in the convention. His nomination was effected, however, 
without bitterness, and his election at the succeeding poll was one of 
more than ordinary enthusiasm and by a majority highly compliment- 
ary to him personally. The expectations of the public have not been 
disappointed by his subsequent career. He discharged the duties of 
his office for the first four years with so much efficiency, fairness and 
general satisfaction that he was again triumphantly nominated and 
elected, and unless all signs are to be interpi-eted the reverse of what 
they indicate, the end is not yet. While Mr. Wight is as capable and effi- 
cient an officer as there is in the county, the principal cause of his suc- 
cess is his great personal popularity. Tiiough dignified and not too free 
and easy, he is of such a gentlemanly, generous disposition, respectful 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 535 

and obliging, and courteous and kind to all, that those with whom he 
is thrown in contact seem to invariably and naturally come to regard 
him as worthy of implicit trust, and to look on him as a friend and one 
who would help them if in need. He is not called " Jim Wight " by 
everybody who knows him, but all respect and esteem Mr. Wight and 
feel that they are doing the proper thing to favor him, for they know 
very well that there is no kindness in his power which he would not 
gladly do them. Thus, while he is popular, he is respected and looked 
on with that consideration to which his character and personal worth 
entitle him. Mr. Wight was born and reared in this county and is a 
son of James F. and Frances A. (Burton) Wight, of this county, who 
came here from Kentucky in 1840. His father has long been one of 
the successful and influential farmers and stock-raisers of the county. 
James W. is the only son, and was born June 13, 1842. Brought up 
to the age of 16 on the farm, he then advanced from the preparatory 
school to Mount Pleasant College, then under the presidency of Dr. 
William R. Rothwell, now at the head of William Jewell College, and 
one of the most scholarly and accomplished educators in the State. 
Youns: Wigrht remained at Mount Pleasant until his graduation in the 
class of 1863, having received the highest honors of the same at the 
hands of the president of the college whose duty it was, according to a 
time-honored custom of the institution, to bestow it upon the most de- 
serving. Several of the representatives of the class have become dis- 
tinguished in life. Mr. Wight's tastes have always inclined him to an 
agricultural life, and after his graduation he returned to the farm and 
identified himself with fiirming and stock-raising. In these lines of 
industry he continued without interruption until his election to the 
office of county clerk, and became very successful. He is still promi- 
nently identified with the agricultural interests of the county, and is 
justly regarded as one of the most intelligent, progressive and enter- 
prising farmers and stock men in the county, and is quite comfortably 
situated. On the 12th of May, 1868, Mr. Wight was married to Miss 
AureliaT. Fullinwider, a daughter of Henry W. and Jane A. (Ship- 
man) Fullinwider, now of Bourbon county, Kentucky. Mr. Fullin- 
wider is prominently identified with the Female College at Millersburg, 
Ky. Mrs. Wight is a lady of rare accomplishments and many graces 
of personal manners. Mr. and Mrs. Wight have two children : James 
Winter and Fannie Amanda. Both parents are members of the M. E. 
Church South. 

GIDEON V. WRIGHT 

(Proprietor of the City Balcery and Grocery Store, Huatsville). 

Of the thousands of brave-hearted men who crossed the plains and 
scaled the summits of the cloud-capped Cordilleras to the Pacific 
coast, between 1848 and '52, to seek their fortunes on the golden 
coast, not a few went out from home and friends never to return. 
Among these was the father of the subject of this sketch, Amos 
Wright. He and his wife, whose maiden name was Mary Belsher, 
were from Kentucky, and came to Randolph county in an early day, 
29 



536 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

settling on a farm near Huntsville. Here Gideon V. Wright was 
born on the 17th of April, 1843. Six years afterwards, in 1849, the 
father went to California, where he died the following year. The 
mother still resides in this county and lives in Huntsville. Gideon 
learned the baker's trade under John P. Clink, and worked at it for 
four or five years. Later along he engaged in the bakery business at 
Macon City, and during the latter part of the war, served in the 
militia. After the war Mr. Wright continued to follow the baker's 
business, and was for a time engaged in the saloon business. In 
1874, however, he resumed the bakery business at Huntsville, and 
has since continued it. A baker of long experience, he understands 
his business thoroughly, and his breads, cakes, pastries, etc., htive a 
high reputation, not only for excellence of ingredients and architect- 
ural design, but for cleanliness and general desirability. He also has 
a stock of groceries in connection with his other business, and has a 
good custom in this line. On the 17th of April, 1866, Mr. Wright 
,was married to Miss Eliza J. Skinner, a daughter of Everett Skinner' 
of this county. They have one child, Walter W., now a youth 15 
years of age. Mr. Wright is a member of the I. O. O. F. and has 
been since 1866. He is also connected with the Knights of Honor. 



PRAIRIE T0W:N^SHIP. 



J. R. ADAMS 

* (Farmer, Post-oflSce, Renick) . 

Mr. A. is a son of J. Q. Adams and Elizabeth Foster, of Kentucky, 
and was born in the neighborhood of his present home December 30, 
1852. He had one brother and one sister, both of whom are dead. 
His father died when he was only a child, four years of age, and left 
him to the care of a very delicate mother. She lived until he had 
turned his fifteenth year, when she, too, was taken when she was most 
needed, just as he was budding into manhood. But her counsel had 
made such impressions upon his character that they have never been 
erased. He grew up in the country and was given a good education, 
and when his studies were completed he settled on a farm and was 
married, October 22, 1874, to Miss Emma Halloway, daughter of 
Edwin Halloway, who removed with his parents from Kentucky to 
this State when a boy. They have had three children, one of whom 
now survives: Carrie E., born December 11, 1880. Mr. Adams and 
wife are members of the Christian Church, both having joined before 
their marriage. Mrs. Adams' grandfather Halloway has grown old 
in the services of the Christian ministry. 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY, 537 



ELDER WILLIAM B. ANDERSON 

(Post-office, Kenick) . 

Nearly 60 springs have put forth their tender buds, and as many 
summers blushed and smiled and passed since this reverend and ven- 
erable man of God first opened his eyes on the sin and misery of the 
world. It was in Green county, Ky., on a bleak February morn, 
that angels rejoiced over the birth of one more worker in the vine- 
yard of their beloved Master. Rev. Robert T. Anderson and Martha 
Lowry, his wife, parents of the good man whose pen portion is here 
given, were both from Virginia, but moved to Kentucky at an early 
day and there passed the remainder of their lives. Rev. Robert T. 
was a man of vast erudition, and was occupied during the larger por- 
tion of his life in sowing the seeds of knowledge in the fertile mind of 
youth. He was of marked prominence in his profession, and was at 
the head of the Baptist Association. His son, William B., was prin- 
cipally educated under his scholarly eye. Though growing up on a 
farm in Christian county, part of the time he attended the common 
schools, and for one year was at Bethany College. He early showed 
a disposition to be a servant of Christ, at the age of 16 joining the 
Baptist Church. When he was 22 he attached himself to the Chris- 
tian Church, and the following year (1847) came to Missouri. Two 
years later he began speaking in public, and in 1850 was ordained in 
the ministry, appointed for the salvation of mankind, since which time 
he has labored without ceasing to bring the lost sheep into the fold. 
He has been a faithful watchman and steward of his Lord and a whole- 
some example and pattern to his flock. He won his charge of the 
Christian Churches at Renick and Salem. On the 18th of November, 
1850, Mr. Anderson was married to Miss Eupha, daughter of F. K. 
Collins, one of the most respected residents of Randolph county. 
After his marriage Mr. Anderson was engaged in teaching in different 
places for some time. Indeed, altogether, he has taught not less than 
25 years. He has lived, since 1856, on a farm, and has devoted his 
leisure moments to its improvement. It contains 160 acres of land, 60 
of which are under the plow and in meadow land. He has a double 
log house, a good barn and nice bearing orchard, including some grape 
and other small fruits. Mrs. Anderson is also a member of the Chris 
tian Church. There are two children : Frank P. and Sallie C. 

WILLIAM N. ARMSTRONG 

(Merchant, Renick) . 

Mr. A. is a native of Illinois, born in Hancock county, February 
15, 1850. His father, W. N. Armstrong, and mother, a Miss Hay- 
maker, were from Pennsylvania, the latter dying when the subject 
of this sketch was but two years of age. William lived on a farm in 
Illinois until he was a grown man, and was the recipient of a good 
common school education. He came to Missouri in the winter of 



538 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

1880, and farmed for two years in Caldwell county; then he moved 
to Eandolph county, and in October, 1882, started in business at 
Renick. He has a complete stock of hardware, tinware, and queen's- 
ware, and has a large and well established trade. Mr. Armstrong is 
an unusually popular man, and of such orood commercial mind as 
stamps him at once a prosperous one. He is young, with all the 
world before him. His fate is in his own hands, and there is no doubt, 
from the beginning he has made, of what it will be. Mr. A. is a single 
man and a prominent member of the A. O. U. W. 

ALBERT H. AUSTIN 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser). 

Mr. Austin, a native of Randolph county. Mo., was born at Hunts- 
ville March 16, 1842, his parents, Henry Austin and Henrietta 
Rhodes, being originally from Virginia. Henry Austin moved to 
Missouri at an early day, and located at Huntsville. He was a con- 
tractor and builder, and built both the first and second court-houses 
of the place, besides a great many business houses and residences. 
Mr. Austin was for a number of years a merchant, but in 1852 re- 
tired from business, and taking a company of 50 men went to Cali- 
fornia overland. He spent two years in the mines there. After his 
return in 1854 he was for one or more terms sheriff of the county. 
Mr. A. was a strong Union man during the war, and was appointed 
provost marshal, a position which he held until, his health failing, he 
was forced to resign it. He died February 22, 1864, In this family 
there were four sons and two daughters : J. H., now in Texas ; Mrs. 
S. N. Robertson; W. T., attorney at Huntsville; F. H., of Texas; 
Sallie A. and A. H., the subject of this sketch. The last named 
grew up in Huntsville. He was well educated at Mt. Pleasant Col- 
lecje. Having instilled into him from his earliest childhood an enthu- 
siastic veneration for the " Stars and Stripes," when in 1861 his 
country called, he " hesitated not upon the order of his going," but 
enlisted at once under his beloved flag. He went in as a private in 
Co. G, Missouri cavalry, and served until the end of the war; 
the summer of 1865 released him. He fought bravely through many 
fierce engagements, among them the battle of Boonville. When 
peace once more spread her white wings over the land, Mr. A. re- 
turned to Huntsville, lived there until 1870, and then settled finally 
on the farm which has since been his home. Part of the time he has 
had his place rented out, but he has just moved with his sister, 
Miss Sallie, to see after his creature comforts, into hisnew and ele- 
gant house, recently completed and furnished in the latest and hand- 
somest style. . Mr. Austin owns 200 acres of land, all fenced and set 
in tame grass. Miss Austin is a lady of exceeding grace and refine- 
ment and possessed withal of a mind of unusual strength ; this has 
been cultivated to the highest degree, her education having been con- 
ducted at the Christian College at Columbia, and at the M. E. college 
at Quincy, 111. She is a consistent member of the Christian Church, 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 539 

and she and her brother are among the most charming people in the 
township. 

THOMAS D. BAILEY 

(Farmer and Stock Dealer). 

The snbject of this sketch was born in Boyle county, Ky., 
March 22, 1831 ; his parents, Alfred Bailey and Cyrena Baker, were 
also natives of Kentucky. When the family removed to Missouri in 
1839, they first wintered in Boone county, and it was in the spring of 
1840 that they came to Randolph. Until 1847 their movements were 
somewhat uncertain ; they lived two years in Randolph, one year in 
Macon and one year in Boone counties, returned to Kentucky for a 
year, finally came back to Missouri and settled down on a place which 
Mr. Bailey entered and improved at Round Grove, and where his son 
now resides. At this time the country was almost a wilderness ; 
wolves were numerous and their howls broke the stillness of many a 
winter's night. On the other hand they afforded royal sport for these 
sturdy pioneers ; the horns of the hunters, the deep mouthed baying 
of the hounds and the excited neighing of the eager horses, often en- 
livened a chase which had not been unworthy of a king's pasture. 
After the death of his father in the fall of 1849, Thomas D., being the 
eldest of the family, took charge of the farm, its onerous duties leaving 
him but little leisure for pursuing his studies. Mr. Bailey's first wife 
was Miss Sarah E., daughter of Enoch and Elsie Ridgeway of Boone 
county, but originally from Kentucky. Mrs. Bailey died in 1863, 
leaving no children. Mr. Bailey was married a second time in Boone 
county, in January, 1866, to Miss Mary E., daughter of Tandy and 
Elizabeth Robinson, formerly from Virginia, but among the early set- 
tlers of Boone, where Mrs. Bailey was born and raised. After his 
marriage Mr. Bailey purchased the old homestead where he continued 
to live until October 1862, when he enlisted as a private in the Ninth 
Missouri infantry, Co. C. During the war he took part in a 
number of engagements, among them Prairie Grove, Cyprus Bend, 
Ganes Landing, etc. While on a scouting expedition in the southern 
part of the State he was taken prisoner and held about 21 
months, being incarcerated first at St. Louis and afterwards at Camp 
Morton, Indianapolis, Ind. His war record is one of which he 
may justly feel proud ; he served with distinction and was rewarded 
by promotion. After his discharge from prison on the 22d of March, 
1865, he returned to his farm and commenced life once more with no 
capital in hand except his two good arms and a stout heart, and withal, 
a debt of $1600 hanging over him. Naturally he had a hard struggle 
for a number of years, but by dint of indefatigable industry and close 
management, he has accumulated a nice property. He owns 415 
acres of fine land all fenced and in cultivation and pasturage, also 60 
acres of timber land ; his house is a very neat structure and he has 
besides substantial barns, etc. Mr. Bailey makes a specialty of buy- 
ing young mules and raising them for the market. Mr. and Mrs. 
Bailey have five children, Bettie B., Mary Minnie, Nettie C. and 



540 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

Esty D. ; four children died in infancy. Mr. Bailey has been a second 
Nimrod in his day and many a deer and other wild game have fallen 
before his unerring rifle. Upon one occasion he caught a large buck 
by the horns (which now ornament his walls), the dogs having hold of 
him all around ; the animal was not wounded, but Mr. Bailey held 
him firmly until another hunter rode up a,nd dispatched him. Mr. 
and Mrs. Bailey are members of the Christian Church at Fairview, and 
Mr. Bailey is a prominent member of Morality Lodge No. 186, A. F. 
and A. M., at Renick, Mo. 

WILLIAM R. BARRY 

(Farmer and Merchant of Prairie Township) . 

Mr. B. is a Virginian by birth, his parents, William Barry and Mary 
Ann Rankin, being also natives of that State. When the family first 
came to Missouri in 1838, they located in Boone county, but in 1846 
moved to Randolph, and wandered no more ; the elder Barry closing 
his eyes for his last sleep in August of the year 1878. William R., 
who was born October 25, 1832, spent the first years of his life in 
Boone county, but his maturer interests have been identified with 
Randolph. His education was conducted partly at the common schools, 
partly at McGee College, though he owes much to his own course of 
self instruction. After leaving school, he taught at intervals for five 
years, employing his winters thus, and farming during the summer. 
In 1859 Mr. Barry began farming in Boone county, continuing for six 
years. He then took charge of the flouring and saw-mill for Seymore 
& Co., bought one-fourth interest and after remaining in the business 
four years, sold out and bought his present farm. He has 40 acres 
in a good state of cultivation, and on it a comfortable house, etc. In 
December, 1882, Mr. Barry took charge of the mercantile house of 
Mr. Ford, and now owns a considerable interest in the store. The 
firm carry a full line of general merchandise including hardware, 
queen's-ware, groceries, dry-goods, etc. On the 20th of January, 
1859, in Boone county, Mr. Barry led to the altar Miss Elizabeth A., 
daughter of Capt. Joseph Seymore, formerly of Tennessee, though 
Mrs. Barry herself has been a life-long resident of Missouri. There 
are four children : Mary A., Orpha D., Susan Iva and Nancy E. One, 
Georgella, died in the fall of 1867, before the baby tongue had learned 
to lisp its mother's name. Mr. and Mrs. Barry and their daughters 
are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Boone county. 
Mr. Barry is a man of great weight in this township. 

MRS. ETHETA D. J. BROCKMAN 

(Post-office, Renick). 

Among the earlier settlers of Howard county. Mo., who came from 
the grand old Commonwealth of Virginia to this then wild and sparsely 
settled country, was George Rorer and his wife, whose maiden name 
was Miss Nancy Nowlin, both Virginians by birth. Prior to their 
settlement in Howard county, which was in 1829, and about five 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 541 

years before leaving their native State, there had been born to this 
worthy couple a daughter, whom we now take as the subject of this 
memoir. Her natal day was the 30th of September, 1824. Young 
and still in a tender age when the family took up their location in 
Howard county, she grew up there amid the scenes which were in 
strong contrast to what it might have been had she been kept in Vir- 
ginia, yet becoming possessed of good educational advantages for that 
day. After leaving the public schools she entered Central College, 
at Faj^ette, remaining there some time. She soon engaged in 
teaching, her time being occupied principally in teaching in the pub- 
lic schools, though one or two of a private character received some of 
her attention. Thus she continued until her marriage, and, indeed, 
she has taught more or less every year since that time. On the 26th 
of December, 1848, she was united in marriage with Mr. Burgis G. 
Harris, who was also a native of Virginia. He purchased a farm and 
settled in Howard county, but subsequently exchanged that place for 
the one now occupied by Mrs. Brockman, and here he continued to 
live until called away by death, September 20, 1855. To them had 
been born three children, viz : Kate, wife of Rice Marshall ; Camelia, 
wife of George Marshall ; Tucker Viola, wife of James W. Dougherty. 
One child died when eight years of age, Burgis. Following the death 
of her husband, Mrs. Harris resumed the occupation of teaching, for 
which she had previously become well qualified, and continued it until 
her second marriage, November 30, 1858, when she was made the 
wife of Thornton Mason, like herself, originally from Virginia. He 
came to this State early in his career, and while yet a young man 
served as assessor. His death occurred in January, 1866. There are 
two daughters by this last marriage : Fannie, wife of George A. 
Dougherty ; and Nannie, wife of William Ragsdale. One son died at 
the early age of eight months. Once again did Mrs. Mason turn to 
teaching as a means of support after the departure of her second 
husband, and up to 1869 served as an educator. On the 9th of 
August of that year Mr. Stephen Brockman claimed her as the sharer 
of his joys and sorrows, and to him she proved a helpmate indeed, 
one ever ready to help where her counsel and cheering words would 
be of benefit. He, too, came to Randolph county when young. He 
departed this life Jnly 5, 1883, mourned by all who knew him, and 
was followed to the grave bv a large concourse of sorrowing friends. 
Mrs. Brockman has resided upon the farm where she now makes her 
home most of her life, though she passed some time during 1865 in 
Renick. She is a loved member of the family circle in the home of 
her son-in-law, Mr. Dougherty, and is still active in mind and body 
and of a most agreeable disposition and kmdly nature. 

WILLIAM C. BROOKS 

(Saw-Mill and Lumber Business). 

The subject of this sketch is one of the most substantial business 
men of Randolph county, and was born April 12th, 1838. He is a 



542 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

son of Thomas N. Brooks, who was originally from Wayne county, 
Ky. The latter lived in his native State until he had reached the 
years of maturity, when he married Miss Nancy Gillispie of the same 
State. In the autumn of 1832 he removed with his family' to Mis- 
souri and settled in Randolph county. He entered land and devoted 
his time to improving his place and farming. After having lived 
nearly half a century in the county, he passed away at the residence 
of his son, William C, on October 3, 1879. Mr, Brooks was brought 
up on the farm, and early in life showed signs of that energy and 
perseverance which were the causes of his success in later years. He 
may be called a self-made man in every sense of the word. His 
present prosjDerous condition is due to his own exertions, and not to 
any special advantages which he had in his youth. With an educa- 
tion limited to the common schools, he accomplished what men with 
twice his learning have failed to do. At the age of 20 Mr. Brooks 
began work in a saw-mill, receiving 50 cents a day for his labor. 
Being convinced that a " rolling stone gathers no moss," he stuck 
closely to business. A close and careful observer, he gradually 
learned the minuticE of the saw-mill and lumber business and has fol- 
lowed the same ever since. By his industry and economy he saved 
money enough to enable him to buy the mill, which he had entered 
years before on a nominal salary. As time passed on he had the 
honor of being the proprietor of the first steam-mill ia Randolph 
county. He was not too busy, however, to woo and win a bride, and 
Miss Sarah F. Galbreath was his choice. She was the daughter of 
James A. Galbreath, of Kentucky, and the marriage took place ou 
the 25th of February, 1864. Mr. and Mrs. Brooks have had nine 
children: Ardena, Hettie Ann, Henry, Fannie, Virginia, Benjamin, 
Cora, Obe and Nellie May. It would seem that Mr. Brooks would 
have his hands full in attending to his manifold duties at the mill, and 
that he had about as much as one man could do without attempting 
anything else. After his marriage he took up his residence on the 
farm where he yet lives. In partnership with his brother he under- 
took the arduous duties of farming. His farm consists of about 125 
acres. He has about 80 acres in timber. Mr. Brooks makes a 
specialty of the saw-mill business, but does not neglect his farm, as 
the neat appearance and general air of thrift about his place can bear 
witness. By his excellent management and good business capacity he 
has, with the aid of his brother, come to be the owner of a number one 
steam-mill, and is doing an unusually heavy business. Among the 
many duties of life which Mr, Brooks fulfilled was the one which 
called him to be one of the defenders of his country. When the 
trumpet of war sounded, penetrating to the most peaceful and happy 
homes, he was one of the first to respond to its call. He enlisted 
first in the Fourth Missouri State militia, and after serving there with 
credit to himself was transferred to the First Missouri cavalry. Union 
service. He served in the latter company until, on account of physi- 
cal disability, he was honorably discharged. Mr. Brooks took an 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 543 

active part iu a number of skirmishes in Missouri, and tells many in- 
teresting reminiscences of his life during the war. 

JAMES M. BUTTS 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser) . 

Mr. Butts is a worthy scion of good old Virginia stock, and was 
himself born in that State, April 16, 1811. His father was Thomas 
Nugent Butts ; his mother, Sarah C, daughter of Major James Brod- 
dus, who served for five years without compensation in the Kevolu- 
tionary "War. James M. grew up and was married in Virginia, 
in August, 1833, to Miss Elizabeth M., daughter of Alfred M. Yager. 
He lived for a year or more in Page county, after his marriage, and 
in 1836 came to Missouri, first stopping in Franklin county. He was 
engaged there in teaching for several years ; next lived about 10 
years in Howard, continuing to teach, and in 1851 moved to Ran- 
dolph and bought land in the southern part of the county. This has 
since been his home. It was in the spring of the same year that 
Mr. Butts lost his wife. Mrs. Butts left eight children, one hav- 
ing preceeded her to that happy land where there is no sorrow 
nor any sighing. Those living are Martha A., wife of George 
Cross ; Elizabeth C, wife of Thomas Brunnel ; James W., Thomas 
Alfred, Margaret T., wife of George P. Hulett ; Virginia C, wife of 
Eobert Terrell ; Mary E., wife of J. E. Hubbard, and Sarah F., wife 
of Thomas Hulett; the last two being twins. Mr. Butts joined 
Bethel Primitive Baptist Church, of Culpeper county, Va., in 1832, 
and commenced exercising his gift in the ministry in the third year, 
and has continued it duringthistime, also teaching without interruption. 
He owns a farm of 80 acres, well improved and with a good, substan- 
tial and comfortable dwelling, convenient barn, and other buildings, 
and fine bearing orchard. In December, 1851, Mr. Butts took to 
wife Mrs. Mary Ann, widow of Abel Burton and daughter of Bart. 
Dameron, formerly of North Carolina. Mrs. Butts has three children 
by her first marriage: Rebecca J., wife of Green Dameron; Laura 
Belle, wife of Scott Malone and Thomas F. Burton married Miss 
Sarah Barry, a sister of William P. Barry, whose sketch is one of the 
number in this history. To her second husband Mrs. Butts has borne 
five children, of whom two died in infancy. Now living, are George 
W., John S. and Lenora Ann, wife of Thomas Carr, of Boone 
county. This is one of the most prominent families in the neighbor- 
hood, and far and near is spread the influence of Mr. Butts' pious 
teachings. Mr. and Mrs. B. have 38 grandchildren. 

WILLIAM J. E. CARR 

(Renick) .' 

Mr. Carr is of English parentage, his father, J. E. Carr, and 
mother, Jane Hayson, not coming to this country until after his birth, 
April 17, 1861. The family emigrated to the United States in 1863, 



544 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

and first stopped in Streator, 111. Here Mr. Carr opened up the great 
coal fields of that part of the State ; he also built the third house 
erected in Streator. In 1869 the family moved to Missouri, and after 
living in Ray county for one year, where Mr. Carr sunk a mine, they 
went to Leavenworth, Kan., and have since remained there. Mr. 
Carr is general manager of the Star Coal Mining Company, and is 
also vice-president of the company. In addition to this he occu- 
pies the position of general manager and consulting engineer of the 
Leavenworth Coal Company. He is eminently qualified in every 
way to take a foremost place among men, and he bears himself 
right nobly in the high station to which he has attained. William J. 
E. grew up in Leavenworth, receiving a good English education, sup- 
plemented by a course in mining at the University at Rolla, Mo. 
In October, 1881, he came to Renick and obtained the position he 
now holds, of superintendent of the Star Coal Mining Company, 
Renick, Mo. Mr. Carr was married in Rolla, November 15, 1882, 
to Miss Sadie E., daughter of Judge J. G. Hutchinson, now of 
Phelps county, but formerly of Tennessee. Mrs. Carr was born in 
Phelps county and was educated at Rolla ; she is a member of the 
Baptist Church. This young couple have one child, an unusually fine 
boy, called Willard Avery, born September 13, 1883. It is rarely 
the case that one so young is called upon to support the dignity of 
8uch an office as Mr. Carr holds, but the firm discretion, keen sagacity 
and faithful dilio:ence with which he discharges its duties, leave no 
room to doubt that he was born to rule. Mr. Carr is comparatively 
upon the eastern horizon of his life. It is easy to foresee that the 
sparkling promise of its dawn will gather a more brilliant radiance 
with the noontide, but to be eclipsed by the golden glory of its lat- 
ter end. 

CHRISTOPHER J. CHILTON 

(Post-office, Moberly) . 
Mr. C, one of the substantial farmers and esteemed citizens of Prairie 
township, is a representative of an old and honored anti-Revolutionary 
fiimily, the Chiltons of Virginia. Mr. Chilton's great grandfather 
Chilton was a member of the Virginia Assembly at the time of the 
outbreak of the war between the Colonies and Great Britain, and he 
it was who introduced the resolutions in that body instructing the rep- 
resentatives of the Colony in Congress, then sitting at Philadelphia, 
to use their influence toward securing the adoption of a " Declaration 
of Independence " of the Colonies from the mother country. It was 
in pursuance of these resolutions that Richard Henry Lee, early in 
June, introduced into Congress a resolution declaring "That these 
United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent 
States." Following this, on the 4th of July, 1776, Thomas Jefi'er- 
son's "Declaration of Independence " was adopted, and the great 
Republic of the Western Hemisphere was born. From Mr. Chilton, 
the author of the resolutions above referred to, descended Samuel 
Chilton of Warrenton, Va., a member of Congress from that State, 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 545 

and a member of the State Constitutional Convention duriug the 
first half of the present century. A still younger descendant was 
Thomas Chilton of Elizabethtown, Ky., who represented his 
district in Congress with distinction for a number of years. Mr. 
Chilton's grandfather, James Chilton, became a pioneer settler in 
Kentucky when our subject's father, John Chilton, was in infancy. 
In that State James Chilton, the grandfather, became a wealthy 
farmer, and there John Chilton, his son, grew to early manhood. 
While still a young man John Chilton came to Missouri and located 
in Pike county. There he engaged in fiirming, and soon afterwards 
was married to Miss Rachel Jackson. Later along he removed to 
Randolph county and here bought and entered nearly 2,000 acres of 
land. Like his father, he too became quite well off in property affairs, 
and was one of the highly esteemed citizens of the county. He dealt 
quite extensively in stock, and drove mules South for a number of 
years, in which he was very successful. He died August 2, 1863. 
The third son in his family of children was Christopher J., the subject 
of this sketch. He was born March 23, 1843, and was reared on a 
farm in this county. The Chiltons have almost invariably been 
farmers and stock-raisers, and Christopher J. has proved himself no 
exception to this rule. He was married December 14, 1865, to Miss 
Martha, a daughter of James Owenby, formerly of Kentucky, and at 
once located on a farm and went to work to establish himself in life. 
He has a fine farm of over half a section of land, about two-thirds of 
which he has well improved. Mr. Chilton raises grain in a general 
way and gives considerable attention to stock. He is satisfactorily 
successful and stands well as a citizen and neiofhbor. Mr. and Mrs. 
Chilton have two children, James and Mary. 

ROBERT T. CHRISTIAN, M.D. 

(Physician and Surgeon) . 

Dr. Christian, a fine physician and charming gentleman of Ran- 
dolph, was born in that county, October 12, 1839. He was the 
son of N. B. Christian of Scott county, Ky., and Martha C. Sweatnam 
of the same State. His parents found their way to Missouri in 1830, 
and located within half a mile of the site of the town of Renick. 
Robert T. came to man's estate there, living on the farm. He re- 
ceived an excellent education at the schools of the neighborhood, 
supplemented by a three years' course at Mount Pleasant College at 
Huntsville, Mo. When Robert had finished his studies, he selected 
medicine for his profession in life, and began to prepare himself under 
the direction of Dr. T. L. Hamilton, near Renick. He took his first 
course of lectures at the St. Louis Medical College in the winter of 
1859-60, and graduated there in the spring of 1861. Just as the 
Doctor was ready to launch out a full-fledged M.D., the commence- 
ment of hostilities between the North and South brought before him a 
new field of action. All his sympathies were with the gallant South- 
ern braves, and he enlisted in that cause under Col. Congrave Jackson, 



546 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

of the Jackson Missouri State Guards, re-enlisted in the summer of 
1862 witli Col. Poindexter, and after serving with him about four 
months, went South and joined the regular Confederate forces. Col. 
Dorsey's Battalion. In 1863 he was transferred to Perkins' Battal- 
ion, acting as surgeon in both. He first enlisted as a private, was 
promoted to the position of assistant surgeon under Poindexter and 
afterwards made first surgeon, in which capacity he served until the 
close of the war. After the surrender the Doctor returned to Renick 
and began anew to carry out his life's ambition. He has been engaged 
in the practice of medicine at this point ever since, and his faithful 
endeavors have been crowned with well merited success. Dr. Christian 
was one of those who built the Renick flourino- mill in which he was 
a partner for the first year or so. He was married in Renick, Decem- 
ber 27, 1870, to Miss Kate D. O'Keefe, daughter of William O'Keefe, 
formerly from Pennsylvania. Mrs. Christian was born in Pennsyl- 
vania but came to Missouri with her parents at the age of 12 years. 
Eight children have blessed this union, seven sons and one daughter: 
Napoleon J., Ar.thur T., Ida C, Robert E., William P., J. Charles, 
Ernest L. and Earl J. The brightest hope of this noble family of 
children may well be that they shall follow closely in the footsteps of 
their parents. 

JUDGE JOHN T. COATES 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser). 

The family of this country of which the subject of the present sketch 
is an honored representative was native originally to Virginia, where 
the founder of the family settled from England generations prior to 
the Revolution. Branches of the family are still resident of that 
State and are widely dispersed over it. At this day an old Virginian 
can scarcely be found who is not acquainted with some representative 
of the family in the Old Dominion. Branches of the family have also 
settled in various other States, including among the rest, Kentucky 
and Missouri. But wherever they are found they almost invariably 
occupy enyiable positions in their respective communities. It is there- 
fore only as should be expected that the subject of the present sketch, 
a citizen of Randolph county, is one of the leading men of the county 
in character, influence and standing. Judge Coates comes of a Ken- 
tucky branch of the Coates family, or rather his father, who was a 
native of Virginia, was for a time settled in Kentucky. Judge Coates' 
father, Judge Thomas P. Coates, was reared in his native county. His 
parents were one of the well-to-do and influential families of the 
county, and, considering the early times in which he was brought up, 
when college educations were extremely rare, he had more than ordi- 
narily good advantages for the cultivation and improvement of his 
mind. He studied at a private school kept l)y the best class of teach- 
ers that could be had, and succeeded in acquiring an excellent practi- 
cal English education. When a young man, desiring to avail himself 
of the advantages of the cheap and fertile lands of Kentucky for es- 



( 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 547 

tablishing himself in life, he removed to that State, and there, later 
along, was married to Miss Belinda Darrett, whose family was also 
from Virginia. Soon after this, the attention of emigration was gen- 
erally drawn to Missouri, and, indeed, before this, for here were lands 
as cheap and fertile and a climate and natural transportation facilities 
as favorable as any under the sun. These facts were hardly more 
than brought to the notice of young Mr. Coates, the father of our sub- 
ject, when he resolved to cast his fortunes with those of favored Mis- 
souri. Accordingly, in 1835, he turned the front of his mover's 
wagons westward and was soon entering the borders of this State. 
He came on directly to Randolph county, which he had made his ob- 
jective point, and entered a fine body of land, on which he improved 
a good farm. The seasons and the years came and went, and he oc- 
cupied all his time to good advantage in agricultural pursuits and 
looking after the best interests of the community and county with 
which his life had become linked. He prospered abundantly in agri- 
cultural affairs and steadily rose to prominence and influence among 
those around him. He became one of the substantial farmers of the 
county, comfortabl}^ situated, in easy circumstances and respected and 
esteemed by all. For several terms he was a member of the county 
court, and was regarded as one of the most capable and expeditious 
business men and one of the soundest and most upright judges who 
ever sat on the county bench. He was not only a prominent' farmer 
and an esteemed official of the county, but a man of great public 
spirit and sagacity in originating and carrying forward movements 
and enterprises calculated to benefit the county. In short, he was a 
leader in all steps taken of that kind. In stock-raising he advocated 
and himself practiced what he urged, that the best breeds should be 
introduced, and as a farmer h.e believed in the most approved and 
progressive methods of agriculture. He also favored the encourage- 
ment of immigration and, in a word, was ever found in the forefront 
of the most progressive and public-spirited citizens of the county. He 
was for many years a member of the Christian Church, and was one 
of the most prominent and valued communicants of that denomination 
throughout the section of the county in which he resided. After a 
residence of 35 years, which he had made replete with labors for 
the best interests of all, he was called from his earthly home "to 
his home not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." His death 
was mourned by all who knew him as a severe loss, for he was 
more than ordinarily valued as a neighbor and citizen. In his own 
family he was loved and venerated with a depth and sincerity 
which bore eloquent testimony to his life around his own hearth- 
stone. When Judge Thomas P. Coates died, one of the best citi- 
zens who ever honored Randolph county with their residence was 
taken away. 

From such a father came Judge John T. Coates, the subject of this 
sketch, and the mantle of the father has fallen to a son not unworthy to 
wear it. Judge John T. Coates was born in Henry county, Ky., July 



^^^ HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

8, 1831, and was therefore a lad only four years of age when his 
father settled in Randolph county. Like his father, he was reared to 
a tarm hfe and to habits of industry and principles of morality and 
integrity. His education was acquired in the common and hio-h 
schools of the county, and inheriting his father's spirit of enterprfse 
and ambition to succeed in life, he was naturally attracted to the Pa- 
cific coast during the California gold excitement. He was 19 years 
of age when he crossed the plains, going in the company of Capt 
Owens in which there was a large train of brave-hearted pioneers 
bound for the Golden Coast. Young Coates spent four years in the 
distant land of the Argonauts engaged in mining and speculatino- in 
mines, for his was not the character to come back like a homesick o-irl 
before the moon had grown old during his absence. He went there 
to make money and he Avas determined not to fail through any fault 
of his Nor was he disappointed in his expectations. He had rea- 
sonable success, both in raining and speculating, and came back to his 
old home m Randolph county in 1854 by no means the worse off for 
his long absence On reaching Randolph county — and he made the 
return trip by the Isthmus of Panama and New York — he at once 
resumed farming, and soon turned his attention also to raisino- stock 

Vr u^^ol '!' *^^'^'"- ^^'^ y^'''^ ^f^^^" ^""^•ng back, on the 16th of 
March, 1855, he was married to Miss Amanda Smith, a daughter of 
Joel bmith, of Randolph county, but formerly of Kentucky ° Before 
his marriage, however, he had already located on the farm where he 
still resides, and here he has continued, successfullv occupied with 
agricultural pursuits. He has long since become one of the leading 
fanners and stock men of the county, and a citizen not less respected 
and influential than was his honored father. Judge Coates' farm con- 
tains 900 acres and is one of the handsomest farms in natural ap- 
pearance, as well as by improvements, in the county. It is situated 
about two miles from Moberly, and from his residence an excep- 
tionally fine view of the surrounding country may be had His 
house, a commodious and tastily constructed two-story buildino- is 
situated on a handsome collado or rise about 300 yards back from 
the road, and the lawn in front is one of rare beauty. The other 
buildings, includmg a large barn, cribs, carriage house, ice house, 
etc., are constructed in keeping with the residence, and the general 
ensemble of the place is that of the abode of a progressive ao-ricul- 
turist and intelligent, prosperous citizen. Judge Coates raise's and 
handles cattle quite extensively, having on his place at the present 
time nearly 200 head, and he makes a specialty of raisino- mules, buy- 
ing them when young and feeding them through a few seasons until 
they are ready for the markets. Like his father, Jud^e Coates has 
always taken an intelligent and active interest in public affairs, thouo-h 
being himself the farthest from a self-seeking man. An earnest and 
sincere Democrat, he cooperates with his party because he believes 
that principles of Democracy, those which the teachings of Jefferson 
and Jackson reveal, are the true principles upon which the govern- 



HISTORY or RANDOLPH COUNTY. 549 

ment should be administered, and he hopes not only to see these prin- 
ciples carried out in affairs, but also to see none but worthy men 
selected for oflficial positions. These motives have ever been the 
mainspring of his political action, and thus animated he always strives 
in local affairs to secure the selection of pure and worthy men for of- 
fice. Appreciated for his high character and sound judgment, and 
known to be a man of superior business qualifications and a prominent, 
representative citizen of the county, in 1880 Judge Coates was ap- 
pointed by Gov. Phelps to till out an unexpired term on the county 
bench, a position he accepted, and the duties of which he discharged 
with that efficiency and general satisfaction characteristic of his fath- 
er's administration of the same office many years before. Judge 
Coates' first wife died May 14, 1868. She was a lady of singular 
strength of mind and gentleness of manners, and was only less es- 
teemed among her neighbors than she was loved in her own family. 
Her whole life seemed to be devoted to doing her duty as a devoted, 
loving wife, a gentle and affectionate mother, a kind neighbor and a 
worthy member of the church, as a Christian woman. She was one of 
the good and true women, the memory of whose lives is without a 
blemish, and who are thought of by those who knew them as angels 
are. She had borne her husband, who loved her with great tender- 
ness, and to whom her death seemed a loss too hard to bear, six worthy, 
children namely: Charles N. D., William W., Minnie D.,JohnQ., 
Lizzie S. and Henderson W. To his present wife, Judge Coates was 
married June 22, 1869. She was previously a Miss Lizzie S. Smith, 
a sister to his first wife. Like her sister, she is much esteemed by 
her neighbors and is a valued member of the church. There are also 
six children by this union : Rodger S., Joel S., Wade Hampton, Glenn 
T., Lucy H. and Thomas White. Judge Coates and wife are mem- 
bers of the Christian Church, and the Judge is one of the leading lay 
members of that denomination in his vicinity. He is also a member 
of the Masonic order, and has occupied all the positions in the Mo- 
berly lodge of that order. Judge Coates is president of the Moberly 
Coal Mining Company, one of the prominent coal companies of Mo- 
berly. One of the foremost agriculturists of the county. Judge Coates 
has always taken an important interest in agricultural affairs, and is 
recognized as one of the most progressive and liberal minded farmers 
and stock-raisers throughout the surrounding country. In stock-rais- 
ing, he believes in handling the best blood that can be had, and car- 
rying out this idea, he has some exceptionally fine graded cattle, and 
also other representative stock of a superior class. Li public affairs, 
relating to the material prosperity of Moberly and Randolph county, 
Judge Coates shows great liberality and zeal and falls behind no one 
in steps taken to advance the best interests of the public. As has 
been said, he wears with true worth and becoming grace the mantle of 
his honored father which has fallen to him. 



550 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 



GEORGE H. COTTINGHAM 

(Farmer and Stock- raiser). 

Mr. C. is one of the wealthy citizens of Randolph county and one ©f 
the most liberal and public spirited men in the township. He was 
born October 17, 1833, in Shelby county. 111., while his parents, B. 
T. Cottingham and Lucy Hardman, both of Kentucky, were visiting 
friends in Illinois. The family moved to Missouri in 1838, and were 
among the earliest settlers of Callaway county. After leaving there, 
they abode in Boone county for two years and in Audrain seven, and 
at last settled in Monroe county, where the senior Cottingham died. 
It was here that George H. arrived at man's estate and finished his 
education at the common schools. He only lived here one year after 
his marriage, February 22, 1858, and then came to Randolph county, 
which had been his wife's home, and for eight years was engaged in 
the saw mill and lumber as well as the flouring mill business. He 
took possession of his present farm in March, 1875. He has 350 
acres of land, 320 fenced and in cultivation, and has about 200 in 
timothy and blue grass. His residence is handsome, and he has a 
good barn and two splendid orchards, one in especial, containing 250 
trees — apple, peach, cherry and other fruits. Mrs. Cottingham was 
Miss Sarah M, Brooks, daughter of Thomas B. Brooks, formerly of 
Kentucky. They have seven children : Florence, wife of J. J. 
Matthews; R. C., Lora May, wife of Logan Meals; James H., 
Ernest, Beulah and Thomas B. Three children died in infancy. 
R. C, the eldest son, is a young man of most brilliant promise. He 
was educated and graduated at Columbia, and is now a successful 
practicing physician at Leesburg, Monroe county. He is a member 
of the I. O. O. F. Mr. and Mrs. Cottingham and the two eldest 
daughters are zealous and devoted members of the M. E. Church 
South, for whose worship there is a building situated on Mr. Cotting- 
ham's farm. It is a new and beautiful structure, costing $1,200, and 
in which Mr. Cottingham has the right to feel great personal pride, 
having given the ground upon which it stands and more money 
towards its erection than any four others, besides boarding the car- 
penters free and contributing largely in other ways. 

JAMES N. COX 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser). 

Mr. C. was born in Fayette county, Ky., Juh^ 9, 1824. His father, 
Daniel Cox, who was a man of heroic mold, and fought in the War 
of 1812 in the naval service on Lake Erie, died before the family left 
Kentucky, in 1836. James N. and his mother, formerly Miss Lydia 
Hurst, of Kentucky, located first in Boone county. Mo., and it was 
not until he became his own master that Mr. Cox moved to Randolph 
county and began for himself. He has been successful in his efforts, 
and DOW owns 195 acres of land, all fenced, with 130 in cultivation 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 551 

and meadow. He occupies a neat residence. On tiie 29th of Decem- 
ber, 1849, Mr. Cox crowned liis life with the love of Miss Susan 
Spurling, daughter of Alfred Spurling, formerly from Kentucky. 
Mrs. C, though born in Kentucky, was raised in Kandolph county. 
She was to him a good and faithful spouse, and died February 28, 
1880, leaving three children: Elizabeth F., wife of James T. Harris ; 
Mary A., wife of Albert Byram ; and Ida Lee. Mr. Cox was married 
again, March 30, 1881, to Mrs. Mary E., widow of George W. Camp- 
bell and daughter of Elijah Fowler, formerly of Kentucky. Mr. Cox 
belongs to the Missionary Baptist Church, and Mrs. C. is a member 
of the Christian Church. 

JOSEPH B. AND CHARLES G. DAVIS 

(Post-office, Renick"). 

Joseph B. Davis was born in Randolph county. Mo., January 
8, 1829, and was a son of Joseph Davis, orignally of Virginia, who 
removed to Kentucky when quite young, being brought out by his 
parents to the Bhie Grass State, who were early settlers in Ken- 
tucky. Joseph grew to manhood in that State and was there married 
to Miss Polly Williams, also born and reared in Kentucky. Joseph 
Davis, pere, came out to Missouri in 1819, and prospected in this State 
for a location at which to settle. Returning to Kentucky, he removed 
his family to Randolph county, Mo., in 1822, where he had decided 
to make his future home. He settled near Renick, or rather where 
the town of Renick, then in a state of no7i esse, is now situated. 
He resided on the farm which he settled near the site of Renick, 
until his death, which occurred May 1, 18G5. He was twice mari'ied, 
and his widow by his second marriage now resides on the old home- 
stead. 

Joseph B. Davis was reared on a farm in this county, and had good 
common school advantages. In 1850, then 21 years of age, he crossed 
the plains on his way to the golden coast of the Pacific seas. He went 
in the company of White and Burkhead, and about 10 others, and 
they were on the road some four months. After an experience of 
nearly a year in the mines he returned to Missouri by way of the 
Isthmus and New Orleans, reaching his old homestead in Randolph 
county in 1851. The following winter, on the 17th of February, 1852, 
he was" married to Miss Sallie, a daughter of Saul and Jeauette Mar- 
tin, formerly of Kentucky. Mrs. Davis was born and reared in this 
county. There are two children bj this marriage : Jeanette, who is 
the wnfe of Charles C. McKinney ; and Charles G., one of the subjects 
of this sketch. The mother of these died, and on the 7th of Novem- 
ber, 1864, he was married to Mrs. Mary E. Grace, the widow of 
Samuel Grace, and a daughter of Owen McGruder, an early settler of 
Howard county, but now deceased. Mrs, Davis has one daughter by 
her former marriage, Annie E., the wife of J. B. Davis, Jr., of Moberly. 
By her last marriage there is also a daughter, Sallie M., now a young lady 
of 17. Two children died after they had reached years of maturity, — 
30 



552 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

both by Mr. Davis' first marriage : Florence G., who died in the fall of 
1883, and James Rollins, who died November 4, 1881, at the age of 24. 
He was a young man of fine ability and superior attainments, a lawyer 
by profession, practicing at Moberly, and a graduate of the law depart- 
ment of the State University. It was a sad thing to see this young 
man die in the opening bloom of life, when all the bright days of use- 
fulness and perhaps eminence at the bar and in public service were 
before him. He had fitted himself for his profession by a thorough 
course of study, and was one of those characters in whom the fire of 
genius was imbedded and the noble aspiration to make his life one of 
value to the world and of honor to his name and country. With his 
talents and attainments and the honorable ambition that prompted 
him to strive for a destiny above that of the average of men, he could 
scarcely have failed to make for himself a reputation and a name that 
would have gone vibrating down the ages, as that of one of the able 
men of his native State. Mr. Davis, the senior subject of this sketch, 
settled on the farm where he now resides before his marriage. This 
is an excellent place of 250 acres and is well improved, including 
good buildings and fences, meadows and pastures, etc. Mr. and Mrs. 
Davis are members of the Christian Church, and Mr. Davis is 
a member of Morality Lodge, No. 186, of the A. F. and A. M. at 
Renick. 

Charles G. Davis, the junior subject of this sketch, was born June 
23, 1861, and was reared on the farm. Being of studious habits and 
of an active and quick mind, he acquired an excellent education, and 
became well qualified to teach school. He taught school in the county 
for several terms, and also one term in Howard county, and meeting a 
charming lady, to whom he became ardently attached. Miss Alice 
Sorrel 1, daughter of John Sorrell, of this county", he was married to 
her on the 3d of August, 1882. After his marriage, Charles G. 
Davis bought back an interest in the mill which he had previously 
been running, and continued to run it for some time afterwards. He 
engaged in the milling business as early as the fall of 1880, but sold 
out in the spring of 1881, and did not return to it until after his mar- 
riage. 

REESE D. DA VIES 

(Merchant, Kenick). 

Born in South Wales, England, May 14, 1843, Mr. Davies was the sou 
of David and Magdaline Davies. He clung to his native laud until 
some years after reaching his majority, working as apprentice at the 
trade of blacksmithing ; then, conceiving the far-ofF America to be 
an El Dorado, he finally set his steps toward it. He could not, how- 
ever, valiant as his courage, face the uncertainties of a new life, a 
stranger in a strange land, without one loving heart to cheer his way ; 
so in August, 1868, Miss Eliza Walters consented to link her fate with 
his, for better, for worse, and in 1869 the newly-married pair, with 
a tear in the eye and a smile on the lip, started for this glorious land 
of liberty. Mr. Davies settled in Macon county, where for five years 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTT. 553 

he was engaged in coal mining. He moved to Huntsville, Randolpli 
county, in 1874, and continued to work in the mines for two years. 
During this time he found that his previous knowledge of blacksmith- 
ing was no disadvantage to him, and he made use of it in making and 
sharpening tools for the mines. He finally came to Reuick in the fall 
of 1878 and worked in the mines here for three years, when he started 
a saloon. Though he has sold one-half his interest in this business, 
he still owns the building. From the fall of 1881 until January, 
1883, he was engaged in the furniture business, and then forming a 
partnership with William Crosswhite, they laid in a stock of hard- 
ware and groceries under the firm style of Crosswhite & Co. A man 
of such good business habits and capacity and sterling, self-reliailt worth 
could not fail to prosper, and Mr. Davies is now enjoying the fruits of 
his own industry in the shape of a flourishing trade. Not less has heaven 
smiled upon his home. He has six children, all of whom were born 
in Missouri : David W., Anna, Lizzie, William, Mary J. and Arthur. 
Mr. and Mrs. Davies are devout members of the Congregational 
Church, and Mr. D. belongs to Estridge Lodge, I. O. O. F. 

GEORGE A. DOUGHERTY 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser and Dealer) . 

Mr. D. is a native of Howard county, Mo., and was born July 28, 
1849. Hfs mother, Anna Walker, was also a native of the county, 
her father being one of its earliest settlers. Franklin Dougherty, his 
father, came from Kentucky in 1837 and entered land in Howard, only 
three miles from the place where he now lives. George A. spent his 
youth on the home farm, receiving a good common school education. 
At the age of 22 he went to Texas, and was for some time employed 
in driving and trading in cattle. In 1873 he located in Randolph, 
marrying, October 21, 1875, a young lady who was born and raised in 
the county, Miss Fannie A., daughter of Thornton Mason. After 
his marriage Mr. Dougiierty bought a place near Elliott, in the same 
county, which, after living on it until in February, 1883, he sold it, 
coming to the fiirm upon which he now lives in February, 1883. Mr. 
Dougherty makes a business of trading in mules and cattle, buying 
young mules and raising theni for the markets, besides trading in 
other stock. He is a man of much energy and enterprise and has the 
esteem of all his neighbors. Mr. and Mrs. Dougherty have only one 
child : Nannie Pearl, a winsome little maid, born November 21, 1876. 

SAMUEL M. FOREST, M.D. 

(Physician and Surgeon.)J 

Dr. F. was originally from Kentucky, having been born in Barren 
county, January 29, 1845. His father, John M., and mother, Martha 
Malone, were natives of Kentucky. They came to Missouri in the fall 
of 1857, and, having wintered in Columbia, settled in Audrain county 
the following spring. Samuel M. grew up on the farm and attended 



554 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

the neighboring schools; hia education, however, was finished at a 
high school in Barren county, Ky. On his return to Audrain he 
farmed two years; then, seized with the Texas fever, he determined 
to try his fortune there. He continued his occupation, farming, in 
Texas, from 1868 to 1873, when, feeling the medical profession to be 
the noblest on earth, he adopted it as his life work, a decision for 
which many have had reason to be thankful. I;i 1874 Dr. Forest 
commenced the study of medicine at San Marcus, Texas, under Dr. 
Wood, one of the leading physicians of that part of the State. He 
read with him one year, then returned to Missouri, read with a 
brother at Middle Grove, Monroe county, took his first course of 
lectures the winter of 1875-76, and in the spring of 1878 graduated 
with honor at the St. Louis Medical College. He first pitched upon 
Franklin, in Howard county, as the scene of his future labors and tri- 
umphs, but in the winter of 1879 removed to Renick, which he has 
since made his home. In 1880, unwearying in the pursuit of knowl- 
edge. Dr. Forest took another course of lectures at the St. Louis 
Medical College, and returned in the spring (if 1881 to Renick and 
continued the practice of his profession. It is needless to say that 
he has become "to all the country dear." Being by nature en- 
dowed with qualities both of head and heart which render him pecu- 
liarly well adapted to the calling of his choice, he has reaped in a 
marked degree the fruit thereof. He is a man of brilliant mind, 
with an insatiable thirst for study, and deserves to the full the dis- 
tinction he has won. In 1882 the Doctor went, in connection with 
his brother, John Forest (who, as was mentioned in a previous 
sketch, was succeeded by G. O. Powell), into the drug business, in 
which he has prospered. Dr. Forest is a member of the Moberly 
District Medical Society, and is secretary of that organization ; he 
is a member of Middle Grove Lodge A. F. and A. M., and also a 
member, as well as examining physician, of the A. O. U. W. Thus 
far the Doctor, despite the universal decree that a physician shall 
marry young, has remained single, finding room only in his heart for 
suffering humanity, to which he has devoted himself with the ardor 
of a lover. It may be that, with rare wisdom, he recognizes the 
undoubted fact that, in spite of all said to the contrary, young 
physicians will share with young ministers, to the end of time, the 
worship of every female heart. 

WILLIAM C. FOSTER 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser). 

Mr., Foster is the son of Anthony Foster and Permelia Carej^ of 
Clark county, Ky. His parents came to Randolph in January, 
1848, and bought an improved farm in the neighborhood of Mr. 
Foster's present home. There were four sons and three daughters, 
of whom three sons and a daughter are still living. William C, 
who was born in Fayette county, Ky., January 18, 1835, lived 
until he was a man on the farm, receiving a fair common school edu- 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 555 

cation. When the tocsin of war sounded through the air Mr. Foster 
cast in his lot with that noble and devoted band who gave their 
lives freely in defense of their sunny land of flowers, and whose 
hopes were doomed to blight and decay. He enlisted in 1861 in 
the Missouri State Guards, John B. Clark's Division. He held a 
commission as second lieutenant, and was in the battles of Boon- 
ville and Lexington. He then resigned, came home, joined Perkins 
and Poindexter, and in 1862 was taken prisoner and held at St. 
Louis and Alton, 111., for several months ; finally, his exchange being 
efiected at Vicksburg, he went into the Ninth Missouri infantry, under 
Col. John B. Clark, Jr., and served until the close of the war, par- 
ticipating with distinguished valor in several important engagements 
and a number of skirmishes. The next event worthy of note in Mr. 
Foster's. career was his marriage to Miss Mollie E., daughter of Will- 
iam H. and Deidamia Cooper, formerly of Kentucky, whom he wedded 
September 19, 1867. They have three living children : Sallie, Minnie 
Gertrude and Henry, losing in 1878, within a few months of each 
other, two promising boys; Thomas E., died April 16th, in his 
10th year, and William died September 16th, aged two. Upon his 
marriage Mr. Foster settled quietly down on the farm he still owns. 
This comprises 243 acres of land — 200 in the home place, all fenced 
and nearly all in cultivation and meadow pasture, a new and neat 
residence, good stable and fine bearing orchard. Mr. and Mrs. 
Foster are exceedingly popular among their neighbors, and are de- 
sirable members of the community. They both belong to the Chris- 
tian Church at Renick. 

WILLIAM B. GARVEN 

(Post-office, Renick) . 

Mr. G., a respected citizen and farmer of this county, was born on 
February 11, 1839. His fiither, Stephen H. Garven, was a native of 
Kentucky. He came to Missouri when quite a young man, and be- 
lieving in the Bible doctrine that, "it is not good for man to be 
alone," he married Miss Janette Brooks, a native of Kentucky, and 
settled in Randolph county near Roanoke. He resided in the county 
until his death, which ocurred in the year 1871. His son, William 
B., was brought up on his fiither's farm, and his youthful days were 
spent in acquiring that useful and practical knowledge of farm life, 
which was in after life of so much benefit to him. Brought up as a 
stock-raiser and farmer, he has pursued both occupations with great 
energy, and his eff'orts have been crowned with success. 

Mr. Garven is well educated in the English branches, having com- 
pleted a course in the public grammar schools and the Sturgeon High 
School. In the midst of the sterner duties of life, Mr. Garven found 
leisure to choose for himself a partner in life. He was accordingly 
married in this county on Novenber 24, 1861, to Miss tydia Ann 
Shirley, who was also born and brought up in Randolph county. Her 
father, Presley Shirley, was formerly from Kentucky. Their marriage 



556 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

was blessed by seven children, namely: Eugei)e, Anna Orald, Cora, 
Charles, Don, Maud and William Ira. But death, who, in his relentless 
course, spares neither young nor old, did not forget this household. 
Five little ones Avere taken from their loving mother's arms in their 
infancy. Truly is it said, 

There is a reaper, whose name is Death, 

And with his sickle keen, 
He reaps the bearded grain at a breath, 

And tlie flowers that grow between. 

The flowerets of the sorrowing parents had but " budded on earth 
to bloom in heaven." 

Mr. Garven did not settle permanently immediately after his mar- 
riage, but rented a farm for a few years. In the year 1869 he bought 
a farm near Eenick, and remained there for 12 years, meeting with 
success. In 1881 he sold the farm on which he lived and purchased the 
place where he now resides. His place is kept well repaired, and 
everything is in good order, showing that the master's eye is carefully 
attentive in the minutest particular. Mr. Garven is the owner of 200 
acres of land, all fenced. He can also lay claim to 100 acres in culti- 
vation, and about 75 acres in pasture. 

THOMAS W. GENOLA 

(Proprietor of City Livery, Feed and Sale Stable, Eenick). 

Mr. G. was born in Howard county, Mo., February 4, 1847. His 
father, Joseph Genola, was a Frenchman ; his mother, Elizabeth Owen, 
a native of Kentucky. Joseph Genola emigrated to the United States 
when a young man, and settled first in Glasgow, Howard county, of 
this State, where he married. In 1849 he went to California, re- 
mained eight years, and returning in 1857, lived in Glasgow about 
one year, when he moved to Renick. There he was engaged in the 
grocery business until his death, September 9, 1860. Thomas W. 
Genola, the subject of this sketch, while growing up, divided his time 
between school and assisting his father in the store. After the death 
of the latter he enlisted, in 1864, in Price's army, and served until 
the close of the war. He participated in the battle of Lexington and 
fought all the way from that place to the Arkansas river. During this 
memorable journey he was under fire at least 20 or 24 days. After 
the war Mr. Genola returned to Renick and clerked until 1868, in 
the spring of which year he began merchandising on his own account, 
and did a good business for 10 years, notwithstanding the fact that 
in 1874 he was turned out, without insurance, and suffered a heavy 
loss of about $3,000. In the fall of 1879 he bought a stable and era- 
barked in the livery business; but one could almost imagine him pur- 
sued by the hungry jaws of a veritable fiend, for in the same year he 
was again burned out. Rising Phoenix-like from the flames, he built 
in 1881, the brick stable, where he is now established. Mr. G. has 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 557 

been at times engaged to some extent in shipping native lumber, and is 
also now the owner and proprietor of a meat market. He was elected 
in the spring of 1881, mayor of the city, which honorable office he now 
continues to fill to the material advancement of the interests of the 
community. To say that fortune smiles upon him is but calling at- 
tention to the inevitable consequence of his own indomitable energy 
and steady industry, the only imperishable treasure that can be .pos- 
sessed by a man in this world of change and chance. Mr. Genola 
was married at Renick, June 6, 1870, to Miss Dulcie Boulware, a 
daughter of John Boulware, formerly from Kentucky. There are 
two children in their family : Ida Velera and Rita. 

JAMES L. GEORGE 

(Merchant at Renick, Mo.). 

A native of Howard county, Mo., Mr. George was born July 25, 1853, 
the son of William George and Sarah Hardin, both from Kentucky. 
Mr. George was a man of distinction, having fought with honor in the 
Mexican War. After settling in Howard county, when a young man, 
he tilled the soil there for a number of years. When the late Civil 
War broke out, like the war-horse who sniff's the battle afar, he rushed 
to the fray ; he served in the Confederate army, was taken prisoner, 
and died in 1864, that most terrible death, a captive in a military 
prison in St. Louis. J. L. spent his life until his majority on the 
farm, during which time his education was not neglected. He at- 
tended the schools of the neighborhood, finally taking a course of 
two years at the Normal school at Kirksville. Upon the completion 
of his studies Mr. George turned them to good account ; he took 
charge of a school and taught " the young ideas how to shoot" for 
four years. In the spring of 1879 he embarked in the drug and 
grocery liusiness at Renick, and was in the trade about three years. 
In October, 1882, Mr. George sold out his store and bought a third 
interest in the Renick Flouring Mills, in partnership with Williams 
& Grant. He continued in this line until July, 1883, when he dis- 
posed of his share in the concern. He has just completed a fine 
brick store house, 24X80, which he has fitted out with a full stock of 
drugs and groceries, and is now prepared to fill all orders with which 
the public may favor him. Mr. George and Mr. T, J. Grant own 
f&ur fine brick buildiugs, just finished, beautifully ornamented with 
iron facings. Mr. G. is as yet unmarried, but if Dame Rumor speaks 
aright will not long continue so. He is a man of genial, pojnilar 
manners, and his friends are a host ; of steady, reliable business hab- 
its and a clear-headed nianaoer, his success was a thino; assured. 

JAMES W. GIBBS 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser). 

Mr. G., a son of Stephen Gibbs, of Virginia, and Martha Miller, of 
Kentucky, breathed his first sigh in Howard county. Mo., March 28, 



558 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

1848. The family came to Howard in 1843, where Mr. Gibbs en- 
tered land and improved a farm, on which he lived until his peaceful 
passing away, in 1870. James W. grew up on the farm in Howard 
countv, receiving a good common school education. He first adopted 
the carpenter's trade and built most of his own building, as well as two 
or three others in the neighborhood. Upon his marriage, however, 
February 9, 1875, to Miss Martha E., daughter of Judge B. H. Tol- 
son, of Howard county, whose sketch may be found in the Howard 
County History, Richmond township, his father-in-law presented him 
with the ftirm upon which he lives, in Randolph county. In March, 
1876, Mr. Gibbs moved to his new home. He owns 262 acres of 
land, all fenced and nearly all in cultivation. His young orchard 
embraces a variety of small fruits. Mrs. Gibbs, xi lady of refinement, 
intelligence and beauty, is a native of Howard county, and was edu- 
cated at Christian College, Columbia. She and her husband are both 
members of the Christian Church. They have four children : Sallie 
F., Anna Belle, Katie S. and Benjamin Elliott. Mr. Gibbs is a young 
man, every day of whose life unfolds some bud of promise and hope, 
and of which the full flower cannot fail to be of gorgeous bloom. 

THOMAS J. GRANT 

(Renick) . 

Among the substantial business men of Renick is the subject of this 
sketch. Mr. Grant, a son of Thomas G. Grant and Lucy M. Allen, 
of Virginia, was born in Boone county, Ky., December 15, 1835. The 
family moved from Virginia to Kentucky, and from Kentucky to Mis- 
souri in 1841, locating in Monroe county. Mr. Grant, Sr., was a vet- 
eran and a pensioner of the War of 1812. T. J. lived in Monroe county 
until he was grown, passing his life on a farm, and being educated in the 
common schools of the neighborhood. While still in Monroe, Janu- 
ary 2, 1857, he was married to Miss Ann Elizabeth, daughter of 
William H. Fields, originally from Kentucky. Mrs. G., though a 
Kentuckian by birth, came with her parents to Missouri at the age of 
14 years. After Mr. Grant was married he continued to live in Macon 
until March 9, 1866, when he came to Randolph county and estab- 
lished himself on the farm where he now resides. He owns 520 acres 
of land, all in a body, adjoining the town of Renick, upon which he 
has a handsome two-story residence, two new barns, and other neces- 
sary out-buildings. Mr. Grant makes a business of handling thorough- 
bred cattle, and has a herd of 18 head of as fine as can be found 
anywhere, led by Leonard, a deep red roan, and magnificent animal, one 
year old. Mr. Grant takes great pride in his stock, and with reason. 
Besides this, he, under the firm name of Williams & Grant, is a half 
owner of the Renick flouring mill, and of a carriasre and wagon fac- 
tory, a handsome one-story brick structure, just completed ; he is also 
interested in a harness shop. Grant & George, as mentioned in the 
sketch of the last named, own a block of four substantial brick build- 
ings, all iron front, and the best store-rooms in the town of Renick. 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 559 

Mr. Grant's principal occupation is handling, feeding and shipping 
stock to the wholesale markets ; though a young man, he is well on 
his way to fortune ; and what makes his success more agreeable, is the 
consciousness that he owes it alone to his own energy and enterprise. 
Mr. and Mrs. Grant have four children : Charles T., married and liv- 
ing in Vernon county; Anna Kate, wife of Charles Kagsdale ; James 
and Luella. Mr. G. and wife belong to the Christian Church, and he 
is a Mason and member of the A. O. U. W. 

J. LEONARD GRIMES 

(Farmer and Fine Short-horn Cattle Breeder). 

Mr. Grimes, who has an excellent farm of 240 acres, has been en- 
gaged in breeding and raising fine short-horn cattle and dealing in that 
class of stock for about 16 years. He has been quite successful in 
this branch of industry, and has done a great deal for Randolph county 
and the country round about, in improving the grade of stock raised. 
He has a herd of some 25 head of as fine thoroughbred short-horns as 
are to be seen in the country. He has made a specialt}'^ of the study 
of fine stock breeding, particularly in the branch of the business with 
which he is identified, and is regarded as one of the best posted fine 
stock men and one of the best judges of stock in the county. He, of 
course, raises his stock for sale, and he keeps a record of the descent 
of each head, showing from what sires and dams each one came 
through a generation past, so that when one buys from him the pur- 
chaser knows exactly what he is getting; and this record of stock is 
faithfully and honestly kept, thus rendering mistakes, or worse than 
mistakes, impossible. Any one who knows Mr. Grimes will not for a 
moment question any certificate of stock which bears his genuine sig- 
nature. Mr. Grimes is a native of Randolph county, born on the farm 
where he now resides January 21, 1846. His father, George W. 
Grimes, was one of the early settlers of Randolph county, but died in 
St. Charles county. Mo., on his return from Virginia, July 17, 1847. 
He came out here in 1836, and settled on the place where the subject 
of this sketch now resides. He left a wife and six children at his 
death, and of his children four are now living, including J. Leonard. 
J. Leonard Grimes was reared in the county, and as he grew up re- 
ceived a good common school education. On the 21st of February, 
1866, he was married to Miss Lucy S., a daughter of V. B. Bohannon, 
of Monroe county, but formerl}' of Kentucky. After his marriage Mr. 
Grimes located on the old Grimes homestead, where he has since re- 
sided. Mrs. Grimes is a member of the Christian Church. Mr. 
Grimes' father was also a member of the church, a communicant 
of the M. E. Church, and was a man of earnest piety and many estim- 
able qualities of head and heart. His death was sincerely and pro- 
foundly mourned by his old neighbors and acquaintances in Randolph 
county. 



560 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 



DR. THOMAS L. HAMILTON 

(Physician and Surgeon, Renick, Mo.)- 

Dr. H. is a native of Tennessee, born in Williamson county, May 17, 
1825. His father, J. B. Hamilton, M.D., and mother, Nancy Campbell, 
were from Kentucky. They moved from Tennessee to Kentucky when 
Thomas L. was a child and settled in Green, and after one year moved 
to Marion county. Dr. Hamilton, Sr., practicing medicine in Marion 
county and Green, where the mother of Thomas L. Hamilton died in 
1830. Mr. Hamilton, Sr., then married Caroline Sanders. The 
family made another move in 1846, this time choosing the State of 
Missouri as their goal ; they took up their abode in Gallatin in 1855. 
The subject of this memoir passed the first years of his life in Green 
and Marion counties, Kentucky. Here he received a good education, 
and employed his leisure hours in attending his father's office. It was 
under the paternal eye that he began the study of medicine at the un- 
heard-of age of 14 years. He took his first course of lectures in the 
winter of 1849-50 at the McDowell Medical Institute, a branch of the 
State University. In the spring the Doctor commenced the practi.ce 
of his profession near Renick, in Randolph county, and with the ex- 
ception of one year in Daviess, one year in St. Louis county during 
the war, and about a year in Huntsville, he has continued in constant 
practice at that place ever since. Dr. Hamilton has united with his 
professional duties a mercantile enterprise, carrying on at the same 
time a drug and dry goods store. He was for two or three years 
mayor of the town, and was president of the school board when the 
school-house was built. The Doctor wooed and won one of the fairest 
daughters of Randolph county. Miss Cynthia A., child of N. B. and 
Martha C. Christian. On the 18th of December, 1850, the indissolu- 
ble knot was tied ; and time has them but fonder made, this lovely 
lady being ever the "balm of his cares and sweet solace of all his 
toils." Dr. and Mrs. Hamilton have seven children : Colie, wife of 
Rev. J. W. Terrell, president of the Normal School at Winchester, 
Tenn. ; John N., William T.,. Carrie E., wife of Ed. Pennington, of 
Tennessee ; James P., Ollie, and Ida F. The Doctor and his wife and 
eldest daughter belong to the Christian Church, and Dr. Hamilton is 
a member of Morality Lodge No. 186, A. F. and A. M. 

** The world's a theater, the earth a stage, 
Which God and Nature do with actors fill ; " 

and of these not one has better played his part than Dr. Thomas L. 
Hamilton, of Renick, Mo. 

JOHN H. HARDIN 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser) . 

Benjamin Hardin, father of John H., came from Kentucky with his 
parents when a little lad, five years of age. They settled in Howard 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 561 

county, where the chubby child became a sturdy youth, and in time a 
handsome young man who. in 1838, moved to Randolph county and 
entered and bought a large body of land where he was engaged in 
farming and dealing in stock until the time of his death, August 31, 
1879. Mr. Hardin was successful both in love and war, having fought 
manfully in the Black Hawk War, and twice winning a prize in the 
matrimonial market. By his first wife, Susan Hubbard, a young lady 
of Randolph county, he had nine children, all of whom are living, and 
of whom John H. is the second son. The latter has known no other 
home than the farm upon which he was born, on the 3d of April, 1850. 

** Happy he whom neither wealth nor fashion, 
Nor the march of the encroaching city, 

Drives an exile 
From the hearth of his ancestral homestead." 

Mr. Hardin was educated at the public school of the county, with the 
additional advantage of two years at the Kirksville Normal School. 
In 1875 he made a trip to California, pleasantly occupying two years 
in visiting Sacramento, San Francisco, and all the noted cities of the 
Pacific Slope. In the spring of 1877, the wanderer found his way 
home, and resumed the cares and toils incident to the life of any man 
of ordinary ambition. Mr. Hardin has a farm of 200 acres, all fenced, 
and principally in blue grass and meadow. He occupies an elegant 
residence, and his place is supplied with necessary buildings and a 
young orchard. On the 18th of December, 1878, Mr. Hardin was 
joined in the bonds of holy wedlock to Miss Nannie, daughter of J. 
W. Hubbard, of Renick, formerly from Kentucky. This fair lady is 
fitted by education as well as by her graces of character to be the 
companion, counselor and comfort of even a man like Mr. Hardin, 
whose intellectual vigor and moral force stamp him as one of the pro- 
gressive men of the township. The young couple have two interesting 
children : Benjamin Forrest and Clara L. Mrs. Hardin is a member 
of the Baptist Church. 

JOHN W. HENDRIX 

(Blacksmith, Eenick). 

Mr. H. is one of the oldest settlers in this part of the country. His 
father, Allen Hendrix, was born at Hays' Station Fort, Ky., as 
far back as 1790 ; his mother, Levina Howard, was also aKentuckiun, 
and he himself was born in Madison county of the same State August 
3, 1833. Mr. Hendrix, Sr., was a man of great worth, and held the 
office of sheriflf of his county for several terms. The family came to 
Missouri in 1840, being among the pioneers of Randolph. J. W. 
grew to manhood in the vicinity of Renick, where he still lives. His 
early youth was spent on a farm, and his opportunities of obtaining 
an education were few. He availed himself of them, however, as far 
as possible. February 26, 1867, Mr. H. was married to Miss M. J. 
Williams, daughter of I. C. and Mary J. Williams, of Randolph county. 
By this marriage there is one son, Charles A. Mrs. Hendrix did not 



562 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

long survive ; with all of life before her, she slipped away from those 
who loved her but three short years from her wedding day. J. W., 
thinkino- that a good deed cannot be too often done, was married a 
second "^ime Octtiber 17, 1875, to Miss A. E., daughter of James 
Miles, also of Randolph. They have three children: Sallie A., W. 
Carl, and J. Ruby. After his first marriage Mr. H. farmed for about 
five years, but in 1875 moved to Renick and established a blacksmith 
shop, which he continues to carry on in connection with a wagon and 
repair shop. He is one of the best blacksmiths in all the country 
round, and deservedly enjoys a flourishing business. Mr. and Mrs. 
Hendrix are members of the Christian Church and Mr. H. is a promi- 
nent Mason, having filled with credit to himself nearly all the stations 
in his order. This honest man, unconvulsed by the storms of this 
restless world, lives at peace with himself and those about him, a life 
of placid content, only possible to one whose conscience is at ease 
and whose heart is in the right place. 

JAMES J. HUBBARD 

(Superintendent of the Renick Coal Company) . 

Mr. H., a young man of remarkable capacity, is a native of Macon 
county. Mo., and first saw the light on the 17th of March, 1860. 
His father, J. W., and mother, Lucinda Goodding, were originally 
from Randolph county. Mo., and returned there in 1865, Mr. Hub- 
bard, Sr., becoming owner and proprietor of the Renick Coal Mine. 
Here James J. arrived at man's estate, grew up on the farm and re- 
ceived a common school education. At the age of 19 he was made 
superintendent of the Renick Coal Company, and for two years dis- 
charged the duties of this responsible position. In the spring of 
1881 this young man's fancy lightly turned to thoughts of love, and 
touched by 

"A sparlc of that Immortal Are 
With angels shared, by Allah given, 

> To lift from earth our low desire," 

he laid siege to the heart of Miss Maggie, daughter of Dr. Crews, a 
native of Illinois, but life resident of this county. After his marriage, 
which happy event was solemnized on the 23d of June, Mr. Hubbard 
retired to a farm near Huntsville, where he lived for two years in 
sweet seclusion, the world forgetting, but not by the world forgot, 
for at the end of this time his dream of peace was disturbed and he 
was called upon once more to take an active share in the battle of life. 
He returned to Renick, and in October, 1883, again took charge of 
the mine. These are very extensive works, employing about 30 men, 
with a profit of $25,000 per year. It is not necessary to comment 
on the strength and ability of Mr. Hubl)ard's mental build, the facts 
speak for themselves ; for a man of his age to be placed in such a 
position proves him to be a man among men, and shows the very flat- 
tering estimate of him held by the community. Mr. Hubbard is a 
prominent member of the A. O. U. W. 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 563 



ALEXANDEE S. JONES 

(Post-office, Moberly). 

In his fourteenth year when Missouri was admitted into the Union 
March 7, 1821, Mr. Jones is therefore one of the venerable old 
men of Randolph county. Now past the age of 76, he is still on a 
fine farm which he owns in the county, on which he has resided for 
many years, and the running of which he personally superintends and 
directs. Although he is quite venerable looking in appearance, yet 
*♦ age sits with decent grace upon his visage and well becomes his sil- 
ver locks," and if one were to judge of his years by his conversa- 
tion and movements, for he is remarkably bright in the one and active 
in the other, he would be taken to be many years junior to his real 
age. He is one of those well-preserved, intelligent old men who, 
though their lives have been industrious and not without satisfactory 
success, have not wrecked themselves either physically or mentally in 
the inconsiderate pursuit of wealth. He has so lived that, instead of 
the evening of his life being darkened and made burdensome by the 
clouds of bitter regrets and physical anguish, it is softened and mel- 
lowed by the shadows of a serene old age like unto the evening. hori- 
zon of an Italian sky. Alexander S. Jones was born in Lincoln 
county, Tenn., January 8, 1808, seven years to a day before the bat- 
tle of New Orleans. A native of the State from which the iron-willed^ 
hero of that crowning triumph of the War of 1812, came, he was 
reared in Tennessee, and, like Andrew Johnson, who was born in the 
same year and in the same State, he learned a trade in his early years, 
commencing at the hatter's trade about the same time that Johnson 
enlisted in the knighthood of the goose or tailor's trade. Young 
Jones continued at his trade for about nine years and elohnson for about 
the same period, and the former took to agriculture and the latter to 
politics. But — 

" Fortune in men has some small difference made, 
One flaunts in rags, one flutters in brocade; 
The cobbler apron'd and the parson gown'd, 
The friar hooded and the monarch crown'd." 

Johnson went to the Presidency ; but while Mr. Jones has not risen 
to eminence in the admiring vanity of the world, his life has been one 
of sober, solid success — such a one as he hoped to live. His has 
been, and is, the middle fortune which La Bruvere has said that, after 
all, is the best : " There is nothing that keeps longer than a middling 
fortune, and nothing melts away sooner than a great one." Mr. 
Jones was married in his native county in October, 1830, to Miss 
Matilda Jenkins and five years afterwards removed to Missouri and 
located on the farm where he now resides, a half mile from the pres- 
ent depot of what is now the city of Moberly. Here, in less than 
another year, he will have lived for a half a century. He has a fine 



564 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

body of 210 acres of land and his farm is comfortably improved. He 
has lived a plain, industrious and upright life, and no breath of re- 
proach has ever settled upon the burnished shield of his character. 
One of the old fathers of the county in point of early settlement and 
lono- residence, he is at the same time one of its worthy old patri- 
archs, having reared a large and respected family of children, a num- 
ber of whom are now themselves the heads of families. Mr. Jones 
has been twice married. By his first marriage he was blessed with 
12 children, namely: Mary, now the wife of David James; Mar- 
garet, who died in maidenhood at the age of 19 ; Eliza, who is now 
the widow of Michael Shipp, deceased ; Robert A. ; John J. ; Sarah, 
who is now the wife of Thomas Chrystall ; Catherine, who is now the 
wife of Samuel Sparks ; Louisa, who is now the widow of Mr. Shad- 
rick ; Thomas B., who is now deceased ; Duliena, yet in maidenhood 
and at home ; Marietta, who is now the wife of Marion Crase ; Julia 
("Duck"), who is now the wife of William Barton. Thomas B. 
was a captain in the Confederate army and was wounded during a 
battle while gallantly leading his company, from the effects of 
which he soon after died. Mr. Jones' first wife died December 20, 
1877, after a happy married life of one year less than half a century. 
Of her it may in truth be said, in the language of Proverbs, that " she 
stretched out her hand to the poor, yea, she reacheth out her hand to 
the needy ; strength and honor are her clothing and she shall rejoice 
in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom and in her 
tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her 
household and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children rise up 
and call her blessed and her husband also, and he praiseth her." To 
his present wife, a most worthy and excellent woman, Mr. Jones was 
married on the 9th of September, 1881. She was the widow of Thomas 
S. Cox, deceased, and her maiden name was Elizabeth Miller. She 
was originally from New Jersey and was a daughter of George Miller, 
who came from England. By her former marriage she has four chil- 
dren : Esther, who is now the wife of John C. Campbell ; Grace, who 
is now the wife of William Lyon ; Emily, who is now the wife of Hol- 
lis Hoyt ; and Rose C, who is still a femme libre. 

JOHN J. JONES 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser) . 

When in his twentieth year, in 1859, Mr. Jones, w^ho had been born 
and reared in this county, joined the live stock expedition of Charles 
Burton, bound for California, and assisted others to drive some 300 
head of cattle and a large number of mules and horses to the Pacific 
coast. The expedition was on the road for about six months and 
endured many hardships wiiich the young men of the present genera- 
tion can hardly understand or appreciate, and which would be 
impossible now even if stock were still driven across the plains and 
through the mountains, for settlements along the route are too numer- 
ous to render the journey anything near as severe or perilous as it 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 565 

was then. Mr. Jones remained in California for about six years, 
engaged in mining and sheep raising, and not without some success. 
In 1865 he returned to Missouri, making the trip by the Isthmus of 
Panama, in South America, and coming on to the interior from the 
Atlantic coast at New York by rail. Here he engaged in firming, and 
on the 28th of April, 1872, he was married to Mrs. Sallie H. Kim- 
brough, widow of Thompson C. Kimbrough, deceased, and a daughter 
of John Strother, of Randolph county, formerly of Kentucky. The 
year following his marriage Mr. Jones bought his present farm. He 
has a good place of 100 acres, which is better improved than the 
average of farms in the vicinity. Mr. Jones makes something of a 
specialty of breeding horses and mules, and has some fine represent- 
ative stock for both branches of that industry. Mr. and Mrs. Jones 
have two children : Lela and Thomas J. ; one died in infancy. Mr. 
Jones was born on his father's farm in Moberly, October 18, 1839. 
His father, Alexander Jones, still resides there, and is a well respected 
citizen of that vicinity. His mother's maiden name was Matilda 
Jenkins, Both were originally from Tennessee, and came to Randolph 
county away back in 1835. 

HENRY KIMBROUGH 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser). 

Mr. K. was born in the county February 23, 1836, and is the son of John 
S. Kimbrough, of Surrey county, N. C. The fjither, John S., came to 
Missouri with his uncles at the age of nine, halted for a year in Howard 
county, and then came on to Randolph county, where he remained 
carrying on farming until his death, which occurred March 15, 1874. 
He was one of those who fought in the Black Hawk War. Henry K., 
like most of the farmers in the county, was raised to the life of an 
agriculturist. He was educated at Elm Ridge Academy, near Glasgow, 
and at Mount Pleasant College, at Huntsville. After he left college 
he taught school for four years in Boone and Randolph counties, and 
then taking up the business to which his early training inclined him, 
he bought raw land and improved the farm he still cultivates. He 
owns 175 acres of land with 140 fenced and under the plow. Upon 
this place are necessary buildings, orchards, etc. Mr. Kimbrous'h was 
elected justice of the peace for this township in November, 1868, 
which office he has held continuously since that time, having had the 
pleasure of tying the fatal knot for more, than 50 couples. He is a 
Democrat from principle, and has been a delegate to numerous con- 
ventions as well as member, a number of times, of the central 
committee. He has had a taste also of martial glory, serving as 
lieutenant of Rice's company in the enrolled militia for a short time 
toward the close of the war. Mr. Kimbrough married, February 23, 
1860, Miss Elizabeth J. Ferguson, daughter of George W. and Ann 
Ferguson, formerly of Tennessee. This estimable lady died January 
16, 1881, leaving four children : Ann A., wife of Stephen G. Hamil- 



566 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

ton; George T., Hattie L. and John S. July 21, 1881, Mr. K. was 
again wedded, in Milan, Sullivan county, to Mrs. Lucinda Vance, 
widow of John T. Vance and daughter of Joseph Lewis, a native of 
St. Louis county. Mo. Mrs. K. has two children by her first mar- 
riage : Hiett E. and Joe Roy Vance. As will be gathered from the 
above facts, Mr. Kimbrough is one of the most influential men in the 
township, his character being one of strong individuality. Among 
many incidents which emphasize this is that he has never in his life 
been on a dancing floor, and, which may account for his robust phy- 
sique, has never drank a cup of coffee. This, in coffee-loving America, 
is rather remarkable. Mr. and Mrs. K. are members of the Mission- 
ary Baptist Church. 

JAMES H. LITTRELL 

^(Luraber Dealer, Renick.) 

Geo. Littrell, the father of James H., came originally from Ken- 
tucky ; he moved to Missouri when quite a young man, and was one 
of the first settlers of Howard county, where he married Miss Eliza 
J. Hocker, also a native of Kentucky. Shortly after his marriage he 
entered land in Audrain county, where he still resides. He held the 
office of magistrate for a number of years. J. H. was born in Aud- 
rain county, Missouri, on the first of January, 1841. He was reared 
on a farm and educated at the common schools of Audrain county. 
After finishing his education in the hio^h schools of Boone and Howard 
counties, he became a teacher himself, and taught for about five 3^ears 
with great satisfaction to his patrons. He was married December 24, 
1867,"to Miss Nettie J., daughter of Rev. J. W. Gashwiller, of Howard 
county. Mrs. L. was born in Randolph county, and was educated at 
the Fayette High School, of Howard county. After Mr. Littrell was 
married he farmed for one year in Howard county, for four years in 
Audrain, and moved to Renick in 1873, buying a farm adjoining the 
town of Renick, where he now resides. In April, 1883, Mr. Littrell 
opened a lumber yard at this point, and is building up a good trade 
which is constantly increasing. He is a Democrat in principle, and in 
the fall of 1882 was elected constable of the township. This office he 
still holds, but it is feared will resig^n, owins: to the cares of his other 
business, which do not leave him time to attend to the duties of it. 
Mr. and Mrs. Littrell have three children : Lnlie E., India L. and A. 
Gaston. This worthy couple are members of the Primitive Baptist 
Church, and Mr. L. is a member of the A. O. U. W., having been 
recorder of that order since its organization. He is highly esteemed 
by the community in wiiich he lives. 

SAMUEL D. LYON 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser). 
Mr. L. is the son of Daniel Lyon and Didema Morrow, both of 
Kentucky. They moved to Missouri at a very early day, and were 



HISTORY OF* RANDOLPH COUNTY. 567 

among the pioneer settlers of Howard county. After living there two 
years Daniel C. removed to Boone and improved a farm, upon which 
he peacefully closed his eyes in February, 1860. Samuel D. was born 
in Boone, August 6, 1829, learning from childhood the management 
of a farm. June 3, 1852, he was married in his native county to Miss 
Elizabeth J., a daughter of Joseph Williamson, originally from Vir- 
ginia. Mrs. Lyon was herself a native of Boone county. There are 
four children : William F., Martha, wife of Dudley Johnson; Effie 
D., and Daniel J. They have lost two. Thomas M. died at the age 
of four years, in 1861, and Jefferson P., a boy of 12 years and 10 
days, died February 12, 1875. After his marriage Mr. Lyon lived in 
Boone county until the spring of 1865, then moved to Audrain fer one 
season, and in the fall of the same year established himself on the 
farm whereon he now lives. He has 230 acres of land all fenced, with 
about 160 in cultivation and meadow pasture, a neat residence, sub- 
stantial barn and fine bearing orchard. Mr. and Mrs. Lyon are mem- 
bers of the M. E. Church and Mr. Lyon belongs to the A. O. U. W. 
Lodge at Sturgeon. 

JAMES D. MARSHALL 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser). 

Mr. M, was born in Albemarle county, Va., September 4, 1835. 
His father, William Marshall, was a native of that State, his mother, 
Sarah Dorsey, being from North Carolina. The family left Virginia 
soon after the birth of J. D., in 1838, and, finding their way to Mis- 
souri, settled down in Randolph county : they being among the earliest 
white settlers. James D. grew up in the county, receiving a tolerable 
common school education. At the age of 18, in 1853, he determined 
to learn the blacksmith's trade. He worked one year at Milton, then 
six months at Buena Vista, then took a contract on railroad grading, 
at which he worked for one year. After this he started a blacksmith 
shop in connection with a wagon and repair shop, in which trade he 
continued in 1874, when he sold out and moved to the farm where he 
now resides. Mr. Marshall has a farm of 150 acres, all fenced and in 
fine cultivation, including splendid pasturage. There is a nice resi- 
dence, good barn and other buildings. In connection with the form 
there is a splendid young bearing orchard, in which some attention is 
paid to the raising of grapes. Mr. Marshall married in Randolph 
county April 29, 1859, Miss Susan A., daughter of James and Martha 
Ann (Hardin) Martin, formerly from Kentucky. Mrs. M. herself is 
a native of Randolph. To this union were born James W., John D., 
Milton M., Zenobia G. and Asbury Russell. Mr. and Mrs. Marshall 
are members of the Christian Church. Mr. M. is entirely a self-made 
man ; " strong in will to strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield," he 
has carved out his own fortunes with a resolute hand, and that " noblest 
work of God, an honest man," he has made a name which his children 
will be proud to claim. 

31 



568 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 



JAMES B. MARTIN 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser). 

In both of these callings Mr. M. has displayed unusual energy and 
been very successful. He is a native of Randolph county, born Sep- 
tember 17, 1838, and his youth and early manhood were passed on 
the farm where he was born and now resides. He is a son of Saul 
Martin, a native of Kentucky. The latter was united in-marriage to 
Miss Janette Murphy, who was born in North Carolina and raised in 
Kentucky. Concluding to try his fortunes in what was then con- 
sidered the " Far West," Mr. Martin removed with his family from 
his home in Kentucky to Missouri about the year 1825, He partici- 
pated in the struggles of the first settlers, being one of the pioneers 
of Randolph county, and on his arrival located on the farm where his 
son now lives, which he entered. He departed this life May 9, 1839, 
in his forty-third year, leaving, besides his widow, seven daughters and 
one son. The mother of these died April 21, 1861, in her fifty-ninth 
year, at her daughter's residence (Mrs. H. Davis) in Canton, Lewis 
county. Mo. The boyhood of James B. Martin was spent on the old 
homestead, and he grew to manhood beneath its sheltering roof. He 
received a practical education at the public and high schools, besides 
being endowed by mother Nature with a liberal fund of common sense, 
which has dictated the course of his actions. On December 29, 1859, 
at the early age of 21, Mr. Martin took to wife Miss Sallie, daughter 
of Thomas N. Stephenson, of Monroe county, formerly a resident of 
Kentucky'. Seven children were the result of this union : Mary J., 
Saul T., Katie P., James P., Charles T., Hubert M. and Sallie N. He 
devoted the year 1860 to farming on the old homestead, of which 
place he took charge after his marriage. In the year 1861 he moved 
with his young wife to the eastern part of the county, and there turned 
his attention to farming. On April 21st of the same year his mother 
died. Absence from the old place had not alienated his heart from 
it, but only served to increase the aff*ection he had for the early mem- 
ories of his boyhood's home, so, in the spring of 1862, Mr. Martin 
returned to the homestead, and shortly after bought out part of the 
heirs. By his industry and good management he is now the fortunate 
poss^essor of a farm consisting of 360 acres of land all in a body. 
There is very little of it that is not fenced and about 260 acres are in 
blue grass, timothy and plough land. Like many others, Mr. Martin 
felt the effects of war troubles. He rented his farm and, after making 
other arrangements, removed to Nebraska in April, 1865, located in 
Douglas county and remained there about six months, and returned 
in the fall to his home. Mr. Martin has displayed his characteristic 
good management by keeping his place in thorough repair, and has 
improved the old home well. About it is an air of comfort and thrift 
which is refreshing to the eye. Mr. Martin supplies the demand for 
stock in wholesale markets and makes a business of feedinjr cattle for 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 569 

this purpose. He feeds, on an average, one carload of steers and 
about 50 hogs annually. Both Mr, and Mrs. Martin are exemplary 
members of the Renick Church. Mr. M. is a member of the A. O. 
U. W. at Renick. He is one of the charter members of that well- 
known order and took an active interest in its organization. 

JAMES A. MITCHELL 

(Merchant, Renick). 

Mr. Mitchell was a born soldier and at the first call enlisted, July, 
1861, in Col. McCowan's Fifth regiment of Missouri infantry of the 
State service and afterwards enlisted in the Confederate service. He 
fought through the battles of Pea Ridge, Wilson Creek, Dry Wood, 
Lexington, luka and the second Corinth. Severely wounded in this 
last, he suffered amputation of his leg upon the field of battle, but 
nowise discouraged strapped on an artificial limb, returned to the ser- 
vice and did service in hospitals at Bhickwater and Vicksburg. At 
the close of the Civil War he returned to Missouri, and for a time 
herded cattle near Sedalia, then taught school in Cooper county, and 
in 1866 took up his permanent residence in Renick. Mr. Mitchell is 
a son of the Rev. Jesse Mitchell and of Providense Norwood, his 
wife, who about the year 1820 left Tennessee and settled in Polk 
county, Mo. Here James was born June 24, 1843, he being the 
fifteenth child, one of a family of 10 sons and 5 daughters, 12 of 
whom grew to maturity. His early years were passed on the home 
farm and in receiving the ordinary common school education. After 
the war and his coming to Renick, Mr. Mitchell became a clerk in a 
drygoods house, a few years later bought an interest in the business, 
and in 1877 became the owner of the well-established concern. He 
has since taken a partner and the firm of J. A. Mitchell & Co. are 
doing a business of $20,000 a year in dry goods, hats, caps, clothing 
and boots and shoes. On the 28th of December, 1880, Mr. Mitchell 
married Mrs. Josie Johnson, daughter of William Pearcy, and by her 
has one son, Pearcy Norwood Mitchell, born January 5, 1883. Mrs. 
Mitchell is a member of the Missionary Baptist church while her hus- 
band belongs to the M. E. Church South. He has been superin- 
tendent of the Sunday School since its organization in 1871, is a 
prominent member of the A. O. U. W. and a business man of great 
energy and ability. His whole stock was burned in 1880 and with no 
insurance, yet he was soon again in a larger business than before, 
and he now bids fair to be one of our most successful citizens. 

MATTHEW H. NEAL, 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser). 

Born in Fauquier county, Va., July 25, 1840, Mr. Neal was a son of 
Thomas and Mary (Rodgers) Neal, who removed to Missouri when 
Matthew H. was still in infancy, locating in Marion county. The 
father bought land in that county and engaged in farming on which 



570 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

he lived until his death, which occurred iu 1854. Matthew H. grew 
up on the farm in Marion county and when the war broke out in 1861, 
was in his twenty-tirst year. The same year he enlisted in the State 
Guard and served under Gen. Price for a term of six months, that 
beino- the period of his enlistment. During this time he was in a 
number of engagements, including the battle of Lexington and 
others. Returning to the county after the expiration of his term of 
service, he engaged in farming and has since followed it. On the 15th 
of April, 1871, Mr. Neal was married to Miss Mary A., daughter of 
Thomas Irons, of Eandolph county. Her father was from Virginia 
to this State, but originally from Scotland. Mr. and Mrs. Neal have 
six children: Nancy E. and Susan M., twins; John T., Wesley, 
Zula and Sarah. After his marriage Mr. Neal located on the farm 
where he now resides. He has 210 acres of good land, all but 40 
acres of which are improved. His improvements are of an excellent 
class. Mr, Neal is a man of industry and takes a public-spirited in- 
terest in local affairs. He has served as clerk of the school board for 
five years. Mr. Neal is a member of the A. O. U. W. at Renick. 

J. HYATT NOLIN 

COf the Firm of Nolin Brothers, Druggists, Clark's Switch). 

Mr. H. was born in Pike county, Mo., June 12, 1855. His father, John 
L. Nolin, came originally from Virginia when a young man, and settling 
in Howard county married Miss Miranda Williams, a native of the 
county. He is a wheelwright by trade but is now living on a farm in 
Pike. J. H. grew up in that county on his father's farm and was 
educated at the common schools. In January, 1883, he canie to Ran- 
dolph, and in partnership with his brother established himself in the 
drug business at Clark's Switch. Their stock also includes a full line of 
groceries, and though a new house they are already doing well. They 
are young men of push and enterprise and with the aid of their per- 
sonal popularity cannot fail to be soon in the midst of a rushing trade. 
J. Hyatt, thinking with Richter, that " no man can either live piously 
or die righteous without having a wife," espoused, June 5, 1883, Miss 
Belle, a native of the county, and charming daughter of Thomas 
Stockton, originally from Kentucky. Mrs. Nolin is a member of the 
M. E. Church South. 

GEORGE O. POWELL 

(Of the Firm of Powell & Forest, Merchants, Renick, Mo) . 

This reliable, trustworthy, and good man is a member of the firm 
of Powell & Forest, merchants, in Renick, Mo. Mr. Powell's parents, 
J. T. and Mandarin Powell, were natives of Virginia, and he himself 
■was born in that grand old State on the 23d of February, 1833. The 
family emigrated in about 1843 to Illinois, and was one of the first to 
settle in Cass county, the senior Powell building the first house that 
was ever erected in the town of Virginia, and afterwards serving as 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 571 

sheriff of the county. His son, George, grew to manhood in Cass 
county, on the farm, and received a good common school education. 
He came to Missouri in 1850, and, locating in Randolph county, he 
attended, for one year, the McGee College. After completing his 
studies, he taught in Randolph county for five years, then fanned 
for two 3'ears, and, at last, in 1862, came to Renick and was ap- 
pointed agent at this place for the Wabash, then the North 
Missouri Railroad. This position he held for 21 years, fulfilling 
its duties with the highest credit to himself and to the unbounded 
satisfaction of the railroad company and the general public. Mr. 
Powell was commissioned notary in 1867, and still holds that office. 
In January, 1883, to the profound regret of all concerned, he re- 
signed his position on the railroad, and in March following bought a 
half interest in the drug store of Forest & Bro., succeeding John For- 
est. This firm carry a complete stock of drugs, groceries and hard- 
ware, and now enjoy a flourishing trade. Mr. Powell was married in 
Randolph county, April 17, 1858, to Miss Permelia Ann, daughter of 
Grendison Brooks, formerly from Kentucky. Mrs. Powell herself 
was born in that State, but has lived all her life in Missouri. They 
have three children : Charles J., Anna Belle, and Josephine M. The 
latter was the pride of her parents' hearts and an ornament to her 
sex ; she was a graduate of Hardin College, and was a girl of the 
brightest intellect, but, alas, " vvhom the gods love, die young," and 
November 5, 1881, at the age of 19, this fair flower drooped and died. 
Mr. and Mrs. Powell are much beloved and are prominent members 
of the Missionary Baptist Church. 

JOHN B. REID 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser) . 

It was in 1839 that Mr. Reid's parents. Col. Garland Reid andw^ife, 
whose maiden name had been Miss Elizabeth Woods, removed from 
Garrard county, Ky., to Missouri and located in Randolph county. 
This county was at that time still very sparsely settled, and indeed 
was yet almost a wilderness. Col. Reid entered a large landed estate 
and improved an extensive stock farm. He became one of the influ- 
ential farmers and leading stock men of his section of the county. He 
served for some time as colonel of militia* under the old muster laws, 
and was judicial magistrate of his township for a number of years. He 
died here at an advanced age, widely and deeply regretted b}^ the early 
settlers of the county and by all who knew him. His wife preceded 
him to the grave by some years. John B. Reid was 14 years of age 
or thereabout when his parents removed to this State, having been 
born in Garrard county October 1, 1825. He was reared on the farm 
in this county, and had only the limited advantages for an education 
afforded in his neighborhood in the early days when he grew up. He 
succeeded, however, in acquiring a sufficient knowledge of books for 
all the practical purposes of ordinary farm and business life. Follow- 
ing the example of his father, he too became a farmer and stock-raiser, 



572 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

and has since followed these pursuits. On the 6th of March, 1851, 
he was married to Miss Nancy, a daughter of 'Squire James Hocker, 
a well respected citizen of Howard county, who came originally from 
Maryland. This union of Mr. Reid and Miss Hocker has proved one 
of singular congeniality and happiness, and has been blessed with a 
numerous family of children, namely: J. Clifton, Mary E., now the 
wife of L. C. Cheatham; John M., Sallie W., Arthur W., Lula and 
Luther E. Mr. Reid has resided on his farm since soon after his 
marriage, except for one year during the most troublous period of the 
war, when he lived in Moberly, and one year also which was spent in 
Iowa. He has 160 acres in his farm, which he has neatly and sub- 
stantially improved, and runs his place in grain and grass including 
meadow, of which he has about 30 acres, and also raises some' stock. 
He also owns another farm of 80 acres near by, which he has comfort- 
ably improved. Mr. and Mrs. Reid are members of the Christian 
Church, of which he has been a member for nearly 40 years. 

JOHN H. ROBERTS ' 

(Section 33, Post-office, Sturgeon) . 

Jesse Roberts, of Kentucky, the father of John H., came to Missouri 
with his parents when nine years of age and settled first in Boone 
county, afterwards moving to Audrain, where he arrived at the age of 
discretion and married Miss Barthena Smith, a young lady from North 
Carolina. After his marriage he lived for a time in Randolph and 
also in Howard county, but expects now to end his days in Boone. 
John spent his youth on the farm in Howard county and acquired, 
chiefly by his own efforts, a good education. Possessed from his 
cnidle with a dauntless spirit of daring and genuine love of adventure, 
he was not destitute of those qualities of patient perseverance and en- 
durance which also go to form the character of a true soldier. For 
these he found a glorious field in the recent "unpleasantness" be- 
tween the North and South. Enlisting in the Union service in 
August, 1862, in the Twenty-seventh Missouri infantry, he fought with 
ardor until discharged June 22, 1865, On many a " tented field " his 
heart swelled 'neath the cold light of the stars with tender memories 
of home. In many a fierce and furious fray, with head erect and eyes 
aflame, he grappled with the foe. In one of these at Resaca, Ga., he 
received a grapeshot wound in the stomach and was deafened in one 
ear for life by the explosion of a shell. He was in the fights at Vicks- 
burg and Chattanooga (from the time of the latter was for three 
months and ten days under fire all the time, day and night, and without 
once having ott' his uniform fought all the way to Atlanta), and the 
battles of Atlanta, Marietta, Altoona Mountain, Rome, Jonesboro, 
Savannah, Beaufort, Dismal Swamp, S. C. (at which he fought in 
water for three days and nights), and Bentonville. At the close of the 
war this conquering hero turned his steps homeward and began peace- 
fully to follow the plough in Boone county. October 30, 1867, he 
united his fate to that of Mrs. Maria Smith, widow of John B. Smith 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 573 

and daughter of James Horn, of Howard count3^ Mrs. Roberts has 
one son by her former husband, James F. Roberts, having now taken 
the name of his stepfather. After his marriage Mr. Roberts lived 
two years in Boone, and in March, 1869, moved to Randolph county 
to his present farm. He owns jointly with his son 135 acres of land, 
with 85 under fence, and on it a cosy dwelling, good stable and orchard. 
Mr. R.'s son, J. F., owns a coal bank of splendid coal, in which 
he has just opened a three and a half foot vein, and which he is now 
working in a small way. Mr. Roberts and his family are members of 
the Missionary Baptist Church, of which he has been a deacon since 
its organization. 

JOHN G. SAUNDERS 

(Merchant, Renick). 

It was not until the subject of this sketch was beginning to feel him- 
self a man that his family emigrated to this country. His parents, 
Charles Saunders and Elizabeth Stone, were English, but he was born 
in Wales March 5, 1856. When they arrived in the States in 1871, 
they selected Audrain as their home, and the pater familias still 
lives there. J. G. of course was educated in his native land. At the 
age of 18 he took his life in his own hands and commenced farming 
for himself. He farmed for two seasons in Audrain ; in 1875 moved 
to Renick and engaged in mining. After following this occupation 
for two years, he went West to Colorado, and mined for a year at 
Erie. Upon his return to Renick the following spring, he worked in a 
coal mine for another year, and in January, 1881, established a 
grocery house. Mr. S. carries a general stock of groceries and 
notions, and has, beside, a meat store. He is a live, energetic busi- 
ness man, and an honor to any community. He has prospered in 
everything that he undertook, and bids fair to attain to great wealth. 
Mi'. Saunders is an unmarried man, and a member of the I. O. O. F. 
at Wellsville, Mo. 

JAMES G. SMITH 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser) . 

Mr. S., an old and respected citizen of Prairie township, and one of its 
well-to-do farmers and enterprising stock men, like many of the better 
people of Randolph county, is by nativity a son of the Old Dominion, 
that land of statesmen and heroes and mother of States and picmeers. 
Mr. Smith was born in Louisa county, Va., October 1, 1825. But 
when he was quite young his parents removed to Kentucky, the first 
and fairest daughter of Virginia, where they lived for a number of 
years. Later along, in 1848, they came to Missouri, James G. being 
then a youth some 17 years of age, and of course coming with 
them. They located in Audrain county, and were among the early 
settlers in that county. The father died there in March, 1857. How- 
ever, in 1844, James G. Smith crossed over into Randolph county, near 
the line of the county, where he located and lived until the outbreak 
of the Mexican War. He then promptly enlisted in the ranks of the 



574 HISTORY OF KANDOLPH COUNTY. 

American soldiery, and served with credit for over a year. Return- 
incrto Randolph connty, in 1850 he joined the caravan headed by Dr. 
C.L. Lovell bound for the golden coast of California. He remained 
on the Pacific for about two years, and engaged principally in mining. 
Returning- a<'-ain to Randolph county, he turned his attention to farm- 
m<f, which he had previously followed when residing in the county, 
and the 5th of October, 1853, he was married to Miss Mary A., a 
daughter of William L. Wood, formerly of Virginia, but an early 
settler of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have three children: 
Marietta, wife of F. K. Venable ; James W. and Rice W. Mr. Smith 
has been on his present farm for 18 years. His tract of land contains 
300 acres, all but 40 acres of which he has fenced and in cultivation, 
meadow or pasturage. His improvements are of an excellent class, 
and he is comfortably situated on his farm. Although Mr. Smith has 
had his present place since 1866 and has always considered it his per- 
manent homestead, yet he has been engaged in other pursuits which 
have necessitated him to reside for stated periods at other places. In 
1864 he bought a store building and residence property at Sturgeon, 
to which place he removed, and was engaged there in merchandising 
for about two years. Indeed, some eight years before this he built 
the first business house ever erected at Sturgeon, and merchandised 
there for about a year. In 1867 he engaged quite extensively in buy- 
ing and shipping tobacco, making his headquarters at Renick, where 
he was located for about 12 months. Mr. Smith is a man of industry, 
and good business qualifications, and has usually been quite successful 
in his industrial and business ventures. He and his wife are members 
of the Baptist Church at Renick. 

WILLIAM H. STILES 

Section 9, Post-office, Kenick. 

Mr. Stiles is a farmer in good circumstances in Randolph county, 
Mo. He is the son of Simeon Stiles, of Massachusetts, and Rebecca 
Ann Hanna, of Virginia, who on coming to Missouri settled in 
Howard county. Here William H. was born December 16, 1841. 
Mr. Stiles, Sr., afterwards removed to Randolph and purchased the 
farm which has now descended to his son, and where he died Novem- 
ber 14, 1880. William H. grew to manhood here, and received a 
good common school education. He enlisted March 5, 1862, in 
the Federal service, Co. G, Ninth Missouri cavalry. State militia. 
He was in numerous skirmishes, fighting bushwhackers, but in no 
regular engagement. He remained in the army until April 22, 1865, 
when he was discharged. Mr. Stiles has been twice married ; his first 
wife, to whom he was married January 31, 1867, was Miss Matilda J-, 
daughter of Squire Green, also of this county. He was 
left a widower on the 30th of November, 1870, with two children : 
Arthur L. and W. Luther. June 16, 1872, he married his second 
wife. Miss Sarah A., daughter of Thomas Pate, of Audrain. They 
have three children: M. Gertrude, M. Raphel and Ada R., having 



HISTORY OF RANDOLrH COUNTY. 575 

lost two in infancy. Mr. Stiles resides on the old homestead with 80 
acres of land, 70 of which are fenced and 60 in cultivation ; he has a 
good orchard and other improvements. Mr. and Mrs. Stiles are mem- 
bers of the Missionary Baptist Church. 

JAMES M. WILLIAMS 

(Senior Member of the Firm of Williams & Grant, Proprietors of the Renick Milling 

Company) . 

Mr. Williams is a native of Howard county, Mo., and was born 
June 20, 1842. His father, Wiloby Williams, a native of Kentucky, 
came to Missouri when a young man and was one of the ])ioneer set- 
tlers of Howard county, dying while the subject of this sketch was 
still a child. His mother, formerly Miss Nancy Hardin, waz a Mis- 
sourian. James M. spent his boyhood on the parental farm and was 
educated in the common schools of the neighborhood. In 1861, at 
the age of 20, he removed to Randolph county and resolved to become 
a follower in the footsteps of Tubal Cain ; this worthy ambition, how- 
ever, was nipped in the bud, for in the fall of the same }'ear, hearing 
on all sides the call. To arms ! his youthful spirit was fired by the sound 
and he rushed forth to taste the fierce joys of war. He enlisted in the 
Confederate service with Gen. Clark's regiment of infantry and served 
two years. He was a participant in the battles of Lexington, Mo., 
Pea Ridge, Ark., and a number of smaller engagements. In the 
fall of 1863 he left the army and worked at his trade for six months 
in St. Louis, then returned to Renick, where he now resides, and pur- 
sued his honest calling, blacksmithing, for 10 years. In the spring of 
1876 he went into partnership with Mr. Grant in the flouring mill and 
harness-making business. They also have a new brick carriage 
and wagon factory, and besides are engaged in buying and shipping 
grain. They have been very successful, shipping some years as many 
as 30,000 bushels of grain. Mr. Williams is an enterprising, thor- 
ough business man, and owes his prosperity in life to his own industry, 
energy and tact. It was in March, 1864, the first year of his return 
to Renick, that Mr. Williams was married, in Randolph county (where 
he was both reared and educated), to Miss Sarah M., daughter of 
James Martin, of the same county. There was born of this union but 
one child, Ethlyn. Mr. W. is identified with the Democratic party, 
and in the fall of 1880 was elected collector of the county and served 
one term. Mr. and Mrs. Williams are members of the Christian 
Church, and Mr. W. is a member of the A. O. U. W. 

THOMAS C. WIRT 

CFarraer and Stock-raiser). 

Mr. W. was borninWashington county ,Va., December 18,1816. His 

parents, Adam Wirt and Mary L. Colly, were also natives of Virginia, 

coming to Missouri in 1818. Mr. Wirt bought land in Boone county 

and improved a farm where he lived until his death. Thomas C. was 



576 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

riiised there, and continued at his home until after his marriage, 
which occurred October 27, 1842, Miss Nancy Alexander, daughter 
of Joshua Alexander, formerly from Kentucky, was the lady he chose 
to grace his fireside ; but not long was she spared to him ; in 1856 her 
soul "drifted out on the shadowy river which flows forever to an 
unknown sea." Mrs. Wirt left one son, Joshua A,, who is now mar- 
ried, with a family of his own. After Mr. Wirt was married he came 
to E.andoli)h and established himself on a farm not far from where 
he now resides, then entering land and improving his present farm. 
When his wife died he went back to Boone county and lived with his 
father for three years. Having known the joy to be found in the 
companionship of a good helpmeet, in 1858 he persuaded Mrs. Mary 
J. Collins, the widow of Reuben Collins and daughter of Samuel 
Martin, formerly of Kentucky, to share his fate for weal or woe. 
Mrs. Wirt has one son by her previous marriage, F. K. Collins, and 
to her second husband she bore a daughter, Bettie. Mr. Wirt is one 
of the substantial formers of the township. He has 213 acres of fine 
land, 160 of which are fenced for cultivation and pasturage. He lives 
in a handsome two-story residence, with one-story ell, and attached 
to the home place are good stables and other necessary buildings. 
His orchard deserves particular mention, being filled with a large and 
select variety of fruits. Mr. W. is a God-fearing man, worshiping 
according to the faith of the Christian Church. Mrs. W. belongs to 
the Baptist denomination. 

WILLIAM WIRT 

(Section 2, Post-office, Renick) , 

Mr. W., a brother of Thomas C, was born in Boone county, Decem- 
ber 1, 1825. He spent his youth on the farm in that county, and 
came, in 1852, when a young man, to Randolph, of which he has ever 
since been a resident. In March, 1855, he was married to Miss Lucy 
Ellen, daughter of Rodger Robinson, of Kentucky. Mrs. Wirt was 
a native of Kentucky, and lived there until a woman. Mr. Wirt 
owns 253 acres of land, of which 213 are fenced and in cultivation. 
He also has fine pasturage. His residence is commodious and com- 
fortable, two stories and well built. His farm is well stocked with 
everything necessary to the comfort and maintenance of his family, 
including two splendid barns and all other necessary out-buildings. 
He has a fine orchard. Mr. and Mrs. Wirt have six children living: 
Mildred, wife of Rufus Fullington ; Adam, Lucy M., who is one of 
the best of the county teachers ; Radford, Robinson and Maggie. Two 
pledges of their love died in inftmcy. Mrs. Wirt is a consistent 
member of the Baptist Church, and Mr. W. is an ancient Mason. 

ZEPHANIAH WRIGHT 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Feeder and Dealer). 
Mr. W. was born January 29, 1837, while his parents, Joshua Wright 
and Mary Sweney, were on the road betvireen Illinois and Missouri. 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 577 

They came first from Kentucky in 1836, and lived in Illinois only one 
year. On arriving at their destination they settled in Boone county, 
but after a four years' stay moved to Kandolph. Here Zephaniah 
Wright grew to manhood, and shared the advantages in schooling 
common to the neighborhood. In 1861, on account of the disturbed 
state of the country, consequent upon the eruption of Civil War, Mr. 
W., with that discretion which is the better part of valor, 

"Folded his tents like the Arabs, 
And as silently stole away." 

Kansas received him into her bosom for the next five years, and in 
the spring of 1866 he returned to Randolph. He bought one place 
and lived upon it two years, then sold it and bought land not 
far distant, where he now resides. He has a farm of 347 acres, all 
fenced and in pasture and cultivation. Upon this there is a good com- 
fortable house with out-buildings, etc. ; also a thrifty young orchard. 
Mr. W. possesses besides, 160 acres of land, all fenced and in meadow 
pasture, and he owns still another tract of 120 acres, partially im- 
proved and containing a small house. He feeds on an average 150 
head of cattle yearly, and about the same number of hogs, sometimes 
shipping, sometimes selling at home to other shippers, and to a limited 
extent, buying for shipping purposes. Mr. Wright is of shrewd and 
acute perceptive faculties, and with keen sagacity he guides his craft 
safely through the inevitable snags and shoals that but too often prove 
fatal to other voyagers. He showed the same wisdom in selecting a 
wife as in the conduct of his business affairs, when he married March 
31, 1861, Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Henderson Sims, formerly of 
Virginia. Mrs. Wright herself was born and raised in Boone county. 
There are five children : Lincoln, Joshua H., Lizzie, William M. and 
Marv E. Two died at tender ages. 



SILVER CREEK T0W:N^SHIP. 



JAMES H. BAGBY 

CSaw and Grist Miller, and Farmer and Stock-raiser). 
Mr. Bagby, one of the energetic and successful men of this town- 
ship, and one of its higiily respected citizens, was left an orphan when 
but nine years of age, his mother having died in 1838, and his father 
in 1847. His parents were William and Virginia (Harrison) Bagby, 
his father a carpenter by trade, and originally from Kentucky, and his 
mother of the well-known Harrison family, and formerly of Virginia, 
but by way of Kentucky to this State. Their home was near Roa- 
noke, in Randolph county, where James H. was born, September 20, 



578 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

1834. They had but one other child, William H., now a well-to-do 
farmer of this county. However, after the mother's death, the father 
married Miss Nancy H., a daughter of Samuel C. Davis, of Randolph 
county, bv whom he had two other children, Robert J. and Virginia 
C, now Mrs. J. H. Mathis, of Callao. The mother of these two chil- 
dren, after their father's death, married James D. Burton, but she is 
now also deceased. After his father's death, James went to work for 
William R. Ferguson, of this county, with whom he remained until he 
was 19 years of age. But in early years he showed a marked 
preference for mechanical employment, and he evinced a high order 
of genius and skill in devising, inventing and working machinery. 
Indeed, he was noted throughout the country round about where he 
lived for his aptitude in this direction, and at the age of 19, al- 
though he had little or no opportunities to improve his natural genius 
and skill, he was called upon by Rev. Samuel C. Davis, one of the 
best men and ablest ministers Randolph county ever produced, to re- 
construct and rebuild the latter's mill. Young Bagby undertook this 
difficult and responsible task without hesitation and performed it with 
such success and so satisfactorily to Mr. Davis that the latter gave 
him a third interest in the mill for his work. Mr. Bagby ran the mill 
for a number of years, and subsequently became full owner of it. 
Later along he erected a new mill on the site of the old, which he has 
since run. This has both steam and water power, and is one of the 
best mills in this part of the county. Mr. Bagby also bought a part 
of the old Davis homestead from Rev. Mr. Davis, the latter taking 
the former's note of word in payment. He paid that off, a^nd after- 
wards bought the whole place, a fine farm of 276 acres, which he has 
owned for years. Mr. Bagby has been running his mill and farm con- 
tinuousl}^ and on the latter makes a specialty of stock-raising in 
which he is quite successful. Mr. Bagby married Miss NancyH. Fer- 
guson, a daughter of William I. Ferguson, who reared Mr. Bagby. 
Mr. and Mrs. Bagby have four children : Lou, Orpha, Thomas N. and 
Kate, all at home. Mr. and Mrs. B. are members of the Cumberland 
Presbyterian Church. 

JOHN H. BLAICE 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser). 

Mr. B. was born in Adams county, Ohio, January 4, 1827, and was 
a son of Ephraim and Lydia (Freeland) Blake, his father a native of 
Pennsylvania, but his mother originally from Kentucky. John H. 
grew to the age of 13 in his native county, when his parents re- 
moved to Randolph county. Mo., in 1840, settling in the neighborhood 
where the son now lives. John H. grew up in the vicinity of his 
father's farm, and in youth attended the neighboring schools. In 1850 
he crossed the plains, driving an ox team, to California, and was en- 
gaged in mining gold out there for five years. He then returned to 
Missouri by the Isthmus, and soon after reaching here settled on the 
land where he now resides. Here he improved a good farm, which, 
at present, contains about 200 acres of choice land, and belongs to the 



HISTORY or RANDOLPH COUNTY. 579 

better class of places in the township. It is an excellent grain and 
stock farm, and Mr. H. has good success as a farmer and stock-raiser. 
During the war he served for about a year in the enrolled militia, and 
in January, 1866, enlisted in Capt. Denny's company, of the Union 
service, under whom he served until the return of peace. On the 16th 
of April, 1861, he was married to Miss Mary Fitzgerald, the adopted 
daughter of Maurice Fitzgerald, of Glasgow, Howard county, and the 
natural daughter of Andrew and Catherine Lundberry, originally of 
London, England, but who died while their daughter was quite young. 
Mrs. Blake was educated at the convent in St. Lonis. Mr. and Mrs. 
Blake have six children: Robert N., Thomas A., Willie L., Perry 
D., Norienne and John E. Mrs. Blake is a member of the Catholic 
Church. 

JUDGE JOHN W. BRADLEY 

(Deceased.) 

Judge Bradley was but six years of age when his parents, Richard 
and Mary (Ratcliff) Bradley, came to Randolph county. That was 
away back in 1828 and they are therefore justly remembered as early 
settlers of the county. They were from Barren county, Ky., and 
after removing to Randolph county they spent the remainder of their 
lives in this county, respected and esteemed by all who knew them. 
Judge Bradley was born February 3, 1822, and was reared on his 
father's farm in Randolph county. Although his advantages for an 
education in those early days of the country were extremely limited, 
he succeeded in acquiring, mainly by study at home, a good general 
knowledge of books and became abundantly well qualified for all the 
ordinary farm and business affairs of life.. Brought up to a farm life, 
that became his regular occupation in early manhood, and he followed 
it with only occasional interruptions throughout his whole life. On 
the 23d of December, 1847, he was married to Miss Eunice A. Brad- 
sher, and after his marriage he settled on the farm where his family 
still resides. This was his home until his death, which occurred on 
the 13th of February, 1879. Besides becoming a successful farmer 
during his life, Judge Bradley was also a minister of the Gospel and 
he served the people of the county in the capacity of judge of the 
county court. He held the office of county judge for two terms, and 
acquitted himself of the duties of that position with ability and to the 
satisfaction of the whole people of the county. Having prepared him- 
self for the ministry in the regular Baptist Church, he was duly or- 
dained to preach, and preached at Silver Creek until 1877, two years 
before his death. Upon close study and mature consideration, as a 
man and Christian, he became convinced that it was his duty to iden- 
tify himself with the Missionary Baptist Church, and he accordingly 
became a member of that denomination at Pleasant Grove Church, in 
which he continued as an earnest, faithful Christian minister until his 
spirit was called by the Master to his home on high. Judge Bradley 
was one of the good and true men of Randolph county, and no name 
stood higher than his among those who knew him well. As a farmer 



580 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

he was industrious and enterprising, and accumulated an excellent es- 
tate; as a neighbor he was kind and obliging almost to a fault, for he 
often inconvenienced himself to accommodate others ; as a citizen he 
was loyal to every duty and every trust ; and in his family he was one 
of the best of men as husband and father. If the world were peopled 
with such as he was, it would be far better than it is or has ever 
been, for wrong and oppression would be unknown. His memory 
will long be cherished by those who knew him as that of one with 
as many estimable qualities and as few faults as seldom fall to the lot 
of a man. Mrs. Bradley still survives her husband and is much es- 
teemed among her neighbors for her many motherly and neighborly 
qualities. The Judge and Mrs, Bradley had a family of three chil- 
dren : Mary E., Sarah E. and John J. Mary is the wife of James 
Stark ; Sarah is the wife of Jacob V. Adams, at present school com- 
missioner of the county ; and John J. was married the day the writer 
took the notes for this sketch, December 20, 1883, Miss Mary E. 
Oliver, a most queenly and attractive young lady of the county, then 
becoming his wife. They will, doubtless, have a long and happy 
married life, for the writer, who believes in dreams, had a most pro- 
pitious dream of their future the night folloAving their happy marriage. 
John J. is a young gentleman of high character, good education and 
full of life and energy, and will doubtless become a prominent and 
successful citizen of the county. He has charge of the famih'^ home- 
stead, which contains 320 acres and is a fine farm. He is quite ex- 
tensively engaged in stock-raising, and is meeting with success. 

JUDGE JOHN W. VILEY and WILLIAM R. BURCH 

(Farmers and Stock-raisers, Section 17, Township 52, Eange 15, P. O., Yates). 

The sketch of the lives of the present subjects forms a distinctive 
and justly important thread in the warp of the history of the agricul- 
tural affairs of Randolph county, a thread that reaches back to the 
early cords of their woof. Judge Viley came to Randolph county 
from Kentucky away back in 1824. His parents, George and Martha 
Viley, were originally from Virginia, but became early settlers in Ken- 
tucky, where Judge Viley was born on the 1st of January, 1796. His 
father was a representative of the better class of Virginians, and was 
a man of character and intelligence, and quite successful in life. He 
became a substantial propert3^-holder in Kentucky, his property con- 
sisting principally of land and slaves, for he was a prominent farmer, 
and he lived to a ripe old age, respected by all who knew him. Judge 
Viley was reared in Kentucky and was married there in 1825 to Miss 
Mary E. Elley, of Scott county. He at once came to Missouri after 
his marriage and settled on the farm where he and his son-in-law, 
William R. Burch, now reside. He entered large bodies of land in 
this county, aggregating 1,000 acres, and improved a splendid farm. 
Judge Viley prospered abundantly at his new home and became one 
of the wealthiest and most prominent men of the Countv. He was 
elected county judge in 1840, and became the owner of some 20,000 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 581 

acres of land and about 70 negroes. For many years he was a lead- 
ing tobacco raiser, and had a tobacco press on his own farm, where he 
put up tobacco for shipment to distant markets. He was also for a 
long time engaged in merchandising at Glasgow, being a partner with 
George and Logan D. Dameron, their firm being one of the principal 
establishments in the interior of the State. But prior to this time he 
had also owned and conducted a large mill and distillery in this 
county, in which he was also abundantly successful. For 25 years 
prior to the war no name in Randolph county was more familiar to all 
its citizens, or stood higher than that of Judge Viley, and *by all old 
settlers he is recognized as one of the most enterprising and useful men 
who ever made their homes within the borders of the county. Judge 
Viley is now in his eighty-ninth year, and having led a life of unceas- 
ing industry and activity, ever going forward in the discharge of his 
duties in private affairs and as a citizen regardless of season and 
weather and often when others would have hesitated, the labors and 
exposures he has endured have at last, in his advanced old age, borne 
heavily upon him, and he is now confined to his room, unable longer 
to participate in active affairs. Indeed, for a number of years he has 
been leading a retired and quiet life, favored with an abundance of 
this world's goods, and happy in the home where so many of his days 
have been spent, which has been brightened by his kind and loving 
daughter and his dutiful and respectful son-in-law, her husband. Old 
age must come to us all who live out the allotted period of life, and in 
looking forward to its shadows, our fondest hope should be that it may 
be brightened by filial affection. This has been the happy fortune of 
Judge Viley. Judge Viley's first wife died in 1827, leaving him one 
child, Martha E., now the wife of William R. Burch, and it is in their 
family that the Judge finds a welcome and happj'^ home. To his sec- 
ond and last wife he was married in 1828. She died in 1858. They 
were sisters ; the first, Miss Mary E., and the second. Miss Susan B. 
EUey. By his last wife he had six children : George H., a farmer 
and trader, who died in 1864; William E., who died in 1874; John 
W., who is now a resident of Roanoke ; Wallace K., who resides on 
the farm with Mr. Burch ; Junius W., who died in 1876 ; Sarah Lo- 
gan, who is now the wife of Stephen B. Yancy, near Roanoke. 

William R. Burch was born in Scott county, Ky., January 5, 
1824, and was a son of Milton and Martha (Viley) Burch, his mother 
being a sister to Judge Viley. Joseph C. Burch, his grandfather, was 
one of the first settlers of Scott county, Ky.,and came from Virginia. 
John C. Breckinridge, the Democratic candidate for President in 1860, 
married Miss Mary C. Burch, who was a double cousin to William R., 
the subject of this sketch, and she was reared by Mr. Burch's father 
and was married at his father's house. William R. Burch came to 
Missouri in 1847, and on the 7th of June, of the same year, was mar- 
ried to Miss Martha E. Viley, the eldest daughter of Judge Viley. 
After his marriage Mr. Burch returned to Kentucky with his wife and 
was engaged in farming there for two years, but at the solicitation of 



582 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

his father-ill-law, he came back to Missouri and settled on a tract of 
500 acres of land near Roanoke, which Judge Vilej gave him, and 
on which he lived for about 17 years, engaged in farming and 
stock trading. In 1866 he secured his present farm from his father- 
in-law, the old Viley homestead, to which he removed and on which 
he has since resided. His farm contains about 630 acres, and is one 
of the finest stock farms in Randolph county. Nearly all the land is 
set with blue grass and meadow, and the place is more than ordinarily 
well improved. The residence itself represents a value of $6,000. 
Mr. and Mrs. Burch have no children, their only two having died in 
infancy. Mrs. Burch's aunt, Mrs. Cyrene Williams, the widow of Col. 
M. B. R. Williams, is now visiting her brother, Judge Viley, from 
Kentucky. Her husband was at one time the leading fine stock- 
raiser of Randolph county and owned a number of famous horses, 
including " Flying Cloud " and others well known to turf men 
throughout the West. 

JOHN^T. CAVINS 

(Farmer) . 

Mr. C, an old and respected citizen of Silver Creek township, was 
born in Scott county, Ky., January 5, 1823, and was a son of William 
and Margaret (Gorham) Cavins, both also of the Blue Grass State by 
nativity. The Cavins were originally from Virginia. When John 
T. was a lad some 12 years of age his parents came to Missouri and 
settled in Randolph county, and on the same place where he now 
resides. The country was then a wilderness and the houses of settlers, 
for of course there were a few people here at that time, were miles apart, 
oftentimes a half day's journey from each other. There was but one 
road then in this section of the county — the old Glasgow road — 
which lead on south to the Southern border of civilization, or rather 
of the white settlements. Deer were in abundance, and almost daily 
ran l)y the log cabin that Mr. Cavins' father built on his place, in 
which they resided, and the wolves made the nights lonely and dreadful 
by their melancholy howls. Mr. Cavins was reared here in those 
early days of the country, and of course had no chance to get a 
collegiate blue-ribbon education, but on the slab benches of the 
puncheon-floored log school house of the period, poring over " Pike's 
Arithmetic," '* The Life of Marion," and that sort of studies, he 
succeeded in acquiring a sufficient knowledge of books for all the 
practical purposes of farm life. At the age of 21 he started out for 
himself without a dollar, but lands were cheap, the seasons good, and 
he knew how to work and was not afraid of it. He soon had a 
good tract of land and a neat farm, and of course he had to marry, 
because people cannot keep house to do any good without marrying. 
Accordingly he looked around, and fell in love with a fiiir young lady 
of the vicinity — Miss Elizabeth Sears, a sister of the Rev. Milton J. 
Sears, of Huntsville, whose sketch is published in this volume. He 
made himself exceedingly agreeable to her, and on the homeopathic 
principle that like produces like, she also fell in love with him, and 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 583 

they were married January 29, 1851. This union has proved a long 
and happy one, and has been blessed with a worthy liirnlly of children, 
namely: Maggie, now Mrs. R. F. Upton; Tolman S., Mary M. and 
John M. Three, besides, are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Gavins are 
members of the Silver Creek Baptist Church. 

GEORGE W. DAMERON 

(Section 19, Post-office, Mt. Airy). 
This prominent citizen and enterprising farmer of Silver Creek town- 
ship, who has held various official positions of prominence in the county, 
including that of sheriff for four years, and for a generation has been 
regarded as one of the most worthy and popular men in the county, 
is a representative of that old and respected Dameron family, so many 
descendants of which reside in this county and in other communities, 
and are always classed among the best citizens wherever thev live. 
The Damerons came to Randolph county over half a century a^o. 
They were from North Carolina. George W. Dameron was born in 
Caswell county, of the old North State, February 10, 1815. He was 
one in a family of 11 children of Bartholomew and Rebecca (Malone) 
Dameron. Of these Alexander, John,. Elizabeth and Sarah, the 
daughters, with their husbands, came to Randolph county in 1830, 
and the parents with the rest of the family came two years later ; 
Alexander M. died here iiv 1854 ; Salinda died at Huntsville in 1846, 
whilst the wife of J. C. Dameron; Elizabeth died in 1847, whilst the 
wife of Thomas Malone ; Sarah is the widow of Hugh C. Dobbins and 
is now aged 75; John died in 1851 in California; Phoebe died whilst 
the wife of Barzella Wisdom in 1854; George W. is the subject of 
this sketch ; Frances died in 1859 whilst the wife of Judge Samuel 
Burton ; Parthna died in 1883 whilst the wife of Georgfe A. Mathis : 
William L. resides in this county ; Mary Ann is the wife of James M. 
Butts, and is still living. The father died February 25, 1847, and the 
mother October 11, 1851, each aged about 70. The father settled on 
the place in 1832 where George W. now lives. He was a successful 
farmer and tobacco raiser, and had a number of slaves. George W. was 
17 years of age when his parents came to this county, and he was 
married here eight years afterwards, June 25, 1840, to Miss Susan J. 
Lebban. She died five years afterwards, November 15, 1845, leav- 
ing him one son, James B., who is now a resident of Chariton countv. 
To his present wife Mr. Dameron was married May 24, 1847. She 
was a Miss Eliza J. Mayo, a daughter of Allen Mayo of this county, 
and was born December 27, 1827. Mr. Dameron has followed farm- 
ing continuously from boyhood, except while identified with the 
official affairs of the county, and even then he continued to carry on 
his farm. In 1840 he was elected constable for Silver Creek township 
and was re-elected six times consecutively afterwards, holding the 
office for 12 years, when he resigned it to accept the office of sheriff 
of the county to which he was elected in 1852. He was re-elected 
sheriff in 1854, servins: in that office for four vears consecutively. At 
32 



584 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

that time the elections in Randolph county between the Democrats 
and Whigs were very close, with the chances generally in favor of the 
latter, and when Mr. Dameron made his last race for sheriff, his op- 
ponents, the Whigs, were in the majority in the county. Notwith- 
standing this, however, he was elected by a highly complimentary 
majority and was one of the only two men on the Democratic county 
ticket elected, Christopher Collhis being the other, who ran for. asses- 
sor. In 1857-8 Mr. Dameron was district assessor of one-fourth of 
the county, and four years from 1856 he was deputy sheriff, making 
eigrht years in all. Mr. Dameron has a SLOod fiirm where he resides 
of 240 acres, and also another place of over 100 acres. He gives his 
attention mainly to stock-raising and has some good graded cattle. 
For four years he was interested in the saw-mill business. Mr. 
Dameron is reojarded as a man of high character amono; his neisrhbors 
and throughout the county, and is quite influential in agricultural and 
political afiiiirs. He has been a member of the M. E. Church South 
for 45 years, and is a trustee in his church. His wife is a member of 
the Baptist Church. By his last marriage Mr. Dameron has had 12 
children, all living but the two eldest, Sebatin C. and Alba E., both 
of whom died in tender years. The others are: Cass A. of Helena, 
Arkansas; William T., Mattie H., now Mrs. Lewis Malone ; Sudie 
A., now Mrs. Hebrew Johnson; George P., Thenie M., Charles H., 
Lutie R. and John M. 

REV. SAMUEL C. DAVIS 

(Deceased) . 

To no old citizen in the south-western part of Randolph county, and, 
indeed, throughout the surrounding country, is the name that heads 
this sketch an unfamiliar one, and the memory of him who bore it 
is as reverently cherished as he himself was widely and well known. 
Here he lived, and on the same farm, for over 40 years, and among 
the people of Randolph and Howard counties he resided for a 
period of nearly three-score years. For 55 years he was an earn- 
est, faithful and more than ordinarily useful minister of the gospel 
in the Cumberland Presley terian Church, and having reached the 
ripe and honored old age of 83 years and past, his spirit at last 
took its flight to heaven, of which he had so long and nobly 
preached, and his mortal remains now rest in honor and veneration 
among the people with whom, practically, his whole life was 
spent. The career of Samuel C. Davis was not one that attracted the 
curiosity of the unthinking, shallow world, and caused him to be 
pointed out as a conspicuous character by the class which line the way 
of a circus parade, but it was one of sober worth, always unpreten- 
tious and plain, and as valuable to those among whom he lived as he 
himself was honest, sincere and devoted to the best interests of his 
fellow-creatures. As a preacher he worked with untiring energy for 
his church and people, and for the honor and glory of God ; and in 
the pulpit he was ever zealous, earnest and was "more than ordinarily 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 585 

eloquent and successful ; and outside of the pulpit, in private work 
among the people and in counselling them, he ever strove to impress 
upon their minds the importance of an upright life here, and the hope 
of, and a way to a beatific immortality hereafter, — though he was 
always respectful, considerate and never offensive in anything he said 
or did. In a word, Kev. Samuel C. Davis was a true minister of the 
gospel, beloved as such by all who knew him and rewarded for his 
labors with more than ordinary success in bringing souls to Christ. 
He was the pioneer minister of his Presbytery in the Cumberland 
Presbyterian Church, and in its history his name stands out as long- 
est in its service. Kev. Mr. Davis was a man of fine intelligence, 
exceptionally well read, considering the early time of the country in 
which he lived, and was possessed of a heart whose generosity and 
charity knew no bounds. Sociable, genial and affiible in the com- 
pany of friends and acquaintances, he was prized as the best of com- 
panions, while as a citizen he was loyal to every duty, as he saw the 
right, and always wielded a potent influence in affairs, though without 
effort on his part, but simply by his own example. In his family he 
was loved with the tenderest devotion, for he was a singularly kind 
and affectionate husband and father, and took no thought of himself 
where the interests or happiness of his loved ones are at^stake. Ran- 
dolph county can, perhaps, boast names wider known to fame than 
that of Samuel C. Davis, but in its whole history there is not one 
whose life was purer and better and whose memory is more sacredly 
cherished by those who knew him well, than his. He was a Viro-in- 
ian by nativity and bringing up, and inherited most of the better quali- 
ties of the typical true-hearted, chivalrous minded Virginia gentleman. 
He was a son of Robert Davis, one of the best men of Rockingham 
county, and was born in that county April 3, 1795, being the sev- 
enth in a family of eight children. Reared in his native county, he 
early decided to cast his fortunes with the great country beyond the 
Mississippi, and away back in 1819, became a pioneer settler in How- 
ard county, Mo. Mr. Davis had served in the War of 1812, under 
Gen. Porterfield, Capt. R. Erwin's company of Virginia militia vol- 
unteers, and for the last nine years of his life he received a compensa- 
tion in the form of a pension from the government of $96 per year. 
Prior to this, December 29, 1815, he was married in Virginia, to Miss 
Mary Herring, of Rockingham county. Mr. Davis setttled near 
Roanoke in Howard county, where he lived some 17 years, after 
which he removed to the place in Randolph county, on which he 
spent the remainder of his life. Here he bought some 600 acres of 
land and improved a fine farm. Early in life he became a member of 
the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and having decided to devote 
himself to the ministry, he took a course of study with that object in 
view and began preaching as early as 1823. Four years afterwards 
he was regularly ordained and continued in the service of his church 
until compelled to retire from the pulpit on account of loss of sight 
and the general decrepitude of old age. Mr. Davis' first wife died 



586 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

December 16, 1855. For 40 years she had been all that a true and 
devoted wife could be to an aifectionate and kind husband. Nine 
children were the fruits of their long and happy married life, namely: 
James H., who died in boyhood; Matilda H., who died in 1876, the 
wife of Samuel Burton ; Mary, now Mrs. W. I. Ferguson ; Nancy M., 
who died in 1873, the wife of J. D. Burton ; Virginia, now the widow 
of Thomas Taylor; Rebecca F., who died in maidenhood ; Sarah A., 
who died in 1866, the wife of William H. Johnston ; Robert H., who 
died in boyhood, and Martha J., now the wife of A. Bradsher Clifton. 
Mr. Dayis was married May 5, 1857, to Mrs. Harriet, the widow of 
David Little. She was born in Rockingham county, Va., and was a 
daughter of Paul Shreckhise. She has one child by her last mar- 
riage, Samuel C, and is still living on the old homestead. Mr. Davis, 
besides attending to his duties as a minister, was a successful farmer 
and was for many years largely engaged in growing, not only the 
usual crops of the time, but tobacco, flax, hemp, etc., in which he 
was quite successful. He owned some 16 slaves before the war, but 
these, of course, were taken away by the Emancipation Proclamation. 
He built one of the first mills ever erected in this part of the county, 
a large water mill, and conducted it successfully for many years. He 
was a man of remarkable energy and industry in industrial and busi- 
ness affairs, and though one of the most acjtive and zealous of minis- 
ters, he followed that sacred calling, not as a means of, or help to 
material support, but out of his sense of duty alone, and from an 
abundant love of God and humanity. 

HUMPHREY B. DENNY 

(Farmer, Section 29, Township 53, Range 15, near Mt. Airy). 

Mr. Denny is a brother of Capt. Alexander Denny, of Howard 
county, a sketch of whose life justly occupies a prominent place in 
the history of that county. Nor is the brother, of Randolph county, 
whose name stands at the head of this sketch, less worthy of honor- 
able mention in the history of his own county than is his brother, 
Capt. Denny, of Howard. Their parents, James and Elizabeth 
(Best) Denny, were natives of Kentucky, but came to Howard county, 
Mo., among its pioneer settlers away back in 1818. The father was 
a typical, brave-hearted old pioneer, a courageous, generous man, and 
an industrious and successful farmer. He died in that county at a 
ripe old age, honored and respected in life and regretted and mourned 
in death by all who knew him. Humphrey B. Denny was one and 
one-half years Capt. Denny's junior, having been born November 27, 
1827. He was reared on the farm in Howard county and to habits of 
industry, having to rely more on study at home for an education than 
on instruction in school. But he succeeded in acquiring a sufficient 
knowledge of books for all the practical purposes of farm life. On 
the 10th of December, 1857, he was married to Miss Margaret E. 
Snoddy, a daughter of Walter Snoddy, an early settler of Howard 
county. Mr. Denny, however, had previously removed to Randolph 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 587 

county and had for a number of years been engaged in farming on his 
own account. His life from boyhood has been one of untiring in- 
dustry and has been abundantly rewarded with the fruits of honest 
toil. Mr. Denny owes all he has to his own exertions and good man- 
agement, and this is saying not a little. He has three excellent farms, 
aoro-i-eo-atino: over 900 acres. His home place contains over 400 acres 
and his other two farms 175 and 120 acres, respectively. Mr. and 
Mrs. Denny have had a family of eight children: Narcissa F., now 
Mrs. David Bagby ; James M., David R., Nannie, now a student at 
the State University; Elizabeth, John A., Humphrey, Jr., and 
Maggie. Mr. and Mrs. D. are members of the Cumberland Presby- 
terian Church at Sweet Spring. 

MORGAN FINNELL 

(^Farmer and Stock-raiser). 

All early settlers of Randolph county knew William Finnell, the 
father of the subject of the present sketch, for he was one of the 
pioneer settlers of the county and was a great hunter in his day, being 
one of the best shots in all the country round about and at a time 
when marksmen successfully competed with the Indians in shooting 
matches. He came out to this county away back in 1817 and lived 
in the log house that he had built himself, where he kept bachelor's 
hall and followed hunting and fishing principally and all the sports of 
the field and forest. However, he improved a farm as time rolled 
away and was married to Miss Jane Goodman, a daughter of another 
pioneer of the county. Morgan Finnell was born of this union, and 
it was on the 22d of August, 1833, that his eyes first opened to re- 
ceive the light of day. The son was reared in the county and 
attended the log school houses of the period, obtaining from the in- 
struction there given an adequate knowledge of school books to get 
along conveniently in life, so far as education was concerned. His 
father was quite an old bachelor before he married and so the son 
also became a bachelor and kept bachelor's hall for several years. 
However, in 1875, he was married to Miss Maria Rice, a daughter of 
Ezekial and Elizabeth (Montgomery) Rice, early settlers of Missouri 
from Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs, Finnell have four children : Gertrude 
H., Mattie, Elizabeth B. and Eliza E. Mr. Finnell has a good farm of 
160 acres which he bought and paid for by his own labor since the war. 
When hostilities broke out in 1861 he joined the Confederate service but 
was captured the second day after he enlisted and was paroled by Gen. 
Prentiss, after which he returned home ; but times became so un- 
settled and affairs so critical that he either had to take to the bushes 
and try to get South or join the Federal militia, for if he had started ofi" 
to the Southern army he would probably have been captured and shot, 
as thousands of others were, on the charge of being " bushwhackers." 
He therefore joined the militia and was more fatal to the hard and reg- 
ular rations that he drew than to anybody on the other side. Mr. Fin- 
nell started out for himself at 18 years of age, without a dollar, and 



588 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

went to farm work, but the war coming on soon, and he being an honest 
man, he was of course not able to save anything during that time. 
After the war he commenced again without a cent and is now com- 
fortably situated and highly respected. This record speaks better for 
him than anything that could be said here. 

JACOB FUHRMANN 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser) . 

Mr. F. is a Prussian by nativity, and was born in the village of 
Elsoff-Pror-Arnsberg. His parents were Henry and Mary E. (Hes- 
ter) Fuhrmann. Jacob was reared on the farm in his native country 
and received a good common school education in the German language. 
At the age of 15 he began to learn the wagon-maker's trade and 
worked at it for two years following. In the spring of 1859 he 
boarded a sail vessel bound for the United States and in due time 
landed at New Orleans. Mr. Fuhrmann came by steamboat up to 
Glasgow and worked there at his trade for a year. From Glasgow 
he came to Roanoke and worked at that point for two years and then 
established a shop of his own. He carried on the business of wagon- 
making at Roanoke until 1869, and his wagons obtained a wide repu- 
tation throughout Howard, Randolph and neighboring counties. He 
then moved on a farm and made a business of building for some time, 
besides farming. In 1871 he bought his present place largely on 
time, and by industry, good management and economy has long since 
paid for it. This place contains 350 acres and he has it well improved. 
The place alone is worth not less than $10,000, yet when Mr. Fuhr- 
mann came to Roanoke his worldly possessions consisted of his wear- 
ing apparel and a 25-franc piece. This is a record that would be a 
credit to any man. On the 26th of March, 1867, Mr. Fuhrmann was 
married to Miss Ellen Althouse, of this county, a daughter of George 
and Katrina (Hester) Althouse. Mr. and Mrs. Fuhrmann have five 
children: Anna M., Edward, Florence, Eliza A. and Mary. Mrs. F. 
is a member of the Presbyterian Church at Roanoke. 

CAPT. J. C. HEAD 

(Farmer, Stock-raiser and Coal Dealer) . 

Capt. John Head, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch and 
the f ither-in-law to Gen. Sterling Price, the noble old Pater Patroe 
of Missouri, whose life forms the brightest chapter in the history of 
the State, was, like his illustrious son-in-law, originally from Virginia, 
and came to Missouri from the Old Dominion about the same time of 
the migration of the Prices to this State. Capt. Head settled in Ran- 
dolph county and the Prices in Chariton, just across the line from each 
other. Capt. Head was a fine old Virginia gentleman in the best 
sense of the word, prosperous in the affairs of life, intelligent and 
public-spirited and as hospitable at his own hearthstone as Jupiter 
himself. Of his family of children, Martha married Gen. Sterling 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 589 

Price !ind John, Jr., married Miss Adeline Stark. John Head, Jr., 
was born in Orange county, Va., in 1801, and died in this county in 
his eighty-second year in the spring of 1883. He was also a success- 
ful farmer and a highly respected citizen of the county. His son, J. 
C, the subject of this sketch, was born on the farm in Randolph 
county in September, 1839. His father being in easy circumstances, 
J. C. had good opportunities to obtain an education, which he did not 
fail to improve. Besides a general literary and scientific course, he 
had the benefit of a course in Geoponics, or the science of agriculture, 
at the State University. He graduated from the Agricultural De- 
partment of the State University in 1859. Intended for a farm life, 
for which he had always had a marked preference, he now returned to 
the farm in Randolph county with a view of beginning at once his 
career in his chosen calling and for himself, for he was closely ap- 
proaching his majority. But soon afterwards the excitement growing 
out of the rapid approach of the war unhinged everything and all 
attention was drawn to the events of the impending crisis. When at 
last the war-cloud burst upon the country, young Head, in common 
with nearly all of the better class of young men of his section of the 
State, promptly shouldered his musket as a plighted soldier of his 
native State and Virginia and of the South and the Southern cause. 
He entered the Confederate service as an orderly sergeant and by his 
merits rose to the rank of captain. He participated in many a hard- 
fought battle. Of those in this State in which he look part are re- 
called the engagements at Boonville, Lexington, Dry Wood, Glasgow, 
Independence and Westport. At the close of the war Capt. Head 
located on a farm in Randolph county and has since been engaged in 
agricultural pursuits. For a time, however, he also owned and ran a 
portable saw-mill with which he had good success. His farm contains 
nearly a quarter of a section of excellent land which he has substan- 
tially and neatly improved. On the 25th of April, 1866, he was mar- 
ried to Miss Susan Wallace, a daughter of John S., from Kentucky, 
and Idress (Craig) WalUice, both of whom were representatives of 
prominent Virginia and Kentucky families. Mrs. Head was born and 
reai'ed in Chariton county. Mr. and Mrs. H. have four children : 
Lotta, Wallace, Ida and Carrie. Mr. H. is a member of the Mission- 
arv Baptist Church and his wife is a Southern Methodist. Capt. Head 
has a fine vein of coal on his place which he has worked to a consider- 
able extent, though not with machinery and on a large scale. His 
coal has been proved to be of a superior quality and the quantity is so 
abundant that it cannot fail to be the source of a good income when 
mined with a sufficient force of hands and proper ai)pliances. 

CAPT. J. D. HICKS 

(Section 34, Post-office, Roanoke). 

Capt. Hicks served gallantly in the Confederate army from the time 
the first gun of the war was fired in Missoju'i until the surrender of his 
command at Shreveport, La., in May, 1865, and rose from the ranks to 



590 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

the captaincy of Co. B, of the Tenth Missouri, by his bravery and 
merits. He is a native Missourian, born in Boone county, June 30, 1832, 
and is to-day one of the substantial farmers and highly respected citi- 
zens of Silver Creek township, in Eandolph county. Capt. Hicks 
was a son of Willis Hicks, one of the pioneer settlers of Boone county. 
The Captain's mother before her marriage was a Miss Elizabeth Fos- 
ter, and both parents were from Kentucky. Whilst Capt. Hicks was 
still in infancy the family removed to Scotland county, where the 
father became a well-to-do farmer and respected, influential citizen. 
Capt. Hicks was reared in Scotland county and received a good 
common school education. Having a natural inclination of mechanical 
pursuits and a marked aptitude for handling tools, even before reach- 
ing his majority he began work at the carpenter's trade, and afterwards 
also worked at the brickmason's trade and at plastering. He was en- 
gaged in these occupations, as work required, when the war broke out 
in 1861. Coming of a Southern family and having Southern principles 
and sympathies, he showed the courage of his convictions by promptly 
enlisting in the Confederate service. Gen. Martin Green enlisted 
one of the first commands in the Southern service in this State, and 
the fact that he so successfully secured arms for his volunteers and 
equipped them for action before the Federals came in to interfere with 
his movements, gave rise to a song which was applied to those who 
were not sagacious enough to enter the Southern service as early as 
his men did, and which had quite a popular local " run " during the 
first year or two of the war. The first lines ran thus: — 

** If you had been smart, 

You might have been seen 
Going down the river with 
Martin Green." 

Capt. Hicks was one of those who were smart enough to be seen 
oroino; down the river with Martin Green, for he was one of the first 
volunteers under the doughty chieftain, and for over four years he 
followed the broad-barred and bright-starred banner of the Confed- 
eracy. Step by step he rose from the position of a private soldier 
through nearly every intermediate grade to the office of captain. He 
participated in battles and engagements and skirmishes without num- 
■ ber, from a hand to hand conflict of a few soldiers on either side to the 
massed bayonet charge of the greatest death duels of the war, where 
friend and foe were intermingled on the deadly field, some dead, some 
dying, and all courting death in the red glare of battle. In 1863 Capt. 
Hicks was captured at Helena, Ark., and was kept in prison for 
19 months, but promptly returned to his command on being exchanged. 
After the war he came to Eandolph county and located near Roanoke, 
■where he engaged in farming, and later along quite extensively in 
stock trading. In 1873 he settled where he now resides. He has ex- 
perienced some serious losses in property afl'airs, although through no 
fault of his, but being a man of untiring energy and industry he has, 
nevertheless, proved himself superior to misfortune and adversity and 



HISTORY OF KANDOLPH COUNTY. 591 

has accumulated a comfortable property. His place contaius over a 
quarter section of land and is well improved. He is still engaged in 
stock-raising and also in buying and shipping stock, and is having good 
success of late years. On the 23d of November, 1872, Capt. Hicks 
was married to Miss Elizabeth McDavitt, a daughter of Daniel and 
Virginia (West) McDavitt, early settlers and respected residents of 
Randolph county. Mr. and Mrs. Hicks have three children : Gertie, 
Lela and Frank D. Mr. Hicks is a prominent member of the Masonic 
order. He commenced industrial activities after the war without a 
dollar and has made all he has by his own energy and enterprise, and 
much more than he has, for, as has been said, he has sustained serious 
losses in his business affairs. Personally, he is a man of marked in- 
telligence, pleasant, agreeable manners, public spirited and kind 
hearted, and is much esteemed by those who know him well, and 
respected by all. 

JAMES J. KIRKPATRICK 

(Justice of the Peace and Farmer, near Huatsville). 
Mr. Kirkpatrick was born in Pennsylvania, in which State his 
ancestors have been settled for generations, and, as far back as they 
can be traced, have always ranked with the better class of people of 
the old Keystone State. His father. Rev. John H. Kirkpatrick, had 
the benefit of a tine education in youth, and subsequently studied 
theology, and became an able minister of the O. S. Presbyterian 
Church. He married Miss Jane S. McKee, and by her reared a 
worthy family of children, all of whom were given advanced educa- 
tions. For 40 years he was pastor of the Presbyterian Church at 
Harmony, in Indiana county. Pa., and he died in the service of that 
church. He lived to a ripe old age, being spared to his congregation 
and to his family up to 1878, when, at last, his spirit took its flight to 
heaven and his body was laid to rest in the churchyard where he had 
invoked the blessings of the Father on so many of his friends and 
acquaintances who had preceded him across the silent river. James J, 
was born in Indiana county. Pa., March 7, 1839, and was reared on 
his father's farm in that county. After taking a preparatory course 
in the common and academic schools he entered Jefferson College, of 
Pennsylvania, in which he continued until his graduation, in 1859. 
He then came to Missouri and taught school in Randolph county, and 
in the neighborhood where he now resides, ibr a term, after which he 
went to Independence, in Jackson county, where he read law under his 
brother, William R. Kirkpatrick, now of Texas. In August, 1860, 
he went to Hinds county. Miss., where he engaged in school teaching, 
having young men for his pupils, and he was there when the war 
broke out. Though reared and educated in the North, he came of 
sterling old State's rights Democratic ancestry, and he believed that 
the Federal Government had no more right to invade a sovereign State 
of the Union with armed soldiery in defiance of State authority than 
had the Czar of Russia or any other executive of a tyranny. He there- 
fore promptly enlisted in theservice of Mississippi, becoming a member 



592 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

of Co. C, Sixteenth Mississippi volunteers, in April, 1861. He served 
during the remainder of the war or until August 21, 1864, when he 
was captured and afterwards confined in prison at Pt. Lookout until 
February following. He was then sent to Richmond on parole, and 
continued a paroled prisoner of war until the general surrender, 
returning, however, and remaining in Mississippi. He was in many 
of tiie hardest fought battles of the war, and was in Stonewall Jack- 
son's valley campaigns for two years, and was then under Gen. A. P. 
Hill for the remainder of the time. He was wounded three times, but 
only lost 21 days during his service, being confined in the hospital for 
three weeks. After the war he engaged in cotton raising in Missis- 
sippi until 1868, when he went home to Pennsylvania on a visit, and 
afterwards paid a brother of his a visit who resided in Iowa, and 
thence came on to Randolph county, where he has since resided. On 
the 8th of September, 1870, he was married to Miss Lealie Fray, a 
daughter of John Fray, of this county. They have one child : John 
W. After his return to Randolph county Mr. Kirkpatrick taught a 
few terms in school, but has made farming and stock-raising his 
regular business, and has been quite successful. He has a fine farm 
of 232 acres, on Silver creek, and is comfortably situated. 'Squire 
Kirkpatrick was elected justice of the peace in 1876, and has held the 
office ever since. He is a man of fine social qualities and is personally 
very popular. He has long been a member of and elder in the Cum- 
berland Presbyterian Church. 

WILLIAM C. LaMOTTE 

(Farmer, Post-office, Roanoke). 

Another one of those successful men and excellent citizens of whom 
this county contains so many, who commenced in life without means 
or advantages, and who have risen almost alone by their own exer- 
tions and intelligence, to competency and a worthy position in the 
esteem of their respective communities is Mr. LaMotte, a native of 
Maryland, who, as his name indicates, is of French descent. His 
mother, however, whose maiden name was Rachel Hoover, as her 
name also shows, was of Hollandish ancestry. The families of both 
parents, however, have long been settled in Maryland. The father, 
John LaMotte, was for many years a public official at Hempstead, iu 
that State, and also owned farms in the vicinity, the conduct of which 
he superintended. William O. was born in Hempstead, August 25, 
1838. He was reared in his native comopolis, and received a common 
school education. At the age of 15 he matriculated at the black- 
smith's trade, in which he took a semester of several years, becoming 
thoroughly skilled in the Vulcanic art. After acquiring his trade Mr. 
LaMotte worked at it in Maryland until the fall of 1860, when he 
came to Missouri, and located at Roanoke. When he unpacked his 
leather apron at that place for the first time an invoice of his worldly 
possessions showed that he had the apron, a few other articles of 



HISTOKY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 593 

personal utility and $50 in State money, Bnt he began with willing 
hands and a brave heart to establish himself comfortably in life, and 
he has not failed. He formed a partnership with another brave spirit 
who was not afraid of soiling his hands, and established a shop. The 
years cxime and went and the iirm prospered in business. After a 
while Mr. LaMotte bonght out his partner in business and went it after 
that with a lone hand. He continued at Roanoke for some 15 years 
after the war, and then retired from the gymnasium of the anvil to his 
present farm, in a condition materially and otherwise, to spend the 
remainder of his days in comparative ease, though not in idleness, for 
to him that would be the reverse of ease. Here he has a fine farm of 
about 500 acres, or to speak more properly, he has about 500 acres of 
fine land, for it is not all in one body. His homestead is neatly and 
substantially improved, and, to make a long story short, he is fixed so 
as to live, in the language of Shakespeare, " as free and independent 
as the winds that blow." During the war Mr. LaMotte served about 
two years in the enrolled militia, but not continuously. In January, 
1867, he was married to Miss Catherine Althouse, a daughter of 
George and Catherine (Hester) Althouse, early settlers of this 
county. Mrs. LaMotte was also a relative to Gov. Althouse, a whilom 
prominent citizen of Randolph county, and Mr. LaMotte now owns 
the old Gov. Althouse farm. Mr. and Mrs. L. have four children: 
AVilliam H., Harrison H., Gertrude and George A. Mr. LaMotte has 
been a member of the Masonic order for 25 years, and he and wife 
are also members of the Presbyterian Church at Roanoke, in which he 
holds the office of deacon. 

ROBERT M. LAWRENCE 

(Farmer and Fine Stock-raiser). 

Mr. Lawrence came from the Blue Grass regions of Kentucky where 
farming and stock-raising are carried on according to the most nd- 
vanced methods, and he has fully sustained the reputation of the land 
of his nativity in this respect, as in all others. He has one of the 
handsomest farms in Randolph county and by all odds the handsomest 
one between Sweet Spring and Silver creek. His place is beautifully 
located and exceptionally well improved. His fields and meadows 
and pastures are all being kept in good condition and are well ar- 
ranged ; his fences are neat and substantial, and his buildings — resi- 
dence, barn and outhouses — all tastily constructed and commodious 
and comfortable. In a word, his farm presents a handsome picture 
of prosperous, progressive agriculture. Mr. Lawrence was born in 
Clark county, Ky., November 9, 1841, and came of one of the best 
families in that county. His parents were Robert and Lucy (Ecton) 
Lawrence, both natives of the Blue Grass State. The Lawrences, 
however, were originally from Virginia. The Ectons were among the 
pioneer settlers of Kentucky. Robert M. was reared on a farm in his 
native State and was 20 years of age when the war broke out in 18(il. 
He promptly enlisted in the Confederate service and served under the 



594 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

Southern banner in Kentucky, Tennessee and West Virginia, princi- 
pally, for three years. He was under Gen. Morgan and was with that 
famous cavalry leader on his memorable raid through the North. 
After the battle at Buffington Island, in Ohio, he, with 17 others, 
was captured while trying to cross the Ohio river. He was held 
a prisoner at Camp Chase for a short time and then transferred 
to Camp Douglas at Chicago, where he was confined until March, 1865, 
when he was exchanged at Aikins Landing on the James river, but 
saw no further active service in the war. Returning to Kentucky, he 
remained there until the fall of 1865 when he came to Missouri and 
located four miles south-west of Huntsville in the neighborhood of his 
aunt's husband, John Oliver. He soon bought land and has since 
been engaged in farming. In March, 1879, he bought his present 
place, the Ivison Sears farm. This farm contains 260 acres and is one 
of rare beauty. Mr. Lawrence was married February 7, 1868, to Miss 
Sarah Barbour Bratcher. She died March 2, 1882. She left him five 
children : Johnnie, Ecton, Frenchie, Lulu B. and Marvin. Mr. 
Lawrence's wife was formerly Mrs. Sarah W., the widow of George 
Bui'ton. She was a daughter of William H. and Matilda (Davis) 
Harrison. Her first husband died in 1874. By him she has three 
children : Ada, Georgie and Frankie. Mrs. L. is a meml)er of the 
M. E. C. P. Church and he is a member of the Old School Baptist de- 
nomination. 

" UNCLE ALLEN MAYO " 

(Retired). 

This oldest living resident of Randolph county, and now well started 
on the fifth score of life, stands out from among the third generation 
of settlers a conspicuous and honorable monument of the past, repre- 
senting in his life and services and in his experiences as a pioneer and 
citizen the whole chain of the history of the county from its beginning 
to the present time. At the county fair at Jacksonville in the fall of 
1883, he was formally presented with a cane by the Fair Association 
in the name of the people of the county, in honor of his being the 
father of the county, among the living, in duration of residence. But 
notwithstanding he is a venerable old octogenarian, he is still as active 
of body and as bright of mind as men usually are when 20 years 
his junior, and has a large farm of over 300 acres which he superin- 
tends and manages himself, often taking a hand to help along with 
the work, and always doing a large share of the feeding and other in- 
cidental work about the house and barn. It is simply astonishing to 
observe the sprightliness of his movements and to note the brightness 
and spirit of his conversation, considering his advanced age, and the 
hardships through which he has passed, first as a pioneer settler of the 
county, and then as one of the most untiring, resolute farmers. Allen 
Mayo was born on the 14th of July, 1802. His ftither, Thomas Mayo, 
was an old and respected citizen of Patrick county, Va., and his 
mother's maiden name was Mary Blair, and came of the same original 
family of which Gen. Frank Blair of this State was a representative, 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 595 

and an ontline of the genealogy of which has been given in the sketch 
of Dr. Bhiir elsewhere in this volume. Thomas Mayo, the father, 
was a gallant soldier under Washington during the War of the Revolu- 
tion. In about 1805 he removed to Tennessee and settled in Campbell 
county, where he was engaged in farming for about 12 years, and 
came thence to Missouri in 1817. The following winter the family 
passed near Edwardsville, III., and in the spring of 1818 landed in 
Randolph county. Here the father went to work to improve a farm, 
and built a log cabin for his family and cleared a piece of land. He 
subsequently opened a good farm and became comfortably situated, 
spending the remainder of his days in Randolph county in compara- 
tively easy circumstances, considering the times, and respected and 
esteemed by all who knew him. He had a son, Valentine, who had 
preceded him to the county in 1816. Allen Mayo was 16 years of age 
when his parents came to Randolph county, and five years afterwards, 
in 1823, he entered the piece of land on which he has since resided, 
and began the improvement of a farm. In the spring of the same 
year, on the 23d of April, he was married to Miss Martha Finnell, a 
daughter of Charles and Lucy Finnell, also pioneer settlers of the 
county. Mrs. Mayo was born in Garrett county, K3^, June 28, 1804. 
What is hardly less remarkable than the longevity of Mr. Mayo, him- 
self, is the fact that his wife is also still with him, and on the 23d of 
April of the present year they celebrated the sixty-first anniversary of 
their longand happy married life. Until two years ago she was quite as 
well preserved in health and strength as he, but she was then stricken 
with paralvsis and has been confined to her room since that time. 
They have been blessed with a family of 11 children, and nine of these 
are still living: William, Eliza, now Mrs. George Dameron ; Thomas, 
Charles F., Lucy, now Mrs. Samuel McCulley ; Porter, Mary, now 
Mrs. F. M. Stark ; John A. and James B. Mr. Mayo has been quite 
successful in the afi'airs of life, and although he has reared a large 
family and has lived to see his children happily married and all settled 
comfortably around him, he has long enjoyed an ample competency, 
the fruit of his own industry, sober, economical life and good manage- 
ment. The farm on which he has lived for over 60 years contains 320 
acres, though of course he did not have that much to begin with. His 
.place is substantially improved and his home is one supplied with all 
necessary comforts. Like all early settlers, and, indeed, in excess of 
all of them, he is replete with reminiscences of the past. When he 
settled on his present farm he and his neighbors (and neighbors were 
then usually about 15 miles apart) had to go to Old Franklin and 
Old Chariton for their merchandise, and their milling was done at 
Glasgow at an old-fashioned horse mill. They shipped their surplus 
products, grain, stock, and the like (though the stock had first to be 
killed and put in the form of meat), by flat boats to New Orleans. 
There were then no such things as school-houses in the country and 
not even churches had been built. The meetings were held at the log 
houses of the settlers, and the people attended for miles around. 



596 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

coming generiill J :is far as a half day's journey to preaching. The 
Baptists were the first in this county and then came the Methodists, 
and after them the flood of ministers of all denominations. In those 
days the preachers were the earnest, zealous kind, like the faithful 
hard working ministers still to be met with in pioneer countries, as for 
instance, down in the Indian Territory where a good preacher will 
still fill three appointments a day, riding an Indian pony with his 
plug hat tied on by a string under his chin, and going 60 miles be- 
tween appointments. At that time game of all kinds abounded in 
Randolph county, including bear, deer and turkeys, and for a long 
time bear meat took the place of bacon and was not a bad substitute. 
The Indians were also still in the county and occasionally gave trouble 
to the Whites, but were not much feared by the bold and resolute 
spirits who were the pioneer settlers of the county. Besides the 
market at New Orleans for surplus products, the Santa Fe trade 
opened up a good market for stock, etc. In politics Uncle Allen 
Mayo has ever been a Democrat, and has voted the regular Democratic 
presidential tickets for half a century, except in 1864, when he voted 
for Lincoln, l)eing a strong Union man, as all his family were, wl\en 
it came to the question of destroying the Union. His life has been 
one without reproach from the beginning, and no man in Randolph 
county stands higher in general esteem than he. He and his good 
wife have been members of the Baptist Church for nearly half a 
century. 

THOMAS MAYO 

(Farmer) . 
Mr. M., the second son in the family of Uncle Allen Mayo, of those 
who are living, was born in Randolph county. May 17, 1832, and 
remained with his father until he was 21 years of age. He obtained 
some knowledge of books in the log school-houses of the period, and 
on reaching his majority, his father gave him a horse, saddle and 
bridle and a father's blessing, and told him that he could now go forth 
and enjoy the frnits of Jiis own industry. He then worked for his 
brother-in-law, Henry B. Dameron, for about two yeai's, and under 
him was deputy sheriff of the county from 1854 to 1856. The follow- 
ing year he l)egan teaching school, and in March of that year he was 
married to Miss Sarah F. Mathis, a daughter of George A. and 
Parlhenia "(Dameron) Mathis. He continued teaching school and 
also followed farming on a rented pluce up to 1860, when he bought 
his present farm. During the war he served on the Union side in the 
militia notwithstanding he came of a Southern family and his father 
was a slaveholder, for neither he nor his father were in favor of seeing 
the Union l)r()ken up and destroyed by secession. Mr. Mayo has ever 
been an industrious and energetic farmer, a good manager and a well- 
respected citizen, and has been quite successful in life. His farm 
contains nearly 500 acres, and he raises considerable stock besides 
grain and other produce. Mr. Mayo had the misfortune to lose his 
wife by death in 1869. She left him five children: George A., 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 597 

Maggie A., now Mrs. Elbert Lee ; Mattie, Cassie B. and Sidney. Mr. 
Mayo's second wife died in 1874. Siie was a Miss Sidney Mathis, a 
sister to his first wife. They were married in the spring of 1870. 
To his present wife he was married in 1878. She was a Miss Mattie 
Burton, a daughter of Judge Burton of this county, whose sketch 
appears elsewhere in this vohime. Mr. Mayo is a member of the M. 
E. Church. His wife is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian. 

JAMES P. MAYO 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser) . 

Mr. M. is the youngest son of Uncle Allen Mayo, as his father has 
been familiarly called for many years, and was born on the old family 
homestead, September 11, 1845. When James P. grew up, schools 
had been pretty generally established in the county, and were of a 
far superior grade to those kept in pioneer times. Besides attending 
the neighborhood schools, he had the benefit of two terms at a graded 
school at Roanoke and then of another term at Huntsville, thus gettino- 
a more than average general education. During the war, he served 
about eight months in the Union enrolled militia, being himself an 
ardent Union man. But most of the time he remained at home, 
having charge of the farm, and continued there until his marriage on 
the 15th of April, 1879. Miss Susan S. Sutliff then became his wife. 
She was a daughter of John and A. C. SuthfF, and her mother's 
maiden name was Varnnm. Her father was originally from New 
Jersey, and her mother was of an old Pennsylvania family. Before 
his marriage, Mr. Mayo had bought a quarter section of his father's 
old homestead, and this he made into a good fsirm for himself. He 
has erected an excellent dwelling house on his place, one of the best 
in the vicinity, and, in a word, has made his place one of the best 
farms of the township. Mr. and Mrs. Mayo are members of the 
Missionary Baptist Church. Mr. M. is a genial, whole-souled, sociable 
man, and is liked by everybody. Every one has a kind word to say 
of "Jim Mayo." 

WILLIAM LAWRENCE OLIVER 

(Deceased.) 

Mr. Oliver died at his home in Salt Spring township May 31, 
1872, in his 50th year, having been born March 15, 1823. He was a 
mitive of Kentucky and was a son of John and Cynthia A. Oliver, 
who came to Randolph county in 1837. Both parents are now de- 
ceased. They had a family of seven children: Henry B., Betsey, 
now Mrs. Newton Bradley; William L., the subject of this sketch; 
Minerva, now Mrs. Everett Skinner; Cynthia A., now Mrs. M. J, 
Sears : Eliza, now Mrs. Redick O'Bryan, and Mittie, now Mrs. J. A. 
Alderson. William L. Oliver was 14 years of age when his parents 
came to this county. He grew up here on his father's farm and on 
the 29th of December, 1850, was married to Miss Amanda P. Lill}'-, 



598 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

born August 16, 1832, iind a daughter of David Lilly, of Cooper 
county. She survived her marriage, however, less than six years, 
dving February 26, 1856, She left him three children: John D., 
Permelia J. and William L., the latter of whom died at the age of 
three years. Permelia is now the wife of Millard F. Belsher, of 
Cedar county. November 27, 1856, Mr. Oliver was married to Mrs. 
Martha J., the widow of Mr. Shepard, born October 12, 1833, and a 
daughter of Benjamin Routt. Her first husband survived his mar- 
riage but a short time. She is also now deceased, having died April 
20, 1881. By his last marriage Mr. Oliver had six children : Doctor 
F., Cynthia A., now Mrs. W. G. Lee; Marietta, now Mrs. James 
Bradley ; William L., Eliza J., Lilly and Taylor (the latter of whom 
died at the age of two years), the remaining three being still at home. 
Religiously, the subject of this sketch was a " Regular Baptist," hav- 
ing united Avith Silver Creek Church when a young man, and holding 
the office of deacon for many years. His parents, also, were Regular 
Baptists, as were his own family, except Permelia, Marietta and Cyn- 
thia A. The former two were Missionary Baptists, and the latter a 
Methodist. 

Doctor F. Oliver was born in this county October 23, 1857, and 
was reared on the farm where he now resides. His father was a me- 
chanic by trade, which he followed besides attending to the farm. He 
made wheels, chairs, plows, etc., and had a shop on the place. Dr. 
F. inherited the mechanical talent of his father, and, in fact, is 
what may be termed a natural mechanic. He has unusual inventive 
genius and has devised numerous machines which have attracted fa- 
vorable notice and have been successfully used. He invented a pit- 
man box intended for mowing machines which he patented, and which 
is now being tested by the McCormack Manufacturing Company. He 
also invented a hay stacker which he has patented and which promises 
to be extensively used. Besides these he has invented a hay rake, 
application for a patent on which is now pending in the Patent Office, 
at Washington, and has also invented valuable attachments for opening 
and closing window shutters. Although he is on the farm, which con- 
tains 165 acres and which he conducts, yet he manages to give a large 
share of his time to work on machinery and as the above facts show, 
is quite a genius in his occupation. Considering that he is still but 26 
years of age, his record as an inventor is already quite remarkable, 
and his future in this line promises to l)e a more than ordinarily bright 
one. 

HENRY B. OLIVER 

(Farmer, Section V3, Township 53, Range 15, near Huntsville). 
Mr. Oliver was the oldest brother of William L. Oliver, deceased, 
whose sketch precedes this, and came to Missouri with his parents, 
John and Cynthia A. (Lawrence) Oliver, in 1836. He was then 18 
years of age, having been born in Clark county, Ky., October 24, 
1818. The family settled four miles south-west of Huntsville, where 
the father and sons improved the place on which Redrick O'Bryau 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 599 

now lives. The parents lived in this county until their death, the 
father survivino; to the advanced age of nearly 90 years, dying April 
18, 1877. His' wife died in July, 1875, aged 70. ' Henry B. Oliver, 
after he grew up, was married April 1, 1840, to Miss Paulina Skinner, 
a daughter of Benjamin Skinner, who settled on the land on which the 
depot now stands, in 1832. He was from Madison county, Ky. Mr. 
Oliver settled on his present farm soon after his marriage and has 
continued to reside on it from that time to this. For years he has 
made a specialty of raising tobacco and stock, and has been quite suc- 
cessful. He is one of the substantial and industrious men of the 
township and is highly respected. Mr. and Mrs. Oliver have had a 
happy married life of 44 years. But one son of their family of chil- 
dren is now living, William S., who resides near his father. He mar- 
rid Miss Matilda J. Christian. Two are deceased, James Henry and 
Jane Ann. James Henry married Dorcas Ann Freeman, and she is 
also deceased. Jane Ann married William H. Stack and died in 1862. 
Her son, William H., lives with his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Oli- 
ver. They are both members of the Old School Baptist Church. 

JOSEPH D. KICHESON 

(Section 22, Post-office, Mt. Airy ) 

Mr. R., ason of James W. and Eliza (West) Richeson, the former from 
Kentucky, the latter from Missouri, was born in Randolph county, Au- 
gust 6, 1842. He grew up on his father's farm in the county, and 
had instilled into him from his childhood the taste for that life, but 
upon arriving at years of discretion, he had not at once an oppor- 
tunity of carrying out his plans, for being heart and soul with the un- 
fortunate South, he could not resist striking a blow in her defense, so 
shouldered his musket and, enlisting with Price, he fought bravely 
and well. In 1870 he began farming for himself, and now is the mas- 
ter of a nice property, consisting of 240 acres of land. This is well 
improved, and his surroundings reflect on every side the industry and 
energy of the owner. He has also some valuable stock, and " acts 
well his part" as an enterprising and progressive farmer. Mr. Rich- 
eson is a man of family, having married February 23, 1871, a native 
of the county, Miss Samantha, daughter of William and Catherine 
Stark. His children are Ann Eliza, James Walter, Maggie May, 
Charlie, Mary Beatrice and Joseph Elza. Mrs. Richeson is a mem- 
ber of the Silver Creek Baptist Church, and is one of those household 
angels whose presence seems to sanctify a home. 

JAMES M., JOHN W. (deceased), and ANDREW J. ROBERT- 
SON. 

James M. and John W. Robertson, respectively the uncle and father 
of Andrew J., were natives of the Old Dominion, and were of a family 
of 12 children of Joseph Robertson and wife, whose maiden name 

33 



600 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

was Delphi Snell. The parents were of two old and respected families 
of the central part of Virginia, which had been settled in that State 
since long prior to the Revolution. They, themselves, resided in 
Orange county, and there their children were born and principally 
reared. The father, Joseph Robertson, died in Orange county, and 
afterwards the mother and all her children came to Missouri, most of 
them locating in Randolph county. She was a woman of remarkable 
business ability, and was reputed to be one of the most successful and 
energetic farm managers in all the country round about. She was 
familiarly known as, and called by all who knew her with respect, not 
unmixed with a degree of admiration and affection, "Aunt Delphi 
Robertson," and was greatly esteemed as a neighbor and friend, and 
in the church for her amiable, sociable, kind-hearted motherly quali- 
ties. Indeed, she was one of the strong-minded, pure-hearted old 
mothers in Israel, of whom there were so many in the pioneer days of 
the country, when women had not only to be mothers, gentle, tender 
and sympathetic as the thoughts of angels are, but strong, resolute 
and determined, brave-hearted and heroic as their fearless husbands, 
who set their rifle against one tree to guard themselves and their fami- 
lies from the merciless savage, while they felled the other. Aunt 
Delphi Robertson will long be remembered in Randolph county as 
one of the good and true pioneer mothers of the county. 

James M. Robertson, the first of her sons mentioned above, was 
born in Orange county, Va., April 14, 1812. Coming to this county 
in 1832, he is still living here, one of the old and respected citizens of 
the county, comfortably situated and still well preserved in mind and 
body, notwithstanding he has long since passed the allotted age of 
three score and ten years. Indeed, not less than four years ago he 
not only showed the courage, but the physical strength and activity, 
to make a trip to California, where he remained for three years, busily 
occupied with property interests. He returned only last fall ; and to 
see him and judge by his erect form, quick step, brightness of conver- 
sation and general appearance, one would not take him to be much, 
if any, beyond a middle-aged man. His domestic life has been one 
of great contentment and happiness, and he has reared a worthy family 
of children. 

John W. Robertson, the father of Andrew J., was born in Orange 
county, Va., on the 15th of January, 1806, and after he grew up on 
the farm in that county he was married in that State January 16, 1833, 
to Miss Frances M. Reynolds. He and his wife also came to Missouri 
in the year*'1836 and located on land which he purchased in Randolph 
county, and on which he improved a farm. His son, Andrew J., now 
resides on this place, and it is reputed one of the best farms in the 
county. It contains 450 acres and is well improved,, much, however, 
having been done for it in the matter of improvements by the son. 
The father died here September 2, 1850, in the respect and esteem of 
all who knew him, for he was an upright man and good neighbor. 

Andrew J. Robertson was born on the farm, January 18, 1839, 
and was reared on his present place. He received a good common 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 601 

school education and has followed farming and stock-raising from early 
manhood, having been occupied with nothing else. On the 9th of 
January, 1858, he was married to Miss Caroline Davis, a daughter of 
John and Sarah Davis, whose maiden name was Sarah Morehead. 
They were from Virginia, and resided in Marion county, this State, 
where Caroline F. was raised to womanhood. They have been blessed 
with a worthy fjimily of seven children : Philip A., John W., Sarah 
F., now Mrs. James W. Patterson; Anna D., William, Charles E. 
and Kate. One, besides, died in infancy. Mrs. E. is a worthy 
member of the M. E. Church South. Mr. Robertson makes a specialty 
of raising breeding stock, and has some of the best in this section of 
the county. He is an energetic, progressive farmer and an intelli- 
gent, public-spirited citizen, held in high respect by all who know him 

CHAELES W. SHORES 

(Post-office, Mt. Airy). 

This successful farmer and respected citizen of Silver Creek township, 
residing on a handsome homestead which he owns, situated on section 
30, in township 53, and range 15, near Huntsville, is a native of 
Howard county, born May 20, 1835, and was a son of Rev. William 
and Susan R. (Johnson) Shores, he originally of Tennessee, and she 
of Virginia. The father was for many years a Methodist preacher 
and was a member of the Missouri Conference of the M. E. Church 
South. He was also a farmer and had an excellent homestead six 
miles north of Fayette where he lived until his death, which occurred 
in January, 1872. He had been a minister of the gospel from early 
manhood and was also in his earlier years a skillful carpenter. Charles 
W. Shores received a good education as he grew up and afterwards 
taught school until the outbreak of the war. He then served six 
months under Gen. Price and during that time was in the battle at 
Pea Ridge. In 1862 he went West to the mountains and was eng-ao-ed 
in mining, trading, merchandising, etc., until 1866, when he returned 
to Howard county. He subsequently taught school in Howard and 
Randolph counties and was married in this county September 15, 1870, 
to Miss Lou C. Walden, a daughter of William E. and Emily (Hurt) 
Walden, of Randolph county, born May 12, 1842. Her father was 
originally from Kentucky and her mother from Howard county. Judge 
Walden served as judge of the court for six years in this county. Mr. 
Shores settled on the Joshua Hurt ftirm, having bought it in 1868, 
and lived on it until the spring of 1883 when, having bought the 
Walden farm also, he came to this place where he has since resided. 
He raises considerable stock, principally cattle and hogs, and also 
largely raises wheat and corn. Mr. and Mrs. Shores have two child- 
ren, Harry Hurt and Charles Edward. Their eldest, Anna Nora, died 
in tender years. He is a member of the M. E. Church South, and his 
wife of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. 



602 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 



ELDER F. M. STARK 

(Minister of the United Baptist Church, and Farmer). 

The worthy minister of the gospel and highly Esteemed citizen Avhose 
name heads this sketch has been engaged in the service of his fellow 
creatures and his Maker, in the oiEce of a Christian minister, for nearly 
30 years, and during this time has been instrumental in bringing 
many wayward souls to a consciousness of their sinfulness and to the 
hope which the Redeemer holds out to all the world. He professed 
relio;ion in the fall of 1855 and was accepted into the Silver Creek 
Church during the following year. Preparing himself for the min- 
istry, on the second Saturday of September, 1857, he was licensed to 
preach and the second Saturday of April, 1858, he was duly ordained. 
The presbytery was composed of Elders B. Anderson, Jesse Terrill 
and J. W. Terrill. Immediately following his ordination Elder Stark 
was placed in charge of the Mt. Salem Church, where he continued 
for eight years, and then he was called to the past(jrate of the Silver 
Creek Church and has had charge of this church from time to time 
ever since, having, however, had charges at various other places at 
different periods in the meantime. Elder Stark has always been re- 
garded as an earnest, sincere and useful minister of the gospel, and 
has been very successful in his great life-work. He has baptized pro- 
bably nearly 200 people and has assisted in ordaining numerous min- 
isters and a number of deacons. He has married more than 75 
couples, and in every duty as a faithful minister of the gospel he has 
acquitted himself as a worthy man of God. He is a man well-read 
in the Scriptures and in theology generally, is a forcible and impres- 
sive speaker and, above all, is influential for the recognized purity of 
his life and the sincerityof his labors as a minister. He has partici- 
pated in many revival meetings which have been productive of great 
good to the church and to humanity, and for which the cause of re- 
ligion is not a little indebted to his exertions, his ability and eloquence, 
his piety and zeal. Elder Stark was born in Randolph county, July 
18, 1830. His father, William Stark, was a native of Kentucky, but 
his mother, whose maiden name was Catherine Goodman, was origin- 
ally from Tennessee. They left Kentucky in an early day, and settled 
where Terra Haute, Ind., now stands. William Stark's father, 
Jacob Stark, owned a farm which is now included in that city. Elder 
Stark's parents came to Missouri in 1825, and settled on Silver creek, 
in Randolph county, where the son grew to manhood. He succeeded 
in getting a good, ordinary education as he came up, and on the 27th 
of June, 1850, was married to Miss Amanda A. Watteriield, a daugh- 
ter of Thomas and Prudence Watterfield, early residents of this 
county. After his marriage Elder Stark settled on a piece of land and 
opened a farm where he lived successfully engaged in agricultural 
pursuits besides attending to his ministerial duties, for 18 years. He 
then removed to his present farm. Here Elder Stark has a fine ftirm 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 603 

of 280 acres and he is quite extensively engaged in raising stock, as 
well as grain. On the 11th of September, 1864, he had the misfortune 
to lose his good wife, who was taken from him by that inexorable 
messenger. Death. To his present wife, formerly Miss Mary A. Mayo, 
a daughter of Allen Mayo, whose sketch appears in this volume. Elder 
Stark was married October 1, 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Stark have five 
children: Enoch T., William V., Nora R., James and Frank R. 
Elder Stark's o-reat-grandfather was a native of Virginia and was of 
English descent. His name was Daniel, and from him has sprung de- 
scendants who have settled in nearly all the States, especially the 
West and South. During Elder Stark's ministry he has preached 
three times a day, accomplishing this by riding his horse very hard, 
and he has prepared many sermons on horseback. One incident that 
occurred during his ministry is worthy of mention. He commenced 
a meeting with a certain congregation and after preaching a sei'mon 
closed with an exhortation, inviting sinners to come to the Lord Jesus ; 
15 convicted persons arose and came forward for prayer, while 
two others professed faith in the Lord Jesus Christ in the congrega- 
tion. The meeting continued a few days and at the close about 25 
persons were buried in baptism by Elder S. With much gratification 
he can look back on the work he has accomplished. From a personal 
acquaintance of the fact we state that of all those whom he has united 
in marriage, not one couple has been divorced ; and he has never 
baptized a person who denied the faith or brought reproach upon the 
cause of Christ. In politics he voted with the Whig party until the 
war, then took his stand on the side of the Union and voted for Lin- 
coln, and with the Republican party down to the present. 

REUBEN TAYLOR 

(Section 34, Post-ofRce, Roanoke). 

Mr. T., one of the neatest farmers and best citizens of this township, 
and a man who has come up in life from an orphan boy without a 
penny and with no opportunities for an education, to the position he 
at present occupies and has long held, that of one of the worthy and 
substantial men of the county, is a native of the Blue Grass State, 
born in Garrett county, April 2, 1820. His parents, Dudley and 
Anna (Myes) Taylor, were originally from Virginia, and Reuben was 
the fifth in their family of seven children. His father died whilst he 
was quite young, and he was reared to hard work on a farm. Al- 
though he had little or no chances to go to school, he managed to 
gather up a suflScient knowledge of books for all the practical purposes 
of farm life. However, at the age of 16 he went out to work on 
a farm at $6.00 a month, and he continued this, though with an in- 
crease of wages of course, as the years rolled away, for six years. He 
then came out to Missouri and went to work on a farm near Roanoke, 
for P. W. Hawley. In 1846 he went to Shelby county and settled on 
a small piece of land, where the first winter he cleared up enough 
ground for a crop and built a house. His only team was a small sled 



604 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

and one horse, unci with these he did all his freighting, hauling out the 
rails to fence about 30 acres of land, and doing all other work of 
that kind with his faithful horse and not less faithful sled. He lived 
on that place for about 20 years and became quite prosperous, and 
married and was blessed with a worthy family of children. In 1866, 
however, he sold out and came over to Kandolph county and bought 
his present farm. Here he has a fine place of over 250 acres, one of 
the handsomest farms, size considered, in the county. He is comfor- 
tably and happily situated, and, as he says himself, is "fixed to enjoy 
life." He has an abundance of everything around him, a good home 
and an affectionate family, and never having wronged a man in his 
life, but having made all he has by honest industry, he has the confi- 
dence and esteem of all who know him, his conscience is clear, his 
spirit bright and life seems to him worth enjoying. On the 1st of 
May, 1858, Mr. Taylor was married to Miss Sarah Totten, a relative 
to the gallant officer by that name who commanded Totten' s famous 
battery. Mrs. Taylor was a daughter of Joseph and Mary A. (Suitor) 
Totten, and was born in Indiana, but principally reared in Shelby 
county. Mo. Her parents were originally from Virginia, but from 
Kentucky to Indiana, and from the latter State to Missouri. Mr. and 
Mrs. Taylor have five children: Henry (v., Zachery, Anna, William 
and Robert Lee. All the family, except the youngest child, are mem- 
bers of the Christian Church, and Mr. Taylor is an elder in his church. 
His son Henry is a deacon in the same church. The three eldest chil- 
dren are college graduates, — the first of Quincy College, the second 
of the Missouri State University, and the third of Hardin Female Col- 
lege of Mexico, Audrain county. Mr. Taylor, although now in his 
sixty-fifth year, bears his age remarkably well, and to judge of him 
by his movements, conversation and general appearance, although his 
hair is silvered over with gray, one would take him to be at least 10 
years younger than he really is : — 

"Age sits with decent grace upon his visage, 
And worthily becomes his silver locks; 
He bears the marks of many years well spent, 
Of virtue, truth well tried, and wise experience." 

COENELIUS VAUGHAN 

(Farmer). 

Mr. v., a successful farmer of Randolph county and one of its 
best and most highly respected citizens, is a lineal descendant of the 
Rt. Hon. Cornelius Vaughan, a distinguished leader in Parliament of 
the time of James I., and a cousin-germane to that monarch. During 
the troublous times of James II., two of the descendants of Cornelius 
Vaughan, M. P., came to America and settled in Virginia. These 
were Robert and Cornelius Vaughan, and from the second of these the 
subject of the present sketch traces his lineage hy a direct line or 
descent. Abraham Vaughan, the father of Cornelius, our subject, was 
born and reared in Culpeper county, Va., and there married Miss 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. • 605 

Polly Weaver, whose family was originally of Pennsylvania and was 
of German extraction. Abraham Vaughan removed to Kentucky in 
an earlv dav and settled in Boone county, where he reared his family 
and where he and his wife both lived until their death. He was a 
former by occupation, and Cornelius Vaughan, the subject of the 
present sketch, was born on his father's farm in that county, August 
12, 1811. He was reared in his native county and when a young man 
22 years of age, he started out 'for himself with $50 in cash, 
which he had made and saved up the year before, and located on the 
Ohio river where he began the work of opening a farm. He was quite 
prosperous there, and in the spring of 1835 was married to Miss Pau- 
lena Christy, a daughter of Simeon and Lucy (Kiddie) Christy of 
Boone county, Ky., and a niece of the famous Col. Christy of New 
Orleans, who so greatly distinguished himself at the battle of Ft. 
Magis. Mr. Vaughan came to Missouri in the year 1840, and located 
in Randolph county. Here he opened a fine farm and became one of 
the prosperous citizens of the county. He has followed tobacco rais- 
ing quite successfully for many years, and before the war owned a 
number of slaves. He suffered quite severely by the loss of property 
during the war, losing some $8,000 in negroes, stock, etc., but his 
estate was not seriously embarrassed. He was an ardent Southern 
man, having two sons in the Confederate army, but he, himself, was 
physically disabled from taking part in the struggle. In politics he 
has always been a Democrat and has voted the straight Democratic 
ticket without a scratch or a blot, at every election for over 40 years, 
commencing with Martin Van Buren in 1840. In November of the 
present year he expects to vote the twelfth time for the Democratic 
presidential nominee, and he has no doubt but that his vote will be 
cast for the next president of the United States. Mr. Vaughan has 
been twice married. His first wife died in 1857 of consumption, and 
had borne him twelve children, seven of whom are still living, namely : 
Napoleon, William, Ellen, now Mrs. George Thomson; Ladora, now 
Mrs. William Henderson ; Florence, now Mrs. John Finnell ; Cor- 
nelius. To his last wife Mr. Vaughan was married during the year 
1858. She was the widow of a "Mr. Upton, and her maiden name 
was Elizabeth Dobbins. She was a daughter of Hugh Dobbins. She 
also died of consumption in 1873. Of the three children she left him 
two are living, Marcia, now Mrs. Oswald Hurt, Kate, now Mrs. 
Lucien Cumniings and Julie P. Vaughan. Mr. Vaughan has long 
been afflicted with Bright' s disease, but is remarkably cheerful of mind 
and an untiring and interesting talker. He is rich in reminiscences of 
the past which it is a pleasure to hear him relate. 



606 . HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 



u:n^io:n^ township. 



THOMAS ANDEESON 

Post-office, Moberly. 
Mr. A. is one of the many thrifty, intelligent Northern farmers who 
have settled in Randolph county since the war, to the great advantage 
and benefit of the county. He came here in 1866, and, as brother Cox 
says, bought a fine farm of 144 acres and a fraction over, on which 
he has resided to this day. Mr. Anderson was born in Bedford 
county, Penn., July 21, 1811, and was a son of Samuel Anderson and 
wife, formerly Miss Sarah Shreeves, his father a Pennsylvanian by 
nativity, but his mother originally of Maryland. But two of their 
original family of 11 children are now living, William, the one besides 
Thomas, being still a resident of Pennsylvania. Thomas Anderson, 
the subject of'^this sketch, was married June 25, 1832, to Miss Anna 
Sheeder, of the Keystone State. Seven children have been the fruits 
of this union, but three of whom are living: Henry J., now of Ne- 
braska; Aaron F., also of Nebraska and Allen S., of this State. 
The four deceased are : Mary J., Abner, Winchester and Anna, all of 
whom lived to reach maturity. Mrs. Anderson's parents were Henry 
and Mary A. (Wonderley) Sheeder, both originally from Germany, 
and of high German families. Both came over with their parents, re- 
spectively, when quite young and settled in New Jersey, where they 
married in 1819, and afterwards removed to Pennsylvania. Her 
father died there in 1864 and the mother in 1856. Mr. Anderson 
came to Missouri in 1868. 

JOHN H. DuVALL 

(Farmer and Stock -raiser) . 

Mr. DuVall, like many of the better class of citizens of Randolph 
county, comes of an old and respected Kentucky family. There are 
few denizens of the Blue Grass State who are not familiar with the 
name DuVall ; for while it is a prominent family in that State, it is 
also one of the largest and most widely distributed within the borders 
of the Commonwealth of fair women, fast horses and brave men. Mr. 
DuVall's parents, William and Lucy C. (Ellis) DuVall, came to Mis- 
souri in 1839 and settled in Randolph county, where they lived until 
the father's death, which occurred April 28, 1859, and where the 
mother still lives at the age of 66. Seven of their fiimily of five sons 
and four daughters are living: Sarah F., the wife of Robert Cotting- 
ham, of Monroe county; John H., Henry C, of Carroll county; 
Mary R., the wife of James D. Myers, of California; DoUie E., Lucy 
J., the wife of Joseph E. Damp, of Adair county; and James T. 
John H. DuVall was born in Randolph county, Mo., June 27, 1842, 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 607 

and being reared on a farm he was of course brought up to the hard 
work incident to farm life, which developed his physical constitution 
and made a good farmer out of him ; and what is more important to 
the prosperity of a country than good farmers? He attended the 
neighborhood school and acquired enough education to get along in 
life. He is now residing on section 22, township 54, range 13, and 
is a member of the A. F. and A. M., while his mother and most of 
her family are members of the M. E. Church. 

JOHN T. HALEY 

(Blacksmith and Farmer). 

From the time of Vulcan in Greece, who was the leading ferreous 
artist in his section of the country, and was afterwards deified by the 
people according to their system of mythology, on the same principle 
that the Catholic Church afterwards made saints out of priests — from 
that time to the present the blacksmith has been recognized as one of 
the most important factors in the mechanism of civilization, and in 
every community he must be present to bend the stubborn ore and 
shape it for the wants of man. Mr. Haley is a worthy representative 
of this useful and important art. He is one of the successful and 
skillful blacksmiths in his section of the country, and has a large cus- 
tom. He is also enofao-ed in farmino^ to a certain extent where he now 
lives, and has 40 acres of good land. He also has 60 acres in Monroe 
county. He handles a few fine cattle and is raising some high grade 
Licester and Canada South-Down sheep. Mr. Haley is a native of the 
Blue Grass State, born in Fayette county February 3, 1837, and was 
a son of Ambrose Haley and wife, Malinda Sydner, the father born in 
Bourbon county October 11, 1811, but the mother a native of the Key- 
stone State. They had four children : George W., John T., Amanda 
and Agnes E. The mother died in 1843, and the ffither afterwards 
married Cassandra Callaway, of Monroe county. They also have four 
children : Ambrose E., Joseph, Sarah and Anna E. The father died 
in 1850. The same year of his father's death John T. Haley started 
to California, but fell sick on the way and was compelled to return, 
stopping, however, at Glasgow, in Howard county. He soon came 
over into Monroe county, and there married Miss Agnes E. Haley, a 
cousin. One child was the issiie of this union. Waller, now deceased. 
Mr. Haley has been a resident of Randolph county for some time and 
is highly respected by all who know him. He carries on the business 
of wagon making in connection with his blacksmith shop, and is getting 
along quite satisfactorily in life. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. 

ROBERT R. HALL, M.D. 

(Physician and Surgeon, Milton). 

. Mr. H., the Nestor of the medical profession in Randolph county, 

having been in the active practice in this county for 40 years, and 

although now within two years of the allotted age of three score and 



608 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

ten is still in the saddle and visiting the sick and administering to the 
suffering wherever duty calls, day or night, winter or summer, is a 
native of the Blue Grass State and a descendant of that old Mother 
of stalwart and true men — Virginia. Dr. Hall was born in Fayette 
county, Ky., October 3, 1816, and was a son of Andrew W. Hall, 
originally of the Old Dominion. The mother was a Miss Sarah Cliftbrd 
before her marriage, and was formerly of Tennessee. The parents 
were married in Kentucky in 1808, and of their family of four daugh- 
ters and four sons but two sons are living — the Doctor and Andrew 
W., Jr., of Shelby county. Mo. Dr. Hall was reared in Ken- 
tucky, and after a thorough course of study and two regular terms at 
medical college graduated from the Medical Department of the Tran- 
sylvania University of Lexington Ky., in the spring of 1884. He im- 
mediately came to Missouri and located at Milton, in Randolph county, 
in the practice of his profession, where he has been ever since ; and 
the sun has risen and set on no day from that time to this that he has 
not been ready to tender his services for the relief of suffering human- 
ity in this vicinity. It has been said that he is a benefactor to his race 
who makes two blades of grass grow where but one grew before. If 
that be so, what must Dr. Hall be, who has relieved human pain as 
innumerable as the stars in heaven or the sands upon the sea shore, or 
the pearly drops of rain that descend upon the earth beneath — who 
has restored loved ones without number tremblino; in the balance be- 
tween life and death to the bosom of their families, and who ever, when 
the skill of the human physician was of no avail, has soothed the dying 
pillow of the suffering with his kind ministrations and made placid 
and eas}'^ the descent to the grave ! For such a life there must be a 
reward in heaven, for there is none equal to its deserts on the earth. 
On the 4th of Februar}^ 1^4.5, Dr. Hall was married to Miss Susan F. 
Coates, of this county, born November 27, 1829. Six children are 
the fruits of this union, and five are living: Clifford, a merchant of 
Moberly ; Eeese D., of Eddyville, Iowa: Eugene, chief clerk of the 
Railroad Bridge Company at Moberly ; Dorothy T., the wife of Dr. J. 
T. Cox, of Moberly, and Q. Thomas, now of Shelby county. Mo. 
The mother of these died August 12, 1857, and on the 29th of March, 
1859, Dr. Hall married Miss Anna E. Coates, a sister of the first wife, 
and of the eight children of this marriage six are living: Carrie E., 
the wife of George W. Burton; Andrew C, Robert R., Jr., Susie F., 
G. Marshall and John M. Guy and Berry B. are deceased. The 
mother of these died March 30, 1881, being burned to death by her 
clothes catching on fire from the stove. Dr. Hall is a fine, old- 
fashioned gentleman, intelligent, well educated, hospitable and kind, 
and an interestine; and entertainino; conversationalist. He has a laro;e 
practice, and has ever had, and the sick enjoy his presence almost as 
much as his medicines do them good, which is up to the maximum de- 
gree. No one with a good liver and a taste for solid comfort and 
agreeable conversation can spend a more enjoyable evening than with 
Dr. Hall around his own fireside, while if the visitor's liver is not 
normal the Doctor's is of course the place to go. 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. QOO 



HENRY HAERISON, Jr. 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser) . 

It would hardly be possible to write a history of any county in Mis- 
souri and Kentucky or Virginia, or perhaps of any of the North-west- 
ern States, without mentioning on its pages the Harrison family, for 
it is one of the most widely distributed families in the country, and 
its representatives, wherever they reside, are generally people of more 
or less consideration and prominence. The gens of the family of 
which we are now speaking took its rise, so far as the United States 
are concerned, in Virginia, and from that State the present branch of 
the family originally came. The genealogy of this family is so exten- 
sive that it cannot be given here. Those who are curious to see it 
will find it published in the histories of Audrain, Callaway and other 
counties in this State issued by the publishers of this Avork. Henry 
Harrison, Jr., was the son of Henry Harrison, Sr., a Virginian by 
birth, and whose wife was, before her marriage, a Miss Polly Malone, 
of Irish descent. They were married in about 1806 and had a family 
of 13 children, Henry Harrison, Jr., being the only one living. The 
father died in 1833 and the mother in 1850. Henry Harrison, Jr., 
was born in Woodford county, Ky., October 8, 1811, and on the 19th 
of October, 1835, was married to Miss Mary McKinsey, who was born 
in Clark county, Ky., January 20, 1813. Four years after his mar- 
riage Mr. Harrison, who then lived in Grant county, Ky., came to 
Missouri and settled in Randolph county, where he has since resided. 
By industry and good management he became well-to-do and pos- 
sessed of a fine estate. His lands, however, he has divided out 
among his children, and he is now living in retirement and comfort. 
A life well and usefully spent has been rewarded with an abundance 
of this world's goods and in his old age he is blessed with the esteem 
of all who know him and with the veneration and respect of his near 
and dear ones. Such an evening of life is a fitting conclusion to the 
honorable and worthy career he has made as a man and citizen. Mr. 
Harrison's first wife, a noble and true-hearted woman, with whom he 
has spent nearly 50 years of happy married life, is still living. She 
bore her husband four children, three of whom are living, and the 
other is in heaven. The living are : John W., James E. and Orang 
M. (at whose instance this sketch is inserted). John W. was married 
to Miss Nackey Patton in 1863. They had four children ; three died 
in infancy. His wife died in 1874. James E. was married to Miss 
Kate Hedges in 1866. They have three children: Nancy M., John 
M. and Mary E. Their homestead contains 155 acres. Orang M. still 
lives with his parents on the old homestead, containing 140 acres, and 
is unmarried. To his present wife Mr. Harrison was married Novem- 
ber 9, 1876. She was, prior to her marriage to him, Mrs. Bettie, the 
widow of William E. Patton, of Howard county. Mr. and Mrs. Har- 
rison have one son, J. Lester, born August 25, 1882. Mr. Harrison's 



610 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

present homestead contains 175 acres. Mr. H. and wife are members 
of the Baptist Church. 

JOHN W. HUTSELL 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser). 
Mr. H. was born in this township, December 7, 1839, and was 
reared on his father's farm. On the 11th of January, 1866, he was 
married to Miss Minnie Eubanks, of Monroe county. The following 
year Mr. Hutsell settled on the farm where he now resides. He has 
a oood place of 200 acres and also one of 144 acres, which he runs in 
corn, wheat, meadow and pasturage. He raises a number of cattle 
and hogs for the markets every year, and also has control annually of 
some mules. He is a substantial citizen and one of the thorough- 
going farmers of the township. Mr. Hutsell is a son of Bloomfield 
Hutsell and wife, previously Miss Emily T. Carver. They still reside 
in this township and have a good place of 200 acres. The father was 
born in Bourbon county, Ky., October 5, 1813, and died January 2, 
1884, and the mother was tiorn in Fayette county, that State, 
November 19, 1821. They were married November 27, 1836, and 
came to Missouri the following year, settling in Randolph county, 
where they have since resided. Four of their children are living: 
John W., Sarah M., the wife of James A. Campbell ; Melissa J., the 
wife of John D. Christman ; and Jeremiah C. Two are deceased : 
Mary E. and James N. John W. Hutsell and wife have three 
children : James D., Willie W. and Anna M. T. The mother of these 
is a daughter of Richard and Jane (Trimble) Eubanks, her father 
being born in Tennessee, October 1, 1810, and her mother. May 30, 
1820. There were married in about 1844. The mother was the 
widow of Harvey Scott at the time of her marriage to Mr. Eubanks. 
Mr. Eubanks came to Randolph county in about 1836. Mrs. Hutsell 
is the only issue living of their marriage. 

JOHN W. LICHTENTHALER 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser) . 

Rev. Jacob B. Lichtenthaler, the father of John W., now an old 
gentleman in the eighty-second year of his age, has for 60 years been 
engaged in the gospel ministry, and is still zealous and active in 
holding up the banner of the cross as the sign of the everlasting 
<-()venant of God with all the world. He is now a missionary for his 
denomination — the United Brethren — in the far North-west, " where 
rolls the Oregon." He is a representative of that sterling German 
race of men who settled in Pennsylvania, and Avho stand out in the 
affairs of life steadfast and as immutable as the unwavering columns of 
" Stonewall Jackson's men." Rev. Jacob B. Lichtenthaler was born 
in Pennsylvania in August, 1802, and after he grew up, was married 
to Miss Mary Morehead, of the same State, in 1826. Of their family 
of seven sons and five daughters, six are now living: George W., of 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 611 

McLean county, 111.; Nathias, of Charleston, Mo.; David S., of 
Salem, Oreg. ; John W. ; Harrison B., of Portland, Oreg. ; Jane, the 
wife of A. C. Packard, of Portland, Oreg., and a practicing physician 
of that city, having graduated in medicine in New York City ; More- 
head and William C., the last two also of Porthmd, Oreg. Kev. J. B. 
Lichtenthaler was ordained a minister in the M. E. Church, but quit 
that denomination from convictions of duty and united with the 
United Brethren. He has been a missionary in Oregon since 1853. 
His wife is still living, and earnestly seconds him by her encourage- 
ment and personal assistance in his great life-work. John W. 
Lichtenthaler, the subject of this sketch, was born in Erie county, Pa., 
April 9, 1835, and was reared to manhood in his native State. On 
the 28th of December, 1857, he was married to Miss Catherine, a 
daughter of Jacob and Susan Bradley, of Hamilton county, O., where 
his wife was born, January 5, 1840. Mr. Lichtenthaler removed to 
Adams county. 111., and followed farming there up to the fall of 1879, 
when he bought his present place, and settled in Kandolph county, 
Mo. He has a good farm of 160 acres, and is one of the thrifty, enter- 
prising farmers of the township. Mr. and Mrs. Lichtenthaler have 
had 10 children: George W., now of California; Ida B., died in 
infancy; Mary S., the wife of William Lowan, of Cedar county, 
Mo.; Jacob B., William (died in infancy), Sarah, Ellen, Ospha 
(died in infancy), Cora and Serena Wilhelmantic. Mrs. Lichten- 
thaler's father and his family reside in Randolph county, but her 
mother died June 30, 1880. 

JOHN C. MYERS 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser). 
The branch of the Myers family to which the subject of the present 
sketch belongs came originally from North Carolina, and was after- 
wards one of the pioneer families of Missouri. William C. Myers, 
the grandfather of John C, tirst came to Kentucky in the days of 
Daniel Boone. He there married Miss Christina Goff, and in 1819 
they came on to this State and settled at Old Franklin in Howard 
county. He then removed to Fayette, and in the spring of 1836 came 
over into Randolph county where he resided until his death, which 
was in 1854. He built the first mill ever erected in Howard county. 
His first wife died in 1849 and he afterwards married Miss Pauline 
Hunt, who is also now deceased. Of his family of children David 
Myers was born in Barren county, Ky., and he had four brothers and 
one sister. After he grew up he married Miss Eliza Shredar, of Ran- 
dolph county, on the 9th of March, 1841. He became a successful 
farmer of this county and reared a large family of children, and he 
and wife are still residents of the county. Of their family of six 
daughters and five sons, nine are still living: George T., James W., 
Porter D , Christina, John C, Hannah J., Henry C, Mary E., Susan 
A., the wife of Fred J. Nichols, and Lydia C. John C. Myers, the 
subject of this sketch, was born in Randolph county, and was reared 



612 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

on his father's farm. On the 14th of October, 1880, he was married 
to Miss Anna D. Chirk, a daughter of Joseph G. and Elizabeth Chirk, 
of this county, but formerly of Sangamon county, 111., where Mrs. 
Myers was born April 15, 1856. Mr. Myers is engaged in farming 
and is an industrious young man and is rapidly coming to the front. 
He and his wife are members of the M. E. Church South. 

EZEKIEL C. PARRISH 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser). 

Mr. P., a worthy farmer and good citizen of Union township, 
was born in Marion county, February 20, 1841, and was a son 
of Charles P. and Elizabeth (Baker) Parrish, the father born in 
St. Charles county November 12, 1818, and the mother in Howard 
county, September 9, 1821. They were married May 24, 1840. They 
reared a family of four sons and two daughters, and lost one, a 
daughter. Ezekiel C. Parrish was reared to a farm life, his father 
having been an enterprising and successful farmer, and when 24 years 
of age he was married January 22, 1875, to Miss Nancy M. Owen, of 
Randolph county, and he soon afterwards settled permanently in this 
county. Mr. Parrish located on his present farm in 1871. Here he 
has 117 acres which he has improved himself, having made his farm 
from raw land and all since 1871. He has improved it in a substantial, 
neat and convenient manner, and now has one of the choice small 
places in the township. Mr. and Mrs. P. are members of the Mis- 
sionary Baptist Church, at Enoch. Mr. and Mrs. Parrish had eight 
children : Charles E., who died in tender years ; Hattie C. E., Laura 
M., who also died in tender years; Octavia, who died in infancy; 
Birdie and Dozie, both of whom died in infancy; Arthur C. and 
Emor P. Mr. Parrish is a man of great industry, more than ordin- 
arily intelligent and a kind neighbor. He is much esteemed by all who 
know him. 

WILLIAM A. RICHARDSON 

(Owner and Proprietor of Prairie View Farm) . 

Mr. R., one of the leading farmers and stock-raisers of this 
township, comes of one of the pioneer families of Missouri, his 
grand-parents having come to this State in the early days of the 
county. His father, Howard H. Richardson, was still a youth when 
the family settled in Chariton county, and he still lives there, and has 
for years been one of the prominent agriculturalists of that county. 
He owns a fine place of about a section of land, some six miles north 
of Salisbury. The family came originally from Tazewell county, 
Va., though Mr. Richardson's mother, the mother of the subject of 
this sketch, previous to her marriage a Miss Louisa A. Wright, was 
from Nashville, Tenn. She was married in Chariton county in 1849, 
and there was but one child besides William A., of this union, namely: 
Dora E., now the wife of James Bozarth, of this county. The mother 
died in the fall of 1858, and the father afterwards married Mrs. Eliza- 
beth Minor, the widow of James Minor, of Chariton county. They 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 613 

have had three sons and two daughters, and Mrs. Richardson had had 
two children by her former marriage. William A. Richardson, our 
subject, was born in Chariton county, September 8, 1852, and was 
reared in that county. On the 16th day of March, 1876, he was 
married to Miss Marinda A. Holbrook, of Randolph county, but he 
continued to reside in Chariton county nntil 1879, when he re- 
moved to Randolph, and bought his present place of 280 acres, 
one of the handsome farms of the township. Mr. Richardson runs 
his place mainly in meadow and pasture, and is quite extensively 
engaged in stock-raising. Mr. and Mrs. Richardson have three sons, 
Omer B., Victor M. and William C. Mr. and Mrs. R. are members 
of the M. E. Church South. Mrs. Richardson's father, Colbert Hol- 
brook, was originally from North Carolina, born in 1797, and her 
mother, nee Nancy Milan, was born in Tazewell county, Va., June 13, 
1813. They were married December 25, 1833, and had eight chil- 
dren. They came to Missouri in 1837, and the father died here in 
November, 1854. The mother is still living. She is a member of the 
M. E. Church South, as was also her husband. 

JAMES A. SEATON 

(Farmer, Section 1). 
The subject of this sketch was born February 25, 1841, in Adams 
county, O., and was a son of Joseph Seaton, born February 29, 1798, 
in Scotland, and Mary Junk, born in 1810 in county Tyrone, Ire- 
land, who were married in. 1833, by which union there were eight 
children, four sons and four daughters, of whom there are six living, 
and all residents of Ohio, except James A., our subject. The parents 
emigrated from Ireland in 1834 and settled in Adams county, O., where 
the father still lives in the eighty-seventh year of his age, and where 
the mother died October 12, 1858. James A. Seaton was reared in that 
county and on the 8th of April, 1868, was married to Miss Rebecca 
Bullock, of Monroe county. Mo., he having come out to this State in 
1865. They have eight sons : Robert J., deceased ; James W., Will- 
iam B., Oscar A., Thomas P., John C, deceased ; Lloyd, deceased; 
and Harsha. Mr. Seaton bought his present fiirm in 1874, which 
contains 80 acres, and is situated in section one. Mr. Seaton com- 
menced poor and has made all he has by his own industry. He is a 
Tiard-working farmer and an intelligent citizen, and a member of the 
Baptist Church at Hickory Grove, in Monroe county. His wife, a 
Missouri lady, is one of those estimable women of which this State is 
noted, being of a bright mind and tender heart, and not less attrac- 
tive in manners and conversation than by reason of her personal 
charms. She is highly thought of by all her neighbors and acquain- 
tainces, as is also Mr. Seaton. She, it is worthy of remark, is also a 
devout member of the Baptist Church at Hickory Grove, in Monroe 
county. 



614 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 



ABRAM VINCE 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser). 
Mr. V. was born and reared in the county where he now resides^ 
and mainly by his own industry and good management has risen to 
the position he now occupies in the agricultural affairs of the town- 
ship. His farm contains 280 acres of fine land and is well improved 
and well stocked. Mr. Vince makes a specialty of handling mules and 
is one of the leading men in this line in the township. He also feeds 
about 25 head of cattle and a large number of hogs annually for the 
wholesale markets, and raises Cotswold sheep. Mr. Vince was born 
on his father's homestead August 21, 1847, and after he grew up, on 
the 13th of November, 1873, was married to Miss Malissa Chrisman, 
a daughter of Silas Chrisman, of this county. In 1869 he settled on 
his present place. Mrs. Vince was born on the 5th of October, 1847. 
Mr. and Mrs. V. have no children. Her father was from Fayette 
county, Ky., born April, 22, 1809; and her mother was from Jessa- 
mine county, Ky., born September 8,1816. They were married 
September 19, 1833, and came to Randolph county in 1843, settling 
north-east of Moberly, where they resided for 34 years, since which 
time they have made their home with their daughter, Mrs. Vince. 
Four of their seven children are living. Mr. and Mrs. Vince and her 
parents are members of the Baptist Church. 

MRS. ELISABETH (DeGARMO) WESTFALL 

(Post-offlce, Moberly). 
Mrs. AVestfall was born in Randolph county. Mo., December 3, 
1841, and her home has continued to be in this county from her birth. 
Her parents were Paul DeGarmo and Sarah, nee Bowman, he of 
Pennsylvania, born June 9, 1812, and she of Virginia, born June 2, 
1807. They were married March 1, 1832, and soon afterwards they 
came to Missouri and located in Randolph county. Both lived here 
until their deaths and the father reached the advanced age of 74 years, 
being killed at last by a train on the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Rail- 
way whilst he was crossing its track. He became quite a successful 
farmer of the county and was one of its highly respected citizens. 
His first wife died October 16, 1845. By her he reared four children 
including Mrs. Westfall, namely : Ezra, who is supposed to have been 
murdered by the Indians in the unsettled regions of California in 
1881; Angeline, now the wife of Joseph Vince ; Alfred and Mrs. 
Westfall. On the 28th of June, 1847, the father was married to Miss 
Elizabeth Westfall, also originally of Virginia. She died February 
3, 1872, leaving two children : Henry B. and John W. To his last 
wife, Mrs. Hulda Meals, of Randolph county, Mr. DeGarmo was 
married May 30, 1872. There was no issue of this union. Mrs. West- 
fall, the subject of this sketch, or rather Miss Elizabeth DeGarmo, 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 615 

was married to Jacob C. Westfall, a nephew to her father's second 
wife, on the 25th of August, 1864. He was a nntive of Virginia, 
born January 30, 1828, and came out to Missouri with his parents, 
who settled in Randolph county. After he grew up here, having been 
reared on a farm, he also became a farmer and was quite successful. 
He died on his farm where Mrs. Westfall now resides. He was a man 
of untiring industry and spotless character and was esteemed and re- 
spected by all who knew him. He was greatly loved in his family and 
his death was a sore affliction to his loved ones. But he died not as 
one without hope, for he had long been at peace with his Maker and 
was an earnest and exemphiry member of the Baptist Church. Mr. 
and Mrs. Westfall were blessed with a family of five children, one of 
whom is deceased. Her children are, namely : Allen C, Christina 
M., Henry P., who died at the age of eight years; Anna E. and 
Joseph L. Mrs. Westfall is a devout member of the Baptist Church. 
Her farm, where so many years of happy married life were spent by 
her and her good husband, contains 145 acres of land. This is man- 
aged by Mrs Westfall and son, Allen C. 

WILLIAM H. WESTFALL 

(Farmer, Post-office, Moberly). 

Mr. W. was born in Virginia July 8, 1822, and when 16 years of 
age came out with his parents, Cornelius and Edith (Wilson) West- 
fall, to Missouri. They removed to Missouri in 1838 and settled in 
Randolph county, where the father died in 1874 and the mother in 
1850. William H. completed his majority in Randolph county and 
was married here January 17, 1867, to Miss Mary Gee. Reared on a 
fiirm, farming became his occupation for life and he has followed it 
with good results. He has an excellent farm of 160 acres on which 
he has beenjiving since 1865. He is an energetic, go-ahead farmer 
and is steadily prospering in life. He raises grain and stock in a 
general way and markets considerable quantities of each every year. 
Mr. and Mrs. Westfall have two children: William H., Jr., and 
Lela. Mr. and Mrs. W. are members of the M. E. Church and 
Mr. W. is a member of the A. F. and A. M. Mr. Westfall's father 
was born in Virginia February 8, 1790, and was therefore in the 
eighty-fifth year of his age when he died. The mother was born 
in the Old Dominion June 4, 1797, and was in the fifty-fourth 
year of her age when she died. They were highly respected resi- 
dents of Randolph county and the father was a man of sterling worth 
and great industry. He Avas one of the most energetic farmers of 
his vicinity and he and his wife were faithful church members. Mr. 
Westfall, the subject of this sketch, is following in the footsteps of 
his father and is esteemed and respected as he was. 
34 



616 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 



CLiFTO]^ tow:n^ship. 



DR. PETER S. BAKER 

(Physician, Surgeon and Druggist, Clifton Hill). 

Dr. Baker is one of the fathers of Clifton Hill, being one of its 
first residents, business men and physicians. He located here May 
13, 1868, when there were but two houses in the place, and established 
.a drug store. The following year he began the practice of medicine, 
and he has continued to reside at this place and practice his profession, 
as Avell as to carry on his drug business up to the present time. He 
has an excellent drug store, which commands a large trade, and he is 
well known to the people of the surrounding country as a man of 
unimpeachable integrity and of a most accommodating disposition. 
The Doctor also has a good practice in his profession, and he never 
refuses to go when called to the bedside of the suifering. Dr. Baker 
is a native Missourian, born in Johnson county, February 10th, 1846. 
His father, William C. Baker, and mother, whose maiden name was 
Nancy McGinnis, were both from Tennessee, and came to Missouri 
after their marriage in 1832, locating in Johnson county, where they 
lived until their death. There were five others in their family besides 
the Doctor, namely : Elizabeth J., Catherine A., James H. P., Mary 
E. and William T. Peter Smith Baker, the youngest in the family 
and the subject of this sketch, was reared on his father's farm in 
Johnson county, and in young manhood learned the drug business and 
studied medicine, in both of which he afterwards engaged. As stated 
above, he came to Clifton Hill in 1868, and has since made this his 
home. In 1878 Dr. Baker was married to Miss Julia J. Maxwell, 
formerly of Buchanan county, having been born at St. Joseph. She 
was a daughter of Henry and Martha (Cummings) Maxwell, her father 
a native of Pennsylvania, but her mother of Louisville, Ky. She has 
five brothers and a sister: James H., William D., Fort, Charles, John 
and Minnie A. Dr. and Mrs. Baker have one child : Jennie E., born 
January 8, 1879. Claude Willie, their second child, born November 
22, 1880, died June 1, 1883. The Doctor and wife are both church 
members, he of the Missionary Baptist and she of the M. E. Church 
South. He is also a member of the Masonic order and of the United 
Workmen. Dr. Baker is at present the judicial magistrate of Clifton 
township, and is also postmaster at Clifton Hill. 

DR.'jAMES H. P. BAKER 

(Physician and Surgeon, Farmer and Stock-dealer,^Clifton Hill). 
Dr. Baker, one of the leading and influential citizens of the north- 
western part of the county, and a brother to Dr. P. S. Baker, whose 
sketch precedes this, being some years the latter' s senior, and whose 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 617 

biography ought perhaps to have been given first on that account, is, 
like his younger brother, a native Missourian. Reference lias already 
been had to the fomily of which he was a member, so that those facts 
need not be repeated here. It may be mentioned, however, that the 
Doctor's parents died, the father in 1861, and the mother two years 
afterwards. Dr. Baker was born on the family homestead in Johnson 
county, in 1837, and was reared to manhood on the farm. In 1860, 
being then 23 years of age, he began the stndy of medicine, and after 
a two years' course he commenced the practice of his profession, 
which he has since continued. He has also followed farmincr and 
stock-raising, and both in his practice and as an agriculturist he has 
been quite successful. While engaged in these pursuits in Johnson 
county, times became so critical that, being a Southern man, it was 
not safe for him to remain at home, and accordingly, in 1864, he 
joined the Confederate army, becoming a member of the command of 
that fiery, doughty cavalry chieftain of Missouri, Gen. Joe Shelby. His 
skill and ability as a physician and surgeon soon became recognized in 
the army, and he was appointed^' surgeon in the medical branch of the 
service. He remained with his command doing his duty faithfully as 
a surgeon and gallantly as a soldier, until the general surrender at 
Shreveport, La., in April, 1865. On his return home he was one of 
the passengers on the unfortunate steamer " Kentucky," by the wreck 
of which so many of the brave soldiers onboard, who had faced death 
for more than four long years, lost their lives. The Doctor, escaping, 
came on home to Missouri, reaching his own hearthstone June 25, 
1865. All his personal property was lost by the war, but he at once 
went to work with fortitude and courage to repair his fortune. He 
resumed the practice of his profession and also farming and handling 
stock, principally cattle and mules. Later along he came to Clifton 
Hill, and contiguous to this place he bought the farm on which he now 
resides. Here he has since continued the practice and agricultural 
pursuits. Dr. Baker is a public-spirited citizen, and is a recognized 
leader in affairs in his section of the county. He at present repre- 
sents his Democratic co-partisans in the county central committee. 
In 1865 Dr. Baker was married to Miss Jennie W. Henderson, of this 
county. She was a daughter of John H. and Frances A. (Gray) 
Henderson, both originally of Orange county, Va., who came to Mis- 
souri in 1835, locating in Randolph county. The mother died in 
1880, and the father is now a resident of Salisbury, in Chariton 
county. They had a family of seven children : John W., Mary S. F., 
Sue M., Jennie W., Thelbert G., and one who died in infancy. The 
father is again married. The Doctor and Mrs. Baker have had four 
children: Arthur G., Jennie B., Wilfred Lee and Sallie S. The 
Doctor is a prominent member of the Masonic order and of the 
I. 0.0. F. 

DAVID BOZARTH 
(Farmer and Stock-raiser). 
Mr. B. is a Kentuckian by birth, his father, Joseph Bozarth, having 
been one of the pioneers of that State, and marrying Susan (Pel- 



618 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

mantry) Bozarth, also a Kentuckian. David B. was born February 
14, 1818, and when but 14 years of age, took his life into his own 
hands and set resolutely to work to carve his way to fortune. He re- 
mained in Kentucky until 1840, and then came to Missouri, living first 
in Howard county, then in Schuyler, and in 1842 moved to Des Moines 
county, Iowa, which after a stay of 25 years he deserted, again 
to take up his abode in Missouri. He stopped in Chariton county for 
two years, but finally located in Randolph, where he still lives. Here 
he owns 140 acres of land, and devotes some attention to tobacco 
raising, not, however, to the exclusion of other products of the soil, 
and of some fine stock. For the past five years Mr. Bozarth has been 
compelled to depend on his sons to conduct his business, as he is him- 
self confined to his room from a partial stroke of paralysis. During 
the war his sympathies were strongly with the South, and he served 
for some time in the Missouri State Militia. In 1841, in Schuyler 
county, Mr. B. was married to Miss Elizabeth Nailer, daughter of 
George Truman and Rosa Newcome Nailer. To them were born 10 
children, of whom nine are living, viz : William Franklin, Nancy Eliz- 
abeth, Susan Mary, James David, George Thurman, Alexander Spencer, 
Emaline, Rosanna and Missouri. Mr. Bozarth, who is familiarly 
known as " Uncle David," is one of the most esteemed men in the 
township, and his family adorn with grace the best society of the 
country. Mr. B. and his wife are consistent members of the M. E. 
Church South. 

AUGUSTINE BRADSHER 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 36, Post-office, Clifton Hill). 
Mr. Bradsher has a fine farm of over 800 acres and is quite exten- 
sively engaged in stock raising. He feeds and ships from three 
to five car loads of cattle annually and from one to two car loads of 
hogs. In a word, he is one of the substantial men of the township, 
and one of its energetic and worthy citizens. It is therefore, as it 
should be, that a sketch of his life finds a place in this volume. Mr. 
Bradsher was born in Caswell county, N. C, April 17, 1828, and 
when he was still in infancy his parents, Moses and Elizabeth ( Wallis) 
Bradsher, came to Missouri and located in Randolph county. The 
first winter in this State they spent in a school-house in Silver Creek 
township, but later along the father bought a tract of land and im- 
proved a farm. That was the place now known as the Judge Bradley 
farm, and there the subject of this sketch was reared. He had a 
limited common-school education as he grew up, and on the 7th of 
February, 1856, was married to Miss Martha J. Davis, a daughter of 
Rev. Samuel C. Davis, one of the pioneer preachers of this section of 
the State. The second year of his marriage Mr. Bradsher settled on 
the farm where he now resides, or rather on the part of the land on 
which he made his home. He was one of the first settlers in this 
vicinity and has lived here for 27 years, being one of its oldest in- 
habitants in point of continuous residence. His life has been one of 
uninterrupted industry and has been abundantly blessed with the 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 619 

fruits of honest toil. He Is comfortably situated in life as the facts 
stated at the beginning of this sketch show. His farm adjoins Clifton 
Hill and is one of the best in the township. Mr. and Mrs. Bradsher 
have a family of eight children: William M., Alver J., Mary E., 
Lutie M., Vincent D., Minnie M., Ira C. and Earl L. Two, besides, • 
are deceased. Mr, Bradsher, besides raising cattle, deals in them 
quite extensively. He has a number of reminiscences in regard to 
the early aifairs of the county which are not given here for the reason 
that they have already been stated in the general history. Mr. Brad- 
sher, on his mother's side, is distantly related to Lord Cornwallis. 
The Cornwallises and Wallises, as everyone familiar with history 
knows, came of the same family — that is, the Wallises, originally of 
Scotland. A branch of the family moved over into England and there 
one of the ancestors of Lord Cornwallis became a wealthy miller and 
large dealer in grain, and one of his sons, being highly educated, rose 
to great distinction in life and took the name of Cornwallis, as it was 
not uncommon in those days for people to assume the name of the 
calling with which their family had been successfully identified. 

JOSEPH B. LAMBETH 

(Dealer in General Merchandise, Glifton Hill). 

Mr. Lambeth has one of the leading general stores in this place, 
and is one of the most public-spirited and enterprising men of the 
town. His stock of goods includes everything to be expected in a 
first-class general store, and being a man of superior business quali- 
fications, and more than ordinary personal popularity, he is not only 
able to buy goods at the lowest prices to be had in the market, but to 
draw to his house a large custom, which is attracted not less by the 
low prices at which he sells and by the high esteem and confidence in 
which he personally is held. Mr. Lambeth, in a few years, has built 
up an extensive business, and his trade is steadily on the increase. 
In establishing a laro-e store here he has done a o^reat deal for the 
local interests of Clifton Hill, while as a citizen in all afitiirs relating 
to the best interests of the place, he takes an active and leading part. 
Mr. Lambeth is a native of the old North State, born in Alamance 
county, October 7, 1849. His parents were Lovic L. and Eliza J. 
(Windsor) Lambeth, both of old and respected North Carolina fami- 
lies. The mother died when Joseph B. was in boyhood, but the 
father is still living and is a resident of Alamance county. Joseph was 
the eldest of three children, the others being Robert S. and Thomas 
L., the eldest of which two is now deceased. Joseph B. was reared on 
the farm in Alamance county and received a common-school education. 
In 1875 he came to Missouri and located in Randolph county, but re- 
turned to North Carolina soon afterwards. In 1878, however, he 
came back to this county, and on the 11th of the following December 
was married to Miss Martha E. Matlock, a daughter of Capt. Nicholas 
G. and Hulda (Gunn) Matlock, old residents of Randolph county, 
and originally of North Carolina. Mrs. Lambeth is the youngest in 



620 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

a family of eight children, the others being Thomas, Green B., Wil- 
liam M., John A., Sterling P., Nicholas A., Susan J. Mr. and Mrs. 
Lambeth have had two children, Anna Porter, who died in infancy, 
and Mary Carter. Mr. Lambeth has been engaged in the mercantile 
^ business at Clifton Hill since a short time after coming to the county 
the second time. He owns the building which his store occupies and 
which he erected for the purpose. Mrs. Lambeth is a member of the 
church. 

CAPT. NICHOLAS G. MATLOCK 

(Ex-Sheriff of Randolph County, and Farmer and Stock-raiser). 
No history of Randolph county would be complete which failed to 
include the biographical sketch of the subject of the present one. 
Capt. Matlock, a native of North Carolina, was partly reared in this 
county, and this has continued to be his home up to the present time, 
when already the shadows of old age have begun to fall around him. 
His life has been one of value to the county and not a little prominent, 
while it has been one of credit to himself and to the name which he 
bears. In the long struggle of might against right, during the late 
war, he was found standing up gallantly defending with sword in hand 
the homes and institutions of the wronged and weaker side, from the 
time the first shot was fired until the banner which represented the 
principles for which Washington fought nearly a century before — 
the right "of one people to dissolve the political bands which have 
connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the 
earth the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and 
of nature's God entitle them" — until that banner went down in de- 
feat in a cataclysm of death to rise no more, perhaps for generations. 
But — 

"Truth crushed to earth shall rise again; 
The eternal years of God are hers." , 

The standards of Poland and Ireland and Hungary, and other brave 
peoples struggling for independence and to govern themselves by laws 
of their own making, have also gone down. But can organized 
tyranny forever prevail over the highest hopes and aspirations of a 
brave and noble people? To ask the question is to answer it. " Time 
makes all things right," and in the end government by force will 
perish from the earth and the oppressor's power will be no more. 
Capt. Matlock was born in Caswell county, N. C, June 22, 1820. 
Whilst he was in youth his parents, James and Martha (Gunn) Mat- 
lock, removed to Missouri and located in Randolph county, where 
they lived until their death, both to a ripe old age. The father died 
in 1868, aged 87, and the mother in 1871, aged 82. Nicholas G., the 
subject of this sketch, was the fifth in their family of children, and 
the eldest of their only three sons. All of the family of children are 
livino" and are now themselves the heads of families, except the second 
brother, who died in 1850, leaving afamily. Nicholas G. Matlock was 
reared to a farm life, for his father was a large farmer and successful 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 621 

tobacco grower, and after reaching manhood young Matlock en- 
gaged in farming for himself. On the 10th of March, 1841, he was mar- 
ried to a cousin of his, Miss Hulda Gunn, a daughter of Thomas Gunn, ' 
also formerly of North Carolina. Mr. Matlock continued farming with 
satisfactory success up to 1849, when he engaged in the grocery busi- 
ness in partnership with his brother, Sterling Matlock, at Ft; Henry, 
in this county. He continued the business at that place after his 
brother's death, in 1850, for four years, and then resumed farming. 
Mr. Matlock was on his farm when the war broke out, but he promptly 
flung by the plow and went to the defense of his State against Northern 
invasion on the first call of Gov. Jackson for troops. He became first 
lieutenant of a company under Col. Fort, and while in this position 
took part in the battle of Lexington and some less engagements. He 
then organized Co, F, of the Missouri State Guard, of which he was 
elected captain. This company became a part of Gen. Clark's com- 
mand and soon afterwards took part in the battle of Elk Horn, from 
which but six of its men escaped without injury. In the spring of 
1862, his company now being decimated, and, in fact, the command of 
which it was a member being disbanded, he enlisted another company 
for the regular Confederate service. But this was, also, soon after 
broken up by the vicissitudes of war, and he, in company with a few 
others, joined the command of Gen. Shelby and took part under that 
gallant leader in the raid around Cape Girardeau, Helena and Spring- 
field. In the fall of 1863 he returned to Randolph county, but later 
along organized another company consisting of about 80 men and 
joined Gen. Price at Glasgow. He participated in Price's last cam- 
paign in this State and saw a great deal of hard and perilous service, 
both in battles and forced marches. At the conclusion of the cam- 
paign but little more than a fourth of his original company was left 
to tell the story of their hard experiences. He surrendered at Vicks- 
burg in June, 1865, at the close of the war. Capt. Matlock then re- 
turned home and the following year engaged in merchandising at 
Clifton Hill, which he continued for six years. In 1872 he located 
on his farm, where he has a handsome place of nearly 200 acres, and 
on which he has since resided, except while occupied with official du- 
ties. A man of high character and superior business qualifications, 
and a man of great personal popularity, in 1878 he was nominated and 
elected to the office of sheriff over several prominent and influential 
competitors. While serving as sheriff" he had the painful duty to per- 
form of officiating at an execution for a capital off'ense. It was the 
hanging of the murderer. Hade Brown. Capt. Matlock discharged 
his duties as sheriff" in every respect with efficiency and general satis- 
faction. In 1882 he ran for the office of county collector, but was 
defeated for the nomination by a small majority. Capt. Matlock is a 
thorough-going, enterprising farmer, and is quite a successful stock- 
raiser. He is highly esteemed and respected throughout the county. 
Captain and Mrs. Matlock have a family of eight living children and 
two infants deceased, namely : James T., now of Mastersville, Texas ; 



622 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

Daniel G., now of Douglas county, this State; William M., now of 
Texas county; Susan A., who is now Mrs. P. M. Henderson; John 
A., who is still at home on the farm ; Sterling C, of Texas county; 
Martha E., who is now Mrs. Lambeth, and Nicholas, at present a stu- 
dent at Kirksville. The Captain and Mrs. Matlock are members of 
the M. E. Church South, and he is a member of the Masonic order. 

J. C. PARRISH, M.D. 

(Physician and Surgeon, Clifton Hill). 
Dr. Parrish, a physician of many years' successful experience and a 
citizen who is highly esteemed in the vicinity of Clifton Hill, is a na- 
tive Kentuckian, but has been a resident of Missouri for over 40 years, 
and has shown himself a worthy representative of both States, and of 
the Revolutionary ancestry from which he sprang, not less by his 
record in private life than by his gallantry as a soldier of the South. 
He was born in Bourbon county, of the Blue Grass State, September 
20, 1818. His parents were Callaway and Nancy (Shropshire) Par- 
rish, both originally of Virginia families. His grandfjither, Abner 
Shropshire, was a brave soldier of the colonies in the Revolution. Dr. 
Parrish' s father was a saddler by trade, and died when the subject of 
this sketch was but a year old. But the mother survived up to the 
fall of 1882, dying in Monroe county at the advanced age of 83. 
There were two children in the family besides the Doctor, both his 
seniors : Benjamin F. and Rebecca. Dr. Parrish was reared on a 
farm and received a common school education. At the age of 18 years 
he began the study of medicine under Dr. Asa Shropshire, his uncle, 
and subsequently attended the Eclectic Medical College of Cincinnati, 
from which he graduated in 1843. Dr. Parrish then came to Missouri 
from Kentucky and located in Monroe county, where he engaged in 
the practice of his profession. In 1847 he went to Howard county, 
but three years later, the gold excitement having broken out, he went 
to California, returning in 1851, coming by way of the Isthmus and 
New Orleans, After stopping a while in Howard county he crossed 
over into Monroe, where he practiced medicine until 1853, when he 
located on Salt river, in Randolph county. Dr. Parrish practiced 
medicine on Salt river, except while absent in the Confederate service, 
for nearly 25 years, and while there was also interested in agricultural 
pursuits and served as justice of the peace for 12 years. In 1877 he 
went to Fayette, but soon removed to Moberly. He came to Clifton 
Hill where he now resides, in 1882. Dr. Parrish is not only a physi- 
cian of a long and successful experience, but he has ever been a con- 
stant student of medicine, investigating his chosen science both from 
the standpoint of theory and from that of experience. In other words, 
he has not only studied the books but has occupied much time with 
practical pharmacy — the compounding of medicines, etc. Thus, by 
his study and experiments, he has been able to prepare some of the 
most efficient remedies known to pharmaceutics. His preparations 
have a wide sale and become eminently popular wherever they are in- 



HISTORY OF KANDOLPH COUNTY. 623 

trocluced. In December, 1860, Dr. Parrish offered himself as a volun- 
teer to uphold the rights and institutions of the South, then threatened 
with invasion and overthrow, and he became an accepted soldier under 
the banner of State's sovereignty and for the principles of the resolu- 
tions of 1798. Dr. Parrish fought it out on that line for over four 
years, and until the South went down and the government was revolu- 
tionized by the change of the Constitution of the Fathers ; or, in other 
words, by the adoption of the thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth amend- 
ments. In the early part of the war he was on Gen. Price's staff, and 
from the beginning to the close he did his full duty as one of the bravest 
of the brave who fought under the three-barred flag of the Confederacy. 
We cannot take the space to give his army record. SuflSce it to say that 
he was in many of the hardest fought battles of the war and in skir- 
mishes without number. If every soldier in the South had been as suc- 
cessful in doing what he was there for as Dr. Parrish was, the issue 
would have been otherwise than as it resulted, and for every Confed- 
erate volunteer there would now be three white headstones in the 
national cemeteries. The Doctor has been married four times. His 
first wife was Miss Matilda J. Dickinson. She died in 1839. His 
second wife was a Miss Elizabeth Turner, of Howard county, who died 
in 1852, leaving him three children: James E., William C. and Eliza- 
beth. His third wife, previously Mrs. Martha Burton, a vvidow lady, 
was murdered July 23, 1877, by her son-in-law, James H. Brown, and 
the Doctor was shot at the same time, and still carries 100 shot in his 
body which he received at the time. By her he had five children, the 
first four being two pairs of twins : Mary and Amanda, Susan and 
Sarah, and the other is Louisa L. To his present wife the Doctor was 
married December 29, 1882. She was previously Mrs. Margaret A. 
Bush, a widow lady, whose maiden name was Lanter. He and his wife 
are members of the Christian Church, and he is a member of the Ma- 
sonic order. He has a fine farm in Clifton township. 

J. F. RODGERS 

(Proprietor of the Clifton House, Clifton Hill). 

Mr. Rodgers, who owns and conducts the only hotel at this place, 
for the reason that he is so popular as to render competition imprac- 
ticable, and who is one of the enterprising citizens of the town and 
a substantial property holder both here and of land in the country, is 
a native of the Old Dominion and is a self-made man, for he commenced 
after the war without a dollar, and has made all he has by his own in- 
dustry and good management. Mr. Rodgers was born in Rockingham 
county, Virginia, August 12, 1833, and was a son of John Rodgers 
and Mary H., nee Lamb ; the father born in 1806 and the mother ia 
1809, the former of English descent and the latter of Irish ancestry. 
The father's father was a gallant soldier in the Revolutionary AVar and 
served under Washington from Virginia until the British Lion had 
been driven from our shore by the American Eagle. In 1851 J. F. 
Rodgers, then a youth some 18 years of age, came to Missouri with 



624 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

his parents, who settled in Morgan county, where the father improved 
a larse farm, havino; brouji'ht with him some seventeen head of negroes 
from Virginia. J. F. was on the farm in Morgan county when the 
war brolie out, and he promptly enlisted in the Confederate service. 
He became a member of the " Morgan County Riflemen " under Col. 
Joe Kelley, of Gen. Parson's division. He served under Gen. Parsons 
for three years and eight months, filling the office during that time of 
orderly sergeant. Early in the winter of 1863 he returned home on a 
visit and was captured by the militia. The alternative was then given 
him to be thrown into prison untih the close of the war or join the 
Union forces, and of the two evils he wisely chose the least, and there- 
fore became a nominal soldier on the opposite from Avhere his heart 
and hopes were. He was placed as a guard on the trains between 
Macon City and St. Charles. However, he soon went to Tennessee, 
and there he assisted in oro-anizino: home o;uards for the Confederate 
service. While in the Confederate service during the first years of the 
war, he participated, among numerous others, in the battles of Boon- 
ville, Wilson's Creek, Dry Wood, Lexington, Pea Ridge and Corinth. 
On the 14th of October, 1866, he was married to Miss Catherine 
Rucker, a daughter of Albert Rucker, of Randolph county. For some 
time after the war Mr. Rodgers was foreman of the tobacco factory of 
C. F. Mann & Co., of Hannibal, but in the fall of 1866 he settled in 
Randolph county and engaged in farming. This he followed with 
success for nearly ten years, and now has a good farm in the county. 
In 1877 Mr. Rodgers engaged in the hotel business at Clifton Hill, in 
which he has since continued. He keeps one of the best houses in the 
county, and his hotel is popular with all who have ever had the pleas- 
ure of partaking of his hospitalities. He is also constable of the 
township, and discharges the duties of that office with efficiency and 
with satisfaction to the public. Besides this he is marshal of the 
town. He is agent for several prominent insurance companies. The 
livery and feed stable here also occupies a portion of his time, in 
connection with which are stock pens for drovers. Mr. and Mrs. 
Rodgers have but one child, James Leonard. Mrs. R. is a member 
of the Baptist Church. 

HENRY SEARS 

(Farmer, Post-office, Clifton Hill). 
Mr. S., one of the substantial citizens of Clifton township, 
was born in Silver Creek August 21, 1830, and was a son of 
Hardy Sears, one of the pioneer settlers of Randolph county. Hardy 
Sears' ancestors came from England to North Carolina among the 
first colonists of that State, indeed, they came over with the first 
settlers who came to America with the colonial expedition fitted out 
by Lord Raleigh more than a century before our Revolution. He, 
Hardy Sears, was born near Raleigh, in North Carolina, August 21, 
1788, and in 1805, being then 17 years of age, he came out to 
Kentucky with his parents who located in Warren county, of the Blue 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 625 

Grass State. There he lived for 13 years, during which time he was 
twice married. His first wife died soon after their nuptials. He 
then married Miss Dicy Rigsby and came to Missouri iu the fall of 
1818, making the trip by land and through the wilderness and located 
in Silver Creek township, of Randolph county. Here he lived to a 
ripe old age, dying in 1856. In his family of children there were 
seven sons and three daughters, Henry, the subject of this sketch, 
being the sixth of the children. Henry Sears was reared on the farm 
and remained with his father until the hitter's death, when the former 
settled where he now resides. In the fall of 1866 he was married to 
Miss Mary F. Faulkner, but she was taken from him by death in the 
spring of 1877, leaving him four children : William H., Milton B., 
John M. and James W. To his present wife Mr. Sears was married 
October 31, 1878. She was a Miss Mary E. Christy, a daughter of 
Milton and Luvenia Christy, of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Sears are 
members of the Silver Creek Baptist Church, of which Mr. S. is also 
a deacon. He has a good farm of nearly a quarter section of land 
and is otherwise comfortably situated on his place. When Mr. Sears 
settled where he now lives practically all the country round about was 
an uninhabited wilderness, and there was an abundance of game to be 
had — deer, turkeys, etc. He was an extensive hunter years ago and 
was considered one of the best " shots " among all his acquaintances, 
and during the winter months it was not an uncommon thing to have 
a wild turkey for dinner once or twice every week. Looking back on 
those days and contrasting them with the present, Mr. Sears cannot 
but believe that people were happier then than now ; they were more 
hospitable, kind and neighborly ; nearly everybody was a member of 
the church, and the churches were built by the united labor of each 
neighborhood, and the ministers preached the good old-fashioned 
doctrines of religion and people believed in them. Schools then were 
kept by subscription and the houses built of logs and the floor* made 
of puncheons ; school children's desks were split slabs and they wrote 
with goose quills, and if the letters were not so even and pretty as 
they are now, they were larger and much easier to make out. There 
were but few mills in the country at that time and the boys in the 
neighborhood took their grists to mill on horseback. Mr. Sears has 
long been regarded as one of the worthy, good citizens of the town- 
ship, and no man is more highly respected. 

'SQUIRE HIRAM STAMPER 

(Farmer, Post-office, Clifton Hill). 
'Squire Stamper, or Uncle Hiram, as he is familiarly called, is now 
well entered upon the seventh decade of life, but is still well preserved 
in mind and body, and is both active in his movements and bright and 
spirited in his conversation. He is one of the most highly respected 
citizens of Clifton township, and takes a marked interest in the affairs 
of his own community and in general public concerns. He was one 
of the organizers of the Baptist Church at Clifton Hill and is one of 



62(3 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

its most valued members. He owned a fine, large farm in the town- 
ship until a few years ago when, his children having all grown up and 
married off, he sold it and bought a neat place adjoining Clifton Hill, 
where he now resides, but he is still at work, and is the fiirthest from 
being a man of leisure and idleness. He was born in Owen county, Ky., 
April 8, 1812, and was a son of Jesse and Nancy (Sebantin) Stamper, 
both originally from North Carolina, his father of English descent, 
but his mother of French origin. Hiram was reared on the farm in 
Kentucky until he was 16 years of age when, his father being a manu- 
facturer of brick and a brick layer, he went with him to Cincinnati, 
where his father was engaged in that business and where Hiram learned 
both occupations. He worked in Cincinnati for about seven years, 
returning home, however, usually through the winter months. On 
the 27th of December, 1832, he Avas married to Miss Sallie Cobb, a 
daughter of Daniel and Elizaljeth (Holbrook) Cobb, of Owen county, 
Ky. 'Squire Stamper then settled on a farm where he continued until 
1849, ^and then engaged in the mercantile and mill business. About 
that time he started the town of Lusby's Mill, in Owen county, which 
is now a flourishing trading point. Three years later, however, he 
returned to his farm and continued on it until 1855, when he removed 
to Randolph county. Mo., and bought some 300 acres in Clifton town- 
ship, where he improved a fine farm. There he lived for 25 years, 
respected and esteemed by all who knew him. He sold his place in 
1879 and bought his present farm the same year. While in Kentucky, 
he held both the offices of justice of the peace and constable a number 
of years each. 'Squire Stamper is a sociable, pleasant old gentlemen, 
interesting to talk with and always agreeable in his manners and con- 
versation. He and his good wife have reared a family of ten children : 
Daniel J., Eliza, now Mrs. Elijah Martin ; James L., Thomas H. B., 
Joseph E., Elizabeth, now Mrs. Thomas Grizzell ; Nancy ; now Mrs. 
Yearley Scott; Lucian, now Mrs. Samuel Cobb ; Mary F., now Mrs. 
John G. Breckman ; and Finis M. 

JUDGE DANIEL J. STAMPER 

(Farmer, Section 25, Post-office, Clifton Hill). 

Judge Stamper, the eldest son of 'Squire Hiram Stamper, whose 
sketch precedes this, was born in Owen county, Ky., November 24, 
1834, and was reared in his native county. His boyhood and youth, up 
to the age of 15, were spent on the farm of his father in that county, but 
in 1849 the family removed to Owenton, the county seat, where the 
father took charge of a mill, and from that time forward young 
Stamper had the benefit of the excellent local schools of Owenton. 
Having a taste for study, he made a zealous student and advanced 
rapidly in the acquisition of the knowledge to be had from study in 
a common English course. Before reaching his majority he became 
well fitted for school teaching and, being requested to take charge of 
a school in the county, he accepted the position and was quite success- 
ful as a teacher. Industrious, faithful and as anxious to inspire in his 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 627 

pupils a love of knowledge as he, himself, was zealous in its pursuit, 
he became a most efficient teacher, and obtained a wide popularity. 
He taught schools in Kentucky for about five years with increasing 
reputation and success, and being a constant student himself, he 
steadily advanced in position in that calling and became a teacher^ of 
considerable prominence, in Kentucky, In 1854 he went to Iowa and 
taught for about a year, and from Iowa came to Missouri, where he 
taught for two years more. Prior to this, however, Judge Stamper 
had married, that is, on the 3d of September, 1856, when Miss Mary 
A. Holbrook became his wife. She was a daughter of Martin and 
Eliza (Cobb) Holbrook, originally of North Carolina, but was herself 
born and reared in Owen county, and in girlhood was a pupil of 
Judge Stamper. Two years after his marriage Judge Stamper located 
on a farm in Clifton township of Randolph county, and has since de- 
voted himself exclusively to agricultural pursuits, or, rather, except 
when occupied with public aftairs. Judge Stamper, to begin with, 
•was a young gentleman of superior intelligence and spirit, possessing 
many of the stronger and better attributes of sterling manhood and 
useful citizenship. Added to this, he obtained quite an excellent gen- 
eral education both by study and by long experience as a teacher. It 
is therefore only as was to have been expected that he would take a 
prominent place as a citizen of the county. As a farmer he has ever 
been a man of industry and enterprise, with an intelligent grasp of the 
conditions and influence necessary to be brought to bear to achieve suc- 
cess and to advance the general interest of agriculture in his community. 
He has a fine farm, and by his own energy and good management has 
long since succeeded in establishing himself comfortably in life. The 
year after coming to Randolph county he was appointed justice of the 
peace of Salt Spring, now Clifton township, such was the readiness 
with which his character, ability and business qualifications were rec- 
ognized at his new home. At the following election he was elected 
to the same office by a majority highly complimentary to his personal 
popularity. Following this he filled the office, in all, some eight years, 
and was thereupon advanced by the whole people of the county to the 
honorable and responsible position of judge of the county court. 
Judge Stamper continued to hold that office until a year ago, nearly 
fifteen years, and as long as he would consent to serve the people in 
that capacity. To no citizen of Randolph county is it necessary to 
speak of the reputation which Judge Stamper bears as a public officer. 
His high character and popularity are recognized in every district and 
around every hearthstone, and every door is thrown open to him with 
a hearty welcome wherever he goes. It is the services of the good 
and true men of every country that constitute its honor and glory, and it 
is with pride that every loyal citizen points to these services and speaks 
of the men whom his countrj^ has produced. The fame of our best 
citizens is our greatest honor, and this we all cherish and guard with 
jealous care. Thus the people of Randolph county regard the lives 
and services of such of their fellow-citizens as him whose name heads 



628 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

this sketch. Though his station in life has not been the most dis- 
tinguished, his services have been not less honorable nor less appre- 
ciated than those of any public men within the borders of the 
county, and his name commands respect wherever it is spoken. Judge 
and Mrs. Stamper have a family of seven children : Martin L., Hiram 
M., Porter B., Eliza C, Lena J., Martha R. and Willie L. The 
Judge and wife have been members of the Baptist Church at Clifton 
Hill since its organization, and the Judge is a moderator in his denom- 
ination. He is also one of the charter members of the Masonic order 
at Clifton Hill. 

JOSEPH M. SUMMERS 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, near Clifton Hill) . 

In the lives of such citizens in Randolph county as that of the sub- 
ject of the present sketch, is to be traced the true history of the de- 
velopment of the county and its rise from the condition of a wilderness 
to that of one of the first counties in the State in population, wealth 
and general prosperity. It is such men as Uncle Joe Summers that 
have made the county what it is — their muscle and brain, their in- 
dustry and intelligence, their enterprise and public spirit, have wrought 
the change that has been effected. Joseph M. Summers has been a 
resident of Randolph county for 65 years, or from the time he was 
three years of age, and he commenced in this county for himself when 
a young man without a dollar, as a farmer. He has followed farming 
and stock-raising from that time to this, and with what success is shown 
by the fact that his possessions to-day are valued at over $100,000. 
He has also reared a. large and worthy family of children who are 
pursuing the same course in life that he marked out, and who have 
already taken places among the best people of the county. He has 
ever been a man of liberal ideas and has favored with generous help 
all movements in his vicinity calculated to promote the best interests 
of the public. It is such men as he who constitute the bone and 
sinew of the county, and it is on them that the prosperity and the 
progress of every community depend. Mr. Summers was born in 
Wayne county, Ky., December 18, 1816, and was the fifth in a family 
of eight children of Jeremiah and Elizabeth (Baker) Summers, his 
father originally from North Carolina and his mother from Virginia. 
In 1818 the family came to Missouri and located for a short time in 
the forks of the Chariton, but the following spring settled in Salt 
River township where the parents lived until their death. The Indians 
were still in the country, and Randolph county was yet almost a 
trackless wild, with only a pioneer's cabin here and there to indicate 
that the first step of civilization had been made within its borders. 
Joseph Summers grew up in those early days of the country and was 
a participant in the labors of clearing away the forests and developing 
the county, as well as in the sports of the chase, and all the early 
amusements characteristic of the times. He thus developed a vig- 
erous constitution and learned the greatest lesson in life, that if one 
expects to succeed he can do it honestly only by his own industry and 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 629 

good management. On the 1st of April, 1841, he was married to 
Miss Martha Patton, a daughter of William and Kebecca (Engleton) 
Patton, early settlers of this county from Tennessee. This proved a 
happy union and was blessed with seven children : William P., Wal- 
ler H., Fannie, now Mrs. Joseph Mylam ; James H., Jennie, now 
Mrs. E. J. Brown; Charles P. and Giles R. The mother of these 
died in 1854. She had for years been a faithful member of the M. E. 
Church South, and her children are all members of that denomina- 
tion. Mr. Summers has never married again. While he knows there 
are many good women in the world, yet he feels that there is no one 
who can take the place in his heart that she once held, and in which 
her memory still lingers like a sweet dream. Mr. Summers has for 
more than a generation been regarded as one of the best farmers in 
his section of the county, and although he commenced in the world 
practically without a dollar, he now owns over 3,000 acres of fine 
land. Uncle Joe Summers is known all over Randolph county and 
he is as highly esteemed as he is widely known. He has been a mem- 
ber of the M. E. Church South for over forty years. 



CHARITOlSr TOWIS^SHIP. 



ROBERT E. BAXTER 

(Section 35, Post-offlce, Darksville). 

Philip and Susanna Baxter came from Kentucky to Missouri when 
Randolph county was as yet but on the threshold of her existence. 
Settling land here, they made a home for themselves which has now 
descended to the subject of the present narration. R. E. was born 
March 23, 1844, has lived from infancy on the farm and is well trained 
in every branch of a profession that, more than any other, requires for 
its success long experience. His education was conducted at the 
common schools of the county, and before he had really arrived at 
man's estate, he became a student in the tactics of war. Espousing 
the interests of the North, he served in the State militia for some time. 
The close of the war checked his youthful thirst for glory, and before 
he was 20, March 1, 1864, he rushed into matrimony. The fair lady 
in this case was Miss Sarah, daughter of William and Elizabeth Odell, 
of North Carolina. Mr. and Mrs. Baxter have had nine children, of 
whom but four are living: Susan Elizabeth, William Philip, Annie 
Florence and John David. Those whom envious death did gather to 
her own bosom, were: Savilla, Charlie, Sarah, Ellen, Mary Cornelia 
and Robert Emmett. Mr. Baxter has a flourishing farm of 140 acres 
on which he raises principally corn and hay. He is a thrifty careful 
farmer, and yet in the very prime and vigor of manhood, he has a 
bright future before him. Mr. and Mrs. B. are members of the M. E. 
Church South. 



630 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 



JAMES B. CARNEY 

(Fanner and Stock-raiser, Rolling Home). 
Merchandising, military service and agricultural pursuits constitute 
the three divisions into which one of the schoolmen of the middle 
ages would have divided the biography of Mr. Carney, if he had been 
called upon to write it, and although scholasticism has gone out of 
fashion and the dialectician is but little heeded in these days of the 
teleo-raph, the railroad, the sewing-machine and the type-writer, still 
it is perhaps well not to depart too far, but just about far enough 
from old rules and principles and doctrines. We shall therefore 
adhere to these to a certain extent in skiagraphing the present sketch. 
James B. Carney was born in Randolph county, near the town of 
Roanoke, January 16, 1844, and was a son of George M. and Eliza- 
beth (Lay) Carney, his father originally from Kentucky and his 
mother born and reared in Howard county. His father came to 
Missouri in 1828, and lived here until his death, which occurred in 
1862, in the sixty-first year of his age. The mother is still living, 
and finds a welcome and pleasant home with her son, James B. The 
father was a school-teacher by profession, and a farmer by occupation, 
and he followed these in Howard and Randolph counties until his 
death. James B. was the eldest in a family of five children, the 
others being George I., now of Texas; Missouri M. T., now Mrs. 
John Patton ; Mattie,/emwie lihre, now with her brother, James B. ; 
and William, who died in youth. James was brought up to be a 
farmer, but while young he conceived a dislike for the exercise of 
plowing in the beaming rays of the sun and for husking corn in the 
field when snow is on the ground, and he longed to be in a store as 
a clerk, handling velvet and ribbon and all that sort of thing. He 
therefore obtained a situation as a clerk in the store of William 
Fort & Son, and was with them for about three years, and until 
the outbreak of the war, making a most excellent and popular clerk. 
When the war broke out he enlisted in the Southern State Guard, 
for he had a bold and adventurous spirit, and was anxious to participate 
in the exciting events of military life, while he felt it was his duty 
to go, for he had been brought up a Southerner, and held opinions 
with the Southern people, and had the most ardent sympathy for 
their cause. He followed the Southern standard throughout the whole 
war. While in the State Guard he participated in the battles of Lex- 
ington, Dry Wood and Springfield, and afterwards enlisted in the 
regular Confederate service, becoming second lieutenant of Co. K, 
third Missouri, in which he continued until the time of the surrender. 
He was also second lieutenant in the State Guard. He was captured 
at the fall of Vicksburg, but was exchanged a short time afterwards. 
He was also captured at Mobile, but was again exchanged and sur- 
rendered at Jackson, Miss., in June, 1865. He then returned to 
Missouri and clerked for Guy & Bros, nearly two years. Following 
this he engaged in the grocery business, and also ran a farm for three 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 631 

years. He then engaged in the dry goods business, being located all 
the time at Huntsville, and continued it until three years ago. While 
at Huntsville he also had branch stores at Roanoke and Clifton. Mr. 
Carney came to his present farm in 1880. He has 160 acres and is 
quite extensively engaged in feeding stock. He is one of the indus- 
trious, enterprising farmers of Chariton township, and is rapidly 
coming to the front in agriculture. For about 12 months he was in 
partnership with C. D. Vase, in merchandising, at Rolling Home. 
Mr. Carney has been married three times, being singularly unfortunate 
in the loss of his first and second wives soon after marriao;e. His first 
Wife was a Miss Louisa Malone, of Huntsville, and his second a Miss 
Kate Yates, of this county, a cousin to Gov. Dick Yates, of Illinois. 
His present wife's maiden name was Miss Fannie Lowery. They 
were married March 10, 1873. They have one child, Mary M. Their 
youngest, Frank, died in infancy, Mr. and Mrs. C. are members of 
the C. P. Church. 

WILLIAM COOLEY 

(Farmer, Section 12). 

Mr. C. is the son of John and Elizabeth Cooley, both natives of the 
Blue Grass State. They came to Missouri at an early day and settled 
in Howard county, where William C. was born August 19, 1818. He 
grew to manhood on his father's farm, and received a good education 
at the neighboring schools. He was engaged for some time in salt 
making. In 1840, Mr. Cooley took to wife Miss Elizabeth, daughter 
of John and Elizabeth Fields, originally from Kentucky, and soon 
after his marriage removed to Randolph county. He began life with 
only a pair of ponies as his stock in trade, but by steady attention to 
his business and habits of unflagging industry he has acquired a com- 
fortable property, and is among the substantial men of the township. 
He cultivates 140 acres of land, making a specialty of wheat. Mr. 
Cooley saw some active service during the war, being out with Price's 
raid in 1864, and was made a prisoner at Fort Smith. He was after- 
wards released at St. Louis. Mr. and Mrs. Cooley have eight chil- 
dren : Joseph, Sarah, Rebecca Jane, Catherine, Elvira, Evaline, 
Adelia Ann and Edla. Mr. C. is a prominent member of the Masonic 
order. 

W. W. ELLIOTT 

(Farmer, Section 24). 

Mr. Elliott was born on his father's farm in Randolph county, Mo., 
August 4, 1829 ; his parents Robert and Frances (White) Elliott 
having emigrated thither from Madison county, Ky. W. W. lived at 
home until he was 21 years of age, and was given such educa- 
tion as the limited advantages of the county at that time afforded. 
Upon attaining his majority he learned the carpenter's trade, at which 
he continued to work in different places for the next 15 years. 
He then came to the place upon which he still resides, in Randolph. 
For six years he was largely engaged in tobacco growing, but he has 

35 



632 HISTORY or Randolph county. 

noAV turned his attention chiefly to the raising of stock, buying while 
yearlings and selling when three years old. He also handles a large 
number of mules. His land comprises 540 acres principally set in 
<*-rass. It was in the merry month of May, 1863, that Mr. Elliott 
brouo-ht home a blushing bride. Miss Jane, daughter of William and 
Ithema Terry, originally from Kentucky. To them have been born 
two children, viz. : Alonzo H. and Balie. Although Mr. E. is in- 
tensely Southern in his sympathies, the feebleness of his health inca- 
pacitated him from taking any active part in the hostilities between 
the North and South. He is a man of the finest business mind and 
his qualifications as a manager are shown by his property and sur- 
roundings. He is one of those who will leave 

'« Footprints in the sands of time." 
He is a member of the Masonic order at Jacksonville, Lodge No. 44. 

JOSEPH H. FRAZIER, M.D. 

(Physician and Surgeon; also Farmer; Post-office, Boiling Home, Mo). 
Dr. Frazier has been engaged in the practice of medicine in the 
vicinity of Rolling Home for 18 years, and has been long recognized 
as one of the capable and successful physicians of the north-western 
part of the county. His practice not only extends through this sec- 
tion of Randolph county, but also into the neighboring vicinities of 
Macon and Chariton. The Doctor has ever commanded a good prac- 
tice and, while it has not been his highest ambition to accumulate 
property, for he has done a great deal of gratuitous practice and has 
never oppressed the poor or unfortunate, yet as the fruits of his long 
and faithful services he has secured a substantial modicum of this 
world's goods. The Doctor has a handsome farm of some 200 acres 
where he now resides and is pleasantly and comfortably situated. He 
has passed that point where he must practice as a means of support, 
for his farm would sustain him in abundance ; but possessed of large 
humanity and warm sympathies, he never turns a deaf ear to the call 
of the sufferer, but goes wherever duty demands, in summer's heat or 
winter's cold, in sunshine, or in the shadow of night, when all nature 
sleeps, or but the melancholy voice of the owl is heard or the lonely 
chirp of the cricket by the wayside. Dr. Frazier was a native of the 
Old Dominion — Virginia, — born in Orange county, Va., April 23, 
1828. His father's name was Leland Frazier, and his mother's maiden 
name Ann Mallory. Both were native to the same county in which the 
Doctor, himself, was born and reared. Dr. Frazier's early educa- 
tional advantages were quite limited, and when he came to Missouri, 
in 1853, he had still not completed a course of instruction satisfac- 
tory to himself, having in view, as he did have, a career in the med- 
ical profession. His first year in this State was spent in Jackson 
county, where he worked on a farm, after which he came to Ran- 
dolph, and here he attended school for a session on Silver creek. 
Following his last term at school, young Frazier taught school until 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 633 

1862, when he felt himself in a situation to begin the study of medi- 
cine. He read medicine under Dr. Terrill, that old and honored 
Nestor of the profession in Randolph county. He studied under Dr. 
Terrill until 1865, attending the medical lectures at St. Louis during 
the sessions of 1864 and 1865. He graduated in the Medical College 
of Keokuk, Iowa, in the class of 1872, and at once returned to Ran- 
dolph county and entered upon the practice at Thomas Hill. He has 
since been engaged in the practice in this vicinity. On the 14th day 
of February, 1864, Dr. Frazier was married to Miss Deniza E. 
Epperly. They have seven children, namely: Joseph, Susan M., 
Mary B., Theresa, William L., Leland and Oliver. All of the chil- 
dren are at home, except Joseph, who is living near Clifton, in this 
county. The Doctor and wife are members of the Cumberland Pres- 
byterian Church, and the Doctor is also a member of the Masonic 
order. During the war Dr. F. served eight months in the Southern 
State Guard, and participated in the battles of Boonville, Lexington 
and Pea Ridge. He has a pony that he rode in the army and while 
in the battle of Pea Ridge, which is now 26 years old, and which is 
still gamboling on the green with head up and tail erect, as light- 
footed and frisky, and Avith spirit as gay and free as the May zephyrs 
that toy with the velvety leaves of a new blown rose, or with the 
golden locks of a silken-haired maid. This pony is known as " Ear- 
lier Willis," and was named for the hero of the Crusades, who, for 
the first time in the history of the world, unfurled the banner or 
the Cross in triumph on the ancient walls of Jerusalem. 

GIDEON HAINES 

(Farmer, Post-office, Darksville). 

Mr. H., the son of Jonathan and Elizabeth (Wright) Haines, 
both natives of Kentucky, was born in Madison county, of that State, 
on the 6th of August, 1828. He came with his parents to Mis- 
souri in 1832, and now resides within three miles of the farm upon 
which his boyhood's years were passed. He has 440 acres of land 
in a fine state of cultivation. He formerly was an extensive to- 
bacco grower, but is at present devoting himself principally to the 
raising of stock. Mr. Haines brings to bear upon his calling a cal- 
ibre of mind and character, instinct with every quality most essential 
to success. The "tide in the affairs of men which leads on to for- 
tune," Mr. Haines has known how to take at the flood, and safely 
landed, can watch with unconcern the receding wave. Mr. Haines 
enlisted in the Confederate army, under Price, in 1862, and served 
faithfully and gallantly until the close of the war, being promoted to 
the rank of lieutenant, as a recognition of his merit. On the 24th of 
November, 1 853, he led to the altar Miss Martha M. Turner, who has 
proved a true and tender friend to the man of her choice. There are 
nine children (one, Bluford S., deceased; ) living: Mary Jane, now 
Mrs. Carter; Jonathan, Nathan, David, Joseph, Evan, Betty, Katie 



634 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

and Maro-aret. Mr. and Mrs. Haines are members of the Cumberland 
Presbyterian Church. 

WILLIAM G. LYLES 

(Farmer, Section 3). 
Mr. H. has been a resident of Randolph county since 1868, and 
came to Missouri from Kentucky, where he had been reared, though 
he is a native of Tennessee, born in Summer county, January 29, 
1829, and was a son of Alexander and Margaret (Foster) Lyles, who 
removed to Kentucky while he was quite young, where both lived until 
their death, and where William was married on the 20th of August, 
1848, to Miss Sarah A. Law, also formerly of Tennessee. Mr. Lyles 
continued to reside in Kentucky, engaged in farming, until 1860, when 
he came to Missouri, locating in Schuyler county, resuming farming, 
in which he resided for five years, at the expiration of which time he 
chano-ed his place of residence to Howard county, but soon crossed 
over into Chariton, stopping there for a year and coming to Randolph 
county in 1868, locating on Silver Creek, where he lived, successfully 
occupied with farming pursuits, until the spring of 1883, when he 
came to his present place, which contains 1,860 acres of fine land, 
comfortably and substantially improved, tributary to which he also 
has 40 acres of timber, being both as to fiirm and in other respects 
fairly well sustained in life. He and his good wife have been abun- 
dantly blessed with children, and if the passage of Scripture is to be 
taken in its literal sense, " Children are a heritage from the Lord; 
blessed is the man that hath his quiver full of them," then Mr. Lyles 
has been, and is an abundantly blessed man, for he has been given by 
his good wife, and through the favor of Heaven, no less than 14 sons 
and daughters, seven of whom are still at home. Mr. and Mrs. Lyles 
are, of course, members of the church, both pious-hearted Metho- 
dists, being worthy communicants of the M. E. Church South. 

FINIS M. McLEAN 

CFine Stock-raiser and Dealer, Post-office Huntsville) . 
For many years Mr. McLean has been known as one of the most 
progressive stock-men of Randolph county, and so generally is this 
fact recognized that he is now and for some time past has been the 
president of the Fair Association of Moberly, conceded to be one of 
the leading associations of its kind in the State. Another evidence 
of the interest he has taken in fine stock-raising is afforded by the 
fact that he raised the finest cow ever grown in the State, at least the 
one that took the first premium at the St. Louis Fair, in a competition 
with tl\e best cows of the whole Union. Mr. McLean has also been a 
successful farmer and has dealt quite extensively in real estate. He 
was born three miles north of Higbee, in Randolph county, November 
28, 1828. His fiither, Charles McLean, was one of two brothers, 
William being the other, who came out to Missouri from Kentucky in 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 635 

1820. Charles settled first ne:ir Renick, but afterwards removed to 
the farm near Higbee, where Finis M. was born and where the father 
lived until his death, which occurred in 1846. The mother, whose 
maiden name was Mary P. McKinney, died in this county in 1870 at 
the age of 73. Finis M. was the fifth in the family of nine children, 
five sons and four daughters, and was reared on the farm in the 
county. In 1850, during the gold excitement, he went to California 
and was out there three years engaged in mining. In 1853 he came 
home and bought up about 600 head of cattle which he drove to Cal- 
ifornia, and was out there until 1855 engaged in the stock business, 
with abundant success. Returning again to Randolph county, the 
following year he was married to Miss Jennie Stewart, a daughter of 
Charles B. and Fannie (Hill) Stewart, and in 1857 he settled on a 
farm near Clifton, where he followed farming for nearly 25 years, or 
until 1881. While on the farm, which contained over 1,000 acres, 
and which he sold three years ago, he was largely engaged in raising 
cattle and mules, or rather for a number of years raised mules and 
afterwards cattle ; and he dealt quite extensively in these classes of 
stock. While carrying on farming and stock-raising, however, Mr. 
McLean lived several years in Huntsville, where he came to educate 
his children, and while here, in December, 1873, the heaviest mis- 
fortune befell him that can fall to the lot of man — his good and true 
and devoted wife, the companion of his long years of happy married 
life and the mother of his loving children, fell to sleep in death and 
was borne to her grave, no more to look upon her loved ones in this 
world again, and no more to be seen by them until the silent river shall 
at last be crossed by those who linger still on the hither shore. She 
had borne him two children, the noblest testimonies of a wife's love 
and devotion. Of these, Lucy M. has become the wife of E. E. 
Samuel, Jr., and Fannie is now Mrs. Archie Alexander, of Louisville, 
Ky. After his wife's death Mr. McLean returned to his farm and 
lived there until he sold it in 1881, since which he has been living in 
Huntsville and has been in no regular active business. For some 
nine years Mr. McLean was interested in purchasing leaf tobacco, in 
which he was quite successful. For many years he has been looked 
upon as one of the substantial and best citizens of the county and 
is respected and esteemed by all who know him. 

C. F. McLEAN 

(Farmer, Stock-dealer and Fine Stock-raiser) . 

Mr. McLean, one of the most enterprising and thorough-going 
farmers and stock-men of his county, has had a career of more than 
ordinary interest. During the war he was a gallant soldier of the 
South, and for a time he was a brave trooper under that fearless 
leader of Missouri, Bill Anderson, whose name stands for all that is 
daring and desperate in battle, and who never fought but for victory 
or death, and who, until at last he gave up his life as a sacrifice upon 
the altar of his conviction of dutv and his wrongs, never turned his 



636 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

back upon the foe. Mr. McLean was with Anderson at the time that 
gaUant hero of a thousand desperate encounters lost his life. After 
the war Mr. McLean — and he served from the beginning until nearly 
the close — returned to Kandolph county where he had been reared, 
and en2:ao"ed in farming, and having made a soldier that knew no fear 
or faltering, he has proved himself a citizen peaceable and law-abiding 
and without reproach, and a farmer and business man who knows no 
such word as fail. Mr. McLean has a fine farm of 200 acres near 
Kolling Home, on which he now resides. He is largely engaged in 
handling stock and ships some 250 car-loads annually, being the prin- 
cipal stock-man in this part of the county — in fact, he ships the bulk 
of the stock placed on the market from this section of the county. 
He is also a large stock-raiser and he makes a specialty of raising tine 
cattle, having one of the best herds of short-horns in the county. He 
was born in Huntsville March 15, 1847, and was reared on his father's 
farm near that place. When the war broke out, in 1861, he was 14 
years of age, and he promptly enlisted in the Southern State Guard 
under Col. Fort, and served until the expiration of his six months' 
term in that ©rganization. He then enlisted in the regular Confed- 
erate service, serving principally in Missouri and Arkansas until 1863, 
when he came home on a visit. Returning South to rejoin the army, 
he fell in with Bill Anderson's men and became an accepted trooper 
in the command of that desperate leader who, expecting no quarters, 
seldom gave any to the enemy taken in arms, and he followed the 
banner on which was inscribed the motto, " Victory or Death," until 
Anderson was killed, in November, 1864. Mr. McLean then went 
South and was in Texas for two years. Returning to Missouri after 
his stay in Texas, he went to Mount Carmel, 111., where he attended 
school two years, his education having been interrupted by the events 
of the war and his circumstances afterwards. From Mount Carmel 
he returned to Missouri and one year later went to Texas, remaining 
there one year. Coming back to Missouri, he was engaged in handling 
tobacco in Chariton county until his marriage. Mr. McLean was mar- 
ried on Christmas eve of 1875, to Miss Mary F. Richmond, a daugh- 
ter of William T. Richmond, of this county. He then settled on the 
place which he still owns. On his farm Mr. McLean feeds usually 
from 100 to 400 head of cattle. His wife is a member of the Cumber- 
land Presbyterian Church. They have two children : Finis M. and 
Julia A. 

A. R. RICE 

(Farmer, Section 23). 

Mr. R. was born in Wayne county, Ky., August 6, 1810, of Thomas 
and Margaret ('Thons;) Rice, who came orisjinallv from Virofinia. A. 
R. was raised in Kentucky on the farm, and was 20 years old when he 
came fresh and eager for life's battle to Randolph county. Mo. Here 
he follows the occupation to which he was born, farming, though he 
has also been to some extent a dealer in horses. He owns 88 acres of 
good land and is in comfortable circumstances. Mr. Rice married 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. (J37 

September 20, 1835, Miss Coly H. daughter of Moses and Minnie 
Sherin from Virginia. They have had six children, of whom three 
are livino-: Marion R., Martha Jane, now Mrs. Evens, and John W. 
E Elizabeth died in infancy; Fannie and Zachariah T. also left this 
world of wretchedness and woe and dwell in a brighter home. Dunng 
the war, Mr. Rice, a Union man from principle, did not shrmk when 
called on to sacrifice his nearest and dearest in defense of the flag of 
his country. Two of his sons fought through the war with the Union 
forces. Mr. R. filled with much credit to himself the position of 
iustice, receiving his appointment first from the government, but that 
he was satisfactory to the people was shown by his re-election to the 
office. He is of kind heart and pleasant disposition, and is a favorite 
with the people. 

SPENCER P. RICE ; 

(Farmer, Post-offlce, Darksville) . 
Mr R is the son of William H. and Elizabeth Rice, the former 
from Kentucky, the latter a Missourian. S. P. was born April 15, 
1839 on the farm in Randolph county. Mo. His youth was passed 
without event, and he received a good common school education. 
Just o-rown when the war broke out, his enthusiasm in behalt ot the 
South led him to take up arms in her cause, and he served under 
Price in many engagements, among them Boonville, Lexington, Pea 
Ridae In the spring of 1862 he was mustered out of the service, and 
in the same year enlisted under other colors. The god of Love this 
time numbered him among his most zealous warriors, and coming out 
victorious in this campaign he was united to Miss Rebecca, daiighter 
of William and Elizabeth Elliott, formerly of Kentucky. By this 
marriage there are seven children : Joann, Mary Frances, WiUiamH., 
Doc, Earnest, Elizabeth and Elliott. Mr. Rice owns 298 acres of land 
and raises some fine stock. He is a go-a-head farmer in every re- 
spect, and a valuable member of the community. 

W. T. RICHMOND 

(Farmer, Section 33, Township 55, Range 15, P. O., Darksville). 
Mr Richmond is a native of the township in which he still resides, 
Chariton, and was born April 14, 1834. His parents John and Eliza- 
beth (Rose) Richmond, were early settlers. His father is now living 
on the farm he first settled, being 81 years of age. W. i. was 
brou-ht up to habits of industry on the farm, and h-vs made farming 
his occupation from boyhood. He has a good f\irm of 240 acres, and 
besides raising grain and other products makes a specialty of raising 
stock, principally cattle and hogs, and fattening them for the whole- 
sale markets! On the 24th of January, 1856, Mr. Richmond was 
married to Miss Sarah J. Gray. She died, however, eight years after- 
wards, April 25, 1864. There are three children now living the fruits 
of this union: Mary F., now, Mrs. Charles McLean ;Bettie now 
Mrs Alex. Broaddus, and James G. at home. Mr. Richmond was 



638 HISTOKY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

married a second time, Jdiiuarj 9, 1867, when Mrs. Mary S., the 
widow of B. B. Austin, became his wife. She, too, Avas taken from 
him by death after a short married life, dying November 19, 1877, 
leaving him three children : Allie, now Mrs. Italy Wright ; Lutie, 
now completing her college course at College Mound, and Frankie B. 
To his present wife Mr. Richmond was married November 11, 1878. 
Mrs. Richmond was before her marriage to him the widow of The- 
ophiles Sears, and her maiden name was Cornelia S. Hicks. Her first 
husband, who was public administrator of the county, died September 
18, 1874. She has one son, Theophilus P. Sears, now a student in 
Commercial College at St. Louis. Her first husband by a former 
marriage of his had a son, Walter S., who is at present representative of 
Macon county, and resides at LaPlata. Mr. and Mrs. Richmond 
have no children by their marriage. Mr. R. is a member of the Cum- 
berland Presbyterian Church, and Mrs. R. is a member of the Baptist 
denomination. Mr. Richmond is an enterprising farmer and intelli- 
gent, well respected citizen. 

JOHN W. W. SEARS 

(Farmer, Section 11). 
Mr. Sears comes of illustrious family on both sides. His father and 
mother, William G. and Mildred B. Sears, died in Virginia, and their 
fathers were among the heroes of the Revolutionary War. John was 
born May 29, 1811, in Spottsylvania county, Va., and until he was 16 
years old lived on a farm. At that time he learned the carpenter's 
trade and worked at it until 1835, when he came to Randolph. He 
has since been a farmer. He has 160 acres of land, and raises corn 
and other grains common to this section of the country. He is a 
worthy, industrious man, and is very popular with his neighbors. In 
the recent civil war he warmly espoused the Southern cause, and in- 
heriting the martial spirit of his ancestors enlisted under Price, and at 
Boonviile received, in the shape of a severe wound, a token of which 
he will ever feel proud. Mr. Sears was married March 4, 1874, to Mrs. 
Mollie J. Penney, daughter of John P. Morris and Mary Jane Morris, 
both natives of Missouri. This has proved a happy union, with the 
exception that no oifspring have blessed it. 

CHARLES B. STEWART 

(Farmer aad Stock-raiser, Section 26, Township 55, Range 16). 
Mr. Stewart is one of the younger class of farmers of Randolph 
county, and was brought up at a time when there were good educa- 
tional advantages in the country and of which he had the benefit. His 
higher education was received at Mount Pleasant College, and he then 
took a business course at Bryant and Stratton's Commercial Colleo-e 
of St. Louis, from which he graduated in the spring of 1875. He had 
intended to devote himself to mercantile pursuits, and in order to 
learn the practical details of the business entered the store of his 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 639 

brother at Hunts ville as a clerk after leaving the commercial college, 
and remained with his brother for four years. But he was reared on 
a farm, and after learning merchandising and finding out that it is not 
such a remarkable business after all, he concluded that about the hap- 
piest and best life a man can live, and one by no means the least 
profitable, is that of a farmer. He therefore returned to the pursuits 
of his bo^'^hood and 3'outh — agriculture, and has been farming ever 
since. Of course his education and business experience are of no dis- 
advantage to him as a farmer, but on the contrary contribute materi- 
ally to his success. He has a fine farm of nearly 300 acres on Middle 
Fork and is entering largely into stock-raising, raising cattle princi- 
pally, for which he has fine pasturage and other advantages. Mr. 
Stewart was born just a mile from where he now resides 32 years ago, 
on the 22d of February, 1852. His parents, Charles B. and Fannie 
(Hill) Stewart, were from Virginia, and came here in an early day. 
His father was in good circumstances and one of the best citizens of 
the county. He died in 1883 aged 80. He was for many years judge 
of the county court. 

EGBERT TERRILL, M.D. 

(Physician and Surgeon, Darksville) . 

As a physician of general practice in the country, few members of 
the medical profession in Missouri, if any, have a more creditable 
record, or have made their lives more useful and valuable to those 
among whom they have lived and practiced, than has Dr. Terrill, the 
subject of the present sketch. Though still not a man of advanced 
old age and yet active in the practice, he is one of the old landmarks 
in the medical profession of Randolph county, and has been visiting 
the sick and administering to the suffering among the people of the 
north-western part of the county for 35 years. In the early days of 
the country his practice extended from Bloomington to Ft. Henry and 
from Muscle Fork to Grand Prairie, a field now occupied by at least 
18 active physicians. Some idea may be formed of the extent and 
ma2:nitude of his lons^ and useful services from the fact that he has 
attended the births of over 2,000 children and of all that number has 
lost but one solitary case at time of confinement. In Missouri there 
are some 15 or 20 practicing physicians who took their course of read- 
ings under his instruction. Verily, he is a Nestor in his profession, 
and stands out among all around him conspicuous and honored by his 
contemporaries for his long services in the profession and for his emi- 
nent success and usefulness as a physician. Dr. Terrill comes of one 
of the large and influential families of this section of the State. Of 
the Terrills there are perhaps not less than 50 worthy citizens of 
Randolph and neighboring counties, all relatives to the Doctor, and 
representing every calling in life, — the law, medicine, the pulpit, col- 
leges, public affairs, trade, agriculture and all the better classes of in- 
dustries. We cannot attempt to give the genealogy of this family, 
even confining it to those now living in and residents of North-east 



640 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

Missouri, for it would require far more space than can be set apart for 
one sketch. The family came, however, originally from Virginia, that 
old Commonwealth of which it has been said, that " all good people 
come from Virginia; " though the reverse of this, of course, is not 
true, that all who do not come from the Old Dominion are not good 
people. The Doctor's parents were natives of Albemarle county, 
Va,, and from there emigrated to Boone, after to Greenup county, Ky. 
His father's name was Robert and his mother's maiden name was 
Mary Lacy. Others of the Terrill family besides the Doctor's par- 
ents emigrated to Kentucky and finally to Missouri, and some of 
them came directly to this State. The Doctor was born in Kentucky, 
July 1, 1824, and he was left an orphan by the death of his father 
when he was but four years of age. In 1830 the Doctor's uncle, John 
Terrill, removed to Missouri and settled in Howard county. Six 
years afterwards, the Doctor's mother, with her family of children, 
also came to Missouri, and settled near her brother-in-law, John Ter- 
rill. The latter' s wife dying later along, John Terrill and the Doc- 
tor's mother were married in 1847. Both died, however, two years, 
afterwards, and both in the same week, the husband on Sunday and 
the wife on Thursday. There were no children by their marriage 
but each had a large family by their former marriages, respectively, 
who grew up and settled in this section of the State, and became the 
parents of numerous children, who are now in turn themselves the 
heads of families. Dr. Terrill was one in a family of 13 children, 
all of whom lived to reach maturity and marry. Dr. Terrill grew up 
and in early manhood began the study of medicine. He read under Dr. 
Presley Oliver, near Renick, and was fellow-student with Dr. John C. 
Oliver. He took the full semester of lectures at the Eclectic Med- 
ical College, of Cincinnati, during the terms of 1846-47 and 1847-8. 
But at the end of his first term he began the practice of his pro- 
fession at his present home and has continued in the active practice 
except while attending medical college, from that time to this. Dr. 
Terrill has been thoroughly wedded to his profession from > the begin- 
ning, and save his own family, there is nothing in which he has taken 
greater pleasure and interest. It has ever been his delight to prac- 
tice medicine, not only because he takes pleasure in the practice 
itself, but, possessed of a warm, sympathetic nature, it gives him the 
greatest happiness to relieve his suffering fellow-creatures from the 
rack of pain and anguish. That he might be able to do this more 
eflectually and successfully. Dr. Terrill has been a life-long student of 
medicine, and has soug^ht to familiarize himself with all the knowledge 
of his profession to be derived from books and the schools. He has, 
therefore, kept up in the medical journals and the latest and best text- 
writers, and attended medical colleges twice after he had been in the 
practice 15 years. In 1862 he took a course in the St. Louis Medical 
College and he afterwards took a course in the College of Physicians 
and Surgeons, at Keokuk, Iowa. On the 1st of January, 1850, Dr. 
Terrill was married to Miss Anna S. Hall, a daughter of John H. 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 641 

Hall, and a sister to Judge William A. Hall, of Huntsville. Dr. and 
Mrs. Terrill have reared a family of five children, namely: Robert A., 
who is married and now has charge of the farm ; Willard P., M.D., 
practicing medicine with his father, being a graduate of the Missouri 
Medical College, of St. Louis, and a post-graduate of the Bellevue 
Medical College, of New York City ; Mary S., now the wife of John 
E. Godard ; Bessie and Florence, who are both at home. The Doctor 
has been a member of the Missionary Baptist Church for 45 years. 
He was one of the original organizers of Mt. Shiloh Church nearly 30 
years ago, and is the only one of the 18 original organizers now be- 
longing to the church. He has been a member of the Masonic order 
for many years. 

JOHN R. WRENN 

(Dealer in General Merchandise, P. O., Thomas Hill). 

Mr. Wrenn, still comparatively a young man, has had a business 
career remarkable for the rapidity and abundance of his success. In 
the spring of 1869 he commenced in mercantile life as a clerk in a 
small country store. To-day he has two large stores, one at Thomas 
Hill and the other at Summerville, in the first of which he carries 
$12,000 stock and in the second a stock of $5,000, and the tvvo stores 
do an aggregate annual business of over $35,000. Everything he pos- 
sesses he has made himself by industry, enterprise and honesty, and 
all since 1869. Proof that his success has been achieved by methods 
worthy and above reproach is given conclusively by the fact that 
among those in whose midst he has lived no one can be found who will 
speak of him other than as an upright man, a kind neighbor and a good 
and useful citizen. Mr. Wrenn was born in Loudoun county, Va., 
November 13, 1843. He was reared, however, in Fairfax county, 
where his parents lived until his father's death some 10 years ago, 
and indeed his mother still resides there. His father was James O. 
Wrenn, and his mother's maiden name was Martha E. Rigg. John 
R. was reared on a farm, and after the war he learned the carpenter's 
trade and followed it in Virginia until the winter of 1867. He then 
came to Chariton county. Mo., where he continued work at his trade 
until the spring of 1869, when he came to Randolph county and be- 
came a clerk in the store of Bogy & Rigg, the latter being his uncle. 
He clerked for that firm for six months and then clerked at Thomas 
Hill for the same firm until 1870, when Mr. Bogy retired and Mr. 
Wrenn took his place as a partner in the firm. Mr. Wrenn had no 
means at that time, but his uncle recognized the value of his services 
and accepted his personal attention to the work as an equivalent to 
half the capital. He conducted the store as manager and partner for 
nearly three years and then bought his uncle's interest. When he 
took charge of the establishment it carried a stock of $1,800, but he 
soon ran it up to the figures mentioned above. He established his 
Summerville store in 1882, which is in the charge of W.H. Hubbard. 
He keeps a fine stock of goods at each place and has a large and stead- 
ily increasing trade. On the 28th of May, 1872, Mr. Wrenn was 



642 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

married to Miss Florence B. Twyraan, a daughter of William and Mary 
A. Twyman, of Chariton county. Mr. and Mrs. Wrenn have a 
family of six children ; Frankie, John W., James E., Mary E. and 
Mable E. Mr. Wrenn owns his business house at Thomas Hill, and 
now has five men in employ in his stores. He is postmaster at 
Thomas Hill. 

ELIZA JANE WRIGHT 

(Widow) . 
This very superior lady was born February 1, 1819, in Montgomery 
county, Ky., of Robert and Elizabeth Trimble, both natives of the 
same State. Robert Trimble, her father, a farmer of State Creek, 
near Mount Sterling, was a man of wide reputation through all the 
country round. The subject of this sketch grew up on the farm, and 
in 1835 moved to Missouri with her parents, settling in Randolph 
county. In 1840 she married Johnson Wright, a son of Evans and 
Rebecca Wright, originally from Kentucky and a man of note. He 
held the office of justice of the peace, and was at one time representa- 
tive of the county. Mr. Wright died April 21, 1867, leaving 10 
children, of whom nine are living: Mary Elizabeth, now Mrs. Mc- 
Daniel; Robert T., George Preston, James Allen, Non E., Italy A., 
Ann Eliza, now Mrs. Martin ; Samuel William and Inatta Jane, now 
Mrs. Briffan. Rebecca is with her father in realms of unfading iov. 
Mrs. Wright, who raises considerable stock, owns 260 acres of land, 
which is at present nearly all set in grass. So wisely and well does Mrs. 
W. order her affairs that it is hard to believe that the soft hand of a 
woman holds the reins. She has the respect and hearty admiration 
of all who know her. She is a member of the Christian Church. 



CAIEO TOWIJ^SHIP. 



ANDREW J. AMICK 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser) . 

Mr. Amick comes of two intelligent and highly respected families, 
the Amicks, of North Carolina, and the Kingsburys, of New York. 
His father, Capt. George Amick, was a native of the old North State, 
mid commanded a company of volunteers in the American army in 
I lie War of 1812. He subsequently became one of the pioneer settlers 
of Howard county, going there in 1820, and for a time, on account of 
Indian difficulties, was compelled to make his home in Fort Hemp- 
stead. He soon met and married Miss Amy Kingsbury, of the family 
which occupies so conspicuous and enviable a position in the " History 
of Howard County," recently published. In 1837 he came to Ran- 
dolph county, settling near Moberly, where he lived until his death, 
which occurred in October, 1847. His wife survived him up to Aug- 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 643 

ust, 1873, dying in Moberly at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. 
David Burberry. Both parents were members of the Baptist Church. 
Of their family of five sons and five daughters, but half are now liv- 
ing. Andrew J. Amick was born in Howard county, near Boonsboro, 
December 15, 1829, and was therefore mainly reared in Randolph 
county, his parents having come here eight years after his birth. On 
the 20th of October, 1852, he was married to Miss Anna Jeter. There 
are six children, the fruits of this union : Fannie J., now Mrs. James 
M. Vinee ; George L., now of Cairo, Mo. ; Jesse J., now of Kansas ; 
Edwin A. J., now also of Kansas; John W., now of New Mexico; 
and Arthur R., now a student of Fayette, Howard county. The 
mother of these died April 3, 1867. Mr. Amick was a second time 
married on the 4th of September, 1867, when Miss Elizabeth Nichols 
became his wife. She survived her marriage, however, only a few 
years, dying December 19, 1870. To his present wife Mr. Amick 
was married August 10, 1873. Previous to her marriage to him she 
was a Mrs. Catherine Thomis, a widow of Hiram Thomis, late of Cass 
county. They have four children : Nina G., James Forrest, Alice 
Z. and Olive. Mr. Amick has made farming his occupation for life, 
and also handles considerable stock. He raises annually about 200 
acres of grain, and markets about 50 head of cattle and hogs. Like 
his father before him, he is a succesful farmer and stock-raiser. His 
father, as all old citizens know, was in his time one of the leading 
farmers and stock-raisers of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Amick are 
members of the Christian Church. 

WILLIAM M. BAKER 

(Farmer, and Owner of Pleasant Home Farm). 

One of the first colony of pioneers who settled in Randolph county 
is still living, the father of the subject of this sketch, Isaac Baker, a 
venerable old gentleman, now long past the age of four-score years, 
and for 65 years a resident of this county. This white-haired and 
honored old patriarch, for he is the founder of a large family of 
children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, is still well-pre- 
served, considering his great age and the life of toil and usefulness he 
has led, his step being as firm and his conversation as bright as are 
those usually of men 14 years his junior. His good wife, whose 
maiden name was Jane McCuUey, and originally of Middle Ten- 
nessee, died at the age of 68, 13 years ago. He was born in Madison 
county, Ky., May 11, 1802, and came to Missouri when a youth 16 
years of age, in 1818, with his father's family, locating with the 
family in Howard county. However, the family had first moved to 
Kentucky, and from there came out to Missouri. The following year 
Isaac Baker came over into Randolph county, and has made this 
county his home from that day to this. Four years after coming to 
Randolph, he was married to the good woman whose death has been 
mentioned above, and with whom, had she survived two years longer, 
he would have celebrated his golden wedding, or a happy married life 



644 * HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

of 50 years, and in the presence of an unusually large family of de- 
scendants. They were one of the representative couples in Eandolph 
county who, identifying their lives in their radiant morning with the 
county, continued linked with its destiny through the noonday of life 
and until the evening shadows fell. It was the brave-heartedness, in- 
dustry and intelligent worth of people like these that built up the 
county from a waste of wilderness to one of the fairest and most 
prosperous ariiong her sisters, and have left worthy descendants to 
take up the work where they quit it, carrying the county on to a still 
higher and prouder destiny. In those days it required men and 
women of brain and brawn and courage to face the hardships of 
pioneer life, to undergo the trials and deprivations incident to a new 
country, and out of primitive nature, untouched before by the magic 
hand of civilized man, to build homes, open farms, erect churches 
and school houses, in fact, organize society and construct an intelligent 
and progressive community ; and such settlers as this honored old 
couple whom we are now speaking of had all these qualities and many 
besides that made them esteemed and beloved by their neighbors and 
acquaintances, and which have made their names marks of veneration 
in the old family Bible where they are written, and in which they will 
be handed down with reverence and tenderest care to remote genera- 
tions of their children's children. Blessed by their own industry and 
economy with a comfortable competency. Heaven smiled upon them 
in their family in even greater generousness, and blessed them with 
no less that 13 children, 7 sons and 6 daughters, and 12 of these they 
had the happy fortune to rear to maturity, each of whom is still living 
and the parent of a family, namely: Charles H., Margaret A., now 
Mrs. Thomas Frazier, of Cameron, Mo. ; John T., now of Jasper 
county ; William M., the subject of this sketch ; Thomas V., now of 
Albany, Texas; Nancy J., now Mrs. William N. Ted ford, of Cali- 
fornia ; Samuel, now of Moberly : Mary, now Mrs. John Heifner ; 
Martha F., the wife of Samuel Tedford, of Moberly; Joseph V., of 
Benton, Texas : Sarah B., the wife of J. J. Snodgrass, of Cameron ; 
Isaac N., of Shelby county; Louisa M. died in maidenhood, Decem- 
ber 7, 1867. William M. Baker, the subject of this sketch, was born 
on his father's homestead in Silver Creek township, May 5, 1829, and 
was reared on a ftirm. On the 18th of May, 1852, he was married to 
Miss Sarah E., a daughter of Eobert and Malinda Hannah, of this 
county, her parents having immigrated here from Tennessee in 1835, 
in which former State she was born on the 10th of October, 1832. 
Mr. Baker has followed farming continuously from youth and settled 
on his present place in 1866. He handles a considerable number of 
stock annually, and is one of the intelligent, go-ahead farmers of this 
township, and is well respected as a man and citizen. His farm is a 
handsome small place, kept in good shape and managed to excellent 
advantage, as would be expected of a man of his experience and in- 
telligence. Mr. and Mrs. Baker have four children : Oscar A., who 
is grown up and is married to Miss Susan M. King; George W., 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 645 

Ollie F. and William M. Two are deceased, Fines E. and Willie. 
Mr. and Mrs. B. are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian 
Church, as his parents were and his father still is. Mr. B. is also a 
member of the A. F. and A. M. 

JOHN S. BENNETT 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser) . 

Every old citizen in this section of the county very well remembers 
'Squire Bennett's father, John Bennett, for he lived in the county 
nearly 25 years, and was one of its worthy, good citizens. His wife, 
Falby Bennett, was a Miss Phelps before her marriage, and both 
were from Kentucky. They came to Missouri in about 1830, and 
settled in this county the following year. 'Squire Bennett's father 
was a substantial farmer and well-respected citizen. He died here 
September 6, 1853, and his wife died February 6, 1872. Both were 
consistent members of the Missionary Baptist Church. They had a 
family of 12 children, eight of whom are living: Asa, Abington, John 
S., Sarah E., now Mrs. C. Campbell; William H. and Mary J., 
twins, the former of the two a resident of Monroe county, and the 
latter the wife of John S. Eoberts, of this county ; Jacob and James 
O. Four are deceased: Eda A., the wife of S. G. Matthews; 
Daniel S. and Eobert F. 'Squire John S. Bennett, the subject of 
this sketch, was born July 1, 1831, in Marion county, but was reared 
on the farm to which his parents removed in Randolph county. On 
the 24th of December, 1864, he was married to Miss Elizabeth A., a 
daughter of Jackson T. and MLandanna (Powell) of this county. The 
'Squire began his career as a farmer for himself when a young man, 
which he has since continued. His life has been an industrious one and 
one without reproach. The 'Squire has a good farm of 120 acres devoted 
to mixed farming and is comfortably situated on his place. A man 
of intelligence and strong character, he occupies a somewhat prominent 
position in the community. In 1874 'Squire Bennett was elected 
magistrate of his township, and such was the efficiency and fairness 
with which he discharged the duties of his office, that he was re- 
elected and served consecutively for eight years. He and wife 
are members of the Baptist Church, and he is a member of the A. F. 
and A. M. 'Squire Bennett and wife have six children : Reese D., 
Drucilla B., Roena I., Jackson T., John R. and Dora E. They also 
have an adopted daughter, Minnie A., left an orphan by the death of 
her parents, Robert F. and Isa Dora Bennett. 'Squire Bennett has 
been residing on the place where he now lives for 21 years. 

DANIEL BOONE BOUCHER 

(Post-oflfice, Cairo) . 
As will be conjectured from his name, Mr. B. is of Kentucky extrac- 
tion, his parents, Robert Boucher and Elizabeth Wilcox, both having 
been born in that State. The former, however, came to Randolph when 



646 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

quite a young man, first entered land about three miles west of where 
D. B. now lives, and remained there until 1849, then settling and im- 
proving a farm upon which he lived until his death, in December, 
1872. Daniel B. was raised on this farm which is still his home, and 
was given first-class advantages, part of the time at the common 
schools of the country and afterwards at McGee College. After he 
had finished his studies he became a teacher himself for a short time, 
but his inclinations leaning towards the life to which he had been ac- 
customed from childhood, he began to farm, which he has continued 
ever since. Mr. Boucher has now 160 acres of fine land, 120 acres in 
the farm, and all in cultivation. He lives in a handsome new resi- 
dence with one story ell, and has two fair barns and splendid young 
bearing orchard. Mr. B. married October 15, 1873, Mrs. Josephine, 
widow of W. G. Hasting, and daughter of U. G. and Eveline (Turner) 
Mason. Mrs. Boucher was born in Randolph, but spent most of her 
life in Monroe. She was educated at Springfield, Ky. There are two 
children : Anna Zelme and Robert Mason. Mrs. B. has also one 
child by her first marriage, viz. : Mary Eva Hastings. Mr. Boucher 
and wife are prominent members of the Christian Church, and occupy 
an enviable position in the township. 

BENJAMIN R. BOUCHER 

(Farmer aud Stock-raiser") . 

Mr. B. is a brother of Daniel B. Boucher, whose sketch precedes 
this. He has been a resident of the county from his birth, which 
eventful day was July 3, 1835. He was educated in the common 
schools of the neighborhood, but to this has added much self-culture. In 
1857, when in his twenty-second year, Mr. B. began to teach and for 
15 years summer and winter, with a short interval when his health 
would not permit, he has continued to wield the ferule. Mr. B. has 
a crippled knee and has sometimes been forced to use crutches. Feb- 
ruary 22, 1863, he married Miss Elenor F., daughter of M. T. Halli- 
burton, formerly from Tennessee. Mrs. Boucher came to Randolph 
with her parents when a child of 10 years. After his marriage, Mr. 
Boucher continued to teach in Cairo for several years, but in 1866, 
longing for the freedom of wood and field, he moved to the farm upon 
which he lives. He owns 90 acres of land, 80 in the home farm and 
in cultivation, a nice residence, a story and half in height, good stable, 
and an orchard continuing 300 bearing apple trees, a few peach and 
some other small fruits. Mr. B. has at different times filled offices of 
public trust to the advancement of the weal of the community. He 
has been clerk and treasurer of the township, U. S. marshall, and for 
10 years in succession justice of the peace ; he has, in addition, al- 
ways been connected with the schools as director or clerk. Mr. 
Boucher'shome is not without those " living palms," children. There 
are seven children : Bettie, wife of Sylvester Mason ; John W., Alice 
C, Kate, Haskell, Ezra and Delbert ; Charles died at the age of 18 
months, and Minnie aged six years, and Vernon about nine months : 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 647 

both faded as the flowers, on the same day, July 19, 1882. Mrs. 
Boucher, who was a devoted wife and mother, a consistent member 
of the Christian Church and a most estimable woman in every relation 
of life, died October 11, 1883 : — 

There fell upon the house a sudden gloom, 

A shadow on those features fair and thin ; 
And softly, from that hushed and darkened room 

Two angels issued, where but one went in. 

Mr. B. is a devout member of the Christian Church at Cairo. 
DAVID PEELEK BOUCHER, M. D. 

(Physician and Surgeon) . 

Dr. Boucher, a prominent and successful physician of the North- 
eastern part of the county, and long located at Cairo, comes of one 
of the pioneer families of Ran-dolph county. His parents were both 
natives of Kentucky. His father, Robert Boucher, was born in Rich- 
mond, of Madison county, of that State, February 22, 1795, and 
his mother, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Wilcoxon, in Clark 
county in 1805. They were married in 1823. However, Robert 
Boucher had come to Missouri prior to his marriage, having removed to 
Howard county as early as 1818. Immediately after his marriage he 
settled in Randolph county, about four miles north of Huntsville, and 
his wife is believed to have been the first white woman who ever resided 
north of Huntsville in this county, and west of the grand divide and 
east of the East Fork of the Chariton. She died on the 12th of May, 
1867, and her husband on the 24th of December, four years after- 
wards, after having been residents of the county for nearly half a 
century. Eight of their family of 12 children are still living, four 
sons and four daughters. Dr. Boucher, the subject of this sketch, 
was born in Randolph county, November 26, 1837. His youth was 
spent on the farm, and afterwards he began the study of medicine 
under Dr. J. C. Tedford; Entering the medical department of the 
University of Iowa (that department now being known as the Keokuk 
Medical College), he continued a student there until his graduation in 
the class of 1863. Immediately after his graduation. Dr. Boucher 
returned to Randolph county and located at Cairo in the practice of 
his profession, where he has since been engaged in the practice with 
the exception of an absence of one year spent in Schuyler county. 
Here, for a time, he read with his former preceptor. Dr. Tedford, who 
is now a prominent physician of Moberly, Mo. On the 1st of Jan- 
uary, 1865, Dr. Boucher was married to Miss Sarah A., eldest 
daughter of Harrison Leslie, a successful farmer and highly respected 
citizen of this county. Dr. and Mrs. Boucher have five children : 
Robert Ulysses, Millie B., Sophia J., Manly D. and Nellie D. Five 
are deceased : Arthur O., William L., Hattie E., Emma P. and Norvil 
R. The Doctor and wife are both members of the Christian Church at 
Cairo, and the Doctor is a member of the Odd Fellows order at this 

36 



648 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

place, and also of the A. O. U. W. A superior medical education, 
supplemented with over 20 years' experience in the active practice 
of his profession, have conspired to place Dr. Boucher in the front 
rank of physicians in Randolph county. It would be supereroga- 
tion to say that as a physician no man in this part of the county stands 
higher in the esteem of the people. 

MICHAEL P. CAPP 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser) . , 

M. P, Capp, the father of Albert A. Capp, whose sketch follows 
this, was born in Somerset county. Pa., June 4, 1826, and was a 
son of Michael Capp, Sr., and wife, whose maiden name was Susana 
Adams, both natives of the old Keystone State. In 1837 the family 
came to Missouri and located in Monroe county, where the father 
became one of the large land-owners and prominent farmers of that 
county. He died there on the 9th of October, 1853. His wife had 
preceded him to the grave some 10 years, having died on the 5tli of 
September, 1843. He had already made a division of his land, 
and a large tract fell to each of his heirs. Three only of their 
family of children are living : Michael P. Capp was reared on his 
fiither's farm in Monroe county, and on the 2d of February, 1847, 
was married to Miss Margaret J. Wood, of Randolph county. He 
subsequently located in this county, where he has since resided. Here 
he has a iine farm of over 225 acres, one of the choice places of Jack- 
son township. Besides raising large quantities of grain and other 
products, he is quite extensively engaged in handling stock, and ships 
from 25 to 50 car-loads of cattle and hoo-s to the wholesale markets 
annually, principally to St. Louis. He is an enterprising, thorough- 
going farmer and stock-raiser, a man of intelligence and good business 
qualifications, and of more than ordinary influence in the township ; 
in fact, one of the leading, better class of citizens in his vicinity. Mr. 
and Mrs. Capp were blessed with 10 children, six sons and four 
daughters, of whom there are seven now living: Susan J., the wife 
of Henry Gibson ; Albert A., the subject of the next sketch ; Eras- 
mus M., Virginia E., now Mrs. Paul Walker; Mary E., now Mrs. 
Leonard Newton, Alice C. and James. The three deceased are the 
eldest: Eiisha M., John W. and William. Mr. and Mrs. Capp are 
members of the M. E. Church South. 

ALBERT A. CAPP 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, and of the Firm of Phelps & Capp, Dealers in General Mer- 
chandise, at Cairo). 

Mr. Capp, who, previous to 1881, had been engaged exclusively in 
farming and stock-raising, formed a partnership at that time with 
Mr. Phelps in general merchandising, and has since been actively 
identified in this line of business, and a member of the same firm. 
A man of good, general education and excellent business qualifica- 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 649 

tions, the industry and enterj)rise he had shown in carrying on his 
farm affairs also became manifest in his business life, and the result 
has been that, united with Mr. Phelps, a large and successful business 
has been built up. They carry a good and ample stock of goods in 
their line, and dealing fairly with the custom, they have obtained the 
conlidence of the public and the trade of a large circle of country 
around their place of business. Mr. Capp is of an old Pennsylvania 
family. His parents, however, Michael P. and Margaret (Wood) 
Capp, came to Missouri before their marriage, long prior to the 
'Civil War, and settled with their parents in Monroe county. They 
subsequently married and became well-to-do and highly respected 
residents of Randolph county, where they have reared a large family 
of children, six sons and four daughters, seven of whom are still 
living. Of their children, Albert A. was the third, and was born in 
Monroe county, September 30, 1854. Like the boys of his vicinity, 
he was brought up to a farm life, and educated in the neighborhood 
schools. When 21 years of age, young Capp came to Randolph 
county and located in Jackson township, where he engaged in farm- 
ing. He is still identified with farming in this township, and has a 
good place of over 220 acres. More particularly, however, he is giv- 
ing his attention to handling stock, and has been quite successful in 
this line of industry. Accumulating considerable means, and anx- 
ious to make every edge cut, so to speak, possible, he engaged in 
merchandising, as stated above, with Mr. Phelps, in 1881. In 1877 
Mr. Capp was married to Miss Nannie Cochran, of this county. 
She was a lady in every way calculated to make his domestic life a 
happy one — devoted to her home, a faithful and loving wife, a ten- 
der mother, and a neighbor loved by all ; — but the fairest flowers of 
all the field are often 'withered by the north wind's blast before the 
thistles that grow between. On the 7th of July, 1881, she was cut 
off by the inexorable scythian. Death, and all the hopes of a promis- 
ing and happy married life with her as his loved and beloved compan- 
panion vanished from the bosom of her devoted husband and were 
buried with her in the grave forever. She had borne him two bright 
and charming children: Era Leon, born November 12, 1878, and 
Robert Enor, born June, 1881. 

NEWTON C. CUNNINGHAM 

^ (Farmer and Stock-raiser) . 

Mr. Cunningham is a native of the county, born October 6, 1847. 
His father, Joseph Cunningham, came from Tennessee to Missouri, a 
single man, in 1833, and located in Randolph county. He was married 
twice, his last wife, and the mother of the subject of this sketch, being 
Miss Mary J. Goodding, a native of the county, and born on the placd 
upon which N. C. now lives. Joseph Cunningham went to California 
in 1849, and was in the gold mines for three years. He returned to 
Missouri, but only for a'short time, and in 1863 moved his family to 
California, where he has since made his home. Until the age of 15 



.650 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

Newton C. lived on the farm in Randolph. He then accompanied his 
parents to California, and spent eight years on a ranch in that State. 
When he returned to Missouri, he took charge of the place upon 
which he still lives, which his father had bought from his grandfather 
Goodding, who entered the land and settled the farm in 1822. Mr. 
Cunningham boug-ht the land himself in 1880. He owns 421 acres, 
320 of which are fenced and nearly all seeded in tame grass, meadow 
and pasture. There is an old-fashioned and picturesque, but at the 
same time, roomy and comfortable dwelling, good stable and other 
outbuildings. Mr. C. is making a specialty of butter- making, aver- 
aging about 40 pounds a week. He is also largely interested in the 
sheep business, and has a flock of about 200 of good graded Cots- 
wolds. Mr. Cunningham was married April 11, 1875, to Miss Mary 
E., daughter of J. D. Dameron, of subsequent mention. Mrs. C. be- 
longs to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and her husband is a 
member of Cairo Lodge, No. 486, A. F. and A. M. He is one of the 
solid men of the county. 

JOHN D. DAMERON 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser), 

Mr. D. was born in Caswell county, N. C, December 28, 1822, 
his parents, Benjamin Dameron and Matilda Mathis, being natives 
of that State. The family moved in 1827 to Tennessee, but finally 
in 1829, to Randolph county, Mo., where the elder Dameron bought 
land and improved a farm, coming in time to be a personage of 
much importance. He was county assessor from 1834 to 1842, and 
at the time of his death, March 25, 1843, occupied the responsible and 
honorable ofiice of sheriff. John D. grew to manhood on the farm, 
receiving a common school education. Reared as he was among the 
sweet influences of Nature where 

There's music in the sighing of a reed 
And music in the gushing of a rill, 

his heart was early enthralled by Love's young dream, as which 
" there's nothing half so sweet in life," and on the 22d of July, 1847, 
he was married to Miss Sarah J., daughter of Robert, and Elizabeth 
Boucher, originally from Kentucky, but among the very earliest set- 
tlers of the county. Mr. D. taught school for three terms before his 
marriage, as well as several after, locating on his present farm in 1849. 
He has 159 acres in his home place all fenced, and nearly all in culti- 
vation and meadow pasture. His residence is a comfortable one-story 
building, and there is a good barn and fair orchard. Mr. and Mrs. 
Dameron have seven children living: Mary E., wife of N. C. Cun- 
ningham ; Isaac T., Elizabeth M., wife of D. G. Day ; Josie, wife of 
G. W. Reynolds ; Rebecca F., wife of T. L. Day ; J. C. and William 
B. Four are deceased as follows : Benjamin F., died when 6 months 
old ; Zachariah S., at the age of 4 months ; Valentine, aged 14 months, 
and Ida Dora died at the age of 19 years and 10 months. Mr. and 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 651 

Mrs. D. belong to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and are 
worthy members of the community. 

WILLIAM D. DAY 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser). 

Mr. D., who is engaged in farming and stock-raising, was born in 
Washington county, Tenn., on the 23d of January, 1836 ; his father, 
Thomas Day, came from Virginia when a young man, marrying Ma- 
tilda Henley, a native of Tennessee. He moved to Missouri in 1844, 
and settled in Randolph county, buying a farm already partially im- 
proved which is still in the family. William D. passed the first part 
of his life on this place, owing most of his education to his own eflbrts. 
April 7, 1863, Mr. Day was married to Miss George Ann, daughter 
of John V. and Ann Dunn, formerly of Kentucky. Mrs. D. herself, 
however, was a native of Randolph. They have had four children : 
Ida G., Anna L., Birdie May and William A. After Mr. D. had as- 
sumed the cares and responsibilities of matrimony, he lived for two 
years on his present farm, then went to Iowa for a year, and upon his 
return, lived a year in Macon county, and at last in the spring of 1867, 
when the seed was bursting through the ground, the buds breaking into 
bloom, he moved back to the old home. Here he lives, honored and 
content, a citizen of whom Randolph should be proud. His farm com- 
prises 65 acres of good land fenced and cultivated, good stable, a 
comfortable house, and an orchard of about 150 trees. Mr. and Mrs. 
Day are deeply imbued with religious faith and belong to the Chris- 
tian Church. During the late war, Mr. William Day served in the 
militia in the fall of 1864 and winter of 1865 ; his brother Elbert 
served in the Southern army for four years and was in some of the 
most severe battles in the South. In one in which he participated all 
were slain in his company but one comrade beside himself. He came 
home at the end of the war without a wound, having been honorably 
discharged. A remarkable feature of the family of Thomas and Ma- 
tilda Day is contained in the fact that out of a family of 12 children, 
six boys and six girls — all grew to manhood and womanhood with the 
exception of one, an infant, who died at a tender age. All these have 
assumed the cares and responsibilities of married life. The parents 
are still living, the father being nearly 80 years of age and the mother 
in her seventy-fourth year. They are among the most worthy and 
highly respected pioneers of the county. 

CHARLES S. DAY 

(Post-oflBce, Cairo). 
Mr. Day, a brother of W. D., whose biography appears above, is a 
native of the county, and was born February 28, 1846. He grew to 
manhood on a farm upon a portion of which he resides. He received 
a good common school education. In 1864 he enlisted in the State 
Militia and served untit discharged in July, 1865, being stationed most 



652 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

of the time at Huntsville. After Mr. D.'s marriage, April 15, 1866, 
he lived at home for a year, then for two years with his wife's father 
and finally settled on a tract of the home place which he had previ- 
ously purchased. This contains 70 acres fenced and in cultivation, a 
comfortable residence, out-buildings, etc., and a fine young bearing 
orchard of about 100 trees. Mr. Day's wife was a Miss Mary C. 
Lessly, daughter of Harrison Lessly, formerly from Kentucky, but a 
resident of the county for many years. Mr. and Mrs. D. have five 
children living : William E., Dora Belle, Hubert L., Ruble and Jennie 
Pearl ; besides these, one died at a tender age. Mr. Day is an ener- 
getic, thrifty and prosperous farmer, one of the sort whom every 
county should strive to number among her residents, for they are her 
bone and sinew. He and his wife walk in the light that shines from 
above, and guide their footsteps according to the belief of the Chris- 
tian Church. 

DABNEY G. DAY 

(Farmer, Section 11). 

Mr. D., another member of the ancient and honored family of 
Days, is a brother of Charles S. and William Day. He also lives on 
a portion of the home place which is one of the oldest in the town- 
ship, having been settled away back, beyond the memory of all but 
the oldest inhabitants. D. G. was born here January 30, 1850, and 
like his brothers grew up on the farm, enjoying its pure and simple 
pleasures, and preparing himself for the toils of life by such education 
as the common schools of the county enabled him to obtain. He was 
satisfied with the peaceful world in which he was brought up, and 
upon his majority felt no desire to change : — 

"To surrender 
The pond with all its lilies, for the leap 
' Into the unknown deep." 

Therefore, upon taking to himself a partner of his joys, he settled 
more firmly than ever upon his ancestral soil. He married September 
6, 1873, Miss Elizabeth M., daughter of J. D. Dameron, the picture 
of whose life ornaments the pages of this history. Children who 
are — 

, As the leaves are to the forest, 
E're their sweet and tender juices 
Have been hardened into wood, 

have clustered around their fireside. Their names are respectively 
Winford E. Hortense, Arthur B. C. and Carson Roy, the latter of 
whom died February 2, 1884. Mr. Day has a comfortable house, good 
stable and young orchard coming on, all pleasantly situated upon 85 
acres of fenced land, and in cultivation and pasture. Mr. Day is a 
young man of admirable qualities of heart and head, and endears him- 
self to every one by his courteous, affable manners and sunny temper. 
They are members of the Christian Church. 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 653 



WILLIAM G. AND JAMES G. GRIFFIN 

(Father and Son; the Former Retired, the Latter Merchant at Cairo). 

The biography of the Griffin fjimily, or at least the branch of it to 
which the subjects of this sketch belong, leads back to long prior to 
the War of the Revolution, and its representatives are all as worthy as 
men and citizens as the older ones are remarkable for their longevity. 
The Griffins settled in Virginia from England soon after the colony at 
Jamestown was founded, and from the Old Dominion branches of the 
family have spread out into the other States. William G. Griffin's 
father, James Griffin, was born in Culpeper county, Virginia, in 
about 1758, and grew up in that county, where he was subsequently 
married to Miss Delphia Adams, one year his junior. James Griffin 
and his father (who is the great-grandfather of James G. Griffin, the 
junior subject of this sketch) served in the army of Virginia under 
Washington during the war for Independence, James, the elder, be- 
ing only seventeen years of age when he enlisted. After the war he 
came out to Kentucky and settled, where he reared a large family of 
children and lived until his death, which was in 1853, when he was in 
the ninety-fifth year of his age. His wife died also in Kentucky, in 
1843, in the eighty-fourth year of her age. Of their family of seven 
sons and three daughters, most of whom lived to rear families of their 
own, but two are now living — Parmelia, the widow of William Rey- 
nolds, of Pulaski county, Ky., and now in the eighty-third year of 
her age; and William G., the subject of this sketch. William Gr. 
Griffin was born in Pulaski county, Ky., May 13, 1803, and was reared 
in that county. In 1838 he came to Missouri and located in Ralls 
county, but the following year came over into Macon county, and 
from Macon to Randolph in 1865, where he still resides, now 81 years 
of age, and in remarkable health both of mind and body, considering 
his advanced age. On the 6th of January, 1839, he was married to 
Miss Anna Griffin, a second cousin of his, and formerly of Kentucky. 
Five of the family of children resulting from this union are living : 
John H., of Macon county, recorder of deeds ; Sarah J., the wife of 
Morgan Cox ; Louisa, the wife of F. G. Johnston ; Mary A., the wife 
of John L. McKinney and James G. The father, William G., was a 
successful farmer in his time and accumulated a comfortable estate. 
Having lived an industrious, temperate and worthy life, he is thus 
spared to reach a ripe old age, with his mental powers unimpaired and 
his physical strength well preserved. James G. Griffin, the youngest 
of their family, was born on the 19th of September, 1850, and on the 
12th of March, 1872, was married to Miss Belle McKinney. The year 
of his marriaije Mr. Griffin eno-ao-ed in merchandisinir at Cairo, which 
he has since followed now for a period of 12 years, and with abund- 
ant success. He carries an excellent stock of goods and commands 
a large trade. He is also quite extensively engaged in handling stock 
and ships largely to the wholesale markets. An enterprising, thor- 



654 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

ough-going business man, he is rapidly coming to the front as one of 
the substantial and leading citizens of the county. Mr. and Mrs. 
GrifBn have five children : Florence, Flora, Maude, Rosamond and 
Willie Pearl. He and wife are members of the Church, he of the 
Baptist, and she of the Christian. He is also a member of the A. F. 
and A. M., I. O. O. F. and the A. O. U. W. 

JOSEPH A. HANNAH 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser) . 

If one had been on the road between Missouri and East Tennessee 
in 1835, he might have seen a mover's covered wagon slowly but 
surely wending its way on to this State. In the wagon here referred 
to was Robert Hannah and wife, formerly a Miss Melinda Jenkins, 
both young then and inimigrating to this new country to establish 
themselves in life. They came on and settled in Randolph county, 
and here, as the seasons came and went and decades grew into almost 
half a century, their industry and perseverance prospered them 
abundantly in the affairs of the world and Heaven blessed them with 
a numerous family of children. The father became one of the sub- 
stantial and influential farmers and stock-raisers of the county and 
one of its large landholders. He died here in a green old age on the 
4th of March, 1876, honored for the long and useful life he had led 
and deeply mourned, now that the end had come. His good wife, 
worthy to have been the life-companion of such a man, preceded 
him to the grave in 1855. Both sleep beneath the sod of the county 
for which they had done so much and in which they will long be re- 
membered for the valued and blameless lives they lived. Such parents 
children may cherish the memory of with the sweet sadness and sacred- 
ness of a happy dream. Six of their family of children are living: 
James M., now of California ; Joseph A., the subject of this sketch ; 
Sarah E., the wife of W. M. Baker ; Louisa J., the wife of Elder J. 
E. Sharp; Julia A., the wife of S. R. King, of Saline county; and 
Emily E., the wife of E. H. Jett. Margaret F. grew to womanhood 
and became the wife of J. S. Howard, A.B. and A.M., a professor in 
Oxford Female College, of the State of Mississippi. She died in 
1866. Joseph A. Hannah, whose name heads this sketch, was born 
in Lincoln county, Tenn., August 5, 1830, emigrated to Missouri in 
the spring of 1835 and was reared on his father's farm. Having de- 
cided to devote himself to fiirming before he reached manhood, he has 
ever since followed that occupation. He has a handsome place of 
nearly 300 acres, over half of which he has in pasturage, devoting 
his place largely to stock-raising. He handles cattle, hogs, sheep and 
mules and is satisfactorily successful in all these lines. Mr. Hannah 
is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church at Cairo and 
also of the A. F. and A. M. at that place. On the 14th of Septem- 
ber, 1853, he was married to Miss Isabella, a daughter of Lydia and 
William Kino-. Mr. and Mrs. Hannah have six children : William E., 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 655 

James S., Joseph E., Julia Belle, Mattie F. and Susie B. But alas ! 
there is no flock, howe'er watched and tended, but one dead lamb is 
there. Lydia A. lived but nine months, when, too fair to last, her 
little spirit was wafted to its home on high. Mrs. Hannah is an ex- 
emplary member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. 

WILLIAM P. HENSON 

(Proprietor of Henson's Drug Store, Cairo) . 

Mr. Henson, a young business man of Cairo of thorough-going 
enterprise, established his present business at this place in the spring 
of 1882. A young gentleman of somewhat advanced education and 
already with a neat start in life, for all he has and has accomplished 
he is very largely, if not mainly, indebted to his own resolution, 
spirit and industry. Mr. Henson has the only drug store at Cairo and 
he strives to supply the wants of the people in his line as well and 
completely as if there were any number of other houses here in his 
line. He is one of that class of men who can be accommodating and 
faithful to their obligations in business, as well as otherwise, without 
competition to spur them on, or other fictitious influences. He keeps 
an excellent stock of good, fresh drugs, and buying as he does alto- 
gether for cash, he is able to sell them at the lowest prices the state 
of the markets allow. Personally, Mr. Henson is a genial, sociable 
and popular man and the general esteem in which he is held has 
hardly less to do with the large trade he commands than the high 
character of the business he conducts. Mr. Henson is a native Mis- 
sourian, born in Lewis county, October 3, 1855. Reared on his 
father's farm in that county, he remained at home, with the exception 
of short absences, until 1877, when he entered the State Normal 
School at Kirksville, in which he took a preparatory course for general 
business pursuits of three years. After this he taught two terms of 
school and by economy saved up a nucleus of means. In 1882 he 
came to Cairo and established his present business. On the 15th of 
November, 1881, Mr. Henson was married to Miss Susan E. Baldwin, 
of Shelby county. Mo. Mr. and Mrs. H. have an interesting little 
daughter, born August 18, 1883. He and wife are both members of 
the M. E. Church South at this place. Mr. Henson's parents are res- 
idents of Harrison county, Ky. His father, George Henson, was born 
in that county June 20, 1823. His mother, whose maiden name was 
Henrietta Bourn, was born there. They were married in 1850 and 
subsequently lived in Lewis county, this State, where the subject of 
this sketch was born. They afterwards returned, however, to Harri- 
son county, Ky., where they now reside. Of their original family of 
nine children, all are still living and are residents of Lewis county, 
this State, except our subject. The father is a substantial farmer of 
Harrison county and one of its most highly respected citizens. 



656 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 



JOHN HUNTSMAN 

(Farmer). 

Mr. H., an old and respected citizen of Cairo township and a repre- 
sentative of one of the pioneer families of the county, was born in 
Lincoln county, Kentucky. He was a son of Benjamin and Ann 
C. (Darby) Huntsman, both natives of the same county, the father 
born in 1788 and the mother in 1803, and who came to Randolph 
county in 1833 and settled in what is now Cairo township. The father 
entered land there and improved a farm, on which he resided for 
nearly 40 years and until his death, which occurred August 1, 1872, 
at the ripe old age of 84. The mother died January 29, 1874, aged 
71. The father served as magistrate and was one of the respected 
citizens of the township. Of their family of five sons and three daugh- 
ters, four sons and one daughter are living, namely : George, John, 
Sarah, the wife of Joseph W. Darby ; Harrison and Benjamin F. The 
deceased were: Amanda, who died in maidenhood; William, who 
died in military prison as a Confederate soldier during the Civil War ; 
Susan J., who died in 1870. John Huntsman, the subject of this 
sketch, after he grew up on the farm in Cairo township, began farming 
for himself and has since followed that occupation. On the 20th of 
May, 1860, he was married to Miss Nellie M., a daughter of William 
M. and Sarah Nichols, formerly of the State of Missouri, where Mr. 
Huntsman's wife was born August 27, 1842. Mr. and Mrs. Hunts- 
man have four children living: Walter, Martha A., Emily and Hattie 
W. One, an infant son, is deceased. Mr. Huntsman settled on his 
present place in 1850. His farm contains 150 acres of land, and from 
boyhood he has led a worthy, industrious and respected life. He has 
been a member of the Baptist Church for many years, and he was one 
of the organizers of Union Church, his name being first on the books. 
This church was organized in 1857, and he has been one of its faithful 
members ever since. He is also a worthy member of the A. F. 
and A. M. 

FELIX G. JOHNSTON 

(Owner aucl Proprietor of Wayside Farm). 

Mr. J., one of the enterprising, thrifty farmers of Cairo Township, 
is a native Missourian, born in Macon county June 10, 1844. His 
parents are Richard T. and Mary (Ware) Johnston, both natives of 
Virginia, the father born in 1799 and the mother in 1826. They came 
to Missouri in 1838 and settled in Macon county, where the mother 
still resides, but the father died September 10, 1866. Five of their 
family of 10 children are living : Charles M., James, Felix G., Richard 
T. and Barbara F., all residents of this State. Felix G. Johnston was 
reared on the farm in Macon county, and on the 5th of January, 1866, 
was married to Miss Lula B. Griffin, a daughter of William G. and 
Anna Griffin, of that county. Mr. Johnston located on his present 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 657 

farm in 1870. Here he has an exceptionally neat and well cared for 
place of 160 acres. His resideiice is a well constructed and tastily 
built cottage, and everything about his place shows that it has an in- 
telligent, progressive man for proprietor. He also has a small place 
a short distance from his homestead. His farm is largely devoted to 
meadow and pasturage, and he raises considerable stock. Mr. and 
Mrs. Johnston have two children : Anna F. and Ida May. The parents 
and children are all members of the Baptist Church. Mr. Johnston is 
a worthy, upright man and is well respected. 

ALFRED LOWELL 

(Owner and Proprietor of Oakfield Farm), 
This leading agriculturist of Randolph county is a worthy 
descendant of two of the best families of Massachusetts — the 
Lowells and Godfreys, though Mr. Lowell himself is a native of 
Maine, whither his father had removed, and was born in Kennebec 
county, July 16, 1812. The Lowells were originally from England, 
but came over to Massachusetts in the early days of the colony. 
John Lowell, of Newberryport, was one of the most distinguished men 
of the State, being the first Supreme Judge of the Commonwealth 
under the American Constitution, and for many years, both before and 
after the Revolution, a member of Congress, and after the close of the 
war for Independence a U. S. District and Circuit Judge and one of 
the founders of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Joshua 
A. Lowell, who died in 1874, is well known as a leading Democratic 
statesman of Maine, but born and reared in Massachusetts. And James 
Russell Lowell, the present American Minister at the Court of St. 
James, is too well known as a scholar, poet and statesman to require 
more than mention. The Godfreys were originally from Normandy, 
France, but passed over into England, or a branch of the family at 
least, in the time of William the Conqueror. Godfrey, of Bouillon, 
was by all odds the greatest man of the Crusades, and was the first 
Christian king of Jerusalem. He it was that led the Christian hosts 
at the time of the capture of the Holy City. Speaking of that immor- 
tal victory, Gibbon says: " On Friday, at three in the afternoon, 
the day and the hour of the Passion, Godfrey of Bouillon stood victori- 
ous on the walls of Jerusalem." And then in England there was Sir 
Edmundbury Godfrey, the great jurist who exerted himself in the 
discovery of the Popish plot and is supposed to have been murdered 
by the Catholics. Of the American branch of the fiimily we have the 
great mathematician, Thomas Godfrey and his son, the latter being 
the first dramatic poet on this side of the Atlantic. James Lowell, the 
father of the subject of this sketch, was born in Newberryport, Mass., 
in 1770, and was a nephew of Hon. John A. Lowell, of Newberryport, 
mentioned above. James Lowell married Miss Olive Godfrey, who 
was born in that part of Massachusetts now in the jurisdiction of 
Maine, in 1780. They were married in 1798 and settled permanently 
in Maine. James Lowell there became a wealthy and leading ship- 



658 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

builder and ship-owner, and was one of the prominent men of Maine 
in his line of business for many years. He died in 1853, but his wife 
survived up to 187<5, reaching the advanced age of 96 years. They 
had a family of eight children : Mary, James, Harrison, Alfred, Ed- 
ward, Henry, Franklin and Leander, of whom only Alfred and Leander 
are living. Alfred Lowell, the subject of this sketch, was reared at 
Kennebec and educated under the excellent New England system of' 
public instruction. In 1838, then a young man 26 years of age, he 
decided to seek his fortune in the West, and accordingly came out to 
Illinois and located in Tazewell county, where he embarked in the 
pursuit of farming. Three years afterwards, on the 10th of Decem- 
ber, 1841, he was married to Miss Laura S. Richmond, of Tazewell 
county, and he continued a resident of that county, engaged mainly in 
farming, for over 30 years after his marriage. A man of his antece- 
dents, intelligence and enterprise could hardly have failed of success 
in tending his flocks and herds and cultivating the rich soil in the 
Prairie State. Li 1870 Mr. Lowell determined to push on out to 
Missouri, and disposing of his interests in Illinois, he came to this 
State and settled in Randolph county on the farm where he now re- 
sides. This is one of the best farms in the township, a typical place 
for a Northern farmer, neat and clean and everything in good shape. 
He has over 400 acres of fine land in the county, and he and his sons 
are largely engaged in the stock business, their annual shipments 
running as high some years as 250 head of cattle and 400 head of hogs. 
He is one of the well known and popular citizens of the county, a man 
whose citizenship is of value to the people among whom he lives, and 
no one is more highly respected by those who know him than he. Mr. 
Lowell's first wife died in 1853, and on the 24th of April, 1855, he 
was married to Miss Elizabeth Sill, a daughter of D. T. and Polly Sill, 
formerly of Ohio, in which State Mrs. Lowell was born July 3, 1834. 
By his first marriage there were three children : Elizabeth, who died 
in maidenhood ; Edward and James. He also has three children by 
his last marriage : Clara E., Florence and Edith. 

HIRAM McKINNEY 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, and Dealer in Lumber). 

Fifty-one years ago the scene presented by Randolph county was far 
difiierent from that which it presents to-day. Then it was an almost 
uninhabited wilderness, the solitute of the wilds, so far as human ha- 
l)itations were concerned, being broken only now and then by a white 
man's cabin in the edge of the timber that skirted broad prairies. 
Now, all these prairies have been fenced up and nmch of the timber 
has been cleared away ; white farm houses and occasionally brick ones 
rear their spacious fronts on the different farms, and the land is filled 
with a busy, prosperous and intelligent people. For this mighty 
change, a change not less happy than it is marked, we are indebted to 
the sturdy pioneers who came here in an early day, wending their way 
from distant States over high mountain ranges and through lonely 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 6 5 'J 

plains ill their white covered wagons, to lay the foundations of a pros- 
perous community on this side of the turbid waters of the Mississippi, 
and to rear aloft with their brawn and brain the proud walls of its 
superstructure. Among those who contributed their full share in this 
great work was the father of the subject of this sketch, Daniel Mc- 
Kinney. Born in Lincohi county, Ky., on the 13th of January, 1802, 
he married Miss Eliza Brown in 1833, and the following year came to 
Missouri, locating in Randolph county, where for 48 years he labored 
unceasingly for the material development of the county ; and accumu- 
lating a comfortable fortune, he thus contributed his full share to its 
wealth and prosperity, and dying at last at a good old age, left a 
worthy family of children to succeed to his name and estate and to 
carry forward the great work to which, practically, his whole life was 
devoted. He was one of the leading farmers and stock-raiseis of Ran- 
dolph county, and died a worthy member of the Christian Church, of 
w^hich he had been a member for many years. His wife still resides 
on the old family homestead at the ripe old age of 73. Of their 
family of six sons and five daughters, nine are living : Sophia J., now 
Mrs. Robert Brown, of Monroe county ; Hiram, the subject of this 
sketch ; William E,, of Oregon; Annie M., now Mrs. Harrison Hunts- 
man ; Patsey J., the wife of Samuel F. Campbell ; Harrison S., John 
F., Madison and Laura B., the wife of James G. Griffin. Hiram 
McKinney, the subject of this sketch, was born on the 8th of June, 
1837, and from that day to this, a period of 47 years, has been a con- 
tinuous resident of Randolph county. On the 27th of February, 
1867, he was married to Miss Amanda F., a daughter of James G. 
and Sarah R. Campbell, who settled here also in about 1833, coming 
from Kentucky. Mr. and Mr^. McK. have but one child, Sophia J., 
born October 12, 1873. Two are deceased, Evelena and Nora Lee. 
Mr. McKinney's whole life, from youth to the present, has been spent 
in farming, and as the fruits of his toil he may point with reasonable 
satisfaction to his fine farm of 200 acres, one of the best in the town- 
ship, and also to his stock and other valuable personal property. He 
makes something of a specialty of raising stock, and ships from two 
to three car loads to the markets annually. He and wife are members 
of the church, his wife of the Christian and he of the Baptist denom- 
inations. Mr. McKinney keeps on hand a stock of lumber for general 
custom. 

MARQUES D. L. PATTON 

(Farmer) . 

It was in 1837 that Thomas Patton and wife, whose maiden name 
was Mary Stinson, with their family of children, emigrated from Ten- 
nessee to Missouri, and settled in Randolph county. He was a wheel- 
wright by occupation, and followed that in this county until his death, 
whi^h occurred March 5, 1842. He was born in Alabama in 1790. 
She was born in South Carolina in 1804, and died in this county Jan- 
uary 7, 1883. But four of their family of 11 children are living : 
Rhoda, the wife of William Mayo, of Benton county, Arkansas ; 



660 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

Marques D. L., Nancy M., the wife of Richard Cromwell, and Thomas 
Jr. Marques D. L. Patton, the subject of this sketch, was born in 
this county March 3, 1837, and his home has been in this county from 
that day to this. On the 1st of March, 1860, he was married to Miss 
Mary C. Cromwell, and five sons and four daughters have been the 
fruits of their union, but five of whom, however, are now living: 
Nora B., Charles A., Stephen C, Mary H. and Freddie M. Mr. 
Patton settled on the farm where he now resides in 1872. He has 
200 acres of good land and is comfortably situated on his place. Mrs. 
Patton is a native of Kentucky, born February 25, 1839. Her parents 
were Joseph W. and Martha Cromwell, who came to this county in 
1856. 

JEREMIAH W. PHILLIPS 

(Farmer and Justice of the Peace) . 

During the War 'Squire Phillips' father, Allen Phillips, an old 
gentleman 61 years of age, and who has been a resident of Monroe 
county for 25 years, a peaceable and law-abiding man, taking no part 
in the troubles of the times, and one of the best and most highly re- 
pected citizens in the county, was taken out from his house by a band 
of irresponsible and merciless scoundrels serving on the Union side as 
militiamen, and shot down like a common dog in cold blood. His 
body was afterwards taken charge of by friends and respectfully and 
sadly buried in the home cemetery, where his remains still rest in the 
unendino; embrace of the o;rave. He was a orood man, an elder in the 
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, was esteemed by all, and his 
memory is tenderly cherished by his loved ones and by all his neigh- 
bors and acquaintances. He was a native of Kentucky, born Febru- 
ary 24, 1803. His first wife was a Miss Elizabeth M. Doswell, 
formerly of Prince Edward county, Virginia. Two of their family of 
children are living: Alice C, widow of James M. Fifer, and the sub- 
ject of this sketch. His last w*ife was previously Mrs. Susan Davis, 
and came from Garrett county, Ky. 'Squire J. W. Phillips was 
born in Casey county, Ky., now Boyle county, July 15, 1838. 
He was reared on his father's farm in Monroe county, and on the 21st 
of April, 1859, was married to Miss Marietta H. Patton, of Macon 
county. They have six children living: Alice L., Allen, James W., 
Susan, Nora B. and Edward. Three are deceased : Hugh R., drowned 
June 17, 1882 ; Charles and Emma, both of whom died in infancy. 
'Squire Phillips has a neat farm and is an intelligent citizen and in- 
dustrious farmer. In 1882 he was elected justice of the peace and 
has since held that office. He and wife are members of the C. P. 
Church, and he is a member of the A. F. and A. M. 

JOSEPH C. RIDINGS, M.D., and OVERTON H. RIDINGS, M.D. 

(Of J. C. & O. H. Kidings, Physicians and Surgeons, Cairo). 

These gentlemen, leading practitioners in the medical profession, 
in the north-eastern part of Randolph county, are the sons of George 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 661 

Ridings, Esq., an old and respected citizen and successful farmer of 
Monroe county, but originally of Virginia. George Ridings was born 
in the Old Dominion on the 10th of September, 1813, and after he 
grew up came out to Missouri in an early day. In 1848 he was 
married to Miss Martha Hersman, formerly of near Lexington, Ky., 
where she was born in 1827. She died, however, three years after 
her marriage, on the 16th of December, 1851, in Monroe county, 
where she and her husband had previously lived. She left two sons, 
only one of whom, however, Joseph C, one of the subjects of this 
sketch, lived to reach manhood. On the 15th of May, 1854, the 
father was married to Miss Susan Hersman, a cousin to his first 
wife. His second marriage proved not less happy than the first, 
and his last wife was spared to brighten his home until it was 
darkened at last by his own death. Of the family of five children 
by this union, two are now living, Overton H., the second subject 
of this sketch, and Abbie, now also of Cairo, residing with her 
mother, who is still living. The father died at Lynchburg, Ohio, 
on the 22d of April, 1872. Dr. Joseph C. Ridings was born in 
Monroe county. Mo., May 8, 1849. Reared on his father's farm 
in that county, he prepared himself for college in the local schools, 
and in 1861 entered Westminster College, where he took a thor- 
ough general and classical course, continuing there for five years 
and graduating with distinction in 1866. Immediately after his 
graduation, young Ridings began the study of medicine, and in 1868 
attended the Kentucky College of Medicine at Louisville. Contin- 
uing his studies, he took his second course at medical college at 
the St. Louis Medical College in 1870-71, graduating in the spring 
of the last named year with high honor. Dr. Ridings' preceptor 
in the study of medicine was Dr. John McNutt, of Middle Grove. 
In 1871 he formed a partnership with Dr. C. S. Gray, in the prac- 
tice at Nevada City, Mo. They subsequently removed to Liberty, 
Montgomery county, Kas., where they continued the practice to- 
gether for a short time. Dr. Ridings then returned to Missouri and 
located at Cairo, where he has since been engaged in the practice. 
Here, in 1872, he formed a partnership with Dr. J. G. Wilson, which 
continued with agreeableness and mutual advantage for eleven years, 
at the expiration of which it was dissolved in the same spirit of friend- 
ship that had characterized their long practice as partners. Dr. Overton 
H. Ridings then became Dr. J. C. Ridings' partner in the practice, a 
partnership which has since continued. To the people of the north- 
eastern part of Randolph county it would be repeating a well known fact, 
which has been said by every one in this vicinity, that Dr. J. C. Ridings 
is one of the best physicians that was ever called to the bedside of the 
suffering. With a marked natural taste and a singular aptitude for 
the medical profession, he commenced with a thorough general educa- 
tion, and then took an advanced college course in his profession, a 
course which was characterized Avith more than ordinar}'- proficiency 
throughout. Since his graduation at medical college, now thirteen 



662 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

years ao-o, although engaged constantly and arduously in active prac- 
tice, he has never ceased to be a medical student, for he loves medicine 
not less as a science, a field of constant interest and investigation, 
than as an art, or a field of practical work. The result is that he has 
inevitably taken a leading and enviable position in his profession. The 
Doctor is a member of the Masonic order and takes a marked interest 
in the discharge of his Masonic duties and the general welfare of the 
order. On the 6th of October, 1874, he was married to Miss Rosa 
Voorhies, a daughter of C. F. Voorhies, a prominent farmer of Mon- 
roe county. Mrs. Ridings was born in Rapides Parish, La., June 16, 
1853. They have three children. Pearl, George V. and Cornelius R. 
Both parents are members of the Presbyterian Church. 

Dr. Overton H. Ridings was born in Monroe county, April 6, 
1855, and was reared and educated in that county. He was princi- 
pally occupied with farming pursuits until he began his course as a 
medical student. Dr. O. H. Ridings read medicine under Dr. I. For- 
rest, and afterwards entered the St. Louis Medical College in which 
he continued as a student until his graduation. Having pursued his 
studies with zeal and intelligence, his graduation was highly credita- 
ble. Receiving his honors at the medical college with the class of 
1882, he afterwards engaged in the practice at Clark's Switch, in Ran- 
dolph county, where he continued with success until November, 1883, 
when he formed his present partnership with his brother at Cairo. 
Although Dr. Ridings has been in the practice but a short time, his 
qualifications and natural aptness for a successful physician are such 
that he can hardly fail of winning a place in the confidence and esteem 
of the public as a practitioner quite as high as that now occupied by 
his brother. A man of generous impulses and warm sympathies, he 
enters at once into rapport ^ as the French would say, with his patient, 
and is able to prescribe intelligently, not only from a thorough knowl- 
edge of medicine, but from that intuition which comes to every one 
who has the natural qualities for a good nurse. Difiering from many 
physicians, his presence in a sick room brings with it hope and cheer, 
and is always agreeable to the suffering, having none of those char- 
acteristics of want of feeling and sympathy which are often the case 
with some excellent doctors. Personally and professionally. Dr. O. H. 
Ridings is very popular and stands high as a citizen and neighbor. 
On the 9th of September, 1873, he was married to Miss Sally W. 
Harris, a daughter of Joseph B. Harris, an influential farmer of Mon- 
roe county. Mrs. Ridings was born April 28, 1856. They have two 
children : Clifton H. and Stanley H. One died in infancy. The 
Doctor and wife are members of the Christian Church. 

VALENTINE ROLLINS 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser) . 

Mr. R. was born in Dnnville, Cumberland county. Me., September 
14, 1818, his parents, Abiel L. and Martha (Manuel) Rollins, living 
all their lives in the same State. Mr. Rollins, Sr., served at one time 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 663 

in the militia, doing muster service. Valentine R. spent his youth 
and, indeed, part of his maturer years in his native State. He was 
educated there, and taught school for one term. His first wife, to 
whom he was married in Cumberland county in 1844, was a Miss L. 
S., daughter of Samuel Verill, also a life long resident. The year 
after his marriage, Mr. Rollins came West to seek his fortune, and 
made his home upon part of the same ground upon which he now 
lives. At first he entered only 80 acres, and for seven years lived in 
a 12x12 cabin ; but success never fails to come to those who strive 
with patience and perseverance to win it, and now Mr. R. has the use 
of 400 acres of land, with 340 fenced, and all in a good state of culti- 
vation, tame pasture and meadow. He occupies a nice residence, and 
has a good tenant house, two farms and a large rat proof corn crib. 
In 1857 Mrs. Rollins died, and the following year Mr. R. was married 
again, this time to Miss L. B. Boucher, daughter of Robert Boucher, 
formerly of Kentucky, but a time-honored citizen of this county. To 
them have been born seven children: Martha J., wife of W. R. 
McDaniel ; Aba A., wife of James D. Peeler; Sarah L., Millie B., 
Walter A., Frederick V. and Charles. Mr. Rollins has some military 
experience though he was not in any engagement. He served for 
some time in the Enrolled Militia, which was organized for home pro- 
tection. He was first lieutenant of Co. G, Col. Denny's regiment. 
Mr. R. now makes farming and stock-raising his profession, and with 
careful, painstaking diligence is preparing a golden harvest. 

WILLIAM M. STEELE 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser). 

Mr. S. settled on the place where he now resides in 1856, and for 
28 years has devoted himself to the work of tilling his farm and raising 
such stock as farmers usually keep. His place contains 155 acres 
and is comfortably improved. Mr. Steele is a Kentuckian by birth, 
and the 30th of December, 1819, was the day that marked his en- 
trance into the world. His parents were residents at the time of Adair 
county, and both his father, Robert Steele, and mother, Cynthia, nee 
Vaughan, came of old Virginia families. They came to Missouri in 
about 1826, and lived in Howard county until 1831, when they 
removed to Randolph and made this their home for some 17 years. 
The father then removed to Saline county, where he died in 1848. 
The mother died in Carroll county in 1858. William M. Steele was 
reared in this county and brought up to the occupation of a farmer. 
November 26, 1839, he was married to Miss Nancy Wallace, and he 
and his wife at once settled on a place to themselves. He has con- 
tinued farming from youth up to the present time, being now nearly 
65 years of age. Mr. Steele's first wife died August 27, 1873. 
Seven of the children by this marriage are living: John T., Mary J., 
now Mrs. Hosea Eastwood, of Chariton county ; Louisa C, William 
W. , Major J., Robert H., of Washington Territory ; Susana, the wife 
of J. L. Brown, of Linn county. On the same day of his wife's 
37 



664 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

death, but in the year 1874, Mr. Steele was raarriecl to Mrs. Elizabeth, 
the widow of Joseph M. Reid. Mrs. Steele is now married to her 
third husband. She is the mother of four children: one by her first 
husband, Charles W. Halliburton, who is now married and living in 
Moberly ; Lela M. and Carrie L. by her second husband, Mr. Reed ; 
and Edgar Singleton by her present husband, Mr. Steele. Mr. S. is 
a member of the Baptist Church, and his wife is a member of the 
Christian denomination. 

ELDER JONAS G. SWETMAN 

(Minister of the Baptist Church and Farmer.) 

Mr. Swetman, who now has charge of the Baptist church at 
Midway, an arm of Mount Shiloh, and is an earnest, faithful minister 
of the Gospel, is a native of Kentucky, born in Clark county, 
January 11, 1820. When he was a lad eight years of age, his parents. 
Judge John Swetman and Sarah, nee Golf, came to Missouri with their 
family and settled on a tract, of land about seven miles from Fayette. 
in Howard county, on which the father built a log dwelling which is 
standing to this day, a landmark of the pioneer days of the county. 
He lived there until his death, which occurred in 1864. He became 
one of the substantial farmers and influential citizens of that county, 
and served for 16 years as justice of the peace, and was afterwards a 
judge of the county court. The mother, a woman of gentle heart and 
pious mind, motherly and beloved by all her neighbors, died in 1835. 
The father was afterwards married to Miss Mary A. Belmear, of that 
county. By his first marriage there were 10 children, and his second 
12 — of the first family, namely : Jonas G., the subject of this sketch, 
George T., William B., deceased; Levi W., deceased; Polly, John 
H., Strother B., Elisha J. aiid Sarah M., deceased; all but two of 
whom lived to maturity and became the heads of families — of the 
second family, namely : Asa L., Elizabeth F., Jesse D., Joseph S., 
Susan M., deceased; Benjamin, deceased; Sidney T., deceased; 
Hiram, deceased; Daniel W., Albert, Malvina and Charles, all but 
two of whom lived to maturity. Twelve of the 22 children are still 
living. Elder Jonas G. Swetman Avas reared in Howard county. On 
the 26th of November, 1840, he was married to Miss Jane F. Wallace. 
She was born in Caswell county, N. C, May 24, 1816. She was of 
Randolph county at the time of her marriage, and to this county Mr. 
Swetman moved, where he engaged in farming which he has since 
followed. She died February 13, 1881, having been the mother of 
eight children: Sarah E., now the wife of William Halliburton, of 
Shelby county ; John J., died at the age of 17, in 1860 ; George W., 
who was killed in a coal bank in 1880 at the age of 34 ; Silas, who 
died in boyhood; Susan M., who died in tender years ; Louisa, the 
wife of John H. Lilly, of this county ; Malinda P., who died while the 
wife of Charles Orr, in 1880, at the age of 26 years ; and Jonas A., 
Jr., born May 7, 1857. Mr. Swetman was married to Miss Sarah 
Colborn, March 7, 1883. Mr. Swetman has long been a member of 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 665 

the Baptist Church. In 1871 he was licensed to preach, and two 
years afterwards he was duly ordained a minister in his denomination. 
He is a man of profound piety, a thorough acquaintance with the 
Scriptures, a superior mind and a preacher of more than ordinary 
eloquence and piety. Under his ministry many precious souls have 
been saved to the Eedeemer. Elder J. G. Swetman is a member of the 
A. F. and A. M., and takes a warm interest in the welfare of the 
order. Mr. Swetman's farm contains 100 acres. 

REV. MILTON F. WILLIAMS 

(Minister of the Missionary Baptist Ciiurcii, Post-office, Cairo) . 

In the whole ecclesiastical history of Missouri there is not a family 
that deserves more honorable mention or is more justly entitled to 
the lasting remembrance of posterity than the one of which the sub- 
ject of the present sketch is a representative. Rev. Mr. Williams 
was a son of Rev. Lewis Williams who has been well termed in the 
" History of the Baptists in Missouri " " The prince of pioneer min- 
isters." After him came his eldest son, Rev. Alvin P. Williams, who, 
for many years, and until his untimely taking olF b}' an accident in 
the harvest-time of his usefulness, stood at the head of the Baptist 
clergy of Missouri. Both father and son have been justly classed 
among the most remarkable men whose lives have been identified with 
this State. The father was a co-laborer here when the country was 
known as Upper Louisiana, with Musick and Wilhoite, the three 
pioneer Protestant ministers of Missouri. He was from North Caro- 
lina and came to this then Territory in 1797, being at that time 13 
years of age. He grew up as a hunter and frontiersman and among 
the Indians, surpassing them all in the chase, as a marksman, and in 
every exercise and amusement common at that day. He was of course 
without education, but finally learned to read and became a Baptist 
minister. His career in the church was that of one of the most suc- 
cessful preachers of his time. He organized churches and planted the 
banner of the cross in every settlement of white men in North-eastern 
and Central Missouri, and to this day the strength and importance of 
that denomination in these sections of the State is probably more 
largely due to his ministry than to the services of any other clergy- 
man of his denomination of his time. He was a man of wonderful 
natural eloquence, untrammeled by artificial methods, and, therefore, 
the more powerful and effectual in the pulpit. Hundreds came into 
the church under his preaching every year and although the country 
was sparsely settled, often large numbers of the congregations coming 
a day's journey to hear him, yet his conversions towered into the 
thousands. His eldest son, Alvin P. Williams, also became one of 
the leading Baptist ministers of the State. His education and ad- 
vantages were very limited, but by self-culture he obtained an 
advanced education, and became one of the most accomplished Greek 
scholars in his denomination in the State. He was an inveterate 
student and jjossessed of a wonderful memory. He was often heard 



C66 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

to remark that he believed if the New Testament were lost he could 
supply it in loto from memory. He was not only a tireless student 
:ind an accomplished scholar, but a most indefatigable minister, an 
eloquent and successful preacher. Mr. Burlingham has said of him : 
" He was equally efficient in the pulpit, on the platform, or with the 
pen. By character, sound judgment, conciliating manners and inces- 
sant efforts, he placed himself in the front rank of the Baptists of 
Missouri, and, indeed, of the denomination." Of course in the space 
to which the present sketch is necessarily confined, no adequate idea 
can be conveyed of the lives and services of these distinguished and 
eminent servants of God, men whose influence, though their remains 
now rest peacefully under the son and their spirits are in Heaven, still 
goes on vibrating down the current of time and on the gulf of eternity. 
The father. Rev. Lewis Williams, has well been called, "The father 
of preachers." All four of his sons, Alvin P., Perry D., Isaiah T. 
and Milton F. became Baptist ministers, and five of his grandsons, 
the sons of his daughters, also became ministers in the same church, 
namely, Revs. Lewis and J. D. Murphy, and Revs. Perry D. and 
Frank Cooper, also Rev. I. T. Williams, Jr., the son of Rev. I. T. 
Williams, Sr. The biographies of several of these, including Rev. 
Lewis and Alvin P. Williams, are given in the " History of the Bap- 
tists in Missouri," above referred to, and in several other works. 

Rev. Milton F. Williams, the subject of this sketch, was born in 
Franklin county. Mo., January 11, 1826, and was about 13 years his 
eldest brother's junior. When he came up he had better school ad- 
vantages than those with which the former were favored, having 
besides elementary instruction in good neighborhood schools, the 
benefit of a course at Pleasant Ridge College, in Platte county. He 
became early decided for the ministry and prosecuted his studies in 
advance of entering upon the theological course with this object in 
view. From college he entered at once upon a preparatory course 
for the pulpit and in due time he was ordained, April 7, 1849, at Brin 
Zion Church, in St. Clair county. Since then he has been actively en- 
gaged in the ministry. Rev. Mr. Williams has had numerous charges 
in Missouri during the past 35 years and has ever been esteemed an 
able, sincere and successful minister. A man who has devoted, prac- 
tically, his whole life to study and work in his sacred calling, and 
blessed with a mind of singular strength and penetration, as might be 
expected, he has risen to an enviable rank among the Baptist clergy- 
men of Missouri. Filled with the spirit that should animate the true 
Christian minister, and learned not only in the doctrines of the Bible 
and the general principles of theology, but in the knowledge afforded 
by secular writings, when he enters the pulpit he is prepared to speak 
from a standpoint of more than ordinary information, and being of an 
earnest nature, zealous in his office, he addresses himself to his 
liearers with that strength, impressiveness and force, that the impres- 
sion he makes upon the minds of his congregation is not less effectual 
than his appeals to their hearts and consciences. As a speaker he is 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 667 

possessed of rare grace and agreeableness of delivery, and his language 
is well chosen, fluent, and briugs out the points he wishes to make 
clear with great perspicuity. Though more of an even, smooth 
speaker than a demonstrative, excitable one, yet, when he becomes 
wrought up by the impressiveness and splendor of his theme, he seems 
to lose himself entirely in his subject and rises to a high degree of 
eloquence. At such times his influence on many is irresistible. In a 
word, Mr. Williams is one of the able and successful ministers of his 
denomination, and one who bears with credit the honored name he 
has inherited. On the 22d of January, 1846, he was married to Miss 
Mary Brown, a daughter of William Brown, of St. Clair county, but 
originally of Washington county, Ky. They have no children, their 
only child having died in infancy. Mr. W^illiams has a neat home- 
stead where he resides of 60 acres. Mr. Williams' mother was a Miss 
Nancy. Jump, a pious, good woman, whose influence upon her children 
was very marked. Besides the four sons named, there were four 
daughters : Isabella became the wife of William Murphy ; Mary 
became the wife of William Cooper ; the eldest, Eliza, became the 
wife of John Whitmire ; and the second eldest, Lavisa, became the 
wife of Henry Dent. The grandmother of the W^illiams' boys was a 
woman of fine intelligence, great strength of character, and from an 
early age, in North Carolina, an earnest member of the Baptist 
Church. It was largely through her influence that her son, Lewis 
Williams, the father of the subject of this sketch, became a member 
of the church and afterwards a Baptist minister, thus giving by his 
course eight prominent ministers in after years to the Baptist denom- 
ination. Who, in the face of this fact, can question woman's influence 
and the value of woman's services. A pious-hearted mother may set 
a wave of Christian influence in m.otion that will go quivering on down 
the current of humanity, increasing in volume as it goes to the end of 
time. 

JOSEPH G. WILSON, M.D. 

(Physician and Surgeon, Cairo). 

Seventeen years of continuous practice of his profession at this 
place have placed Dr. Wilson in the front rank of successful and 
prominent physicians in Audrain county, while his long residence, 
durino: which he has been of orreat value to the best interests of the 
community, material, social and otherwise, has won for him a place 
in the respect and esteem of the public second to that of no one in 
this part of the county. A man of intelligence, high character and 
public spirit, as well as a first-class physician, it is not to be wondered 
at that he should command the confidence and respectful considera- 
tion of all who know him. Dr. Wilson comes of a good family on 
each side of his parentage. His fiither, Joseph G. Wilson, Sr., was 
originally of Kentucky, born in Logan county February 24, 1795. 
The mother was a Virginian by birth and was ten years her husband'>< 
junior, having been born November 26, 1805. Married in Kentucky, 
they came to this State among its early settlers, locating in Clark 



668 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

county, where they lived until their death. The father became one 
of the leading farmers and stock-raisers of the county. But five of 
their family of cliildren are now living : Robert, a resident of Clark 
county. Mo. ; Mary E., the wife of Dr. W. H. Martin, also of that 
county; Dr. Joseph G., the subject of this sketch ; Emriia, the wife 
of Dr. J. K. Musgrove, of Labelle, Lewis county, and Weber, a prom- 
inent merchant of Fairmount, in Clark county. The father died 
August 31, 1851, but the mother survived until 1864. They left a 
large estate, which, however, suffered severel}^ during the war. Dr. 
Wilson was born in Clark county. Mo., March 27, 1842, and was 
reared on his father's farm in that county. Having a taste for study 
and mental culture, as he grew up he succeeded in acquiring a more 
than average general education, notwithstanding his opportunities 
were by no means the most favorable. He early formed a determina- 
tion to devote himself to the medical profession, and in pursuance of 
that resolution began a regular course of study under the preceptorate 
of a prominent physician of Clark county. In due time he entered 
the Keokuk College for Physicians and Surgeons of Iowa, from w^hich 
he subsequently graduated Avith high honor. Entering the practice 
of medicine immediately after his graduation, he continued it in his 
native county until his removal to Cairo, in 1866. Since that time 
he has continued to practice at this place. Here his ability and skill 
as a physician soon became manifest, and a large and lucrative prac- 
tice was the result. The high estimate formed of Dr. Wilson on his 
first acquaintance at Cairo has been more tlian justified by his subse- 
quent career since. He is a man whose friendship and esteem all who 
know him are anxious to retain and greatly prize, and a man who has 
made his life useful and valuable to those among whom he has lived. 
On the 30th of April, 1867, Dr. Wilson was married to Miss Julia E., 
a daughter of Rev. Lewis and Susan Baldwin, now of Shelby county. 
Rev. Mr. Baldwin is a prominent minister of the M. E. Church South, 
and a clergyman of great ability and profound piety. The Doctor and 
Mrs. Wilson have three children : Homer Lee, Floy and Zula. Dr. 
Wilson is one of the prominent Masons of the county and takes an 
earnest interest in the welfare of the order. The Doctor now contem- 
plates removing to Kansas, where he expects to continue the practice 
of the profession. His change of residence will be a great loss to 
Cairo and vicinity, for by many he is regarded as indispensable as a 
physician, and by all as valuable as a citizen. It is an expression 
heard on every hand that "It is hoped he may yet conclude to remain 
at Cairo, where he is so well and favorably known and where his 
services and character are appreciated at their great worth." Should 
he carry out his purpose, however, to go to Kansas, he will doubtless 
be as well received there as he has been here, for the people of that 
State are intelligent and well disposed, and cannot fail to discover his 
worth personally and in his profession. He will be a valuable ac- 
quisition to the community in which he expects to settle. 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 669 



MOKITEAU TOWNSHIP. 



PEOF. JACOB V. ADAMS 

(Educator and County School Commissioner), 

Although Prof. Adams is still a young man, his career has already 
been such that it teaches a valuable lesson to youths who are ambi- 
tious of accomplishing something in life, but whose opportunities are 
anything but favorable. Professor Adams was left an orphan while 
yet in infancy by the death of his father. Although he still had the 
tender care and encouragement of a dovoted mother to stimulate him 
to worthy endeavors, the absence of the paternal help and counsel 
which an affectionate father can give, rendered his way up in life any- 
thing but an easy one to pursue. He was reared in Randolph county 
by his kind mother, and his good grandparents, who did all they 
could for his advancement. Before reaching his majority he learned 
the plasterer's trade and worked at it some two years. In the mean- 
time he attended the common schools, and, having a fondness for 
study, he also occupied his leisure with books, so that he had suc- 
ceeded in laying a good foundation for an education. Quitting the 
plasterer's trade in 1872, he now decided to obtain a college educa- 
tion, and with that end in view entered Mt. Pleasant College. Prof. 
Adams took a complete course "of four years at Mt. Pleasant, and 
graduated with distinction in 1876. After his graduation he at once 
entered upon the profession of an educator, in which he has since 
been engaged. Prof. Adams had taught continuously in Randolph 
county, except for one year, when he had charge of the public school 
at Salisbury. He has iDecome widely known in this county as one of 
the best teachers within its borders, and his services are in quest at 
many of the best schools in the county. Such was his recognized 
prominence in 1882, that he was appointed county school commis- 
sioner, and the following spring was elected to that office without op- 
position, highly complimentary to his personal popularity and to his 
attainments as a scholar and ability as an educator. He still occupies 
the office of county school commissioner, and Is acquitting himself 
of its duties with singular zeal and efficiency. It has been one of his 
chief endeavors to elevate the grade of teachers in the county, and 
thus to improve the practical workings and tone of the county schools. 
In this he has been fairly successful, and the improved condition of 
the schools in the county observed by all who have given the matter 
any attention, is almost wholly attributable to his exertions. On the 
8th of November, 1877, Prof. Adams was married to Miss Sanie 
Bradley, a daughter of John W. Bradley, of this county. The Pro- 
fessor and Mrs. Adams have one interesting son, Claud Byron, born 
August 20, 1878. Prof. Adams has for a number of vears taken a 



670 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

commendable interest in Sunday-school work, and is one of the most 
active and prominent men in the county in advancing Sunday-school 
interests. He has served at different times and places as superintend- 
ent, and has otherwise made himself useful to the cause. He is a 
member of the Silver Creek Baptist Church. Prof. Adams' parents, 
John and Elizabeth Adams, were both originally of Kentucky. They 
came to Kandolph with their parents, respectively, while each was 
still quite young. They were married in this county, and the father 
died here in 1851, whilst the son was still less than a year old. The 
father, himself, was quite a young man at the time of his death, not 
having reached his majority. 

JOSEPH W. BURTON 

(Farmer) . 

Mr. B., a brother of Judge May M. Burton, and an influential 
farmer of Moniteau township, comes of good old stock. His father. 
May Burton, leaving Virginia, went to Kentucky when a lad of six 
years. Upon reaching man's estate, he married Miss Nancy Wool- 
folk, a young lady in whose veins flowed some of the bluest blood of 
the country. Mr. Burton saw gallant fighting in the War of 1812, 
and also in the Black Hawk War. He moved to Missouri in 1819, 
and entered land in the southern part of Randolph county, near Hig- 
bee. He was among the first inhabitants of that section where his son 
still lives and which was his own home until his death in 1859. J. 
W. Burton was l)orn in Shelby county, Ky., on the 1st of June, 1816, 
but has lived since the age of three, in Missouri. He made the most 
of his advantages in his youth, but in those early days of course, edu- 
cational opportunities were not very extensive. Mr. Burton has been 
twice married. His first choice was Miss Orpha J., daughter of Will- 
iam Brooks, formerly of Kentucky. Of this union were born five 
children : May William, Benjamin W., Thomas W., Speed and Irene ; 
of these the sons are all at the heads of families of their own. Mr. 
Burton's second wife, to whom he was married June 27, 1852, was 
Miss Sarah A,, daughter of Bird Pyle, formerly of Kentucky. Mr. 
and Mrs. Burton have 10 children: Toleman, now married ; Laura 
S., wife of Wallace Settle; Bindy, wife of James B. Tymony; Bird, 
Henderson, now married ; Medley, James R., Woolfolk, Gavella and 
Anna W. With the exeption of a short stay in California, to which 
State he went by land as captain of a band of teamsters, returning by 
way of the Isthmus and New Orleans, and a brief experience in the 
Confederate army during the last year of the war, Mr. Burton has 
remained on the farm ever since his first marriage. He owns about 
416 acres of splendid land with 300 in the home tract, all fenced and 
in cultivation and irrass, with out-buildings. Mr. and Mrs. Burton 
are members of the Higbee Christian Church, as also are their children, 
with the exception of the four youngest. 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 671 



P. JONES CHRISTIAN 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser) . 

Mr. Christian is the son of Paul Christian and a brother of William 
S., whose biography will be handed down to future ages through the 
medium of this work. He was born in Scott county, Ky., on the 1st 
of January, 1823, aud came to Missouri with his parents at the age of 
seven, settling in Randolph county, within one mile of his present 
abode. He grew up on the farm, sharing the advantages common to 
the neighborhood. Mr. Christian married in 1853, Miss Susan, daugh- 
ter of Charles and Mary McLean, but she did not long bless his hearth- 
stone. In 1856 all that was mortal of Mrs. Susan Christian was borne 
to her last resting place. Mr. Christian from the time of his marriage 
lived on the old homestead carrying on the business of the farm. In 
1862, he moved to his present home where he has 200 acres of land, 
160 of which are fenced and in careful cultivation. His house is sub- 
stantial and comfortable, and his barn and nice young bearing orchard 
attest his thrift and prosperity. In the meantime, in 1861, in How- 
ard county, were celebrated the nuptials of Mr. Christian and his sec- 
ond bride. Miss Frances, daughter of B. Annette and Frances Guerin, 
originally from the beauteous isle of France. Mrs. Christian was 
herself a Kentuckian by birth, but came to Missouri with her parents 
when a tiny maiden, ten years of age. Not less fair than the three 
sisters of Granada, Zayda, Zorayda, and Zorahayda, are the three 
daughters who were the blooming fruit of this happy union. In 
Laura, Mary F. and Josephine, Mr. Christian seeks comfort for the 
terrible affliction which now darkens his life. On the 20th of August, 

1883,— 

"The angel with the amaranthine wreath 
Pausing, descended, and with voice divine 
Whispered a word that had a sound like death" — 

and Mr. Christian was left again a widower, to mourn the sweetest, 
truest, tenderest wife and mother that ever graced a home. Mrs. 
Christian was a woman whose life was a poem, whose death a public 
calamity. The heart of her husband did indeed safely trust in her, 
and her children rise up and call her blessed. We cannot doubt that 
with the seraphic strains mingles her soft, gentle voice, and her daugh- 
ters have cause to rejoice that they have known such a mother. 

JOHN M. COLLINS 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser). 
Mr. C, a man of universally acknowledged goodness, and a thriv- 
ing farmer and stock-raiser of the township, was born in Fayette 
county, Ky., on the 17th day of February 1822. His Mher, James 
Collins, of Kentucky, married a Virginia lady. Miss Mary Christian, 
and three years after the birth of J. M., died in Kentucky. The 
family, consisting of four sons and one daughter, moved to Missouri 



672 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

in 1834 and bought u place, partially improved, upon which John M. 
still resides. Mr. Collins has lived always in the county, with the 
exception of two years spent in making a trip with Wm. Embree and 
others to California ; his school advantages were limited, but he did 
not abuse them. Mr. C. is the third son and when his brothers were 
grown, married and gone, he took charge of the home farm and has 
run it ever since. He has 460 acres of land all fenced, 360 in culti- 
vation, and meadow pasture, and a nice bearing orchard. Mr. Collins 
has never married, sacrificing his life with the rarest and most unselfish 
devotion to the care of his sister. Miss Sally Collins, who has been 
confined to her bed for more than thirty-five years. 

LEVEN T. DAWKINS 

- (Farmer and Stock-raiser) . 

Mr. D. is the son of William Dawkins and Rosanna Showard, both 
natives of Kentucky, who came to Missouri when Randolph county 
was in its infancy. Mr. Dawkins, Sr., entered land and improved a 
farm where he continued to reside until his death in 1851, L. T. was 
born in the county December 11, 1842, and has spent his life on the 
old homestead of which he now owns a part — a cosy farm of 240 
acres, all fenced and in cultivation, blue grass and meadow. His 
house is a picturesque building, and adjoining he has a good orchard. 
In 1863 thinking that " it is not good for man to be alone," Mr. Dawkins 
was married February 1, to Miss Juliet F., daughter of Christian Col- 
lins, formerly of Kentucky, and one of the pioneer settlers of the 
county. Mrs. Dawkins was reared and partly educated in Macon 
county under the care of an aunt, to whose guardianship she was con- 
fided when left motherless at the age of six. In this home of domestic 
virtue and Christian love are not wanting busy little feet, whose patter- 
ings never fail to find a responsive echo in the parent's heart, little 
hands whose tender caresses have power to soften life's sternest woes. 
Five children adorn as " gems of purest ray serene " the abode of Mr. 
and Mrs. Dawkins: Anna C, Sallie J., William C, Mattie E. and 
Nannie P. Two, Johnnie and Mamie, fell asleep in Jesus at the tender 
ages of three and four. Mrs. Dawkins is an earnest member of the 
Christian Church at Higbee, while her husband belongs to the A. O. 
U. W. at the same place. They are both eminently fitted by birth 
:ind education to shine in any society. 

RICHARD G. DUNCAN 

(Of R. G. Duncan & Bro., Dealers in General Merchandise, P. O., Yates). 

Richard G. Duncan, postmaster at Yates, and one of the substantial 
business men of the south-western part of the county, is a native of 
Kentucky, born in Grayson county. May 26, 1843. When he was 
nine years of age he came with his parents, William S. and M. E. 
(Thomas) Duncan, to Marion county. Mo., where they settled in 1852, 
near Middle Grove. The father died there in 1856, and they returned 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 673 

to Kentucky (the mother and her family, inchiding Richard G.) im- 
mediately after the father's death. There the mother subsequently 
married Rev. Ezra Ward, a prominent Presbyterian minister. But he 
also died in 1863. Richard G. in the meantime had learned the sad- 
dler's trade, and he came to Missouri the year following his step- 
father's death. He located at Paris, in Monroe county, and worked 
there for two years. Mr. Duncan then became a traveling salesman 
for a tobacco house, and followed that until 1869 when he accepted a 
situation as clerk in a store at Macon City, where he worked until his 
removal to Randolph county. He came to this county in 1870, and 
secured a farm near Yates, where he followed farming exclusively for 
two years. In the meantime, in 1870, his mother came from Ken- 
tucky and made her home with him. Some 14 years ago Mr. Duncan 
took charge of the gram store at Burton, and conducted that with suc- 
cess for about six years. He then resumed farming on his place at 
Yates, and in 1870 bought his present store of T. J. Bagby which he 
has since conducted. However, his brother, Thomas J., has been in 
partnership with him in all his business and farming transactions since 
1870, and is still his full partner. They carry a general stock of mer- 
chandise ample in every respect for the trade at this place, and they 
have a large custom. Their farm contains nearly 900 acres. On the 
29tli of May, 1866, Mr. Duncan was married to Miss Laura E. Penn, 
a daughter ofW. N. Penn, a prominent citizen of Monroe county. 
She died February 3, 1868. No children survive their marriage. 
Mr. Duncan is a prominent member of the Masonic order. He ai<d 
brother are good business men and are highly respected. 

NICHOLAS DYSART 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 3, Township 52, Range 15, P. O., Yates). 

James Dysart, the father of the subject of this sketch, was one of 
the three first settlers of the south-western part of Randolph county, 
the other two, who preceded him here a little, being William and 
Joseph Holman. James Dysart was from Kentucky and came to Mis- 
souri from Tennessee, where he had lived for 16 years, in 1818, locat- 
ing at first in the Boone's Lick country and then coming to Randolph 
county, settling on section 9, near where Nicholas, his son, now lives, 
in 1819. His wife before her marriacre was a Miss Martha Cowden. 
He subsequently moved north of Huntsville, where he died in 1853, 
aged 76, and his wife died the same year. Of their four sons but two 
are now living, James and the subject of this sketch, the former of 
whom resides in Macon county. Robert died in Saline county and 
John in Howard county. Nicholas Dysart was born near Lexington, 
Ky., October 26, 1800. After growing up he was married to Miss 
Euphemia Givans, of this county, but formerly of Kentucky, born in 
1810. They were married in 1827, and he at once settled on a part 
of his present farm. He first entered 80 acres, but prospered by in- 
dustry, his place increasing to a fine farm of 400 acres. He also became 
the owner of 20 head of fine negroes, and was one of the leading to- 



674 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

bacco raisers of the county, selling one crop for over $3,000. He has 
Ions; raised a good grade of stock, and has constantly improved the 
quality of his stock, including fine graded cattle, blooded horses, etc. 
Mr. Dysart, now in his eighty-fourth year, is still vigorous, mentally 
and physically, and but for an accident he received a year ago, being 
thrown from his horse and having his thigh bone broken, by which he 
is now compelled to go on crutches, he would be taken for a man, both 
in appearance and conversation, not over 60 years of age. His good 
wife is also spared to him, and they have been blessed with a family 
of nine children: Martha W., now Mrs. John Waytens, of Roanoke, 
Mo.; Mary A., now Mrs. William Twj'raan, of Chariton county; 
James E., who died during the war in Chariton county, and was a 
Cumberland Presbyterian minister; Benjamin G., now a prominent 
physician at Paris, Monroe county; William F., now of Howard 
county; Robert R., who died in Howard county in 1864, aged 24; 
John T., who resides near his father ; Charles N., who died a student 
at McGee College in 1860, aged 19, and Kizzie, now Mrs. George 
Reynolds, near Moberly. Mr. and Mrs. Dysart are members of the 
Cumberland Presbyterian Church. In politics he is a Democrat, but 
before the war was a Whig, and was the candidate of that party for 
the Legislature in 1850, but the Democrats had a majority, and he was 
of course permitted to remain at home and look after his farming in- 
terests. He has served as justice of the peace and took the United 
States census of this county in 1880. He has also served two terms 
qfB county assessor. Mr. Dysart lost several thousand dollars by the 
war. He has long been one of the highly respected citizens of the 
county. 

WILLIAM P. DYSART, M.D. 
(Physician and Surgeon). 
Dr. Dysart was born in the county July 12, 1827, and has lived, 
child, youth and man, among those to whom he is that closest, most 
trusted and dearest of friends, the family physician. Growing up on 
a farm, his character has been largely influenced l)y the wise and en- 
nobling counsels of Nature as only vouchsafed to those who seek in 
daily communion to learn of her. The discriminating judgment, un- 
erring skill and sympathetic tenderness so necessary in one whose 
mission is ever where pain and sorrow abide, which have, to such a 
marked degree, characterized the career of Dr. Dysart, could only 
have been learned whence all great thoughts emanate, in the country, 
not made by man, but by God. The Doctor's education was begun 
at the common schools of the county and finished at McGee College. 
Before settling down he went in 1850 with Capt. Redd and others, by 
the overland route, to California. Here he spent four years in the 
mines, returning by the way of the Isthmus and New York, and taking 
in Niagara, Canada, etc. In 1856 Dr. (then Wm. P.) Dysart began 
under Dr. Dick Lewis, one of the leading physicians of Randolph 
county, to study medicine. He was afterwards for 18 months at the 
Jeiferson Medical College at Philadelphia, graduating there in the 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 675 

spring of 1859. He returned home at once, and hanging out his 
shingle bravely and hopefully awaited the future. What this has been 
none who know him could doubt. The hirge practice which at once 
fell to him, and the fact that during the war he was employed by all, 
of whatever politics, attest his merit. The Doctor marriexl, February 
14, 1861, Miss Mary Susan, daughter of Christian Collins, formerly 
from Kentucky, and granddaughter of Joseph Higbee, one of the 
early pioneers of the county. Mrs. Dysart, an unusually superior 
woman, was educated in the county at Mount Pleasant College. There 
are seven children: "William P., Jr., John Christian, Mary Susan, 
Matilda Catherine, Orpha Juliet, Thomas Nichols and Lascellis. Two 
died in infancy. Dr. Dysart, as soon as he was married, settled on 
the farm, one mile from Higbee, upon which he still lives. He owns 
256 acres of land, all fenced, with 200 in cultivation, timothy and blue 
grass. During the last five years Dr. Dysart has not been able, on 
account of his health, to attend so closely to his professional duties, 
to the profound regret of those to whom he is indispensable. The 
Doctor is a member of the State and District Medical Societies, and of 
Morality Lodge No. 186, A. F. and A. M. He belongs to the Cum- 
berland Presbyterian Church, and Mrs. Dysart to the Higbee Christian 
Church. 

J. SPRAGUE DYSART 

(Proprietor of the Higbee Lumber Yard) . 

Mr. Dysart' s grandparents were pioneer settlers of Randolph 
county, coming here from Maury county, Tenn., as early as 
1818. John Dysart, one of their sons, and afterwards the father of 
J. Sprague Dysart, was 18 years af age when his parents came to this 
county. He grew up here, and married Miss Matilda Brooks, whose 
parents were early settlers from Kentucky. He subsequently settled 
on a farm, and by a change made in the dividing line between Ran- 
dolph and Howard counties, this farm was included in the latter 
county, and it was there that J. Sprague Dysart was born, the date 
being February 13, 1832. He served for a number of years on the 
county court bench of Randolph county, and was a prominent farmer 
and stock-raiser. He died in Howard county in 1868, greatly 
mourned and regretted all over the county. J. Sprague Dysart grew 
up on the farm, and received a common-school education. He took 
a two years' course at McGee College, and after quitting college 
taught school for about seven years in Randolph and adjoining coun- 
ties. He then engaged in merchandising at College Mound, and con- 
tinued it for nearly three years, or until the outbreak of the war. 
Mr. Dysart promptly identified himself with the South in the strug- 
gle and served a term of six months in the State Guard, and after the 
expiration of that term, which was shortly after the battle of Elk 
Horn, he enlisted in the regular Confederate service. He con- 
tinued in the Confederate army until the surrender, or rather 
until he was captured, a short time before the close of the 
war. He was in the First Missouri infantry service, and enlisted 



676 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

as a private soldier. He was taken prisoner at Vicksburg and held 
for about three months, after which he was exchanged. But he was 
again captured on Mobile Bay opposite the city of Mobile, and held 
prisoner on Ship Island until the close of the war. Mr. Dysart partici- 
pated in the battles of Wilson's Creek, Elk Horn, first and second Cor- 
inth, Baker's Creek, the engagements around Vicksburg, and along the 
line of the railroad from Chattanooga to Atlanta, Ga., and many 
others. About the close of the war he engaged in cotton planting in 
Mississippi, but in the winter of 1866-7 came home and took charge 
of his father's farm, which he conducted until 1878. He then came 
to Higbee and engaged in his present business. Mr. Dysart carries a 
full line of pine and native lumber, sash, doors, blinds, hardware and 
everything to be found in alirst-class lumber yard. He has a large stock 
of goods and the only lumber yard at Higbee, and does an extensive 
business. Quick sales and small profits is his motto ; in this way he 
succeeds. His already large business is steadily increasing. On 
the 20th of May, 1880, Mr. Dysart was married to Miss Mollie J., a 
daughter of John Fray, of this county. They have two children, 
Laura M. and Lassie. He and wife are members of the Cumberland 
Presbyterian Church, and he of the Masonic Order at Roanoke. 

LASCELLIS DYSART, M.D. 

(Physician and Surgeon, Higbee) . 

Dr. Dysart is a brother to J. Sprague Dysart, whose sketch pre- 
cedes this, and was born in Howard county, July 18, 1839. He was 
reared on the farm of Judge Dysart, his father, in that county, and 
after taking a course in the common schools in his vicinity he en- 
tered McGee College, in which he completed his education. He had 
early determined to devote himself to the medical profession, and, 
after quitting college, he began teaching school and studying medi- 
cine at the same time. He taught school and read medicine for about 
a year and then continued the study of medicine, having for his pre- 
ceptor during all this time Dr. R. J. Bagby, one of the prominent 
physicians of Howard county. In 1861 young Dysart entered the 
Medical College of Keokuk, Iowa, in which he took his first course 
of lectures. His second course he took at the University of Iowa, 
from which he graduated in the spring of 1863. Immediately fol- 
lowing his graduation, Dr. Dysart located at Renick, in this county, 
for the practice of his profession, and continued in the practice in 
that vicinity for four years. He then removed to Higbee, and has since 
been practicing in Randolph and Howard counties, surrounding this 
place. Dr. Dysart has been quite successful in his profession, and has 
taken a prominent position as a physician. He has a large practice 
and commands the confidence of the community, both professionally 
and personally. A man of large humanity and warm sympathies, he 
regards his calling as much a mission of mercy as a profession of ma- 
terial advantage to himself, or as a means of accumulating property, 
and, indeed, far more so, for it is a common thing for him to visit the 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. f)77 

sick and administer to the suffering, when he is satisfied it will be of 
no personal advantage to him, or of no profit whatever ; cases of this 
kind, or, indeed, of any other kind, within the limits of his practice, 
he never refuses to attend when he is able to go. Dr. Dysart takes 
a great interest in his profession, iiot only in its active practice, but 
in the study of it as a science, and is hardly less a zealous student than 
he is an untiring practitioner. Possessed of a clear, discriminating 
mind and of cool, sober judgment, by long experience and study, he 
has, as would be expected, risen to an enviable place in his profession. 
As a citizen he is one of the prominent men of this section of the 
country, and wields a potent, though modest and almost unconscious 
influence on those around him. January 4, 1865, Dr. Dysart was 
married to Miss Anna M., a daughter of George Yates, of Randolph, 
county, but formerly of Virginia. Mrs. D. was educated at Fayette, 
in Howard county, and is a lady of superior intelligence and culture. 
She is a member of the Christian Church, and takes quite a com- 
mendable interest in church affairs. Dr. Dysart is a member of the 
State Medical Association. The Doctor is also a member of the Sons 
of Temperance. 

WILLIAM EMBREE 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser). 

Mr. Embree is a native of Randolph county and was born January 
11, 1828. He is the son of Isham P. Embree, who came from Ken- 
tucky to Missouri when in the spring time of life and settled in How- 
ard county in 1816. He married Miss Martha Givens, also a Ken- 
tuckian. With the exception of a few years spent in Randolph, Mr. 
Isham P. Embree lived in Howard county until his death, in April, 
1871. He was a man of note in his day and saw good service both 
in the Indian and Mormon wars. His wife survived only by a brief 
12 months. William E. spent his youth on a farm in Howard, learn- 
ing in that best of all schools, practical experience, the duties of a 
farmer. When he became a man, after serving one year in the Mexi- 
can War, he went to California overland, taking a drove of cattle, and 
in company with James Wilson, and others. He returned in Febru- 
ary, 1854, by way of Central America and New Orleans, but went 
back with more cattle the same year and remained until 1856, this 
time making the return trip by the Isthmus and New York. Mr. 
Embree then commenced his farming operations which he continued 
until his marriage. May 15, 1859. After this important step he moved 
to Renick, and for two years was engaged in a commercial enterprise. 
Finally, early associations proving too strong for him, he settled on a 
farm near Roanoke, where he lived for 17 years, but sold this place in 
1882 and bought the one he now owns. This (which was entered and 
improved by Joel Smith in 1831) contains 1,040 acres of beautiful 
land, 720 fenced and 700 in cultivation and meadow pasture. Mrs. 
Embree, who presides over this establishment of ease and plenty, was 
Miss Sallie Fray, a native of the county, and daughter of John Fray, 
formerly of Virginia. A charming family of six children have blessed 



678 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

this union: Kate, the eldest, died Avhen six months old; Rollie D., 
Hattie, Avife of John Sweatnam ; Hugh C, Ella and Roma. Mr. and 
Mrs. Embree and all of their children, except the youngest, are mem- 
bers of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and Mr. Embree be- 
longs to the Masonic fraternity. We rarely see a family so united as 
this one, children, as parents, making the law of their lives the will 
of Him who died that we might live. 

SHELTON LESSLY 

(Of the Firm of Lessly & Co., General Merchants, Higbee, and Farmer). 

Mr. Lessly has led a life of great activity, directed by singular 
good business judgment, and although still a middle-aged man, he has 
already accumulated a substantial modicum of the rewards of industry 
and good business management. He is the leading member in a firm 
which carries one of the largest and best stocks of general merchandise 
in the county outside of Moberly, and which commands a trade per- 
haps surpassed by that of no general store in the county. Their 
stock comprises among other goods full lines of dry goods, clothing, 
groceries, hardware, furniture and farming implements, and they do a 
business averaging through the year nearly $1,000 weekly. The gen- 
tlemen composing this firm are all three men of fine business qualifi- 
cations, and more than ordinarily popular, and having early made it 
their motto to deal honestly and sell goods at the lowest possible 
prices the state of the market allows, they have, as would be expected, 
come steadily to the front as leading merchants of the county. Mr. 
Lessly also has a fine farm near Higbee, the carrying on of which he 
superintends. His position as a prominent business man and influential 
citizen of this vicinity he has won almost alone by his own exertions 
and merits and is therefore entitled only to the more credit for what 
he has accomplished. Mr. Lessly is a native Missourian and was born 
in Howard county. May 1, 1833. His father, Andrew Lessly, came 
to Missouri from Kentucky in 1829 and located in Randolph county, 
where he bought land (after going to Howard county and residing a 
short time) and improved a farm. He lived on his farm until his 
death, which occurred in 1855. He was one of the valued citizens of 
his section of the county, greatly esteemed as a neighbor and in every 
relation of life. His loss was sadly deplored by all who knew him. 
He was married soon after coming to Missouri to Miss Lucy A. Robb, 
who came out with her parents from Kentucky some years before. 
Shelton Lessly Avas born of this union while his parents were residents 
of Howard county, but he was, of course, reared in Randolph 
county on the family homestead. He received a good common and 
high school English education as he grew up and afterwards taught 
school for a time with success. On the 23d of March, 1855, he was 
married to Miss Surrilda Pyle, a daughter of Jehu Pyle, formerly of 
Kentucky. Mrs. Lessly died October 6, 1876, and two children sur- 
vive, Andrew J. and May W. To his present wife Mr. Lessly was 
married some 17 years ago. She was formerly Miss Orpha J. Brooks, a 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 679 

daughter of Benjamin R. Brooks, from Kentucky to Randolph county. 
Mr. Lessly has served in various official capacities in the county. In 
1855 he was elected county surveyor and served with efficiency and 
satisfaction to the public for four years. Two years after the expira- 
tion of his term of office he was 'appointed surveyor to fill out an 
unexpired term, and served for three years more. In 1866 he was 
appointed deputy assessor, helping to make two assessments of the 
county and serving two j^ears. Thus, in all, he has served nine years 
as a public officer. He has also held other positions, but of minor im- 
portance. While a public officer he also carried on his farm. In 1874 
he engaged in his present business at Higbee under the firm name of 
S. Lessly & Co., and since that another partner has been taken into 
the business, making three in all. Mr. Lessly is one of the most 
thorough-going, enterprising men in his section of the county, such a 
man as would be expected to build up a large business and succeed 
by worthy methods and without incurring the hatred or enmity of any 
right thinking man. Mr. and Mrs. Lessly are worthy members of the 
Christian Church at Higbee, of which Mr. Lessly has been an elder 
since its organization. He is also a member of Morality Lodsre No. 
186, A. F. and A. M., at Renick, and of the A. O. U. W. at Higbee, 
of which latter order he is financier. 

AUGUSTUS MILLER 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser ; also, a Breeder of Hereford Cattle) . 

Mr. M. was born in Holmes county, Ohio, July 6, 1846. His 
father, Jacob H. Miller, a native of Germany, came to this country 
at the age of eight with his parents, who first stopped for a few years 
in Maryland, but then moved to Ohio, where Mr. Miller still lives. 
He married Elizabeth Bittner, also of German birth, but a resident of 
Pennsylvania. They had seven children, now all grown and with 
families of their own. Augustus, who was the second son and third 
child, grew to manhood in Holmes county on his father's farm, and 
was educated at the common schools of the county. He came to Mis- 
souri in 1870 and located on the same tract of land in Randolph which he 
now occupies, marrying January 28, 1873, Miss Ann M., daughter of 
"William S. Christian, whose sketch is among these biographies. Mrs. 
Miller was born and reared in Randolph and attended for some time 
Mount Pleasant College, at Hunts ville. There are five children : 
John A., Lizzie E., Eugenie D., Ella K. and William J. Eugene E. 
(their first born) died February 7, 1877, in his fourth year. Mr. 
Miller is one of the wealthiest farmers in the neio-hborhood. He owns 
780 acres of land, all fenced, of which 500 acres are in cultivation, 
pasture and meadow. His residence is a comfortable one and he has 
two good stock barns, cribs, sheds, etc. Mr. Miller is a man highly 
considered by the community. Mrs. Miller has attached herself to 
the Christian Church at Higbee. 

38 



680 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 



HEZEKIAH E. PATEICK 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser). 

Mr. P. was born in Lafayette county, Ky., October 12, 1829. His 
father, Robert Patrick, was among the goodly army of those who, 
with hearts filled with hope, surged from Virginia to Kentucky in 
quest of wealth and fame. One treasure he claimed as his own — a 
blooming flower of Kentucky soil. Miss Dorcas Owen, became his wife 
and the mother of Hezekiah E. Mr. Patrick, Sr., moved to Randolph 
county. Mo., in 1830, entering land and improving a farm, upon 
which he died in 1873. Here Hezekiah E. grew up, enjoying but 
limited opportunities for the cultivation of his mind. When he came 
of age, in 1850, the first use he made of his freedom was to take a 
trip to the mines of California in company with Henderson Wilcox 
and others. He tarried two years, and then, returning home by way 
of the Isthmus and New York, he began life in earnest. His early 
training inclining him to the unfettered life of a farmer, he engaged 
in that occupation at once. In 1852 Mr. Patrick wooed .and married 
Miss Mary E., daughter of William Dawkins and Rose Ann Showard, 
who were married in 1830. She was a native of Kentucky, a life-long 
resident, however, of this county. She has not disappointed his dear- 
est hopes, but has been to him a better half indeed, the comfort of 
his joys ; each stronger for the other, they walk hand in hand along 
the not always smooth path of life, striving to keep their eyes fixed 
on that brighter Beyond, which must be the reward of all who have 
the courage to struofffle on. Mr. Patrick has no small share of this 
world's goods. He owns 146 aci*es of land, with 100 fenced and im- 
proved, upon which is a good bearing orchard. Mr. and Mrs. Patrick 
have five living children : William R., now married to Melissa Whit- 
more ; Addie, wife of Francis M.'Tymony; Mary G., wife of Hen- 
derson Burton ; Leven T. and Nancy L. Five children died in infancy 
and one, Ann Eliza, died January 3, 1882, the lamented wife of 
George W. Lessly ; she left five children, the youngest of whom, Ann 
Elizabeth, lives with her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Patrick. Mr. 
Patrick and wife are devoted members of the Higbee Christian Church. 

ISHAM POWELL 

(Farmer, Section 4) . 

Mr. P. is one of the go-ahead men of the township, who lives *' that 
each to-morrow find him farther than to-day." What he has to do 
he does with all his might, and in the great strides he is making to- 
ward the fruition of his hopes, is amply rewarded for his pains. His 
parents, Golston Powell and Mary Coulter, came from Boyle county, 
Ky., where Ishani was born November 15, 1843. Mr. Powell bought 
an improved farm in Randolph county in 1857, living here until his 
death in 1863. Isham Powell was raised and educated in his native 
county, receiving a good business training. When only 18 years old 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 681 

and but a short time after his arrival in Randolph, he enlisted in the 
Missouri State Guard. The next year, 1862, he re-enlisted in the 
regular Confederate service, Shelby's brigade, going in as a private 
but was soon promoted to lieutenancy of Co, K, Col. Smith's 
regular cavalry, and serving till the close of the war. Mr. Powell 
fought with much gallantry through the battles of Dry Wood and 
Lexington, and, indeed, all of the fights that took place in Missouri 
up to that of Pea Ridge. He was also present at the engagements at 
Helena, Ark., Little Rock, Prairie De Han and Mark's Mill, Ark. 
In 1864, at Brunswick, Mr. Powell received a severe gunshot wound 
through the bridge of the nose. Returning home in 1866, scarred 
and worn, but no less a hero, he took up once more the broken thread 
of his life and went to work with energy to weave anew the shattered 
fabric of his youthful dreams. He first rented a place and began 
farming and handling stock. In 1880 he bought a one-half interest in 
709 acres of splendid land, nearly all fenced, and in grass and cultiva- 
tion, with everything that is necessary to a prosperous farm in con- 
nection. Mr. Powell handles from 200 to 400 head of stock annually 
and generallj- ships to wholesale markets. He is a shining example 
of what pluck and energy may accomplish. Though Mr. Powell faced 
without a quiver the shot and shell of many a battle-field, yet his 
doughty heart capitulated without a struggle before the charms and 
graces of Miss Mary F., daughter of Alexander Mitchell, of Renick, 
originally of Missouri. They were married on the 24th of February, 
1870. To them were born two children : Lulie and Henry. Mrs. 
Powell is a devout member of the Methodist Church. 

WILLIAM L. RENNOLDS 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, near Higbee) . 

Mr. Rennolds who, for a number of years past, has owned the May 
Burton place containing some 300 acres, one of the best farms in this 
section of the county, and also over 600 acres more of fine land, and 
who is one of the prominent farmers and stock men of Moniteau town- 
ship, when seventeen years of age was left by the death of his father 
with his mother and a large family of children to care for, and had 
no means to go on. The duties of providing for the family he faith- 
fully and affectionately performed, and commencing life for himself 
under these responsibilities and disadvantages, he has risen by his own 
industry and merits from a youth without a dollar and working out at 
farm labor by the month, to the position he at present, and for a num- 
ber of years past, has occupied. Such a record is well worthy a place 
in this volume, and it is one to which he nor his need be ashamed to 
point. Mr. Rennolds is a native Missourian, and was one of a family 
of 13 children, 11 of whom are still living. He wtis born in Howard 
county. Mo., May 7, 1833. His father was J. C. Rennolds, a native 
of Virginia, born December 9, 1805, and when a young man came out 
to Kentucky and located in Clark county. He there met Miss Delilah 
Quisenbury, of Lexington, Ky., born December 17, 1813. To her he 



682 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

was married in 1829, whilst she was in her sixteenth year. After their 
marriage they came to Missouri, stopping first in Boone county, but 
later along came to Howard county, and in 1839 settled in Randolph 
county. Here the father died in about 1856. William L. grew up in 
the county and succeeded in getting a fair knowledge of books in the 
occasional winter schools he attended and by study at home. In early 
manhood he made up his mind to become a physician, and entered 
upon the study of medicine with that object in view. He studied un- 
der Dr. J. M. Walker, commencing in 1861, and during the term of 
1863-64 took a course of lectures at the Keokuk Medical College. But 
being a man of active mind and habits, and ambitious to establish 
himself in life as soon as possible, he concluded that the route through 
the medical profession was too long and tedious — that he couldn't 
wait to take another course and then to sit around in a small town on 
pine boxes, whittling in front of the post-office waiting for somebody 
to get sick and call on him for ten cents worth of pills, for which he 
would have to have the India-rubber conscience to charge three dollars 
under the head of a " visit." On the contrary, he concluded to shed 
his linen and go to work. He therefore resumed farming after com- 
ing back from Keokuk, and later along engaged in handling stock. 
The result of his change of purposefrom the medical profession to that 
of an agriculturist has been indicated above. He now owns 945 acres 
of as fine land as there is in this section of the State, most of which 
is improved, besides having a large amount of other property. To 
accummulate this much in the practice of medicine in Randolph or 
Howard counties would create a panic in the quinine trade and increase 
the cemeteries to such dimensions as have never been seen in this west- 
ern country. Mr. Rennolds settled on his homestead place in 1863, 
and has since resided here. It is one of the best improved farms in 
the township, including fences, buildings, pastures, meadows and every 
necessary convenience and advantage for successful farming and stock- 
raising. He also has two other tracts of land near Higbee, and a third 
one about two and a half miles south of Higbee which contains 240 
acres, partly improved, and still another, also south of Higbee, which 
contains 320 acres. Mr. Rennolds has a large amount of town prop- 
erty in Higbee, including half a dozen dwelling houses and a number 
of valuable town lots. For years he has been one of the leading stock 
men of his part of the county, and has followed this continually from 
early manhood, except for about three years when he was engaged in 
railroad contracting. T)uring that time he supplied nearly half a mill- 
ion ties to the railroads, furnishing, among the rest, the Chicago and 
Alton about 200,000, and shipping to Fort Scott and south of that 
city as many more. He is a man of wonderful industry and enterprise, 
and is as full of business as an egg is of meat — one of that class of 
stirring, thrifty men who ne'er fail of success in life. Such men can't 
be kept down, — the fog would be no harder to keep down when the 
morning sun comes up clear and bright. May 7, 1878, Mr. Rennolds 
was married to Miss Bettie Bolin, daughter of William Bolin, of How- 



HISTORY or RANDOLPH COUNTY. 683 

ard county, but formerly of Kentucky. Her parents died when she 
was quite young, and she was reared an orphan. Mr. and Mrs. Ren- 
nolds have two children : Bessie May and William L. 

JAMES E. RUCKER 

(Farmer, Stock-raiser and Dealer). 

One of the leading men in the township of Moniteau is the subject 
of this memoir, a prominent and flourishing farmer, stock-raiser and 
dealer. Mr. Rucker's parents were from that noblest of the States, 
Virginia. His father, Capt. Minor Rucker, was a descendant of one 
of the " first families" and was himself a man of distinction. His 
sword and commission as captain in the War of 1812 are still pre- 
served as precious heirlooms in the family. He and his wife, Harriet 
Head, moved to Missouri in 1833, and located in what was then How- 
ard, but is now Randolph county. He entered and bought 1900 acres 
of land where the Randolph Medicinal Springs are", and there he ended 
his days, August 30, 1867, his beloved wife having crossed the dark 
river before him, in 1845. Thus it will be seen that the cradle of 
James E., who was born October 3, 1839, was fanned by the breezes 
of old Missouri, and Randolph county was the scene of his boyish 
pranks and youthful exploits. His mind was lead into the fruitful 
paths of knowledge at Mount Pleasant College, where he graduated 
in 1860, under the guidance of President William R. Roth well. 
When he had completed his education his heart drew him back to the 
free air of the country, and he embraced firming as his vocation. In 
1863 Mr. Rucker led to the altar Miss Sarah C., a daughter of Joel 
Smith, one of the prominent farmers and capitalists of the county, and 
among the earliest of the pioneers from Kentucky. They have eight 
children : James W., Julia S., Mary L., Willie Florence, Maggie S., 
Joel S., Dorcas N. and Eula M. Mr. Rucker came on his present 
farm in 1874, and now owns 1080 acres of fine land, in a high state of 
cultivation and nearly all in blue grass. He lives in a large, substan- 
tial house, and has a handsome carriage-house, ice-house, good barn, 
etc. His orchard of young trees contains 400 of the most select va- 
rieties of apples as well as a quantity of small fruits. He feeds annu- 
ally about 80 head of cattle, 100 hogs, and 50 head of horses and 
mules. Mr. Rucker is a member of the Masonic order at Huntsville, 
Lodge No. 30, A. F. & A. M., and is recorder of the A. O. U. W. at 
Higbee. 

JOHN W^HITMORE 

(Section 18, Post-offlce, Higbee). 

Mr. Whitmore is a son of Kentucky, born in Jessamine county, 
October 8, 1822. His father, Frederick Whitmore, is a Virginian ; 
his mother, Mary Hinds, also from that State. Frederick W. was of 
German descent. He was a soldier in the War of 1812 and received 
a land warrant. John lived on the spot where he was born until 
1845, when he came to Missouri and settled in Randolph county in 



684 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

sight of his present home. As long as he was a single man Mr. Whit- 
more kept honse with a sister at the head of it, but met his fate at 
last, and October 17, 1860, took him to wife. Miss Sarah E., daughter 
of Jesse B. Hudson, originally of Kentucky. Mrs. Whitmore was 
born in Kentucky, but was raised principally in Randolph county, Mo. 
There are two children : Melissa, wife of William R. Patrick, and 
John, Jr., and one little cherub fled to its native heaven at the in- 
teresting age of two years. Mr. Whitmore has in his home place 
which is known as Bowensburg, 240 acres all fenced and 150 in culti- 
vation, blue grass and timothy. He owns on the county line 80 acres 
of unimproved land, partly set in coal. His residence is a large two- 
story house, with ell, containing 10 rooms. He has also a commodi- 
ous barn. Mr. Whitmore is one of the leading men in the township, 
and his family adorn its most refined circles. 

JOEL H. YATES 

(Farmer, Sectiou 15, Township 52, Range 15, P. 0., Yates). 

'Squire Yates is a representative of one of the distinguished families 
of the United States, being a nephew to Judge John Yates, of Illinois, 
and a first cousin to Gov. Dick Yates, of the same State, one of the 
ablest men this country ever produced. The Yates were originally of 
Caroline county, Va., and three brothers came out West: George, 
John and Harry Yates, the last two of whom settled in Illinois and 
the first in Missouri. They came, however, by way of Kentucky, 
where they resided a number of years. John Yates became the dis- 
tinguished jurist of Illinois, whose name is familiar to every well 
informed citizen of the great Prairie State. Harry Yates became a 
wealthy fiirmer of that State, and he was the father of Dick Yates, 
whose fame is as broad as the Union and as enduring as his services 
as a lawyer and statesman were eminent and unsurpassed. George 
Yates married in Kentucky Miss Martha J. Crenshaw, and settled in 
Randolph county away back in 1833. He became a successful farmer 
of this county, and died here March 29, 1874, at the advanced age of 
70, respected and esteemed for his upright life, and regretted and 
mourned when at last he was laid to rest. 'Squire Joel H. Yates was 
the third in his family of children, and was born on the farm in this 
county, September 3, 1840. Like his father, he became a farmer, 
and has followed it with industry and good success. December 18, 
1879, he was married to Miss Alice Kilbuck, a daughter of Rev. W. 
Kilbuck, formerly of Benton county. She was born September 29, 
1849. They have two children : Boswell H. and Martha A. In 1882 
'Squire Yates was elected to his present office, that of justice of the 
peace. He is a member of the Christian Church and his wife is a 
member of the Baptist denomination. 'Squire Yates has on his farm 
a mule 36 years of age, which has been in the Yates family from its 
birth. The 'Squire has three sisters living, two deceased, and three 
brothers deceased. Anna is the wife of Dr. L. Dysart, of Higbee ; 
Fannie is the wife of J. R. Williams ; and Georo;ia A. is unmarried 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 685 

and on the family homestead with the 'Squire ; John W. died a Con- 
federate prisoner at Rock Ishiiid, III.; Reuben was killed in the 
Confederate army at Prairie Grove, and Thomas B. died March 1st, 
1881, at Yates post-office, and his widow is now the wife of Sidney 
Quinine. Mary E. and Martha M. both died in infancy. 'Squire 
Yates father was a genial, whole-souled old Virginia gentleman, and 
stood as high in the esteem of the people as any man in the county. 
The 'Squire is a member of the Patrons of Husbandry. 



SALT RIYER TOWNSHIP. 



WILLIAM F. ALEXANDER 

(Farmer, Tobacco and Stock-raiser and Dealer) . 
Mr. Alexander, one of the enterprising agriculturists and business 
men of Salt River township and one of its intelligent, influential 
citizens, is a representative of one of the oldest and best families in the 
county. His father, Francis Alexander, is remembered by all old 
citizens of this section of the county as one of the good and true men 
in their midst, whose life, as a father and citizen and as a neighbor, 
was one of more than ordinary usefulness and value and without 
reproach. He was a native of Kentucky, born in Garrett county, 
November 18,-1809. He was reared in that county, and on the 27th 
of December, 1831, was married to Miss Jane Stephens, who was 
born in the same county. May 5, 1811. Less than four years after 
their marriage they came to Missouri, and located first in Monroe 
county, but a year later, in 1837, came to Randolph county, where 
they spent the remainder of their useful and blameless lives. In this 
county he entered a large body of land on section 13 of Salt River 
township and improved a fine farm. He died on this place, June 30, 
1861, she having preceded him to the grave nearly three years, 
August 3, 1858. He became a leading farmer and stock-raiser in the 
comity, and was in easy circumstances at the time of his death. No 
man in his vicinity was more highly respected and esteemed than he. 
They left a family of three children, namely : William F., the subject 
of this sketch ; Martha L. C, now the wife of William A. Alexander ; 
and John D. All three are residents of Randolph county, and they 
were born respectively: William F., August 16, 1848; Martha L. 
C, May 16, 1852; and John D., September 9, 1855. One besides, 
a sister, died in infancy. She was born August 31, 1846. The 
others were reared on the farm in this county, and were educated iu 
the common schools. William F. Alexander, after he grew up, was 
married October 8, 1868, to Miss Virginia, a daughter of Joel and 
Hulda Wine, of Monroe county, Missouri. Mrs. Alexander was 
born in that county, December 16, 1847. Her father died in Iowa 



686 HISTORY or Randolph county. 

in July, 1858, and her mother now finds a welcome and pleasant home 
with Mrs. Alexander. Mr. and Mrs. Alexander have two children: 
Ewing, born July 4, 1849 ; and Alfred D., born July 2, 1874. One, 
besides, the second child, Lucy A,, who was born July 11, 1871; 
died November 23, 1874. Mr. Alexander has followed farming from 
boyhood and has also been raising and handling stock for a number of 
years. He has likewise been engaged in raising and handling tobacco 
for several years. He settled on his present place, located in section 
13, of Salt River township, in 1872. Here he has a good farm of 
over 100 acres, and raises about 10 acres of wheat, from 30 to 35 
acres of corn and cuts 40 acres of meadow annually. In the stock 
line he handles from 80 to 100 head of cattle and from 150 to 200 
sheep, the latter being of the Cotswold and Leicester breeds. Mr. 
Alexander, it should be remarked, gives but little attention to hogs. 
He raises, however, from four to six acres of tobacco, and buys largely 
for dealers in that commodity, usually from 400,000 to 600,000 
pounds annually. He buys principally for Mr. E. E. Samuel, of 
Huntsville. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., Woodland Lodge 
No. 222, of Monroe county. He and his wife are members of the 
Missionary Baptist Church at Hickory Grove in Monroe county. 
Mrs. Alexander's parents were early settlers and respected resi- 
dents of that county, locating there from Kentucky in 1839. 
Mr. Alexander, though not a college graduate, is a man of superior 
education and possessed of wide and varied information, having 
always been an industrious and intelligent reader of the best class of 
books, periodicals and other publications. He is a man of agreeable 
address and an instructive and entertaininoj conversationalist. He is 
quite influential in his vicinity, though he has no personal ambition 
for official advancement, but always takes a commendable interest in 
public affairs in order to secure the best men for the different offices in 
his district, township and county, to be filled. He is highly respected 
and esteemed. 

JACOB BENNETT 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser). 

The'sketch of Mr. Bennett's ftxther's family is given in this volume 
in the sketch of his brother, John S. Bennett, found elsewhere, 
s© that nothing need to be said here in regard to his ancestry. Jacob 
Bennett was born on the family homestead on the 6th of April, 1843, 
and like his brother, John S., was reared to the occupation of farm- 
ing, the pursuit in life which he has since followed. As a farmer his 
success has been unquestioned. He has one of the best farms in the 
vicinity. His place contains nearly 300 acres and is well improved. 
He has resided on this place since 1873, — in fact, it is a part of the 
old homestead. Mr. Bennett makes a specialty of raising tobacco 
and grows about 200 pounds annually. He is a man of many ster- 
ling qualities and is regarded as one of the most industrious farmers 
and worthy citizens in the township. His success in life as a farmer 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 687 

is mainly due to his energy and perseverance and to his sober habits 
of frugality and economy. Now hardly more than entered upon the 
middle age of life, considering the start he already has, and the many 
years of industrious activity still before him, he can hardly fail of 
becoming one of the leading farmers and large property holders of 
the township. Mr. Bennett is unmarried, but has a comfortable home 
and it is to be hoped that it will not long remain unbrightened by the 
fair form and divine presence of some lovely and worthy woman. 

JAMES W. E. COSBY 

(Farmer and Justice of the Peace). 

'Squire Cosby came to Missouri from Madison county, Ky., where 
he was born (having been reared in Fayette county) in 1867, and 
settled in Monroe county where he was engaged in farming with suc- 
cess for about 10 years. He then removed to his present place in 
Randolph county, where he has since resided. His farm here con- 
tains 120 acres, and besides farming in a general way, he makes 
something of a specialty of raising stock of the better class. 'Squire 
Cosby is a man of intelligence and integrity of character, and wields 
no inconsiderable influence in his township. While a resident of 
Monroe county he was elected justice of the peace, and was an in- 
cumbent of that office at the time of his removal to this county. On 
the 14th of February, 1855, he was married to Miss Mary Wright, of 
Madison county, in Kentucky. She died, however, in 1876. Her 
only son, Thomas G. Cosby, is now a farmer of Shelby county. In 
1878 Mr. Cosby was married to his present wife, who was previous 
to her marriage to him, Mrs. Virinda, the widow of Daniel S. 
Bennett. They have two children : Mary M. and Bennett S. Mrs. 
Cosby was a daughter of Nathaniel S. and Rebecca Bullock, formerly 
of Kentucky, but both now deceased. They were early settlers of 
Monroe county. Mr. and Mrs. Cosby are members of the Missionary 
Baptist Church. Mr. Cosby' s' parents were Winfield M. and Amanda 
(Hudson) Cosby, both originally from Virginia, he from Louisa 
county, born September 11, 1806, and she from Culpeper county, 
born June 25, 1810. They removed to Kentucky in an early day and 
are still residents of that State, in which James W. E,, their first 
son, and the subject of this sketch, was born January 17, 1833, Mr. 
Cosby was a gallant soldier during the Civil War, having enlisted in 
the fall of 1862 under that noted raider, John H. Morgan, in company 
B, eleventh Kentucky cavalry, C. S. A. ; he continued in service until 
the close of the war, having passed 19 months as a prisoner of war 
at Camp Douglass, Chicago, 111. 

HARRIS FELPS 

(Merchant, at Cairo). 
Mr. Felps, although barely a middle-aged man, is one of the pro- 
minent men, property holders and citizens of Randolph county, and to 



688 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

the position he occupies in affairs and the estimation of the people he 
has risen hirgely by his own exertions and merits. Having important 
merchandising interests at Cairo, named above, he also has a fine 
farm in the county and owns a handsome residence property at 
Moberly. Prosperous as he is in the affairs of the world he is not 
less favored with the respect and confidence of all who know him. 
Mr. Felps comes of the pioneer and prominent families of Randolph 
county. He was a son of Harris Felps, Sr., and wife, previously a 
Miss Nellie E. Lawrence, both originally of Kentucky, the father 
born April 20, 1795, and the mother in 1797. They came from Old- 
ham county, Ky., to Marion county. Mo., in 1833, and for four years 
afterwards settled in Randolph county, where they lived until their 
death. The father died here July 14, 1862, and the mother July 14, 
1871, and both sleep side by side in the family burying-ground on the 
old homestead. The father was one of the most extensive farmers 
and stock men in the county, and at his death left a small estate. 
They had a family of eight children, but three of whom are now 
living: Minerva, the wife of R. N. Matthews, and Ruth E., the wife 
of W. S. Dameron, the subject of this sketch being the third one. 
Several of the others lived to reach maturity. Harris Felps, Jr., 
was born in Oldham county, Ky., January 7, 1833, and was there- 
fore reared in Randolph county. On the 23d of December, 1853, he 
was married to Miss Chrissy, a daughter of "William D. and Nancy 
Halliburton, of this county, but originally of Montgomery county, 
Tenn., where Mr. Felps' wife was born April 9, 1839. He followed 
farming after his marriage exclusively up to 1857, and is still engaged 
in farming and handling stock, principally cattle, hogs and sheep, 
and the latter on quite an extensive scale. In 1857 he engaged in 
merchandising at the place now known as Levick's Mill, where he 
continued with steadily increasing success for some 14 years. He 
then retired to the farm and was devoted to farming alone until 1871, 
when he resumed merchandising, locating this time at Cairo. His 
success here has been exceedingly gratifying. He has had partners 
at different times, and he at present has a partner in the Cairo store, 
Mr. M. P. Capp. Mr. Felps bought his residence property in 
Moberly, in contemplation of removing there, which he did. Mr. 
and Mrs. Felps have three children : William H., Nellie M. and Ira. 
Mrs. F. is a member of the C. P. Church, and Mr. Felps is a member 
of the A. F. and A. M. and of the Patrons of Husbandry. 

THOMAS W. HALLIBURTON 

(Farmer, Section 16). 

Mr. H., who has an excellent farm of 220 acres in Salt River town- 
ship, and is one of the thrifty, energetic farmers and well respected 
citizens of the township, is a native of Tennessee, born in Haywood 
county, February 7, 1826. His parents, Reuben P. and Cynthia 
(McMurry) Halliburton, removed to Missouri in 1855 and settled in 
Sullivan county, where the father followed farming for about twenty- 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 689 

seven years and until his death, which occurred August 11, 1882. He 
was in the seventy-ninth year of his age, having been born October 
21, 1803, in North Carolina. The mother is still living and finds a 
welcome and pleasant home with her son, John W., in Sullivan county. 
She was born in Tennessee, March 9, 1807, and they were married in 
April, 1825. Six of their family of four sons and six daughters are 
living: Thomas W. ; Frances B., now Mrs. James H. Halliburton, 
having married a cousin ; Nancy A., the wife of John Beuum, now of 
Oregon ; James W., of Sullivan county ; John W., also of that county, 
and Eliza M., the wife of Peter Scarlett, of Kansas. Thomas W. 
Halliburton, the subject of this sketch, had grown to manhood before 
the family came to Missouri, and was married in Tennessee to Miss 
Martha E. Rogers on the 14th of January, 1847. She was born in 
Dixon county, December 10, 1828. Mr. Halliburton preceded his 
father's family to Missouri and settled in Randolph county. He came 
to his present farm in 1854. He has always been an industrious 
farmer and good manager, and owes all he has to his own exertions and 
merits. He has ever lived a worthy and respectable life, and is es- 
teemed as a good neighbor and upright citizen by all who know him. 
He and his good wife have been favored with a numerous family of 
children, nine sons and six daughters, of whom there are ten in all living, 
and all residents of Randolph county : John A., born October 2, 1851 ; 
Elizabeth B., born December 17, 1853; Thomas McM., born Decem- 
ber 24, 1855 ; E. R., born November 23, 1858; G. D., born Septem- 
ber 17, 1860 ; Ophelia F., born September 14, 1862 ; Cynthia J., born 
February 28, 1864 ; James M., born February 26, 1866 ; Samuel M., 
born September 25, 1868; Sarah M., born December 11, 1870; W. 
E., born April 10, 1873; and Callie, born February 16, 1875. Mr. 
and Mrs. Halliburton are members of the Baptist Church at Union. 

JUDGE STROTHER RIDGEWAY 

(Farmer and Member of the County Court). 

Judge Ridgeway has been a resident of Randolph county for nearly 
half a century, and his life here from his first settlement in the county 
up to the present time has been marked by strict integrity as a man, 
public spirit as a citizen, and industry and enterprise as a farmer, — 
and no name in the history of the county stands out in a light freer 
from a shadow of reproach than his. A man of superior intelligence, 
sound judgment and good business ability, in 1882 he was picked upon 
by the leading citizens in difi'erent parts of the county as a proper 
candidate for the office of county judge. No sooner was his name 
generally mentioned for this position than it met the hearty approval 
of a large majority of his party and of the people. The result was 
that he was nominated by the Democracy, of which party he has long 
been a prominent member, and at the succeeding election was elected 
by a majority highly creditable to his personal popularity. He is now 
serving in this position, and brings to the discharge of the duties of 
his office qualities and qualifications which combine to make him one 



690 HISTORY OF EANDOLPH COUNTY. 

of the most capable and efficient judges, as Avell as one of the most 
upright and unswerving, who have set on the bench for years. On the 
19th of May, 1836, Judge Ridgeway was married to Miss Anna M. 
Eoush, originally of Berkeley county, Va. Thirteen children have 
been the fruits of this union, but nine of whom, however, are now liv- 
ing : Charles V.; Lucy J., now Mrs. Alonzo Dodge ; George R., a 
resident of Shelby county ; John S., Fountain A., Smith A., James F., 
Marion and Fayette. Those deceased are : Sarah E., who died in 1868 
at the age of 30 ; Joseph H., who died in 1863 at the age of 23 ; Rosana 
C, who died in infancy; and Anna E., who died at the age of 10 
years. In the affiurs of the world Judge Ridgeway has been satisfac- 
torily successful. He has long been one of the substantial farmers of 
Salt River township. His place contains over 250 acres of excellent 
land, and is well improved and well stocked. He and wife are mem- 
bers of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church at Salem. Judge Ridge- 
way comes of an excellent Virginia fiiniily, and he, himself, is a native 
of that State, in which he made his home until his removal to Mis- 
souri and settlement in Randolph county. He was born in Clark 
county, Va., then called Frederick county, November 11, 1814. His 
parents were both also natives of the Old Dominion. His father, 
Richard Ridgeway, was born February 2, 1790, and his mother, Sallie 
Crum, was born April 6, 1792, and they were marrie(^ in about 1811. 
They had a family of nine children, of whom six are living, namely : 
Strother, Eliza A., the widow of James L. Roberts, deceased, and a 
resident of Maryland; Richard S., of near Springfield, Ohio; Chris- 
tian F., of West Virginia ; Margaret P., whose first husband, Peter 
Bell, of Virginia, was murdered without cause by the Federals during 
the war — some years after which she became the wife of Martin Max- 
well, now of Maryland; and Lucy I., the widow of Dennis Denny, 
of Berkeley county, W. Va. Judge Ridgeway's father was a success- 
ful farmer of Virginia, and a descendant of the old Ridgeway family 
mentioned in the history of that State. 

JAMES B. TAYLOR 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, and Proprietor of Taylor's Blaclisraith and Wagon-malving 

Shop, Section 11). 

Mr. Taylor comes of one of the most distinguished families in the 
United States. His father. Major Jonathan Taylor, was a full cousin 
to Gen. Zachary Taylor, the sixteenth President of the United States, 
and both were distinguished officers in the American army during the 
War of 1812. Maj. Taylor was also an officer under Gen. Wayne, 
known as "Mad Anthony Wayne," in the Colonial army during the 
War for Independence. He was a major during the Revolution and 
distinguished himself by his gallantry and intrepidity on many a hard- 
fouffht field during that long and momentous struo;o;]e. His discharire 
from the army after the close of the War of 1812, signed by Thomas 
Jefferson, is still in the possession of the family. The Taylor family 
was for generations prior to the Revolution settled in Virginia. Maj. 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 691 

Taylor was married there to Miss Mary Ashley, of another family not 
unknown to fame. He Avas of Shenandoah county, and emigrated to 
Kentucky in an early day, where he died May 10, 1832, in Oldham 
county. His wife died on the family homestead in that county March 
10, three years afterwards. Maj. Taylor was a man of fine education 
and business qualifications, and was for many years Government sur- 
veyor. He and Col. Rector did a vast amount of surveying work in 
Missouri, but Maj. Taylor never settled permanently in this State. 
He and his good wife had a family of six sons and three daughters, only 
three of whom are now living, the other two besides James B. being 
Mary, the widow of William Gibson, of Kentucky, and Elizabeth, the 
widow of Thomas Amos, of Washington City. James B. Taylor was 
born in Fayette county, Ky., August 1, 1811, and was reared in the 
Blue Grass State. On the 10th of June, 1836, havino; come to Mis- 
souri just exactly two months before, he was married to Miss Betsey 
A. Lilly, of Marion county. Two years after his marriage Mr. Taylor 
came to Randolph county and settled where Levick's Mill now stands. 
He entered 160 acres of land and opened a farm, where he lived for 
about two years, and then settled on his present place. He has a 
good farm and, also, runs a blacksmith shop, including wagon-making. 
Long years of industry and frugal habits of living have prospered him 
abundantly, and his homestead has expanded into a fine estate of 400 
acres. His first wife died on the 10th of September, 1853, and on 
the 10th of May, 1855, he was married to his present wife. She was 
previously Miss Sarah Lawrence, of this county. By his first wife 
Mr. Taylor was given four sons and two daughters, three of whom are 
living. Mr. Taylor's farm is Avell improved, and he is comfortably 
situated in life. 



JACKSON TOWIS'SHIP. 



FRANCIS W. ANCELL 

(Farmer, Post-offlce, Cairo) . 

In the early settlement of Missouri, and particularly North-east Mis- 
souri, Virginia contributed her full share of sturdy, worthy pioneers — 
men with the courage and resolution, and with the industry and in- 
telligence, to build up prosperous and enlightened communities. 
Among those who came out from the Old Dominion in an early 
day was the father of the subject of the present sketch, Michael 
Ancell. It was in 1836 that he came to Missouri and located in 
Randolph county, near Huntsville. The following year he bought a 
tract of 160 acres in Jackson township, where he lived until his 
death, dying at the advanced age of 82, on the 21st of May, 1868. 
His wife died before he came to Missouri, in 1824, and for 44 years 
he remained a widower and until the sun of his earthly career had 



692 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

set forever. Having given her his love in the bright springtime of 
life, she remained the sole object of his marital affection not only 
until the grave closed over her, but for 44 years afterwards, and 
until he, too, was laid beneath the sod. What a poem of profound 
and enduring love remains unwritten in the life of this faithful and 
good man. In all the years that came aiter the flowers had bloomed 
again and again above the once beautiful form of his beloved wife, 
he saw no one else who could take her place in his heart, or whose 
presence in the chamber of his breast would not be a sacrilege to 
the place sacred alone to her sweet memory. She left three chil- 
dren : John S.*, still of Virginia ; Francis W., the subject of this 
sketch, and Mary A., the wife of John Koutt, of this county. There 
is a circumstance connected Avith the burial of the parents worthy 
of mention. James Brokin, a resident at that time of Virginia, but 
now of Huntsville, and an undertaker by occupation, made the coffin 
that inclosed the remains of the young wife in Virginia, and 44 years 
afterwards made the coffin in which reposed the remains of the aged 
husband. Francis W. Ancell was born in Orange county, Va., Oc- 
tober 3, 1819, and came out to Missouri with his father. Here he 
subsequently married on the 25th of February, 1855, Miss Lucetta 
T. Ancell a cousin of his, but of Fluvanna county, Va., where she 
was born on the 17th of May, 1818. None of their family of four 
children are living. Their names were: Michael H., Elizabeth M., 
Richard Hunter and Henrietta. Mr. Ancell has ever been an in- 
dustrious farmer and worthy citizen, and has a comfortable home of 
120 acres, on which he has resided since 1857. Mrs. A. is a mem- 
ber of the Baptist Church. 

BENJAMIN F. ELSEA 

(Farmer and Fine Stock-raiser). 

The same influences that have operated to give Kentucky the en- 
viable reputation she has long enjoyed for the superior quality of stock 
raised within her borders and particularly in the Blue Grass region, 
are now operating, and have been for a number of years past, in Mis- 
souri, and especially in the section of the State which includes Ran- 
dolph county, that is, an intelligent appreciation on the part of 
agriculturists of the greater profit to be derived from raising fine stock, 
and a determination on their part to realize this increased profit by 
following the example of Kentucky and other advanced fine stock 
sections of the country. In Randolph county we have hundreds of 
farmers who take this view of the subject, and who are carrying it out 
to the full extent of their means and opportunities. Among this class 
in Jackson township is the subject of the present sketch. Mr. Elsea 
has a neat farm of 160 acres, and is devoting it largely to raising fine 
sheep. His breeds are of the Lincolnshire and Shropshire stocks, and 
he is having excellent success in this line of industry. An intelligent, 
progressive farmer, his example in turning his attention to the best 
grades of sheep will doubtless have a beneficial influence on others, 



HISTORY or RANDOLPH COUNTY. 69 S 

and thus redound greatly to the advantage and benefit of the township 
and county. Mr. Elsea is a native of the Old Dominion, born on the 
17th of November, 1820, and was one of a family of nine children, 
but four of whom are now living, of Jonathan Elsea and wife, whose 
maiden name was Sarah Matthews. The mother died in Virginia in 
1885, and the father removed to Missouri four years afterwards, locat- 
ing near Hannibal, and in 1841 crossed overinto Macon county, where 
he lived until his death which occurred in 1850. Benjamin F. Elsea 
was 19 years of age when his father came to Missouri. On the 2d of 
March, 1847, he was married to Miss Mary J.,, daughter of John 
Grafi'ord of Macon county. Continuing farming, to which he had been 
brought up, in 1866 he settled on his present farm in Randolph county. 
His life from youth has been one of industry and strict integrity, and 
the rewards of such a character, now that he is passing middle age 
and approaching the evening of his earthly career, he has to enjoy, a 
comfortable competency of this world's goods and the respect and es- 
teem of all who know him. Mr. Elsea's first wife died in 1862, and 
nearly two years afterwards, in November, 1863, he was married to 
Miss Thalitha H., a daughter of Howey and Elizabeth Taylor, of Ran- 
dolph county, who is still spared to accompany him down the journey 
of life. Bj' his first marriage there were five sons and a daughter : 
James W., Benjamin F., Jr., Felix, John C, Laura B. and one other. 
By his present wife Mr. Elsea has seven children : Lydia J., David J., 
Leona P., Lucy D., Lena K., Homer and Lottie. Thomas G. is de- 
ceased. Mr. and Mrs. Elsea are members of the Christian Church, 
and Mr. E. is a member of the Stock Breeders' Association of Ran- 
dolph and Macon counties, which was organized in 1878. 

JUDGE REUBEN F. POLSON 

(Farmer aud Stock-raiser, and Proprietor of the Lone Elm Farm). 

The Poison family, of which there are a number of worthy repre- 
sentatives in Randolph county, who rank among its most substantial 
and intelligent citizens, is originally of Virginia, to which State the 
founder of the family in this country came from England, long prior 
to the War of the Revolution. The Poisons, of Virginia, as these of 
Randolph county are, are among the well-to-do and influential citizens 
of their respective communities. The Randolph branch of the family 
comes of Rev. Benjamin Poison, one of the early settlers of this 
county, and Avho was born in Virginia on the 6th of October, 1872. 
While still quite young he was brought out to Kentucky by his 
jDarents, who removed to the latter State in an earl}^ day, where Benja- 
min grew up and was educated. He was married there on the 6th of 
February, 1813, to Miss Sarah Wall, who was born September 11, 
1795, and was of an old North Carolina family, representatives of 
which now live in Henry, Johnson, and several other counties of this 
State, as well as nearly all the other Western States. Benjamin 
Poison, whose parents in Kentucky were in well-to-do circumstances, 
received something more than an average education at that time, and 



G94 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

subsequently studied for the ministry and was duly ordained. In 
those days it Avas the custom, as it was in the primitive days of 
Christianity, for ministers of the gospel to look mainly to their own 
industry for worldly prosperity, and to rely but very little for support 
on their work in the pulpit. Hence it is that in the early history of 
the church in this county, we find most of its ministers also farmers 
or devoted to some other secular calling. So with the Rev. Mr. 
Poison. He was not only an able and popular minister of the gospel, 
but an enterprising and successful agriculturist, a man abundantly 
able to take care of himself and those depending upon him without 
help from his brethren. Besides, he preached alone from love of 
God and sympathy for humanity in its lost state, and therefore worked 
without worldly reward, but for that higher and more infinite reward 
to be had alone in Heaven. In 1837 he removed to Missouri and 
located in Randolph county. Here he continued his great life-work 
in the service of God and also began a career as a farmer and stock- 
raiser in this county which was very successful. Increasing his pos- 
sessions by industry and good management, his homestead at one 
time numbered 900 acres, and he was as comfortably situated as any 
man in the county. A true Christian minister, and a generous, hos- 
pitable man, his home was a welcome resort to neighbors and friends, 
and to the wayfaring man the latch-string of his door was never drawn 
in, but a hospitable bed and board were ever ready to those who 
hailed him from his gate. In short, he was a great-hearted, good man, 
whose humanity and generosity were as boundless as his faith in the re- 
ligion he preached was sincere — one at whose house it was a pleasure to 
stay and in whose company it was a pleasure to be. In 1838 he organized 
the next to the first Christian church in the history of the county, and 
was its pastor for 18 years, preaching within the walls of the edifice 
erected at his instance, and in groves and neighbors' houses, the bound- 
less love and charity of God, and the glorious doctrine of the Atone- 
ment. He worked in the vineyard of the Lord faithfully and without 
ceasing until the shadows of old age settled deep and thick about him, 
and admonished him that the time for retirement and rest had come. 
He survived to a good old age, and died in his eighty-first year, on 
the 8th of May, 1873. His good wife, who had been his comfort and 
solace through a long and happy married life, preceded him to the 
grave by less than three years, leading in the pathway that he was 
soon to tread on the 10th of Octol^er, 1870. He raised a worthy 
family of children, consisting of eight sons and three daughters 
but four of whom, however, are now living, namely: Betsey A., 
now the widow of James J. Rice; Harrison P., Reuben F., the sub- 
ject of this sketch; and Sarah J., the widow of M. P. Durham. 
Those deceased are: Thomas J., Nancy S., William G., James M., 
John E., Benjamin F., Jr., and Jacob A. Judge Reuben F. Poison, 
next to the youngest in his father's family of children, was born in 
Lincoln county, Ky., April 2, 1834, and was therefore but three years 
of age when his ^parents removed to Randolph county. Brought up 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 695 

by such a father as his, he of course developed those qualities of mind 
and heart, and those habits of industry, which, when present in an in- 
dividual, never fail to make him a useful and influential citizen. He 
of course became a farmer and this occupation he has ever since fol- 
lowed. When about seven years old he met with a severe accident, 
having his left arm fractured and elbow dislocated ; this, of course, 
prevented him from performing physical labor with that member. At 
the age of 19 he commenced the study of law, but before com- 
pleting his course, at his father's request he took charge of the hitter's 
farm and business generally, continuing to be thus occupied until his 
death. In the meantime R. F. Poison purchased the farm on which 
he now resides. Although doubtless perfectly competent to enter the 
legal profession, he has never applied for admittance to the bar. On 
the 3d of May, 1855, Mr. P. was married to Miss Elizabeth R. Halley 
of Macon county. She survived for nearly 22 years, dying April 25, 
1877. Of the family of six daughters and three sons born of this 
union, six are living: Logan, Dora A., new Mrs. Daniel S. Routt; 
Ellen D., now Mrs. Martin L. Routt; Reuben S., Kittle A. and Effie 
E. Those deceased are: Joseph F.,who died at the age of 17, 
in 1875 ; Susan M., Ida and Florence, all three of whom died in in- 
fancy. During this time Mr. Poison became, as his father had before 
him, entirely successful in the affairs of life and highly respected and 
influential as a citizen. He settled on his present farm in 1862. Four 
years afterwards he was elected magistrate of his township and filled 
the office with such fairness and ability and such general satisfaction, 
that he was afterwards continuously re-elected and served until 1878, 
when his name had become so prominent and well-known as a leading 
citizen of the county, and his reputation for business ability, sound 
judgment, and high character so generally recognized, that he was 
elected for the responsible office of probate judge of the county, the 
highest judicial office in the county and second to only that of circuit 
judge of the whole judicial district. He filled this position to the ex- 
piration of his term with his characteristic ability and efficiency, and 
retired with the confidence and high esteem of all the people of the 
county, regardless of party or other differences of opinion. Such a 
record he may well contemplate with satisfaction, and such a record 
his children and the county may point to with just pride. On the 
25th of November, 1877, Judge Poison was married to his present 
wife, formerly Miss Hallie Burckhartt. She was born in this county 
February 27, 1843, and is a daughter of Dr. C. F. Burckhartt, a prom- 
inent representative of that old and honored family whose name he 
bears, so well and favorably known to Missourians. The Judge is a 
member of the Masonic order and also of the Ancient Order of United 
Workmen. He and wife are members of the Christian Church, at 
Jacksonville. He is an unflinching Democrat, always voting for the 
nominees of his party. 

39 



696 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 



JAMES L. POLSON 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser), 

Mr. Poison is the eldest of two sons now living in the family of 
children by the first marriage of his father, Rev. Harrison P. Poison. 
Dr. Harrison P. Poison was the seventh son of Rev. Benjamin Poison, 
mention of whom is made in the sketch of Judge Reuben F. Poison, 
which precedes this, and was born in Gasey county, Ky., November 
16, 1831. He followed the example of his father and became a 
follower of Christ about the year 1852, and, also, like his father, 
became a successful farmer and one of the most highly respected 
citizens in this portion of the county. Reared in Randolph county, 
he was married here on the 14th of May, 1854, to Miss Mary P. 
Halley, who, like himself, was originally from Kentucky, where she 
was born on the 17th of April, 1835. She died on the 21st of May, 
1862, and of her four children, three sons and a daughter, but two 
sons are living: James L., the subject of this sketch and Thomas F. 
He was subsequently married to Mrs. Elizabeth Cannon, of Macon 
county. There are three children by this union, two daughters and 
a son. He was a man of superior general education, considering the 
times and country in which he lived, and his opportunities for mental 
culture. But in the Bible he was especially well read, and having the 
gift of healing, which he has practiced for many years, hundreds have 
been made to rejoice at his power over diseases by laying on of hands. 
While his faith in the great doctrines of the Christian religion is 
unfaltering and as enduring as life itself, his zeal is of the kind that 
never wearies, but at all times and in all circumstances it is a great 
source of comfort to him. He is still living near Jacksonville, Mo., 
and using his gift as best he can by healing all who call upon him. 
When he comes to lay aside the garments of his earthly flesh, it can 
be said of him — 

" How beautiful it is for a man to die 
Upon the walls of Zion! to be called 
Like a watch-worn and weary sentinel, 
To put his armour off, and rest in heaven." 

James L. Poison, the subject of this sketch, was born on his father's 
homestead in this county on the 4th of May, 1855, and was reared on 
a fiirm. On the 9th of January, 1876, he was married to Miss Amanda 
F. Durham, daughter of F. P. and Susan Durham, of this county. 
Mr. Poison has made farming his life occupation, and has a neat place 
of 80 acres, besides 40 acres of good timber. His farm is exception- 
ally well improved, and shows him to be a man of marked intelligence, 
enterprise and good taste. Mr. and Mrs. Poison have three children : 
Ruby E., Bertha E. and John H. He and wife are members of the 
Christian Church, in which his father and grandfather were faithful 
and able ministers. 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 697 



WILLIAM G. EILEY 

(Farmer). 

Mr. R., one of the substantial and respected citizens of Jackson 
township, is at the same time one of the oldest native residents, if not 
the oldest, of Randolph county. He was born near Huntsville, on his 
father's homestead, on the 23d of July, 1823, and will therefore soon 
have spent 61 years within the borders of his native county, with the 
exception of the years 1844 and 1845, when he resided in Marion 
county. He has grown with the growth of the county, and while the 
county in these 60 years has developed from a wilderness into one of 
the best in the State, he has come to be one of its best citizens, and 
not less prosperous in worldly affairs than he is highly respected. 
Coming up in this new country, he of course had but poor opportuni- 
ties, so far as education and other artificial advantages are concerned, 
to fit himself for a successful future ; but for this absence of advan- 
tages he has more than made up by the energy and sterling qualities 
of his character. From boyhood he has followed farming, and has 
become one of the most practical and intelligent farmers of his town- 
ship. The fruits of his industry and good management are visible in 
his large and handsome farm of 260 acres, and in his flocks and herds 
which pasture on it and in his other valuable property. He certainly 
has no cause to complain of his situation in life or the manner in which 
the soil and seasons have responded to his toil. He has resided on 
this place since 1851. On the 25th of December, 1849, he was 
married to Miss Elizabeth J. Tedford. Seven of the nine children, 
the issue of this marriage, are living. Mr. Riley's first wife died on 
the 24th of April, 1873. His present wife was, previous to her 
marriage to him, a Mrs. Susan Tabor, the widow of Thomas Tabor, 
of Macon county. This marriage was solemnized August 9, 1874, 
and three children, two sons and a daughter, have followed. The 
names of his children are; Laura F., John W., Margaret L., Susan 
H., Olivia A., Virginia C, Nannie J., Mollie Lee, Victor H., Herbert 
E., Buler G. and Earl. Mr. Riley's parents were Abraham and Mary 
(Dale) Riley, the father born in Maryland, June 18, 1776, and the 
mother in Kentucky 10 years afterwards. They had six sons and six 
daughters, four sons and two daughters of whom are residents or 
Randolph and Macon counties. The others are deceased. The 
parents were among the very earliest settlers, having removed here 
from Kentucky in 1822. The mother died in 1847, and after her 
death the father made his home with his children, and lived to the 
advanced age of 90 years, dying September 16, 1866. Mr. Riley is a 
member of the Baptist Church, and his wife of the Old School Baptists. 
It should have been mentioned above that Mr. R. served as a volunteer 
in the United States army in the War with Mexico in 1846-47, 
winning an enviable record as a brave soldier in that conflict. 



C98 HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 



WILLARD M. SEARS 

(Druggist, Jacksonville). 

Mr. Sears, a popular young business man of this place, comes of an 
old Randolph county family, and was born in this county on the 28th 
of June, 1856. His ftither was a substantial farmer of this county, 
and Willard M. was reared on the farm and received a good practical, 
education in the common schools. On the 15th of December, 1878, 
he was married to Miss Elva V. Campbell, born and reared in Ran- 
dolph county. They have had two interesting children : Zula F., born 
October 7, 1879, and Virgil E., born December 4, 1881. Both are 
now deceased, Zula having died April 21, 1880, and Virgil, August 21, 
1883. Up to 1883, Mr. Sears followed farming exclusively and he 
still has a neat farm of 80 acres in this township, the management of 
which he controls. But in April of last year he established his 
present drug store at this place. This has proved an entire success 
as a business venture, and Mr. Sears justly claims to have one of the 
neatest, best kept and most popular retail drug houses in this part of 
the county. He keeps a good line of fresh drugs, and is careful in 
compounding prescriptions so that all mistakes are avoided. He and 
his wife are members of the Baptist Church at Mt. Salem, in Macon 
county. Mr. Sears was one in a family of four children of Andrew 
J. and Fannie A. .(Palmer) Sears, of this county. The mother 
died in September, 1863. Two years afterwards the father was mar- 
to Miss Minnie Teter of Macon county. Seven children followed his 
second marriage. He died here May 22, 1881, leaving a comfortable 
homestead of nearly a quarter-section of land. 

WILLIAM SURBER 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser) . 

Toward the early settlement of Missouri, and particularly this sec- 
tion of the State, Virginia contributed more sturdy, brave-hearted 
pioneers than any State in the Union. Among those who came out in 
an early day from the Old Dominion were the parents of Mr. Surber 
and their family, who settled in Randolph county, where the father, 
Jacob Surber, lived until his death, which occurred in the seventy- 
ninth year of his age, and in 1865 ; the mother, whose maiden name 
was Nancy Wagoner, preceded him to the grave in 1864. They had 
six sons and six daughters, and three sons and four daughters are liv- 
ing : James W., Mary J., wife of Elijah Elder; William, Maria, the 
wife of George Halley ; Caroline, the wife of J. W. Barnes; Anton- 
ette, the wife of James Moody, and John T. B. The deceased are : 
Emeline, Joseph, Charles T., George A. and Harriet. William Surber, 
the subject of this sketch, was born in Virginia, January 4, 1827, and 
was reared on a farm. On the 25th of August, 1852, he was married to 
Miss Martha Walker, also originally of Virginia, born January 10, 1830, 
but at the time of her marriage a resident of Macon county, this State. 



HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY. 699 

Mr. Surber continued farming after he was married and has had good 
success. In 1870 he settled on his present place, which contains over 
300 acres. He is engaged to a considerable extent in stock-raising, 
and is one of the well-to-do farmers of the township. Mr. and Mrs. 
Surber have four children : Alice G., the wife of John -C. McCanne, 
of Jacksonville, Mo. ; Kobert P., Birdie W. and Mittie L., twins ; the 
latter the wife of H. J. Humphrey, of Jacksonville, Mo., and Lutie. 
Mr. and Mrs. Surber are members of the Baptist Church. 




MACON COUNTY. 



HISTORY 



OF 



MACON COUNTY, MISSOURI. 



CHAPTER I. 

The Pioneer — First Settlements — Names of Early Settlers— Organization of the 

County — Nathaniel Macon. 

THE PIONEEE. 

"In the heart of the grand old forest, 
A thousand miles to the west, 
Where a stream gushed out from the hillside, 
They halted at last for rest ; 
And the silence of ages listened, 
To the ax-stroke loud and clear, 
Divining a Kingly presence 
In the tread of the pioneer. 

•' He formed of the prostrate branches 
A house that was strong and good ; 
The roof was of reeds from the streamlet, 
The chimney he built of wood ; 
And there by the winter fireside, 
While the flame up the chimney roared, 
He spoke of the good time coming, 
When plenty should crown his board — 

" When the forest should fade like a vision, 
And over the hillside and plain. 
The orchard would spring In its beauty. 
And the fields of golden grain. 
And to-night he sits by the fireside. 
In a mansion quaint and old. 
With his children's children around him. 
Having reaped a thousand fold." 

(701) 



702 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 



FIRST SETTLEMENTS. 



Although the first permanent settlement was not made within the 
present limits of Macon county, until the year 1827, its territory was 
not by any means unknown to the pioneers of Randolph, Chariton 
and Howard counties. The daring hunter, with his trusty rifle, had 
not only explored all the important water-courses which vein its sur- 
face, but had, time and again, traversed its broad prairies in search of 
the game which everywhere abounded. 

That part of Macon county which borders upon Randolph and Char- 
iton counties, was, naturally, first occupied by the emigrant, as the 
latter counties ante-date the former, both in settlement and organiza- 
tion, and were at that time the only contiguous territory that contained 
any inhabitants, other than the Indians and wild animals. 

The first settlers in the county, though generally from Kentucky 
and Virginia (the two States which have contributed so largel}'^ to 
the early settlement of Missouri), came to Macon direct from Howard 
and Randolph counties. Mo., whither they had emigrated from their 
native States. 

From the most reliable information that can be obtained, the first 
white man to erect his cabin-home in the present limits of Macon 
county, was James Loe, who came to Howard county. Mo., in 1820, 
from Wayne county, Ky., and located near the old town of Fayette, 
where he remained, as above indicated, until 1827, when he and his 
family came to Macon county. They located south of Callao, on 
what has since been known as the Joseph M. Hammett farm, section 
13, township 57, range 16. 

For some time after their arrival they saw no human beings but 
Indians, whose acquaintance they were not particularly anxious to 
cultivate. During the hunting season the Sioux Indians passed within 
sight of their cabin almost every day, and frequently camped on the 
Chariton river with their squaws and pappooses. They continued to 
come to the county on their annual hunting expeditions until about 
the year 1836, when they took up their line of march further west. 
Mr. Loe died in 18 — . His son, Jacob Loe, is still a resident of 
Macon county, and is now 77 years of age. 

Mr. Rowland came to the county in 1829 and located where old 
Centre ville (since called Woodville) was laid out. He was born 
in Chatham county, N. C, March 2, 1805, and came to Randolph 
county in 1822. He and his brother, William H. Rowland, entered 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 703 

the first land in that part of the county in 1828. At the date 
of his coming, the game consisted of bears, ellis, deer, panthers, 
turkeys and wolves. Mr. Rowland was fond of hunting, and during 
those pioneer times he killed elks with horns so large that when re- 
versed with tips on the ground he could walk under them. He killed 
upon one occasion two large black bears on one tree. Hunters 
would at that time often go north as far as the Raccoon fork of the 
Des Moines river, where the city of Des Moines is now situated. 
One niffht six or eis-ht Indians came to Mr. Rowland's cabin and 
made known their presence by their war whoop, which they sounded 
upon their arrival. There were no floors or doors to his cabin. He 
stood with his musket and butcher-knife in hand, and his trembling 
wife by his side, expecting to be killed every minute. The Indians 
attempted to force their way into the cabin but were prevented from 
so doing by Mr. Rowland. They finally desired to shake hands with 
him and called him "Brave Mucky-man," and left. The next morn- 
ing he heard that they robbed every man in the settlement but one. 

In 1847 Mr. Rowland was elected a justice of the peace. He was 
one of the county court judges. In 1850 he was elected to the 
Lower House of the General Assembly, and was reelected for one or 
two succeedinfr terms. In 1854 he was elected to the State Senate, 
and in 1861 he was elected a delegate to the State Convention. He 
is still living in Macon county. 

William Morrow was the third settler. He came from Clay county, 
Ky., in 1819, to Missouri, and opened the farm now known as the 
Dr. John Sappington place, six miles north-east of Glasgow, in 
Howard county. After residing in Howard county three years he 
moved to Marion county, Tenn., where he remained six years and 
then returned to Missouri, this time settling in Randolph county, 
near Fox's mill on the Middle fork of the Chariton river. After 
living there for one year, on March 15, 1831, he came to Macon 
county and located on the south-east quarter of section 2, township 
56, range 16, in Chariton township. The farm which he opened is 
now occupied by Mrs. Nancy Perrin. 

At the date of Mr. Morrow's coming there were no settlements in 
the region of country including Adair, Schuyler, Putnam and Macon 
counties, except those made by James Loe, Lewis Green, Elisha 
Chambers, Randall Clark, Frederick Rowland, Andrew Millsap and a 
few others. Mr. Morrow erected the first grist (corn) mill that was 
put up in the county, near to or on the farm of Mrs. Perrin, above 
named. This served for a large section of country for a number of 



704 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

years. He was not only a pioneer miller, but was the pioneer black- 
smith, and being an ingenious workman, he made it a success. Major 
William J. Morrow and Jefferson Morrow, Sr., are sons of William 
Morrow. The neighborhood where they originally located was called 
the •• Morrow Settlement." 

Then was made the Blackwell settlement on Grand Prairie, five 
miles north of Macon, and was composed of William Blackwell, 
Nathan Richardson and John Walker, an old Revolutionary soldier. 

Mr. Blackwell, after whom the settlement was named, was born in 
Madison county, Ky., January 13, 1797, and on the 18th of Sep- 
tember, 1823, he married Elizabeth Lynch. He came to Boone 
county. Mo., in November, 1827, and moved to Howard county the 
following year. On the 12th of April, 1831, he became a citizen of 
Macon county, and resided continuously in the same neighborhood 
until the date of his death. 

*' Blackwell Settlement " was afterwards called Moccasinville, so 
named because the pioneers had no leather to make shoes of, and were 
compelled to wear moccasins instead. Mr. Blackwell died at his home 
in Eagle township in 1882, at the advanced age of 85 years. He left 
a large number of children and grandchildren, and when his remains 
were interred in Bellview cemetery a large concourse of people were 
in attendance, among whom were many of the first settlers of the 
county and their descendants. 

The next emigrants to the county came in 1832, and formed the 
*' Owenby Settlement." Their names were Joseph Owenby and 
Clemens Hutchison, and located where the town of Blooraington now 
stands. Joseph Owenby was one of the first three county court 
judges. 

In 1833 a number of other settlements were made. Lewis Gilstrap 
and William Garrett settled the tracts of land on which the town of 
Beyier stands, running west to the Middle fork. Samuel Goodson 
and James Stow located about the same time on Bear creek. Abraham 
Dale, William Shain, Isaac Gross, and a few others, opened farms on 
the Chariton Divide, in the northern part of the county. In the 
south-eastern part of the county another settlement was made by 
Frederick Rowland, Thomas Winn and Henry Mathews. 

About the year 1832, Thomas Winn settled in Frederick Rowland's 
neighborhood. He was a native of Clark county, Ky., where he was 
born September 26, 1808. His father emigrated to Missouri in 1817, 
and like many others of the first settlers of Macon county, first stopped 
in Howard county. In 1829 he married Nancy Brown of that county, 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 705 

and by this union 10 children have been born unto them, five sons 
and five daughters, all of whom lived to be grown. He had 30 grand- 
children, and all of them settled on farms in the same vicinity. He 
was also a great hunter, and during the winter of 1833-4 he and others 
killed 17 bears and a few panthers. He killed a bear that weighed 400 
pounds. In 1834-5 he found 80 bee trees. He served on the first 
gran.d jury impaneled in the county. He died February 20, 1880, in 
the seventy-second year of his age. 

We have endeavored to give the names and locations of the earliest 
settlers and settlements of Macon county, and have given brief sketches 
of a few of the most prominent men who were instrumental in form- 
ing and moulding those settlements, and shall now append a long list 
of names of men, who among others, constituted that van-guard of 
early emigrants who assisted in bearing aloft the banner of civiliza- 
tion. This list will include the names of a large number of the 
settlers who came to the county between the years of 1830 and 1844. 

Ishmael Abbott, Elvan Allen, David Amick, Haley Andrews, Isaac 
B. Andrews, Robert Armstrong, John Ashbel, Simon Atteberry, 
Walker Austin, Othmel Baccus, James H. Bagwill, John M. Baird, 
J. P. Baldwin, John Ballinger, Felix Baker, John B. Ballard, Samuel 
Baldridge, Frazier Banning, Thomas Banning, John Banta, Elijah 
Barnes, Caleb Barnett, David Barrow, Nathan Barrow, Ammon Beebe, 
Rev. Stephen P. Beebe, John H. Bian, John Beall, Jacob Beall, John 
Bell, John Blew, Samuel Blankenship, Richard Blew, Solomon Bless- 
ing, William Brammer, Shadrich Brammer, Wesley O. Bristoe, M. 
T. Brasfield, William R. Brock, Chesley Brock, Reuben Brown, Will- 
iam Breckin, Arthur Brown, James Bryant, Arthur Borron, C. G. 
Buckley, Winfield Bulkley, Henry Bunch, Joseph Bunch, John Bunch, 
Abner Bundron, Green B. Burckhartt, Richard Burnett, Rowland Bur- 
nett, William Burris, Michael Buster, C. Buster, James Buster, Joseph 
D. Butler, John Butt, George Cain, Rev. Samuel B. F. Caldwell, 
Alfred Calffre, Richard Calvert, W. R. Calfer, J. S. Cantwell, George 
Caperon, Simeon Cannon, Stanton Carter, J. G. Canterbury, W. J. 
Care, Wesley Cherry, Richard Christial, Milton Christial, Elisha 
Chambers, James Chrissup, Fletcher Chrissup, Joseph Claybrook, 
Thomas Clifton, James C. Cochran, Charles Colyear, George B- 
Cook, William J. Cook, Valentine Cook, Rice Cook, Jeremiah Coil, 
Isaac Cooley, George Condor, Benjamin Cooley, David Cooper, George 
Coperon, Floyd H. Coulter, Sterling Coulter, William Cooksey, 
James Cox, Joel Crain, Daniel Crawley, James Croft, Peter Cum- 
mings, Samuel Cunningham, Tyre Dabney, Jubal Dabney, Nathan 



706 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

Dabney, Bluford Dabney, Philip Dale, Abraham Dale, Alexander 
Dameron, J. C. Dameron, Andrew J. Davis, John Davis, Drevvry 
Davis, Rev. O. P. Davis, James Davis, Rev. Samuel C. Davidson, 
Jacob Dawson, William Dickerson, Obediah Dickerson, Thomas Dod- 
son, George Dodson, Joseph Dougherty, William Drinkard, Mark 
Dunn, Palington Dunnington, Reuben Dunuington, George Dungan, 
Nicholas Durall, Rev. James Dysart, Urban East, Samuel G. Eason, 
William Easley, John Ellis, John E. Ellis, John Elliott, Hodges 
England, Ebenezer Enyart, Abraham Enyart, George Epperly, S. L. 
Evans, David Farrington, William Farmer, John Ferguson, Jefferson 
Finn, Achilles Finnel, K. S. Fitts, Bartlet Fletcher, Wilson Fletcher, 
Isham Fletcher, James Floore, Jonathan Floyd, Benjamin Forman, 
Henry D. Fort, ^ Simpson Foster, William S. Fox, Samuel Fox, B. 
Freeman, George Gates, William Garwood, William Gates, George 
Gallihorn, Thomas H. Gains, Robert George, Thomas Gee, John Gee, 
Aaron Gee, Robert I. Gipson, Stephen Gipson, E. S. Gipson, Walter 
Y. Gilman, James Glenn, William H. Glenn, Jesse Gilstrap, Peter 
Gilstrap, Abner L. Gilstrap, Philip Gilstrap, Alexander Goodding, 
Nicholas Goodding, Isaac Goodding, William Goddard, John C. Good- 
son, J. G. Goodard, Samuel Goodson, G. J. Gorham, Joseph 
Grady, Robert Graves, Benjamin Grafford, James H. Graves, 
John Graham, Hiram Graves, George W. Green, Willis E. 
Green, William Green, William Griffin, William G. Griffin, 
Obed Griffin, Henry Griffin, Jesse Griffin, Joseph Griffin, James A. 
Griffin, Cunningham Grimes, Spencer Grogan, John Gross, Isaac Gross, 
Allen C. Gunter, J. W. Hacker, Reuben Haines, W. L. Hale, John 
Hagewood, Jesse Hall, Samuel Hall, Simeon Halliburton, Ambrose 
Halliburton, Wesley Halliburton, John Haley, James T. Haley, Charles 
H. Hamilton, Leroy Hampton, E. E. Hand, I. C. Hanes, H. Hard- 
grove, Hardin Hargis, Golden Harden, Isaac Hargis, John Hargis, 
William Hartgrove, Andrew Hatfield, Oliver Hatter, Lewis C. Haw- 
kins, James L. Hawkins, James W. Haydon, E. Hayden, Richard 
Heaton, James Head, Burtley P. Herndon, Henry Hines, E. T. Hick- 
man, William C. A. Hill, William Hibbard, Rev. A. T. Hite, David 
Hodge, James P. Holly, James Hollowell, R. S. Holley, E. L. Holli- 
day, Joseph Holman, William Holman, 'Squire Holman, Andrew 
Hood, Thomas Hood, Elias Holiday, James Holderley, Charles Holt, 
John D. Howe, Thomas Howard, Christopher Howard, William Huck- 
aby, David Hubble, Daniel C. Hubbard, Micajah Hull, Kelm T. 



1 Surveyed the first county seat. 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 707 

Hulin, Wilbuni Hughes, John Huffraann, Martin Humphreys, William 
Hurley, Peyton Y. Hurt, Jesse James, H. T. James, Abner James, 
Alfred James, William Jeremy, J. Jennings, Gabriel Johnson, Enoch 
Johnson, Richard T. Johnson, Jacob Johnson, John Jones, Allen 
Jones, Theodore Jones, Johnson Jones, Jacob Kasinger, William 
Kelly, John Kelso, Thomas Kennedy, Joel King, Edward P. G. Kin- 
kade, Hughes W. Kirk, A. Q. Kirby, Thomas Kirkpatrick, 
Moses Kitchen, John Lander, Robert Landrum, John Lamb, 
Travis Lamb, John Landry, George B.Larrick, Rev. Joshua Lawson, 
John M. Leath, John Leathers, Oliver P. Lee, Abraham Lewis, John 
Lesley, John Lister, Charles Lecompt, Amos A. Logsdon, James 
Londay, Gideon Lyda, Pleasant Lyle, James Lyons, James Mackey, 
David Magee, Jehoidah Marsh, William Mason, Bright Martin, Hugh 
Mastison, Broad Matney, Jefferson Matney, Joel Maxey, Benjamin 
Mead, John F. McDavitt, Leo McDavitt, W. R. McLean, John Mc- 
Duffee, John McNuly, Hugh McCann, Henderson McCully, Amhurst 
P. McCall, Robert Menifee, JohnH. Meadley, Armstead Miles, Maxey 
Miller, John Miller, L. D. Miller, Robert Miller, Rev. Solomon Milan, 
A. J. Miles, John Moore, Abram Morris, John L. Morris, Amos Mor- 
ris, Green Moore, Jeifersou Morrow, William J. Morrow, Carroll 
Moss, William Montgomery, Rev. James Moody, R. Mott, Ichabod 
Moberly, Daniel Murley, Sr., Daniel Murry, Martin Murphy, Sand- 
ford Murley, C. G. Maupin, Daniel F.Myers, James Meyers, Robert 
Myers, James Mulinax, John L. Northup, Robert Nunley, Owenby 
Oliver, Rev. Joseph Oliver, Canady Owenby, Nelson Olverson, Bird- 
rick Posey, Leroy Penton, Jefferson Patrick, John D. Penland, 
Charles Perrin, William Phipps, Peter Powell, John C. Powell, Henry 
Powell, Barzilla Powell, W. H. Proctor, Martin Partin, William Pen- 
ick, James Pipps, Tolly Porter, Henry Percy, A. C. Peyton, John 
Patrick, Joseph Pershall, Miles Poteet, Jepthar Pittman, William 
Patton, John Peyton, Rev. James Ratliff, Howel Rose, John Rose, 
Jonathan Ratliff, William H. Rowland, Frederick Rowland, J. E. Rich- 
ardson, John Roberts, Hiram Reed, James Riley, George Reynolds, 
James Rowland, Nathan Richardson, F. Rice, James N. Richey, James 
H. Ray, Benjamin Robuck, Joseph Ringo, Silas Richardson, William 
V. Rippy, Thomas Royalty, William Ramsey, Ralph Roberts, James 
Reed, John A. Roper, Rev. William Sears, Ninevah Summers, 
Waymire Summers, Johnson Summers, Reuben C. Sims, Daniel Sims, 
Rev. Abram Still, Richard Summers, Aaron Summers, Joseph Sears, 
James Sears, Joshua Seny, Hemsley Seny, Joseph Stone, Archibald 
Shoemaker, R. L. Shackelford, Thomas G. Sharp, H. B. Smedley, 



708 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

Lewis Smith, William C. Smith, Perry M. Stacy, Newton Switzer, 
Rev. John G. Swinney, Armstead Smoot, Jacob Surber, Hiram Sum- 
mers, Alva Shoemaker, Stephen T. Smith, Moses Summers, John T. 
Skinner, Joseph R. Snodgrass, Warren C. Smoot, Noah Summers, 
John Shawver, E. Sloan, James H. Stokes, John Sneed, John D. 
Smith, Sidney S. Swetman, David H. Steele, W. B. Stephens, Will- 
iam Saling, George W. Spooner, Wash. Surber, Hezekiah Sneed, M. 
Scruthfield, George A. Strange, William Scruthfield, George M. 
Taylor, James A. Terrill, Moses Taylor, Lewis Tilly, Walter Thomp- 
son, Charles H. Tuggle, Nicholas Tuttle, Rev. Alfred Tobin, Lynch 
Terrill, Jesse Truitt, John Thompson, John Temple, John Vansickle, 
Jacob Vestal, Samuel Vernum, Abner Vickery, Robert Vankirk, Rev. 
Allen Wright, Evans Wright, Sr., Bennett C. Wright, James Wells, 
Temple Windle, John P. Walker, Jesse Walker, Owen Wilson, 
Isham Walker, D. G. Walker, Thomas K. Walker, Randolph White, 
John Whiles, Thomas J. Winn, Ellis R. Wilson, William Winkler, 
W. W. Wiggins, Amos Williams, Summers Wright, Johnson Wright, 
Clayborn Wright, Eli Williams, Thomas Williams, John White, 
Thomas Waller, William West, Edwin A. Whitfield, William Will- 
iams, James B. Wiggins, Scott Winn, Perry G. Walker, David 
Young, E. R. Yates, James M. Yager. 

The names above recorded should be carefully preserved and 
handed down to future generations, because they are the names of the 
men who first entered and peopled the territory now known as Macon 
county. The first settlers in any new country pass through an ex- 
perience which no succeeding generation will ever be able to fully 
appreciate. The time is ah'eady past when the youth of the present, 
even, have any conceptions of the vicissitudes, dangers and trials, 
which the pioneer fathers and mothers were compelled to undergo, to 
maintain a footing in the States west of the Mississippi. Every new 
settlement wrote a history of its own, which differed from others in 
the nature of its surroundings, but the aggregate of the experience of 
all, was one never to be repeated again in the same territory or 
country. The mighty woods and the solemn prairies are no longer 
shrouded in mystery, and their effect on the minds of the early comers 
are sensations which will be a sealed book to the future.. Year by 
year the circle of these old veterans of civilization is narrowing. All 
that is most vivid and valuable in memory is rapidly disappearing. 
Gray hairs and bowed forms attest the march of time. The personal 
sketch of pioneer settlers, however rudely drawn, or immature in de- 
tail, cannot be classed as the work of mere vain glory. On the con- 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. lOd 

trary, the future will treasure them, and, as the generations recede, 
they will become more and more objects of interest and real value. 
The memory of the pioneer — even if his name be all that is left — is 
one the world will never consent to let fade. Its transmission is a 
priceless gift to the future. The pioneers still with us are the con- 
necting link between the past and the present. They have seen this 
great country reclaimed from the wilderness and become the home of 
civilization, refinement and intelligence. They have seen the heavy 
road wagon give place to the puff of the engine and the flutter of the 
wheel of the steamboat, which brought their supplies and took their 
surplus to market. They have seen the iron horse, with clanging hoof 
and breath of flame, hissing contempt for the space lying before it, 
and make neighbors of distant cities. They have seen the electric 
telegraph enter the race with light, and beating the tardy sunbeam, 
deliver messages ahead of time. They have seen school-houses dot 
the country, and education brought to every child. They have seen 
churches erecting their spires heavenward, in places where the pagan 
on bended knee awaited the first glittering rays of the rising sun, and 
can remember, too, the time when — 

"The sound of the church-going bell, 
These valleys and hHls never heard, 
Nor sighed at the sound of a knell, 
Nor smiled vrhen a Sabbath appeared." 

They have seen the star of empire finish its western course, and 
hanging high above the Pacific, send back its rays in golden splendor 
upon fifty millions of American citizens. The old pioneers were al- 
ways law-abiding men, and ever set a good example before their 
associates. No indictment or charge of disorder was ever brought 
against them, and it may be that those who are still living, are spared 
by an all wise Providence as sentinels upon the watch-tower of time, 
to witness still greater blessings to the human race. 

ORGANIZATION OF THE COUNTY. 

At the session of the General Assembly held in the City of 
Jefi"er8on in the winter of 1836 and 1837, an act was passed organizing 
a new county called Macon, in honor of Nathaniel Macon, with the 
following boundaries : "Beginning at the south-east corner of township 
56 north, in range 13 west of the principal meridian ; thence north, on 
the range line, to the north-east corner of township 59, in said range ; 
thence three miles west on township line to the south-east corner of 



710 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

section 33, in township 60 ; thence north on section line to the north- 
east corner of section 4, in said township 60 ; thence west on town- 
ship line, to the north-west corner of township 60, in range 17 ; thence 
south on the range line to the south-west corner of township 57, in 
said range ; thence east on township line to the north-west of 
section 3, in town 56 in range 16 ; thence south on the section 
line to the south-west corner of section 34, in same township ; thence 
east on township line to the place of beginning," which gives an area 
of 830 square miles. 

The act appointed as commissioners to select the county seat, 
Joseph Baker and Henry Lassiter, who performed that duty in the 
summer of 1837 by making the location in the Owenby settlement, 
and which place was called Bloomington. The civil government of 
the county was organized that year, and a small log house with two 
rooms was provided, in Avhich to hold the courts and keep the records. 

Macon was the fifty-seventh county organized in the State, and, of 
course, was the smallest in population. Fifty-seven counties have 
been formed since that period, making a total of 114, which now con- 
stitute the ffrand old Commonwealth of Missouri. Of the 114 coun- 
ties, only 11 have a greater population than Macon, and only two of 
the 57 which were organized after Macon have exceeded it in popu- 
lation ; these are Jasper and Nodaway. 

Macon is the largest county in the State in area excepting Texas, 
Shannon, Howell and Bates ; the county of Vernon contains the same 
number of square miles that Macon contains. 

NATHANIEL MACON. 

As the county was named after the man whose name appears 
above, we shall here give a brief sketch of his life. He was born 
in Warren county, N. C, in 1757, and died at his plantation in the 
same county June 29, 1837. He died, it will be observed, the same 
year in which Macon county was organized, and as his fame had 
extended all over the United States as one of the most distinguished 
statesmen of the country, the county was called Macon after him. 
He was studying at Princeton, N. J., when the War of the Revolution 
commenced. In 1877 he left coUesre and served for a short time as a 
private in a company of volunteers. Returning to North Carolina, he 
entered upon the study of the law, but soon enlisted again as a vol- 
unteer, and, though several offices were urged upon him, served as 
a common soldier under the command of his brother, Col. John 
Macon. He continued in the army until the provisional treaty of 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 711 

peace in 1782, and was present at the fall of Charleston, the rout 
at Camden, and during the pursuit of Greene acrjoss Carolina by 
Cornwallis. For his military service he refused any pay, nor would 
he accept a pension. While yet in the army, in 1780, he was 
elected a member of the Senate of North Carolina, in which post 
he continued to serve through 1785, and, though very young, was 
employed on the most important committees of that body. He ad- 
vocated the scheme of pledging the credit of the State to redeem her 
paper issues at their then depreciated rates, but held that the prom- 
ises of the State must at any rate be redeemed. 

During this period he settled on a plantation on the bank of the 
Roanoke, in Warren county, and made this spot his home for the 
remainder of his life, finding his main occupation and enjoyment in 
the cultivation of his farm. When the constitution of the United 
States was first submitted to the vote of the people of North Caro- 
lina, he opposed it as conferring too much power on the new gov- 
ernment. He was a member of Congress from 1791 to 1815, and was 
the Speaker of the House from 1801 to 1806, when he declined re- 
nomination. He was transferred in 1816 to the Senate, where he 
served till 1828, being president pro tern, in 1825-7. Twice during 
Jefiierson's administration he declined the office of postmaster-general. 
At the general election in 1824 the State of Virginia cast for him 
her 24 electoral votes for the vice-presidency of the United States. 
In 1828 he resigned his seat in the Senate, and several local offices, 
having been a member of Congress for 37 successive years. He 
presided over the convention called to revise the constitution of 
North Carolina in 1835, and was a member of the electoral college of 
that State in 1836. In Congress Mr. Macon voted for the embargo, 
and for the declaration of war against Great Britain, but held that 
the war should be defensive only, and so refused to enlarge the naval 
force beyond what was needed to guard the coasts, voted against a 
system of fortifications, against privateering, etc. He also voted 
against all schemes of internal improvements to be undertaken by 
Congress, spoke in 1795 against a grant to Count de Grasse, and, 
in 1824, against a grant of land to Lafayette for revolutionary serv- 
ices. In the convention of North Carolina he spoke against giving 
to free negroes the right to vote ; against a land qualification of 
voters ; against the State engaging in any works of internal im- 
provement ; against all religious tests as a condition of holding office ; 
and in favor of voting viva voce at all elections. He died after 
only a few hours' illness, but had already given directions to a neigh- 
40 



712 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

bor to make for him a plain coffin, to be paid for before his inter- 
ment ; had selected for the place of his burial a barren ridge, where 
the plow could never come, and ordered the spot to be marked 
by a pile of loose stones from the field. Mr. Macon was a student 
of few books besides the Bible, and was a member of the Baptist 
Church. Mr. Jefferson called him "the last of the Komans," and 
Mr. Randolph pronounced him '* the wisest man he ever knew." 




CHAPTER 11. 

PIONEER LIFE. 

<* Times change, and we change with time " — The Customs of Early Days — The Man- 
ner of Building — Furniture, etc. — Pioneer Women — Their Dress — Table Sup- 
plies — Cloth, How Made — House-raisings — Log-rollings — Corn Shuckings — r 
Dances — Shooting Matches — Settlement of Disputes — Pioneer Mills. 

It is a trite but true proverb that " Times change, and we change 
with time ; " and this is well illustrated in the change in dress, con- 
dition and life, that have taken place in this country in less than half 
a century. We doubt not that these changes, as a whole, are for the 
better. To the old man, indeed, whose life work is accomplished, and 
whose thoughts dwell mainly on the past, where his treasures are, 
there are no days like the old days, and no song awakens so responsive 
an echo in the heart as *' Auld Lang Syne." The very skies that 
arch above his gray head seem less blue to his dimmed eye than they 
did, when, in the adoration of his young heart, he directed to them his 
gaze ; the woods appear less green and inviting than when in the 
gayety of boyhood he courted their cool depths, and the songs of their 
feathered inhabitants falls less melodiously upon his ear. He marks 
the changes that are everywhere visible, and feels like crying out in 
the language of the poet — 

"Backward, turn backward. Oh, Time in thy flight." 

It is natural for the aged to sigh for a return of the past, nor would 
we attempt the hopeless task of convincing them that, with the 
changes of the years, there has come an increase in happiness, an 
improvement in social life, a progress in education, an advancement 
in morality, and a tendency upward in all that relates to the welfare of 
mankind. 

We may learn lessons, however, from a study of that land over 

which the pardonable and fond imagination of the old settler has 

thrown the '* light that never was on sea or land," if, withdrawing 

ourselves from the activities of the present, we let the old settler take 

us by the hand and lead us back into the regions of his youth, that 

we may observe the life of those who founded a great empire in a great 

wilderness. 

(713) 



714 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

Let us leave the prow of the rushing ship, from which may be dis- 
cerned a mighty future, rich in promise and bright with hope, and take 
our place upon the stern, and gaze backward into the beautiful land of 
the past. 

No doubt we shall be led to regret the absence among us of some 
of the virtues of those who lived in the early days. Gone is that free- 
hearted hospitality which made of every settler's cabin an inn, where 
the belated and weary traveler found entertainment without money 
and without price. Gone is that community of sentiment which made 
neighbors indeed neighbors ; that era of kindly feeling which was 
marked by the almost entire absence of litigation. Gone, too, some 
say, is that simple, strong, upright, honest integrity, which was so 
marked a characteristic of the pioneer. So rapid has been the improve- 
ment in machinery, and the progress in the arts and their application 
to the needs of man, that a study of the manner in which people 
lived and worked only fifty years ago, seems like the study of a re- 
mote age. 

It is important to remember that, while a majority of the settlers 
were poor, poverty carried with it no crushing sense of degradation, 
like that felt by the very poor of our age. They lived in a cabin, 'tis 
true, but it was their own, and had been reared by their own hands. 
Their home, too, while inconvenient and far from water-proof, was 
built in the prevailing style of architecture, and compared favorably 
with the homes of their neighbors. They were destitute of many of 
the conveniences of life, and of some things that are now considered 
necessaries ; but they patiently endured their lot and hopefully looked 
forward to brighter days. They had plenty to wear as a protection 
against the weather, and an abundance of wholesome food. They sat 
down to a rude table to eat from tin or pewter dishes ; but the meat 
thereon — the flesh of the deer or bear, of the wild duck or turkey, 
of the quail or squirrel — was superior to that we eat, and had been 
won by the skill of the settler or that of his vigorous sons. The bread 
they ate was made from corn or wheat of their own raising. They 
walked the green carpet of grand prairie or forest that surrounded 
them, not with the air of a beggar, but with the elastic step of a self- 
respected freeman. 

The settler brought with him the keen ax, which was indispensable, 
and the equally necessary rifle — the first his weapon of offense against 
the forests that skirted the water courses, and near which he made his 
home — the second that of defense from the attacks of his foe, the 
cunning child of the forest and the prairie. His first labor was to fell 



HISTORY or MACON COUNTY. 715 

trees and erect his unpretentious cabin, which was rudely made of 
logs, and in the raising of which he had the cheerful aid of his 
neighbors. It was usually from 14 to 16 feet square, and never 
larger than 20 feet, and very frequently built entirely without 
glass, nails, hinges or locks. The manner of building was as follows : 
First, large logs were laid in position as sills ; on these were placed 
strong sleepers, and on the sleepers were laid the rough-hewed pun- 
cheons, which were to serve as floors. The logs were then built up 
till the proper height for the eaves was reached, then on the ends of 
the building were placed poles, longer than the other end logs, which 
projected some 18 or more inches over the sides, and were called 
" butting-pole sleepers ; " on the projecting ends of these were placed 
the ** butting-pole," which served to give the line to the first row of 
clap-boards. These were, as a matter of course, split, and as the 
gables of the cabin were built up, were so laid on as to lap a third of 
their length. They were often kept in place by the weight of a heavy 
pole, which was laid across the roof parallel to the ridge pole. The 
house was then chinked and daubed. A large fire-place was then 
built in at one end of the house, in which fire was kindled for cooking 
purposes (for the settlers were without stoves), and which furnished 
the needed warmth in winter. The ceiling above was somewhat 
covered with the pelts of the raccoon, opossum and of the wolf, and 
to add to the warmth of the dwelling. Sometimes the soft inner bark 
of bass wood was used for the same purpose. The cabin was lighted 
by means of greased paper windows. A log would be left out along 
one side, and sheets of strong paper well greased with ** coon " grease 
or bear oil would be carefully tacked in. 

The above description only applies to the earliest times, before the 
buzzing of the saw-mill was heard within our borders. The furniture 
comported admirably with the house itself, and hence, if not elegant, 
was in perfect taste. The tables had four legs, and were rudely made 
from a puncheon. Their seats were stools, having three or four legs. 
The bedstead was in keeping with the rest, and was often so contrived 
as to permit it to be drawn up and fastened to the wall during the day, 
thus affording more room for the family. The entire furniture was 
simple, and was framed with no other tools than an ax and auger. 
Each man was his own carpenter, and some displayed considerable in- 
genuity in the construction of implements of agriculture and utensils 
and furniture for the kitchen and house. Knives and forks they some- 
times had and sometimes had not. The common table knife was the 
jack-knife or butcher knife. Horse collars were sometimes made of 



716 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

the plaited busk of the maize, sewed together. They were easy on 
the neck of the horse, and, if tug traces were used, would last for a 
long time. Horses were not used very much, however, as oxen were 
almost exclusively employed. In some instances carts and wagons 
were constructed or repaired by the self-reliant settler, and the 
wonderful creakings of the untarred axles could be heard at a great 
distance. 

The women corresponded well with the virtuous women spoken of 
in the last chapter of Proverbs, for they " sought wool and flax and 
worked willingly with their hands." They did not, it is true, make 
for themselves " coverings of tapestry," nor could it be said of them 
that their " clothing was silk and purple ; " but they " rose while it 
was yet night and gave meat to their household," and they " girded 
their loins with strength and strengthened their arms." "They 
looked well to the ways of their household and ate not the bread of 
idleness." They laid " their hands to the spindle and to the distaff," 
and "strength and honor were in their clothing." In these days of 
furbelows and flounces, of lace and velvet trimmings, when from 
20 to 30 yards are required by one fair damsel for a dress, it is 
refreshins: to know that the ladies of that ancient time considered 
eight yards an extravagant amount to put into one dress. The dress 
was usually made plain, with four widths in the skirt and two front 
ones cut gored. The waist was made very short, and across the 
shoulders behind was a draw-string. The sleeves were enormously 
large and tapered from shoulder to wrist, and the most fashionable — 
for fashion, like love, rules alike the " court and grove " — were pad- 
ded so as to resemble a bolster at the upper part, and were known as 
*' mutton legs " or " sheep shank sleeves." The sleeve was kept in 
shape often by a heavily starched lining. Those who could afford it 
used feathers, which gave the sleeve the appearance of an inflated 
balloon from elbow up, and were known as pillow sleeves." Many 
bows and ribbons were worn, but scarcely any jewelry. The tow- 
dress was superseded by the cotton gown. Around the neck, instead 
of a lace collar or elegant ribbon, there was arranged a copperas 
colored neckerchief. In going to church or other public gathering, 
in summer weather, they sometimes walked barefooted till near their 
destination, when they put on their shoes or moccasins. They were 
contented and even happy without any of the elegant articles of 
apparel now used by ladies, and considered necessary articles of 
dress. Ruffles, fine laces, silk hats, kid gloves, false curls, rings, 
combs and jewels were nearly unknown, nor did the lack of them vex 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 717 

their souls. Many of them were grown before they ever saw the 
interior of a dry goods stove. They were reared in simplicity, lived 
in simplicity, and were happy in simplicity. It may be interesting to 
speak more specifically regarding cookery and diet. Wild meat was 
plentiful. The settlers generally brought some food with them to 
last till a crop could be raised. Small patches of Indian corn were 
grown, which, in the earliest days of the settlement, was beaten in a 
mortar. The meal was made into a coarse but wholesome bread, on 
which the teeth could not be very tightly shut on account of the grit 
it contained. 

Johnny-cake and pones were served up at dinner, while mush and ' 
milk made the favorite dish for supper. In the fire-place hung the 
crane, and the Dutch oven was used in baking. The streams abounded 
in fishes, which formed a healthful article of food. Many kinds of 
greens, such as dock and poke, were eaten. The "truck-patch" 
furnished roasting ears, pumpkins, beans, squashes and potatoes, and 
these were used by all. For reaping-bees, log-rollings and house- 
raisings, the standard dish was pot-pie. Cofiee and tea were used 
sparingly, as they were very dear, and the hardy pioneer thought them 
fit only for women and children. They said they would not " stick to 
the ribs." Maple sugar was much used, and honey was only five cents 
a pound. Butter was the same price, while eggs were only three 
cents a dozen. The utmost good feeling prevailed. .If one killed 
hogs, all shared. Chickens were to be seen in great numbers around 
every doorway, and the gobble of the turkey and the quack of the 
duck were heard in the land. Nature contributed of her fruits. Wild 
grapes and plums were to be found in their season along the streams. 
The women manufactured nearly all the clothing worn by the family. 
In cool weather, gowns made of " linsey-woolsey " were worn by the 
ladies. The chain was of cotton and the filling of wool. The fabric 
was usually plaid or striped, and the different colors were blended 
according to the taste of the fair maker. Colors were blue, copperas, 
turkey red, light blue, etc. Every house contained a card-loom and 
spinning wheel, which was considered by the women as necessary for 
them as a rifle was for the men. Several different kinds of cloth 
were made. Cloth was woven from cotton. The rolls were bought 
and spun on little and big wheels into two kinds of thread, one the 
*' chain " and the other the " filling." The more experienced only 
spun the chain, the younger the filling. Two kinds of looms were in 
use. The most primitive in construction was called the side loom. The 
frame of it consisted of two pieces of scantling running obliquely from 



718 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

the floor to the wall. Later the frame loom, which was a great im- 
provement over the other, came in use. The men and boys wore 
jeans and linsey-woolsey hunting shirts. The jeans was colored either 
lio-ht blue or butternut. Many times, when the men gathered to a 
loo--rolling or a barn-raising, the women would assemble, bringing 
their spinning wheels with them. In this way, sometimes as many as 
10 or 12 would gather in one room, and the pleasant voices of the fail 
spinners would mingle with the low hum of the spinning wheels. 
Oh ! golden early days ! 

Such articles as could not be manufactured were brought to them 
' from the nearest store by the mail carrier. These were few, however. 
The men and boys, in many instances, wore pantaloons made of the 
dressed skin of the deer, which then roamed the prairies in large 
herds. The young man who desired to look captivating in the eyes 
of the maiden whom he loved, had his " bucks " fringed, which lent 
them a not unpleasant eflect. Meal sacks were also made of buck- 
skin. Caps were made of the skins of the fox, of the wolf, wildcat 
and muskrat, tanned with fur op. The tail of the fox or wolf often 
hung from the top of the cap, lending the wearer a jaunty air. Both 
sexes wore moccasins which in dry weather were an excellent substi- 
tute for shoes. There were no shoemakers, and each family made its 
own shoes. 

The settlers were separated from their neighbors often by miles. 
There were no church houses, or regular services of any kind to call 
them together; hence, no doubt, the cheerfulness with which they 
accepted invitations to a house-raising or a log-rolling, or a corn 
husking, or a bee of any kind. To attend these gatherings, they 
would sometimes go 10 or more miles. Generally with the invita- 
tion to the men went one to the women to come to a quilting. The 
good woman of the house where the festivities were to take place 
would be busily engaged for a day or more in preparation for the 
coming guests. Great quantities of provisions were to be prepared, 
for dyspepsia was unknown to the pioneer, and good appetites were 
the rule and not the exception. The bread used at these frolics was 
baked generally on johnny or journey-cake boards, and is the best 
corn bread ever made. A board is made smooth, about two feet long 
and eight inches wide, the ends being generally rounded. The dough 
is spread out on this board and placed leaning before the fire. One 
side is baked and the dough is changed on the board, so the other 
side is presented in its turn to the fire. This is johnny-cake, and is 
good if the proper materials are put in the dough and it is properly 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 719 

baked. At all the log-rollings and house-raisings it was customary 
to provide liquor. Excesses were not indulged iu, however. The 
fiddle was never forgotten. After the day's work had been accom- 
plished, outdoors and in, by men and women, the floor was cleaned 
and the merry dance began. The handsome, stalwart young men, 
whose fine forms were the result of their manly outdoor life, clad 
in fringed buckskin trowsers and gaudily colored hunting shirts, led 
, forth the bright-eyed, buxom damsels, attired in neatly fitting, linsey- 
woolsey garments, to the dance, their cheeks glowing with health 
and eyes speaking of enjoyment, and perhaps of tender emotion. 
In pure pioneer times, the crops were never husked on the stalks as 
is done at this day, but were hauled home in the husk and thrown in 
a heap, generally by the side of the crib, so that the ears when husked 
could be thrown direct into the crib. The whole neighborhood, male 
and female, were invited to the " shucking," as it was called. The 
girls and many of the married ladies generally engaged in this amus- 
ing work. 

In the first place, two leading expert buskers were chosen as cap- 
tains, and the heap of corn divided as nearly equal as possible. Kails 
were laid across the piles, so as to designate the division ; and then 
each captain chose alternately his corps of buskers, male and female. 
The whole number of working hands present were selected on one side 
or the other, and then each party commenced a contest to beat the 
other, which was in many cases truly exciting. One other rule was : 
whenever a male husked a red ear of corn, he was entitled to a kiss 
from the girls. This frequently excited much fuss and scuffling, which 
was intended by both parties to end in a kiss. It was a universal 
practice that tafa^ or Monongahela whisky was used at these husking 
frolics, which they drank out of a bottle ; each one, male and female, 
taking the bottle and drinking out of it, and then handing it to his or 
her neighbor, without using any glass or cup. This custom was com- 
mon and not considered rude. Almost always these corn-shuckings 
ended in a dance. To prepare for this amusement, fiddles and fiddlers 
were in great demand, and it often required much fast riding to obtain 
them. One violin and a performer were all that was contemplated at 
these innocent rural games. 

About dark, when the supper was half over, the bustle and confu- 
sion commenced. The confusion of the tongues at Babel would have 
been ashamed at the corn-shucking, — the young ones hurrying off 
the table, and the old ones contending for time and order. It was 
the case in nine times out of ten, but one dwelling-house was on the 



720 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

premises, and that used for eating as well as dancing. But when the 
fiddler commenced tuning his instrument, the music always gained 
the victory for the younger side. Then the dishes, victuals, table and 
all, disappeared in a few minutes and the room was cleared, the dogs 
driven out, and the floor swept out, read}'- for action. The floors of 
these houses were sometimes of natural earth, beat solid ; sometimes 
much excitement was displayed to get on the floor first. Generally 
the fiddler, on these occasions, assumed an important bearing, and 
ordered in true professional style, so and so to be done, as that was 
the way in North Carolina Ayhere he was raised. The decision ended 
the contest for the floor. In those days they danced jigs and four- 
handed reels, as they were called. Sometimes, three-handed reels 
were danced. In these dances there was no standing still; all were 
moving at a rapid pace from beginning to end. In the jigs the by- 
standers cut one another out, so that this dance would last for hours. 
The bottle went around at these parties, as it did at the shuckings, 
and male and female took a dram out of it, as it was passed. No 
sittino; was indulged in, and the folks either stood or danced all 
night. The dress of these hardy pioneers was generally homespun. 
The hunting shirt was much worn at that time, which is a convenient 
working or dancing dress. In the morning, all would go home on 
horseback or on foot. No carriages, wagons, or other vehicles were 
used on these occasions, for the best reason — because they had none. 
Dancing was a favorite amusement, and was participated in by all. 

** Alike all ages; dames of ancient days 
Have led their children through the mirthful maze, 
And the gray grandsire, skilled in jestic lore, 
Has frisked beneath the burden of three score." 

The amusements of that day were more athletic and rude than those 
of to-day. Among the settlers of a new country, from the nature of 
the case, a higher value is set upon physical than mental endowments. 
Skill in woodcraft, superiority of muscular development, accuracy in 
shooting with the rifle, activity and swiftness of foot, were qualifica- 
tions that brought their possessors fame. Foot-racing was practiced, 
and often the boys and young men engaged in friendly contests with 
the Indians. Every man had a rifle and always kept it in good order ; 
his flints, bullets, bullet-molds, screw-driver, awl, butcher-knife and 
tomahawk were fastened to the shot-pouch strap, or to the belt around 
the waist. Target-shooting was much practiced, and shots were made 
by the hunters and settlers, with flint-lock rifles, that cannot be ex- 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 721 

celled by their decendants with the improved breech-loaders of the 
present day. 

At all gatherings, jumping and wrestling were indulged in : and 
those who excelled were henceforth men of notoriety. At their shoot- 
ing matches, which were usually for the prize of a turkey, or a gallon 
of whisky, good feeling generally prevailed. If disputes arose, they 
were often settled by a square stand-up fight, and no one thought of 
using other weapons than fists. They held no grudges after their 
fights, for this was considered unmanly. It was the rule, if a fight 
occurred between two persons, the victor should pour water for the 
defeated, as he washed away the traces of the fray, after which the 
latter was to perform the same service for the former. 

PIONEER MILLS. 

Among the first were the " band mills," a description of which will 
prove not uninteresting. The plan was cheap. The horse-power con- 
sisted of a large upright shaft, some 10 or 12 feet high, with some 8 
or 10 lonff arms let into the shaft and extending out from it 15 feet. 
Auger holes were bored in the arms on the upper side at the end, into 
which wooden pins were driven. This was called the " big wheel," 
and was about 20 feet in diameter. The raw-hide belt or tug was 
made of skins taken off of beef cattle, which were cut into strips 
three inches wide ; these were twisted into a round cord or tug, which 
was long enough to encircle the circumference of the big wheel. 
There it was held in place by the wooden pins, then to cross and pass 
under a shed to run round a drum, or what is called a " trunnel head," 
which was attached to the grinding apparatus. The horses or oxen 
were hitched to the arms by means of raw-hide tugs ; then walking 
in a circle, the machinery would be set in motion. To grind 12 
bushels of corn was considered a good day's work on a band mill. 

The most rude and primitive method of manufacturing meal was by 
the use of the grater, whereby the meal was forced through the holes 
and fell down in a vessel prepared to receive it. An improvement on 
this was the hand mill. The stones were smaller than those of the 
band mill, and were propelled by man or woman power. A hole is 
made in the upper stone, and a stafi" of wood is put in it, and the other 
end of the staff is put through a hole in a plank above, so that the 
whole is free to act. One or two persons take hold of this staff and 
turn the upper stone as rapidly as possible. An eye is made in the 
upper stone, through which the corn is put into the mill with the hand, 



722 • HISTOKY OF MACON COUNTY. 

in small quantities, to suit the mill instead of a hopper. A mortar 
wherein corn was beaten into meal is made out of a large round log, 
three or four feet long. One end is cut or burnt out so as to hold a 
peck of corn, more or less, according to circumstances. This mortar 
is set one end on the ground, and the upper end to hold the corn. A 
sweep is prepared over the mortar, so that the spring of the pole 
raises the piston, and the hands at it force it so hard down on the corn 
that after much beating the meal is manufactured. 




CHAPTER III. 

EARLY RECORDS. 

County Court — Circuit Court — First Grand Jury — First Civil Case — First Indict- 
ment—Number of Civil and Criminal Cases Compared — Oliver Perry MaGee 
Trial — First Deed Kecorded — Early Marriages — Court Houses — Jails — County 
Poor Farm. 

COUNTY COURT. 

The following are the early records of the county court : — 
State of Missouri, > <^ . 
County or Macon, 5 

Be it remembered, that at a term of the county court, for the 
county of Macon aforesaid, begun and held at Joseph Owenby's, for 
and within said county, being the place appointed by law for holding 
courts in said county, on Monday, the first day of May, in the year of 
our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-seven. Present: 
John S. Morrow, Joseph Owenby, and James Cochran, justices of said 
court; Daniel C. Hubbard, clerk; and Jeflferson Morrow, sherifi"; and 
thereupon, court was opened by proclamation made in due form of 
law by the sheriff. The court order and direct that the county of 
Macon be laid off into townships as follows, to wit : All that portion 
of territory comprised in the following limits shall compose the Middle 
Fork township : Beginning at the south-east corner of said county, 
thence west with the county line to the range line, dividing ranges 14 
and 15 ; thence north to the line which divides township 57 into 
equal parts ; thence east with said line to the county line ; thence 
south with said county line to the beginning. 

Ordered by the court, that all elections to be held in said township 
be held at the house of Thomas Gee. 

Ordered by the court, that an election be held at the house of 
Thomas Gee, in Middle Fork township, on the first Saturday in June, 
for three justices of the peace, for said township, and James P. Holly, 
Thomas Gee and John Coalter are hereby appointed judges of said 
election. 

Ordered by the court, that a tax of 50 per cent on the amount of 
State tax be imposed on all licenses made taxable by law for State tax, 
for the present year. 

William H. Eowland made application for a license to keep a grocery 
at his stand in Macon county, which is granted to him upon his paying 
a State tax of $10, the county tax, and fees allowed by law. Ordered 

(723) 



724 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

that the clerk issue the same according to law. The court do hereby 
appoint George W. Green treasurer of Macon county, and thereupon 
said Green appeared in court, and entered into and acknowledged bond 
in the penalty of $5,000, conditioned as by law provided, with Willis 
E. Green and Andrew Millsaps as his securities, who are approved 
of by the court. 

Jefferson Morrow, sheriff of Macon county, appeared in open court, 
and entered into and acknowledged bonds in the penalty of $1,000, 
conditioned for the faithful performance of his duty as ex officio 
collector of the revenue of said county, for the year 1837, with John- 
son Summers, John S. Morrow, and Joseph J. Morrow as his secur- 
ities, who are approved of as sufficient by the court. 

The court hereby appoint George W. Green agent for the county of 
Macon, to receive from the treasurer of the State of Missouri that 
portion of the road and canal fund in the State treasury apportioned 
to the county of Macon ; and the auditor of public accounts is hereby 
required to draw his warrant in favor of the said George W. Green, 
for said amount, and the treasurer to pay the same according to law, 
and the said George W. Green is hereby authorized to receipt for the 
same accordingly. 

On motion of the petitioners, ordered by the court, that Aaron 
Gee, Robert Vanskike, George Reynolds, James P. Holly, and James 
Rowland, or any three of them, after being duly sworn, to proceed to 
view and mark out a way for a road, commencing at Jones' Mill, on 
the middle fork of Salt river, by Centreville, and thence to Frederick 
Rowland's, passing on the south of said Rowland's ; thence by Daniel 
Crawley's, and to intersect the Bee road in the Grand Prairie, the 
nearest and best way, and as little as maybe to the prejudice or injury 
of the several proprietors of land on said road as may be, and that 
they report to court their proceedings at the next term according to 
law. 

The court do hereby appoint James Ratliff commissioner of the seat 
of justice of Macon county. 

Ordered, That the following bounds compose the township of Chari- 
ton : Beginning at the line dividinof rano;es 14 and 15, running west 
to the county line ; thence north to the middle line township, between 
56 and 57 ; thence to the line dividing ranges 14 and 15 ; thence to 
the beginning. 

Ordered, That all elections be held in said township, at the house 
of Abraham Morris, on the first Saturday in June, for the purpose 
of electing two justices of the peace for said township, and John- 
son Summers, Clayborn Wright and Richard Summers are hereby ap- 
ponited judges of said election. 

Ordered, That the following bounds form a separate township to be 
known by the name and style of Liberty, commencing at the south- 
east corner of Chariton township, on the range line, dividing ranges 
14 and 15, and at the line dividing township 57, in equal parts ; 
thence with said line running west to the county line ; thence with 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 725 

said line north to the township line of 58 ; thence east with said 
line, to the line dividing 14 and 15 ; thence south to the begin- 
ning. 

Ordered, That all elections be held at the seat of justice in said 
township. 

Ordej^ed, That there be an election held in said township, on the first 
Saturday in June next, for the purpose of electing three justices of 
the peace for said township. And the court do hereby appoint Will- 
iam Sears, Jesse Gilstrap and Canaday Owenby judges of said elec- 
tion. 

Ordered, That the following bounds shall compose the township 
of Jackson, to wit : Beginning at the east side of the county, where 
the lines divide the township line, dividing 57 in equal parts, run- 
ning south with said line, the line dividing ranges 14 and 15 ; 
thence east with said line to the township line of 58 ; thence with 
said line to the county line ; thence south to the beginning. 

Ordered, That all elections be held at the house of Nathan Rich- 
ardson. 

Orde7'ed, That there be an election held in said township, on the 
first Saturday of June next, for the purpose of electing one justice 
of the peace for said township, and the court do hereby appoint Na- 
than Richardson, Elvan Allen and John Walker judges of said elec- 
tion. 

Ordered, That all the territory lying north of the township of 58, 
and south of the north side of the county line, shall form a separate 
township, to be known by the name and style of Independence. 

Ordered, That all elections be held at the house of Bird Posey. 

Ordered, That there be an election held in said township on the 
first Saturday of June next, in said township, for the purpose of 
electing one justice of the peace for said township, and the court do 
hereby appoint Abraham Dale, Charles Hatfield and Fisher Rice, 
judges of said election. 

Ordered, That the following bounds lying north of the county of 
Macon, and south of a parallel line running east and west, from the 
mouth of Ry creek, on the Grand Chariton, shall be called the town- 
ship of Pettis. 

Ordered, That all elections be held in said township at the house of 
Horton Partin. 

Ordered, That an election be held in said township on the first 
Saturday of June next, for the purpose of electing one justice of the 
peace for said township, and the court do hereby appoint Martin 
Partin, Robert Miller and Isaac Hargis, judges of said election. 

Ordered, That the following bounds shall compose a separate town- 
ship, to be known by the name and style of Gocean township,^ ^J'^^'^g 
north of a parallel line running east and west from the mouth of Ry 
creek, on the Grand Chariton river, to the boundary line of the State 
of Missouri. 



1 Gocean township is now in Adair county. 



726 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

Ordered^ That all elections in said township be held at the house of 
Samuel Eason. 

Ordered, That there be an election held in said township on the first 
Saturday in June next, for the purpose of electing one justice of the 
peace for said township, and the court do hereby appoint Samuel 
Eason, John Lesley and James Cochran, judges of said election. 

Recorded May 15 day, 1837. 

Daniel C. Hubbard, Clerk. 

second term of the county court. 

State of Missouri, 
County of Macon. 

Be it remembered that at a term of the county court of Macon, 
county aforesaid, begun and held atD. C. Garth's, the place appointed 
for holding courts in said county, for and within the said county, on 
this 3d day of July, in the year 1837. Present: John S. Morrow, 
James O. Cochran and Joseph Owenby, justices of said court; Daniel 
C. Hubbard, clerk; and Jefferson Morrow, sheriff; and thereupon 
court was opened in due form of law by proclamation at the door of 
the court-house. 

It is ordered by the court that the township of Middle Fork be 
divided and form another township, to be known by the name and 
style of Narrows township, to commence at a point where the range 
line dividing ranges 13 and 14 strikes the country line on the south 
line of the county; thence running north with said line to the line 
dividing townships 58 and 59 ; thence west to the dividing ranges 14 
and 15 ; thence south with said line to the county line ; thence east 
to the beginning. 

Ordered, That all elections be held in Narrows township at the house 
of Simeon Cannon, and it is further ordered, that there be an election 
held in Narrows township on the first Monday in August next, for the 
purpose of electing one justice of the peace for said township, and the 
court do hereby appoint Frederick Rowland, John Morrow and Lloyd 
Coalter, judges of said election. 

On motion of the petitioners, ordered that William J. Morrow, 
Joseph J. Morrow, and Richard Summers, or any two of them after 
being duly sworn, shall proceed to view, mark and lay out a way from 
the county seat, to intersect the county line dividing Macon county 
and Randolph, the nearest and best way, so as not to be too much to 
the prejudice of the people living on said route, and it is further or- 
dered that the said commissioners shall meet at the county seat on the 
third Monday in July, 1837, and report their proceedings at the next 
court. 

Recorded July 8, 1837. Daniel C. Hubbard, Clerk. 

Ordered, That the clerk of the county court correct the assessor's 
book, and the court do further order that the clerk make out the non- 
resident book. 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 727 

Ordered, That there be 100 per cent levied on the amount of the 
State tax, for the purpose of county expenditures. 

Ordered, That there be an election held in said county on the first 
Monday in August next, for the purpose of electing an assessor for 
said county. 

Ordered, There be an election held in Chariton township for the pur- 
IDOse of electing one justice of the peace to fill the vacancy of Amon 
Beebe, Esq., and the court do hereby appoint Abraham Morris, John 
Summers and Ninevah Summers, judges of said election. 

Ordered, That William Garrett, Tyre Dabney and James Holloway 
be appointed judges of the election for Liberty township in said 
county. 

Ordered, That John McNeeley, Felix Baker and Elvan Allen be ap- 
pointed judges of the election of Jackson township. 

Ordered, That William Smith, James Riley and Thomas Williams be 
appointed judges of the election of Independence township. 

Ordered, That Hardin Hargis, Elisha Chambers and Robert Miller 
be appointed judges of Pettis township. 

Ordered, That Samuel G. Eason, John Lesley and James Davis be 
appointed judges of the election in Gocean township. 

Ordered, That there be an election held in Chariton township, in said 
county, on the first Monday in August next, for the purpose of elect- 
ing one justice of the peace for said township, to fill the vacancy of 
Amon Beebe. 

Ordered, That there be an election held in Independence township, 
in said county, on the first Monday in August next, to fill the vacancy 
of Abraham Dale, Esq. 

Ordered, That there be an election held in Pettis township,^ in said 
county, on the first Monday in August next, for the purpose of electing 
one justice of the peace for said township, to fill the vacancy of Rob- 
ert Miller, Esq., whose term of service has expired. 

Ordered, That there be an election held in the township of Gocean, 
in said county, to fill the vacancy of Jonathan Floyd, whose term of 
service has expired. 

Joseph Owenby. 

Attest, Daniel C. Hubbard, Clerk. 

Recorded July 24 day, 1837. 

Daniel C. Hubbard, Clerk. 

CIRCUIT COURT. 

Having traced the records of the county court of Macon county 
through its incijiient period, and given the proceedings of that tri- 
bunal entire through its first two terms, we shall now give something 
of the early record of a higher and more extensive forum, wherein 
were heard and decided the general causes of pioneer litigants, and 



^ Pettis township is now in Adair county. 
41 



728 HISTOKY OF MACON COUNTY. 

wherein met the pioneer attorneys, who occasionally employed in the 
conduct of their suits all the muscular, as well as intellectual aids in 
their control. 

The county court, it will be remembered, was organized May 1, 
1837, but the circuit court did not convene until August the 17th, of the 
same year. Macon county at that time belonged to the Second Ju- 
dicial Circuit. The following is the record : — 

State of Missouri, > g^^ 
County of Macon. > 

At a circuit court, begun and held at the house of Dabney G. Garth, 
in the county of Macon, State of Missouri, as required by law, on 
Thursday, the 17th day of August, in the year 1837. Present, the 
Hon. Thomas Reynolds, judge of said court. The said Thomas Rey- 
nolds produced a commission from the Governor of the State of Mis- 
souri, with the oath of office indorsed thereon, which commission and 
affidavit are in the following words and iigures, to wit: — 

*' Lilburn W. Boggs, Governor of the State of Missouri, to all who 

shall see these presents, greeting: 

Know ye, that reposing especial trust and confidence in the integ- 
rity and abilities of Thomas Reynolds, I have nominated, and by and 
with the consent of the Senate, do hereby appoint him Judge of the 
Second Judicial Circuit of the State of Missouri, and do authorize 
and empower him to discharge the duties of said office according to 
law ; and to have and to hold said office during the legal continuance 
thereof, with all the powers, privileges, and emoluments to the same 
of right appertaining. 

"In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused 
the great seal of the State of Missouri to be affixed. Done at the 
city of Jefferson, this 27th day of January, in the year of our Lord, 
one thousand, eight hundred and thirty-seven ; of the Independence 
of the United States, the sixty-first, and of the State, the seventeenth. 

" Lilburn W. Boggs.'' 

" By the Governor, 

"Henry Shurlds, Secretary of State." 

I, Thomas Reynolds, Judge of the Second Judicial Circuit, within 
and for the State of Missouri, do make oath and say that I will sup- 
]iort the constitution of the United States and the constitution of the 
State of Missouri, and that I will faithfully demean myself in the 
said office of Judge of the Second Judicial Circuit. 

Thomas Reynolds. 

Sworn to and subscribed before me, the undersigned, a justice of 
the peace within and for the county of Howard and State of Missouri, 
this 7th day of February in the year 1837 at the county aforesaid. 

William Taylor, J. P. 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 729 

The sheriff of said county returned into court a panel of a grand 
jury, when the following persons were impaneled as a grand jury for 
the county of Macon, to-wit : James Wells, foreman ; James Riley, 
Micajah Hull, Canaday Owenby, James A. Terr ill, Nathaniel Richard- 
son, Nathan Dabney, Jesse Gilstrap, Isaac Gross, Thomas J. Dabney, 
John F. Northup, Richard Calvert, William Smith, Birdrich Posey, 
Thomas Williams, Lewis Green, James T. Haley, James A. Griffith, 
Stephen Gipson and David Young, who retired to consider of present- 
ments. 

Jefferson Morrow, the sheriff, appeared in open court and ac- 
knowledged that he appointed William Shane as his deputy. William 
H. Davis was appointed circuit attorney to prosecute in behalf of the 
State for that term of the court. 

The above constituted the proceedings of the first day of the term. 
Court convened next day, August 18th, when the following case was 
called : 

Daniel G. Davis ^ 

vs. > Petition in Debt. 

G. H. McDaniel and Fisher Rice. ) 

Ordered, That the defendants be ruled to plead to the said petition 
immediately. 

The following were the first indictments : — 

State of Missouri, Plf., vs. John Calvin, Dft. Indictment for gam- 
bling. A true bill. 

Same vs. Francis Taylor, Daniel Murley, James Carter and Austin 
B. Jones. 

There were, during the first twelve months after the organization of 
the circuit court, but seventeen civil and ten criminal cases called. 
This would be, upon an average, about nine cases at each term of the 
court, there being three terms per year, and possibly not more than 
one-half of these cases were tried and finally disposed of. The civil 
docket alone now [1884] contains, for each term of the court, upon 
an average, about sixty cases, nearly all of which are tried. 

The criminal docket for each term of the court shows about thirty 
cases ; whole number of civil cases instituted in the year 1883, amount 
to 183 ; criminal cases, 37 ; making a total of 220. 

Many of the criminal trials at the early terras of the court were upon 
indictments for '« marking hogs with intent to steal," and for '* betting 
on games." 

No man Ijas ever been hung in the county, in pursuance of due pro- 
cess of civil law. There have, however, been several trials for mur- 
der, among which the Oliver Perry MaGee trial stands prominent, not 
only as being the first trial for murder that occurred in the county. 



730 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

but as beins: a case wherein much interest was centered, and wherein 
many witnesses were sworn and examined. The bill of costs amounted 
to more than $1,100, one item being $12.15 for administering 243 
oaths. 

As this was the first case of the kind upon the criminal docket, we 
here present the indictment : — 

State of Missouri, ) In the Masen Circuit Court, 

County of Macon. 5 * May Term, 1849. 

The grand jurors for the State of Missouri for the body of the 
county of Macon aforesaid, upon their oaths present, that Oliver 
Perry MaGee, late of the county of Macon aforesaid, not having the 
fear of God before his eyes, but being moved and seduced by the in- 
stigation of the Devil, on the 10th day of December, in the year of 
our Lord, one thousand, eight hundred and forty-eight, with force and 
arms at the county of Macon aforesaid, in and upon one Thomas Jef- 
ferson White, in the peace of God then and there being, feloniously, 
willfully of his malice aforethought, by lyiug in wait, did make an as- 
sault, and that he, the said Oliver Perry MaGee, with a certain knife 
of the value of ten cents, which he, the said Oliver Perry MaGee, in 
his right hand then and there had and held, the said Thomas Jefferson 
White, in and upon the left side of the body, near to the left nipple 
of him, the said Thomas Jefferson White, and also in and upon the 
back, near to the back bone of him, the said Thomas Jefferson White, 
and also in and upon the left shoulder, near to the point of the said 
left shoulder of him the said Thomas Jefferson White, then and there 
feloniously, willfully, of his malice aforethought, and by lying in wait, 
did strike, thrust, stab and penetrate, giving to the said Thomas Jef- 
ferson White, then and there with the knife aforesaid, in and upon the 
aforesaid left side of the body, near to the left nipple of him, the 
said Thomas Jefferson White, one fatal wound of the breadth of one 
inch, and of the depth of six inches, and also giving to the said Thomas 
Jefferson White, then and there with the knife aforesaid, in and upon 
the aforesaid back, near to the back bone of him, the said Thomas 
Jefferson White, one other mortal wound of the breadth of one inch 
and of the depth of six inches, and also giving to the said Thomas 
Jefferson White then and there, with the knife aforesaid, in and upon 
the aforesaid left shoulder, near to the point of the said left shoulder 
of him, the said Thomas Jefferson White, two other mortal wounds, 
each of the breadth of one inch and of the depth of six inches, of 
which several mortal wounds he, the said Thomas Jefferson White, 
then and there instantly died ; and so the jurors aforesaid, upon 
their oaths aforesaid, do say that the said Oliver Perry MaGee, him, 
the said Thomas Jefferson White, in the manner and by the means 
aforesaid, feloniously, willfully, of his malice aforethought, and by 
lying in wait, did kill and murder, against the form of the statute in 
such cases made and provided, and against the peace and dignity of 
the State. ^ C. H. Hardin, Circuit Attorney. 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 731 

There are five counts in the indictment ; the one we have given will 
show the crime with which MaGee was charofed. 

FIKST PROMISSORY NOTE UPON WHICH SUIT WAS BROUGHT. 

On or before the twenty-fifth of December next, I promise to pay 
James A. Terrell twenty-five bushels of good, sound corn, for value 
received of him. This the 22d day of January, 1846. 

his 
Caleb X Riley. 
mark. 
first deed recorded. 

State of Missouri, 
County of Randolph. 

This indenture made and entered into, on this the 21st day of Janu- 
ary, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-seven, between John 
Gross and Rachael Gross his cross, of the county of Randolph and 
State of Missouri, of the first part, and William Sears of the State and 
county aforesaid, of the second part, witnesseth that the said John 
Gross and Rachael Gross, for and in consideration of the sum of one 
hundred and twenty-five dollars to them in hand paid by the said 
William Sears, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, and we, 
the said John Gross and Rachael his wife, by these presents do bar- 
gain and sell and convey unto the said William Sears, a certain tract 
or parcel of land described as follows : The south-east quarter of the 
south-east quarter of section twelve in township fifty-eight, and range 
sixteen west, containing forty acres to have and to hold with all and 
singular, the appurtenances thereunto belonging to his own use, and 
to his heirs forever, and we, the said John Gross and Rachael Gross 
bis wife, do hereby covenant to and with the said Sears, and his heirs 
forever, to warrant and defend the right and title of said land to the 
said Sears and heirs forever, against all and every claim and claims 
whatsoever. In testimony whereof, we have hereunto set our hands 
and seals the day and year above written. 

John Gross, [seal.] 

her 

Rachael X Gross. 
mark. 

EARLY marriages. 

I do certify that on the 30th day of April, in the year of our Lord, 
1837, before the undersigned, an ordained minister of the Gospel, 
appeared Joseph P. Owenby and ^Nancy Garrett, and the rites of 
matrimony was duly solemnized by me. Given under my hand, this 
4th day of May, 1837. 

William Sears. 

I do certify, that on this, the 24th day of May, in the year of our 
Lord, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-seven, personally appeared 



732 HISTORY OF ]VIACON COUNTY. 

Thomas J. Dtibney and Cassannah Walker, and the rites of matrimony- 
was duly solemnized between them. Given under my hand, this 24th 
day of May, 1837. 

William Sears. 

State of Missouri, > 
County of Macon. 5 

This is to certify, that on this 13th day of May, 1837, 1 solemnized 
the rights of matrimony between Alexander Shawner and Narcissa 
Kerby, him of the county of Macon, and she of the county of 
Macon. Given under my hand, this the day and date above written. 

William H. Rowland, J. P. 

State of Missouri, > 
County of Macon. 5 

This is to certify, that on the 23d day of July, 1837, I solemnized 
the rites of matrimony between Aaron Gee and Margaret Moore, 
both of the county of Macon, and State of Missouri. Given under 
my hand, the day and date above written. 

Frederick Rowland, J. P. 

State of Missouri, > 
County of Macon. > 

This is to certify, that on the 3d day of August, 1837, 1 solemnized 
the rites of matrimony between Joseph Stewart, and Mary M. Haddon, 
of the county of Macon, and State of Missouri. Given under my 
hand, the day and date above written. 

Hardin Hargis, J. P. 

State of Missouri, ) 

> ss 
County of Macon. > 

This is to certify, that ©n the 18th day of August, 1837, I solem- 
nized the rites of matrimony between Thomas Clifton and Rebecca 
Lesley, both of the State and county aforesaid. Given under my 
hand, this 19th day of September, 1837. 

Nathaniel Floyd, J. P. 

State of Missouri, ) 

> ss 
County of Macon. 5 

This is to certify that on the 17th day of August, 1837, that I 
solemnized the rites of matrimony between Allen Fletcher and City 
Ann Hatfield, both of the State and county aforesaid. Given under 
my hand, this the day and date above, written. 

Abraham Dale, J. P. 

State of Missouri, 
County of Macon. 

This is to certify, that on the 9th day of November, in the year of 
our Lord, 1837, that I solemnized the rites of matrimony between 
Lloyd H. Coulter and Emila Cannon. Given under my hand, this 
11th day of November, 1837. 

Elvan Allen, J. P. 



SCT. 



history of macon county. 733 

State of Missouri, 



County of Macon ^ 

This is to certify, that on the 15th day of January, 1838, I did 
solemnize the rites of matrimony between Joseph Cooley and Eliza- 
beth Lock. All of the State aforesaid. 

John Summers, J. P. 

State of Missouri, > 

> ss 
County of Macon. 5 ' 

Tliis is to certify, that on the 1st day of April, 1838, I solemnized 
the rio;hts of matrimony between John Griffin and Mars^aret Ann 
Murley, both of the State and county aforesaid. Given under my 
hand, this 15th day of April. 

Absalom Lewis, J. P. 

COURT-HOUSE AT BLOOMINGTON. 

At the August term in 1838, the court made the following order ; — 
Ordered, That a temporary court-house be built in Bloomington 011 
lot 1, block No. 3, agreeable to the plan of Joseph Owenby, super- 
visor, to-wit : 20 feet wide and 30 feet long ; one room 18x20 ; one 
12 feet square; one room 8x12 feet; the lower floor to be of good 
seasoned oak plank, jointed and nailed down ; the upper floor to be 
laid with loose plank, with sufficient joints ; 4 doors and 3 windows ; 
one stack chimney where the walls separate each room. The work 
to be done in workmanlike manner ; to be covered with good shingles ; 
chinked and plastered with good lime. 

SECOND COURT-HOUSE AT BLOOMINGTON. 

At the November term in 1839, the court ordered that a brick 
court-house be built, 45 feet square and tvvo stories in height, at an 
estimated cost of $3,000. Kobert George was the superintendent. 
This court-house was not completed until 1852. 

THIRD COURT-HOUSE. 

The third and present court house was erected in 1864-5, at Macon, 
the present county seat, at a cost of about $30,000. It is made of 
brick and is a larse and substantial buildins:. 



CHAPTEK TV. 

HISTORY OF THE TOWNSHIPS. 

Morrow Township — Chariton Township — Narrows Township — Middle Fork 

Township. 

Before beginning the history of the townships proper, we shall 
first speak of the boundary, area and physical features of Macon 
county. It is bounded on the north by Adair and Knox, on the east 
by Knox and Shelby, on the south by Randolph and Chariton, and on 
the west by Linn county. The county is situated in the north-eastern 
part of the State and is separated from the Iowa State line by Adair 
and Schuyler counties, and from the Mississippi river by Shelby and 
Marion counties. It has an area of 830 square miles. The land of 
Macon county is divided into three classes. The first is composed of 
the valley lands and are equal to any in the State in fertility ; the 
second of the prairie table lands ; and the third of the breaks in the 
table lands where they approach the valleys. The Grand Divide 
which separates the affluents of the Mississippi from those of the 
Missouri river, cross the entire county from north to south. West of 
this are the Chariton and East and Middle forks of Chariton river, 
with their tributaries, Walnut, Turkey, Brush, Puzzle, and Point 
creeks ; and on the east of the divide is the Middle fork of Salt 
river and its branches, Narrows, Winn and Hooker creeks. Muscle 
fork with its numerous small branches lies in the extreme western 
part of the county, and in the east are Bear and Ten Mile creeks. 
Along these streams and on the adjacent hills, is an abundance of 
timber, consisting of the various kinds of oak, cottonwood, hickory, 
maple and black walnut. The forests skirt the prairies and the farms 
usually embrace a portion of each. The soil, of which there is a 
great variety, is chiefly a fertile black loam, underlaid with clay, in 
which marl abounds. West of the Chariton river and north of the 
Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad, is the region known as *'The 
Barrens." These consist of high rounded hills, covered with a tall 
reddish grass and occasional clumps of post-oak and black-jack, 
while the valleys or drains between are destitute of trees, though 
covered with prairie grass. East of the Chariton "The Barrens" 
(734) 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 735 

are confined to a few miles in the northern part of the county. 
In the vicinity of Muscle fork, between that stream and Brush 
creek, also on the East fork of the Chariton and south of the center 
of the county, and in the eastern part, north of the Middle fork 
of Salt river, the country is quite hilly. On the Chariton and on 
Muscle fork these hills are sometimes 100 feet high, elsewhere they 
never exceed 75 feet, and are often less. In the remainder of the 
county the slopes are gentle, and the surface is mostly prairie. 

The county is divided into 24 municipal townships, namely : Bevier, 
Callao, Chariton, Drake, Eagle, Easley, Hudson, Independence, Jack- 
son, Johnston, Liberty, Lingo, Lyda, La Plata, Middle Fork, Mor- 
row, Narrows, Eichland, Kussell, Round Grove, Ten Mile, Walnut 
Creek, White and Valley. The townships generally contain an area 
of 36 square miles. Johnston, Callao and Morrow are the smallest 
townships, and Lingo is the largest. 

MORROW TOWNSHIP. 

Morrow township is in the extreme south-western corner of the 
county, and bordering as it does on Chariton and Randolph counties, 
it was naturally the first settled. In fact, the few pioneers who com- 
posed the van of the emigrants who were the early settlers of Macon 
county, found a home within the present limits of Morrow township. 
We have already given the names, and something of the personal his- 
tory of the early settlers of this township, in the first chapter of the 
history of Macon county, but as they legitimately belong to the his- 
tory of Morrow township, we shall now briefly speak of them again. 

James Loe, not only the first settler in this township, but the first 
to pitch his tent within the present territory of Macon county, located 
on the north-west quarter of section 1, township 56, range 16, in 
1829. He was originally from Wayne county, Ky. Succeeding him 
were Randall Clark, who lived on section 3, township 56, range 16 ; 
Elisha Chambers, who settled section 2, township 56, range 16 ; Lewis 
Green, who opened a farm on section 1, township 56, range 16; 
George Addis, who settled the south-east quarter of section 2, town- 
ship 56, range 16, and William Morrow, who purchased the farm 
which was settled by George Addis, the latter moving to Chariton 
county. The six men above named came to the county between 1829 
and 1831, and all located so near each other that, on clear mornings, 
the sound of the piston beating corn in mortars, for meal, could be 
heard all around the settlement. 

After this nucleus of a settlement had been formed, other emigrants 



736 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

followed, many of whom located in Morrow township, and others in 
Chariton, the adjoining township. About the year 1833 came Amnion 
Beebe and John L. Northup, his brother-in-law, from the State of 
New York ; Simeon Foster, from Randolph county ; Robert Nichols, 
from Kentucky ; William C. A. Hill, from Georgia, and Joseph J. 
Morrow, John S. Morrow, Jesse S. Morrow, William J. Morrow, D. 
G. Buster, William B. Stevens, James Holloway, Ambrose Medley, 
Samuel Cunningham, Charles Perrin, James Perrin, Achilles Finnell 
and others. 

Hill died in St. Clair county. Mo. ; Nichols died during the War of 
1861 ; Clark and Ammon before the war, and Northup died in Cali- 
nia ; Chambers died in Breathitt county, Ky. He was an Old School 
Baptist minister. Lewis Green and his wife are now residing near 
College Mound, Macon county. The first school was taught in the 
township by James Holloway, above named, near the residence of 
William Morrow. Mr. Holloway was a Virginian by birth, was an 
elderly man, and was highly respected by the patrons of his school, 
among whom were Lewis Green, William Morrow, James Loe and 
others. He taught a three months' school. 

Elisha Chambers was the pioneer preacher of the township, and 
first broke the bread of life to a small number of men and women, 
at the log cabin of William Morrow in 1831. 

" Wide was his parish, not contracted and close 
In streets, but here and there a straggling house ; 
Yet still he was at hand without request. 
To serve the sick, to succor the distress'd, 
Tempting on foot, alone, without affright, 
The dangers of a dark, tempestuous night." 

The organization of the first religious body occurred at a very early 
date ; there was, however, no church building erected in the township 
until about the year 1855, when the Old School Baptists and Cumber- 
land Presbyterians built a house of worship together, in the northern 
part of the same, and called it " Chariton Church." 

Among the constituent members of the Baptist denomination were 
Charles Perrin, James Perrin and wife, Joseph Perrin and wife, Rob- 
ert Perrin and wife. Miss Polly Ann Perrin and John Wynant and 
wife. Elder James Moody officiated among the early preachers. 

The Cumberlands included in their membership, William J. Mor- 
row, wife and two daughters, James W. Morrow, who is a minister 
now residing at Kansas City, and others. Rev. James Dysart, who 
now lives at College Mound, Macon county, and Rev. Samuel Davis 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 737 

were the ministers of the Cumberland Presl>yterian Church. Dr. 
Clark was the first resident physician. He was from Virginia, and 
while on a journey to his native State, for the benefit of his health, 
he died. 

The first mill in the county (as stated elsewhere in this book) was 
erected in Morrow township, by William Morrow, about the year 
1833, near the banks of a stream, which then and now, revels in the 
suggestive name of " Stinking creek." This inelegant appellative 
was applied to that stream, because the water therein presented a 
muddy appearance, and when stirred emitted an obnoxious odor. The 
land which borders this stream ujDon each side is very excellent in 
quality, being almost entirely unbroken by hills, or rocky, barren 
points. Jefferson Morrow, son of William Morrow, spoken of, and 
at present treasurer of Macon county, was at the time his father ar- 
rived in the county, 18 years of age, and remembers quite distinctly 
much of the history connected with the early settlement of the town- 
ship. 

He says that the winter of 1830-31 was the coldest that has ever 
been experienced in the county. The snow lay on the ground all 
winter and until about the middle of March before it melted. It was 
generally about three feet deep on level ground, and the crust was 
so hard frozen that it would bear up both man and beast. Many of 
the deer, wild turkeys, and other game perished, and a great number 
was caught in the snow. The winters, during the early years of the 
settlement of the county, were, perhaps, a little more severe than 
they are now, but not so changeable. The summers were about the 
same as they are now, in respect to heat and rain. 

Another old settler, who died in Chariton county, related the fol- 
lowing in reference to the winter of 1830-31 : — 

" During; the winter of 1830-31 there was a snow fall of about three 
feet. I was in Jefferson City until the last of February, and when I 
returned to Chariton county, where I then resided, I found that the 
snow had destroyed nearly all the hogs in the country. In many 
places the snow had drifted to the depth of 40 feet. During the fall 
of the snow a heavy wind blew from the North-west, and all the 
snow drifted from the open prairies, leaving the ground almost 
bare. The snow lodg-ed in the hollows on the south-east of all those 
high open plains, and some hollows that I knew to be from 30 to 
40 feet deep, had the appearance of level plains. In some steep, ab- 
rupt hollows, I saw snow as late as the first of June, not yet melted; 



738 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

and from all appearances the snow had not been less than 40 feet 
deep. 

*♦ During the melting of the snow, which was very gradual through 
the month of March and a portion of April, I went out with William 
Martin, who was my partner in raising hogs, on Yellow creek, in 
Chariton county, and, to our astonishment, we found the timbered 
bottoms strewn with the skeletons of dead stock and fowls. I dis- 
tinctly remember one lot of 28 two-year-old hogs, which we had, 
that were very fat in the fall. After a diligent search we found three 
living skeletons — all that was left alive of them. So poor were 
they that a couple of Indians described them as having no width at 
all and as crooked as a bow — showing with their fingers that they 
meant humpbacked. 

"The skeletons of turkeys (that is, their leg and wing bones) lay 
all over the bottom so plentiful that I supposed the last turkey was 
dead ; but while we were hunting our hogs we saw three live turkeys, 
while I have no doubt we came across the bones of five hundred dead 
ones. We also found many dead deer, and, from the signs, I con- 
cluded that they had been killed by the wolves, which were very 
plentiful, and were the only animals in the woods that were fat after 
the melting of that snow. 

*' I remember running my horse after a wolf that winter, and, when 
just about to overtake him, not noticing, I ran right into a snow-drift 
in the head of a hollow, 30 feet deep, to all appearances. I had my 
rifle on my shoulder, and my horse plunged into the drift 30 or 40 
yards before I could stop. I got ofi" the horse and beat the snow 
down as well as I could in my back track, being entirely under the snow 
for many minutes. When I got my head out, so that I could see, 
I saw the wolf swimming through the drift, which was about 200 
yards wide. I brushed the snow from the barrel of my gun and 
fired at the wolf's head, as that was the only part of him that was 
visible, but missed him. The snow being light, the wolf had sunk 
ill it so far that only his head and neck could be seen above the sur- 
lace. This put a stop to the race. 

*« During the time the snow was on the ground 1 traveled from 
Jeflferson City to my home in Chariton county. I came as far as 
Boonville in company with Lilburn W. Boggs, Smallwood V. Nolen 
and others. I rode a common sized mule, and went behind in all 
places where the snow was drifted. I shall never forget how the snow 
would part on each side of the mules jaws ; it could just keep its nose 
out of the snow by raising its head as high as it could. I had to stand 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 739 

up in my stirrups at all the drifts to keep the snow out of my face. 
Now, this is so, and if I had my witnesses I could prove it by gentle- 
men ' sembly setters,' as the old negro called them in Jefferson City, 
and by Gov. L. W. Boggs, who was in the party. 

" After passing Boonville I swapped my mule for a horse, and then 
made my way home very well, as the road lay through a timbered 
country where the snow, although deep, was not drifted." 

The pioneer, however, had no forebodings of the tornadoes and 
cyclones, which are now so common throughout the country. They 
occasionally — at very long intervals — had a wind storm which swept 
through a small scope of country, destroying fences, sometimes un- 
roofing a cabin and felling a few trees, but never dealing death and 
destruction as do the modern cyclones and tornadoes. 

Birds and wild animals Avere so numerous and ravenous that durins: 
the first two or three years the farmers raised but little corn and but 
little stock. The wolves were seen in packs, and were so bold they 
would even invade the yards surrounding the cabins, and not unfre- 
quently at night they would come to the very cabin door and peer at 
the inmates within with glaring eyes that shone the brighter as they 
came within the rays of the ruddy fire that blazed upon the hearth. 

One night while Mr. Morrow was going to Huntsville on horseback 
in great haste for a physician, he met two or three wolves in the road, 
who stood their ground. His horse first discovered their presence and 
stopped. He attempted to urge him forward with a switch, but just 
at that moment he heard the animals growling just in front of him. 
After trying repeatedly to urge his horse on and failing so to do, he 
turned to the right of the road and left the wolves masters of the 
field. 

In the summer of 1835, Mr. Morrow was passing through the 
bottom of the Chariton river, and saw on the limb of a small water- 
oak a large swarm of bees. He had a number of bee-hives at home, 
and had no special use for any more, but this was such a large, fine- 
looking swarm that he concluded to take it home. The question 
occurred, how could he carry them ? He had no sack or anything else 
with him in which to put the bees. He could not carry them on the 
limb just as they were ! What must' he do? He finally adopted the 
following plan : He took off his pants, tied the toes together, held the 
open top under the swarm, and deliberately and carefully cut the 
branch off above and below the swarm , and let it fiill into his pants ; 
he then closed them up and took the bees home. They yielded boun- 
tif ull}' both of bees and honey for years afterwards. This was a novel 



740 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

expedient and a cheap one, yet its practical utility was fully demon- 
strated upon that occasion. 

Morrow township, agriculturally speaking, is conceded to be the 
best in the county, and taken as a whole, according to the number of 
acres, produces more corn than any other. Some wheat and also some 
tobacco are raised, not as much of the latter as there was in former 
years. There are a few good orchards in the township. It has no 
railroad facilities. 

CHARITON TOWNSHIP. 

Chariton township^ takes its name from the middle fork of the 
Chariton river, which passes through its western boundary. Chariton 
was among the earliest townships settled, and was, therefore, one of 
the first improved. 

Among the early settlers were James Dysart, James Mitchell, 
Thomas W. McCormick, James Folsor, Kobert Gipson, Stephen Gip- 
son. Smith Gipson, Thomas Bannon, Frazier Bannon, Thomas Gor- 
ham, Nicholas Tuttle, Pleasant Tuttle. 

COLLEGE MOUND 

was settled about the year 1853, on section 34, township 56, range 
15. The plat of the town was filed April 2, 1869, by Thomas W. 
McCormick and wife, Mary A. College Mound is the location of 
what is known as McGee College. In the spring of 1853 Col. R. M. 
J. Sharp, then a young man in search of fortune, established a country 
store on the divide, between the East and Middle forks of the Grand 
Chariton, about one mile north of the Randolph county line. This 
location was surrounded by a number of well-to-do farmers, prominent 
among whom were Rev. James Dysart, better known as *' Uncle 
Jimpse," Judge T. W. McCormick, John Powell, Stephen Gipson, 
Sr., and Thomas L. Gorham, the last of whom subsequently repre- 
sented the county in the Legislature. 

At this early date there was not a foot of railroad in the State, and 
this portion of the country shipped its surplus and received its sup- 
plies ])y means of wagons running to Hannibal, on the Mississippi, 
and Glasgow on the Missouri. The site selected by the Colonel was 
convenient to the main traveled road leading from Glasgow toward 
the Iowa line, through the county seats of Randolph and Macon. In 
the same year McGee College was opened under the patronage of 
McGee Presbytery, of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church ; Prof. 



1 Called the South Carolina of Macon county during the war. 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 741 

J. W. Bleriot was in charge for a while, but in October Rev. James B. 
Mitchell became President, Prof. Bleriot still continuing in the insti- 
tution. 

The influx of students, accompanied by an increase of inhabitants, 
enhanced business, and other houses opened. The patronage of the 
college continued to grow and the corps of instructors was from time 
to time enlarged. 

In this way things moved on until 1861 ; there were three strong 
firms dealing in merchandise and produce; a blacksmith, a tinsmith, 
a tailor and a shoe shop ; also, a large tobacco factory and a carding 
machine. There were likewise two or three grist and saw-mills in the 
vicinity. The college at this time had attained a yearly patronage of 
200 students, and had eight preceptors. Business was good. Farm- 
ers were prosperous and agricultural interests were rapidly improving. 
The close of the war found this happy state of things sadly changed. 
But the activity and pluck of the people came to their relief and 
they soon regained much that had been considered irreclaimable. 

The college was reopened, and under the supervision of the Presi- 
dent, Dr. Mitchell, quickly regained its former prestige, extended 
its patronage and improved its facilities. Business, adapting itself to 
its new conditions, revived with a wonderful vitality. Farming inter- 
ests manifested a marked activity. 

The adjoining country to College Mound has a good upland soil. 
The yield of corn and small grain is amply sufficient to meet all the 
demands of home consumption. Timothy and other meadow grasses 
yield largely. Blue grass is luxuriant. Tobacco has been the staple 
crop and rarely, if ever, fails to do well. The quality, moreover, is 
much better than the average and always commands good prices. 

The health of College Mound and surrounding country is remarka- 
bly good. The land is high and rolling. There are no swamps and 
quagmires to emit their fatal malaria. To the south is a large ex- 
panse of prairie, now occupied by beautiful farms and neat and com- 
fortable houses. On the east, north and west are timbered lands. 
The common fruits, apples, peaches, cherries, etc., are largely and 
successfully cultivated, and smaller fruits do well. The town is in- 
corporated under the general incorporation law. There are organiza- 
tions of the following societies : — 

McGee Lodge, No. 106, of A. F. and A. M. 

College Mound Lodge, No. 780, of I. O. G. T. 

Coal is found in nearly all parts of the township, and is of good, 
merchantable character. It often crops out on the banks of creeks, 



742 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

and may be mined by drifting. Shafts of from 60 to 90 feet will dis- 
cover veins from four to six feet. 

ROBERT GIPSON. 

Chariton township claims the honor of having the oldest inhabitant 
now living in the United States — in fact, we doubt whether there are 
half a dozen men living anywhere on the face of the earth who are 
older than the subject of this sketch. 

Robert Gipson is the son of Stephen and Mollie Gipson (his mother's 
maiden name being Stilwell), and was born in Randolph county, North 
Carolina, December 25, 1765, and was, therefore, 118 years old on 
the 25th day of last December, 1883. He had two full brothers and 
one sister, Nathan and John and Rebecca, all of whom are dead. 
The names of his half-brothers and sisters wereLarkin, Isaac, Thomas, 
Henry, Stephen, Alfred, Betty, Polly and John. His stepmother's 
maiden name was Millie Jackson. His own mother died when he was 
five years old. 

Randolph, the county of his nativity, is situated near the center of 
the State, Ashboro being the county seat. Here Robert grew to man- 
hood, without the advantages of wealth, or even the common rudi- 
ments of an education. At that early period schools were scarce, not 
only in the Old North State, but everywhere in the New World. At 
about the age of 30 years, he married Gracie Smith, of his native 
county, and after the birth of their first two children he and his father 
and their families emigrated to Wayne county, Ky. Here he lived 
until about the age of 55, and then moved to Randolph county, 
Missouri, where he resided a few years, and then moved to Macon 
county, where he now lives. He was mustered into service for the 
War of 1812, but being beyond the age when men were compelled to 
do military service, he did not remain. His first wife died about the 
year of 1844, and in 1851 he married Mrs. Hester Howe, of Macon 
county. He had sixteen children, all by his first wife, nine of whom 
are now living. The names of his deceased children are Albert, Na- 
than, Julia, Nancy, William, Alzadai, and an infant child that died 
without being named. The names of his children who are living are ; 
Stephen, aged 87 ; Thanie, aged 78 ; Smith, aged 67 ; Jackson, aged 
65 ; Millie, aged 62 ; Sabra, aged 57 ; Robert, aged — ; Asa, aged 50 ; 
Hezekiah, aged 47. 

When the last named, which is the youngest, was born, Mr. Gipson 
was 71 years of age. He has four great-great-grandchildren, 100 
great-grandchildren, and 104 grandchildren. Eleven of his children 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 743 

married, and all raised families, the smallest number of children to 
any one (Hezekiah) being seven, and the largest number being 19 to 
Smith. Mr. Gipson has always followed the occupation of a farmer, 
and made a regular hand in the field until about 10 years ago, or 
until he was 108 years of age, since which time he has been living with 
his children. About the time he ceased working on the farm, he was 
riding horseback and his horse ran against the limb of a tree, which 
dislocated his left shoulder and injured one of his legs. His father 
was a strong man at the age of 75 years, and was thrown from a horse 
and killed. Mr. Gipson is about five feet four inches high, has dark 
brown eyes and had brown hair (now white as cotton), and has 
weighed 125 pounds. He was very active during the first 50 years 
of his life, and could throw, in wrestling, any man, in the regiment, in 
which he served for a short time. He says he never met a man who 
could throw him, and tells it with great pride. He has had a few 
chills and one spell of fever ; excepting these, he has enjoyed excel- 
lent health. He never smoked tobacco, but has been chewing for 
about 50 years. Has used strong drink to a moderate extent, but 
was never intoxicated. His habits have been good and regular. He 
drinks cofiee only at breakfast and milk (of which he is very fond) at 
other meals. He is now a hearty eater and always has been. He 
takes a nap of about two hours every day, and sleeps well at night. 
His hearing is greatly impaired, and was first affected about seven 
years ago. His eye sight began to fail in 1880 ; he cannot now dis- 
tinguish one object from another. He, however, walks around by the 
aid of his cane, and quite recently walked to see a neighbor who lives 
a half mile away. He has lived an honest and industrious life, retir- 
ing early, and rising with the sun. " Early to bed and early to rise" 
has been his motto. He has been a member of the Christian Church 
for 60 years, and although he cannot read or write, he has delivered 
a number of sermons, taking his text from memory. His recollection 
now is not good, especially his impressions of early events and dates. 
This, however, may be looked for in a man of his great age, but con- 
sidering his age, his memory is wonderful. 

There have been but few persons since the flood that have lived to 
be older than Mr. Gipson. Pliny enumerates 54 persons, who resided 
between the Apennines and the river Po, who reached the age of 100 
years and more. Many of the ancient philosophers who lived abstem- 
ious, careful lives, lived to a great age. Sophocles died at 90 ; Zeno 
at 98, Democritus at 99, Diogenes at 90, Isocrates at 98, and Hippo- 
crates was upwards of 100 years. The patriarch Jaceb died at the 
42 



744 ■ HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

age of 147 years, and Joseph at the age of 110. The oldest man of 
whom history makes mention since antedeluvian times, was Peter 
Czartan, a Hungarian peasant, the term of whose natural life covered 
a period of 185 years. His, however, was an exceptional case. Mr. 
Gibson has already lived longer than any of these mentioned, except 
Jacob and the Hungarian peasant. He lived contemporaneously with 
Washington, Lafayette, Marion, Green, and all the Revolutionary 
heroes of '76, and is still living. He was ten years old when the first 
o-un of the Revolution was fired, and heard the drums and shrill whistle 
of the wry-necked fifes as they called the yeomanry of his native district 
to arms. He lived in Colonial days, when the American provinces 
were under British dominion, and is now, doubtless, the only survivor 
of those troublous times. He lived prior to the birth of our republic, 
and has seen our nation grow from 2,500,000 of people to 50,000,- 
000. He has seen the increase of territory, beginning with the 13 
original colonies bordering the Atlantic, and expanding until the 
galaxy of States numbers 38, and extending from ocean to ocean. 
He was 24 years of age when Washington was first chosen President 
of the United States, and has voted at every presidential election since 
Washington, the only man living or dead who has had that honor. 
Politically, Mr. Gipson was a Democrat prior to the war of 1861, and 
has cast his vote since that time for Republicans, except in the 
case of Gen. Hancock, for whom he voted in 1880. He was born be- 
fore Clay, Webster and Calhoun ; more than a quarter of a century 
has passed since they left the stage of action, and yet he still lingers 
upon the shores of time. Yes, this aged patriarch, this wonderful old 
man, whose life is verging so closely upon the 20th century, still re- 
mains among the living, unknown to fortune and to fame, quietly and 
cheerfully awaiting the moment when Time with silent sickle shall 
mow him down. 

NARROWS TOWNSHIP. 

This is in the south tier of townships, and borders upon Randolph 
county. It was one of the earliest organized and one ©f the earliest 
settled. It embraces a territory 36 miles square, more than half of 
which is covered with timber. The principal stream which passes 
through the township is the East fork of the Chariton river, which 
flows through the western portion of the same. The eastern portion 
of the township is good farming land, the principal products being 
hay and corn ; some wheat and oats are raised. The western part of 
the township is underlaid with coal, which seems to exist in great 



I 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 745 

abundance. Apples and small fruit do well, and tobacco is to some 
extent, cultivated in the timbered regions. There are three churches 
and four school houses in the township. 

' OLD SETTLERS. 

The old settlers of Narrows township were Joseph D. Butler, Isaac 
Goodding, Maj. John H. Bean, William C. Smith, Starling Coulter, 
John Coulter, Chesley Brock, Thomas Ryletree, John C. Powell, 
Edwin Bastim,^ Bennett Wright, Thomas Lamb, John G. Lamb, Lewis 
Vansickle, G. P. Holly, Thomas Gee, Aaron Gee, Thomas Waller, 
John Waller, Ignitus Noble and brother, John Ellis, Isam Walker, 
Daniel Simms, Collin Moore, Edwin Bastin, James H. Ray, Robert 
Vanskike, James Lamb, John King, Thomas King, Benjamin McGec 
and John Moore, all from Kentucky ; William Cochran, from Missouri ; 
Judge Frederick Rowland and Ellis Wilson, from Tennessee ; John 
Thompson and Joseph Thompson, from Virginia, and Charles Tuggle, 
William Chandler and A. P. McCall. 

SKETCH OF A, P. m'CALL, PREPARED IN 1871. 

A. P. McCall was born in Fayette county, Ky., nine miles east of 
Lexington, September 2, 1809, and moved to Missouri, and settled in 
Randolph county, in September, 1838. He was married in said county 
to Mary J. Rutherford, daughter of Archibald Rutherford, who re- 
sided near Huntsville, the county seat. Huntsville, at that time, 
1838, although a small town was a good business place, being the 
center for the trade of all the upper tier of counties that have since 
been organized into counties. 

In 1843 Mr. McCall moved to Macon county, and settled in the 
neighborhood of what is now McLeansville ; at that time the settlers 
of that section were Sterling and John Coulter, Maj. J. H. Bean, Maj. 
J. D. Butler, Chesley Brock, Mr. Tuggle, the father of James H. 
Tusfofle, F. Rowland, William H. Rowland and others. 

At the time Mr. McCall settled in this county, there were from the 
Randolph county line north to Iowa but a few settlers on the Grand 
Prairie. The track on which most all the hunters and others traveled 
was known as the Bee Trace, and the settlements were generally made 
near the road. He remembers as settlers near this trace William Mc- 
Cann, Sr., H. McCann, Mr. Tuggle, Sterling and J. Coulter, Fred- 
rick Rowland, Chesley Brock, Maj. Joseph D. Butler, Maj. John H. 
Bean, Simeon Cannon, who lived at the Grand Cut Off at the Narrows,, 



» The tallest man in the county. 



746 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

near the Excel lo post-office. It was at this place that the militia of 
the countj used to assemble to Diuster. North of this, on the Bee 
Trace, were Nathan Richardson, William Blackwell, John and Jipe 
Walker, Gideon Lyda and perhaps others that he did not know or 
does not now remember. 

It used to be the custom of Capt. William Goggin, who was an old 
settler of Randolph, to raise and fatten his hogs about one and one- 
half miles south-west of where Macon City is now located. The old 
captain would come up occasionally to see about his stock and spend 
a few days with his friends. These trips and raising stock gave that 
neighborhood the name of Goggin' s hog office, and as being the end 
of civilization — all north was the land of the Indian and trapper. 

These were the days of honesty, brotherly love and plenty ; when 
the earth yielded bountifully, all that man or beast required. When 
virtue was the ruling principle, and dishonesty was not known in this 
land. Oh ! that we had such a time again — when a man's word was 
worth whatever he promised in gold ; when neighbors helped and 
assisted such as were sick or distressed. 

The people for meal had to take their corn to Simms' mill, on the 
East fork, near McLeansville, and Rowland's mill (an inclined 
wheel) at what was afterwards called Georgetown. As to flour, the 
people did not seem to care particularly for it, and those who wanted 
it took their wheat to Goggin's mill, at Huntsville. He does not 
remember whether the other mills in that section of country ground 
wheat at that time or not. 

Mr. McCall o-ives as an evidence of the chano^e of the seasons in 
the last 30 years, the statement that in the early settlement of the 
county, wheat or rye could be raised by plowing it in between the 
corn rows. There were no chinch oran}^ kind of potato bugs or other 
insects to troublethe crops. The only trouble was from birds, turkeys, 
squirrels, deers, etc. Oats always turned out a good crop. Corn 
yielded much larger crops than now. 

In 1844, Mr. McCall farmed on what is now the town site of Mc- 
Leansville, and raised 18 barrels or 90 bushels of corn to the acre, 
about 500 bushels of potatoes to the acre, water melons that weighed 
many of them 50 pounds each. This may seem unreasonable, but the 
settlers in that neighborhood will substantiate it. 

Mr. McCall established at McLeansville atanyard, which was about 
the second or third one established in the county. Making leather at 
that day was different from the patent process now in use. It took 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 747 

him about a year to change a hide into good leather ; now it is done 
by steam and chemicals in a very short time. 

On April 5, 1845, he moved and settled in Bloomington, the then 
county seat of Macon county, and established the first saddlery and 
harness shop in the county. He supplied Macon and a good portion 
of the adjoining counties. 

Among the first settlers in Bloomington were A. L. Gilstrap, S. S. 
Fox, T. G. Sharp and J. N. Brown, attorneys ; George A. Shortridge 
and W. E. Moberly, merchants ; John Wilken and Dr. Arthur Bar- 
ron, physicians; William Beard and John R. Watson, blacksmiths i. 
Benjamin Sharp kept a hotel ; George A. Shortridge was postmaster. 
There were no churches ; preaching was done in the court-house and 
the school-house. William Sears, James Eadlifi", Dr. Abram Still, 
Allen Wright, Dr. Shoots, Perry Davis, James Dysart, Samuel Davis 
and others did the preaching. 

The county officers were Campbell Hubbard, sheriff; G. M. Tay- 
lor, circuit and county clerk ; William Holman, treasurer. Col. R. 
L. Shackelford was the representative. There was a vast difference 
in the early days of the county and now in the taxes and expenses of 
running county affairs. The whole revenue of the county did not 
equal what is now required for county purposes of Hudson township 
alone. The county judges received $2 per day ; the treasurer $75 per 
annum. The county clerk did not receive one-fourth of what is now 
paid . 

There was a great scarcity of fruit and it demanded a good price. 
Most of the fruit was brought from Randolph and Howard counties. 
The first orchards in the county that he remembers of were those of 
Nathan Richardson at Moccasinville, now owned by William Jones ; 
and Elder William Sears and Elder James Radliff, now owned by 
Joseph Salyer. 

The first church built in Bloomington was the Cumberland Presby- 
terian. The Southern Methodists and the Masenic fraternity jointly 
built a two-story brick building about the same time. 

The price of pork was $1.50 per 100; meal 25 cents per bushel; 
coffee I2V2 cents; sugar 5 to 6 cents; calico and domestics 5 to 10 
cents ; horses $35 to $50; cows $7 to $15 ; calves 75 cents to $1.50. 
Labor from 25 to 37V2 cents per day, and the hands worked from sun up 
until sun down. While these prices are low, it must be remem- 
bered that the people had comparatively no taxes to pay and lands 
were at government prices, $1.25 per acre. This was before the era 
of railroads. 



748 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

The question of building the Hannibal and St. Joe Railroad was first 
agitated by ex-Gov. Stewart about the year 1849 or 1850. The 
citizens of Bloomington were anxious for the road, believing that it 
would run through that town and donated money to defray the ex- 
penses of the preliminary survey by Gov. Stewart. Afterwards they 
took private stock in it and assisted in voting some $25,000 stock by 
the county, which was afterwards released by the company. Mr. Mc- 
Call took three shares in it, and paid $196 on it, and that was all the 
profit or pleasure he has ever realized from his assistance. 

As a friend to the enterprise, in 1851 he furnished his own team 
and took with him S. S. Fox and traveled to St. Joseph to attend a 
meeting to bring more favorably before Congress the necessity for a 
land grant to secure the completion of said road. In June, 1852, 
Congress passed the land bill, and the work was soon under contract, 
and the year 1859 witnessed the iron horse speeding its way from the 
Mississippi to the Missouri river. The location of that road built up 
Macon City and ruined Bloomington, which was finally crushed by an 
act of the Legislature passed in 1863, removing the county seat to 
Macon City. 

Politically, Mr. McCall was a Whig, and acted with that party as 
long as it had an organization. When it became disorganized after 
1860, he acted with the Conservative or Democratic party. 

In 1860 Mr. McCall was elected sherifi'of Macon county, running 
as an independent candidate against the Democratic nominee. He 
has been a member of the Christian Church 48 years. 

He is now 62 years of age, lives a retired life on his farm, four 
miles west of Macon, and hopes to see the day when lower taxes and 
a greater regard for true republican government shall prevail through- 
out our country. 

SKETCH OF MAJ. JOSEPH D. BUTLER, WRITTEN BY HIMSELF IN 1871. 

Joseph D. Butler was born in Prince William county, Va., Septem- 
ber 2, 1792, and in his thirteenth year moved with his father's 
family to Fayette county, Ky., and in 1807 his father settled in 
Mason county, near May's Lick. 

In 1812 the war fever against Great Britain and the Indians was 
very high throughout Kentucky. The Governor called for volunteers, 
and Mr. Butler volunteered and became a member of Capt. John 
McKee's company. Fourth regiment of Kentucky volunteer infantry, 
commanded by Col. Robert Payne. The regiment was formed about 
the time of Hull's surrender of Detroit to the British. Col. Payne's 
regiment started for Newport, opposite Cincinnati, on the 27th of 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 749 

August, 1812, and there drew its arms. From Newport the regiment 
moved on to Dajton, O., and from thence to St. Mary's, thence on 
to Auglaze river, and there built a Fort called Amanda. 

During the winter an order came for us to join Gen. Winchester, 
on the Maumee, but before we joined him, he was defeated at the 
River Raisin, with great slaughter, and the commander and a large 
number of prisoners captured. A large number of these prisoners 
were inhumanly butchered by the Indians, and a number were burned 
in an old block house. This defeat caused great lamentation in Ken- 
tucky, as Winchester's command was composed of many of its best 
citizens. 

From the Auglaze river, Mr. Butler's regiment marched to Fort 
Defiance, at the junction of the Auglaze and Miami rivers, called the 
Maumee of the Lake, thence down the Maumee to Fort Meigs. 

In March, 1813, the regiment marched to Lebanon, O., where the 
regiment was disbanded. 

This reg^iment was in no battle. For his services Mr. Butler 
received from the Government a 160 acre land warrant. 

On the 18th of January, 1818, Mr. Butler was married to EUenor 
Haydeu in Nicholas county, Ky., and remained in that county until 
1835, when he moved to Missouri and settled in Marion county, six 
miles north of Palmyra. 

In the year 1839 he moved to Macon county, and settled on the 
farm where he now lives. He entered the land at Fayette in 1836. 
While at Fayette entering his land, the polls being open, he voted for 
Van Buren for President. 

At the time Mr. Butler settled in Macon county there were but few 
settlers on the Grand Divide. 

Among his neighbors were John Moore, Sim. Cannon, Charles 
Tuggle, Loyd Coulter, Chesley Brock, John H. Bean. East and west 
were settlements, and north to Moccasinville. Between the present 
town of Macon and Bloomington were Isaac and Alexander Goodding. 

The county was organized as alluded to by some of the other old 
settlers. 

Mr. Butler settled in Narrows township, which at that time embraced 
the present town of Macon. The voting was done at Sim. Cannon's 
residence, and the comj^any of Capt. Coulter paraded at that place. 

As to mills and stores, Ave had to go a considerable distance to get 
grinding or goods, but the early settlers were used to this, audit did 
not cause any great trouble. 



750 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 



There is no particular incident that he recollects of the first settle- 
ments that has not been already given. 

In 1851 Mr. Butler was appointed Swamp Land Commissioner, and 
with his assistants, John P. Walker and George M. Taylor, selected 
the swamp lands for the county, given by the Government to the 
State, and by the State to the counties in which they were situated for 
school purposes. This was hard labor, and it took them some three 
months to complete it. 

In 1854 Mr. Butler took the State census for this county. 

In 1858 the county was divided into five assessment districts, and 
Mr. Butler assessed all of range 14 to the satisfaction of all parties 
concerned. 

He is now within a few days of 79 years of age, and is living near 
his old home with his children. His health is good for his age, and 
he is now an applicant for a pension under the late law to the survivors 
of the soldiers of the War of 1812. 

MILLS. 

The first mill in the township was located in the north-eastern part 
of the same, and was built by Judge Frederick Kowland. It was 
operated by an incline wheel and ground about 100 bushels of corn 
and wheat per day. It was erected in 1840, and was run until 1850, 
when it was changed to a cardins; machine. 

The Missionary Baptists built a house of worship, about the year 
1850, in the western part of the township, in the Brock settlement. 
Chesley Brock and wife, Green Moore and wife, Collin Moore and 
wife, Thomas Eyletree and wife and others constituted the early mem- 
bership. This church is still standinsf. 

John Thompson was the pioneer school teacher, and taught a school 
in 1836, near the center of the township. A. P. McCall had a tan- 
yard on the Grand Divide, about a mile from the south edge of the 
township. William Chandler operates a tan-yard at this time (1884). 
The early physicians were Drs. McLean and Petty. 

The first goods were sold by Starling Coulter at his residence in 
McLeansville in 1834. McLeansville was named after Dr. McLean, 
and was started about the year 1834. A post-office was kept there 
at a very early date. Starling Coulter was the postmaster. Judge 
Frederick Rowland sold goods in 1837, at Locust Grove, his residence. 
William Rowland sold goods at Rowland's mill and carding machine 
in 1847-48. James Lamb was also one of the early merchants of Mc- 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 751 

Leansville. Goods were at that time purchased in St. Louis and 
shipped to Hannibal, whence they were handled in ox wagons. 

Excello post-office is now the only business point in the township. 
It is located] in section 28, township 56, range 14, and contains two 
stores and a blacksmith shop. William Jones opened the first busi- 
ness house in the place. 

One of the most exciting elections that ever occurred in the county 
was the race between Col. Thomas H. Benton and Trustin Polk. 
Benton spoke at the town of Bloomington, which was the county seat. 

MIDDLE FORK TOWNSHIP. 

Middle Fork township lies in the south-east corner of the county, 
and is watered by the Middle fork of Salt river (after which the 
township takes its name) and its tributaries. Bordering upon Ran- 
dolph county, it was among the first settled, and many of its early 
settlers came from Hunt and Howard counties. Elias HoUiday, 
Humphrey Enyart, Eben Enyart, Worly Gay, William Ware, George 
Reynolds, Peter Blanchet, William Hofller, Newton Switzler, Wesley 
Halliburton, Ambrose Halliburton, Ashcraft Payton, John Hutton, 
Alfred Tobin, John J. Menifee, Dr. Hill, Dr. John Emery, Dr. E. E. 
Hand, James Landrow, William H. Rowland, Young W. Rowland 
and James Rowland were among the early settlers. 

Woodville, the oldest town in the county, is located in Middle 
Fork township. It was laid out in 1833, and called Centerville ; the 
name was changed by the Legislature to Woodville in 1850. There 
are at this time a post-office and two general stores in the town. 
John J. Menifee opened the first business house, and was the first 
postmaster. William H. Rowland put up the first dwelling-house. 
John Hutton kept a saloon and grocery. The first school-house was 
built in 1830. Thomas Thompson erected the first mill — water 
power — in 1834. 




CHAPTEE Y. 

Lingo Township — Callao Township — Bevier Township — Round Grove Township. 

LINGO TOWNSHIP. 

Lingo township occupies the south-west corner of the county, arid 
is the largest of the 24 municipal divisions, embracing 42 square miles. 
It was named after Judge Samuel Lingo, who came from Kentucky in 
1835. The Muscle fork of the Chariton river, Brush and Puzzle 
creeks flow south through the township, and form a most admirable 
system of drainage, these streams being from two to three miles apart, 
and located in the extreme western, the middle and eastern portions 
of the township. 

Lingo is an excellent township for grazing purposes ; the surface of 
the country is generally rolling. About one half of the population is 
composed of Welsh settlers. 

EARLY SETTLERS. 

Among the early settlers were Gideon Lang, who emigrated from 
Kentucky in 1835, and settled on Brush creek, one and a half miles 
west of New Cambria; William Stanfield, from Lidiana, in 1835, and 
located between the Chariton river and Puzzle creek, three miles south 
of New Cambria ; Richard West, from Kentucky, about the same date, 
and opened a farm half a mile south of William Stanfield; William 
Johnson, from Kentucky in 1840, and settled on the ridge between 
the Chariton river and Puzzle creek ; Henry Harrison, from Kentucky 
in 1840, and opened a farm between the same streams ; Allen Edgar, 
from Kentucky in 1840, and settled south of New Cambria ; Isaac 
Bundrow, from Kentucky in 1838, and located about four miles south 
of New Cambria ; Willis Blair, from Tennessee, was perhaps about the 
first settler in the township ; H. Summers was from Kentucky. 

Drs. Thomas Moss and N. D. Stevenson were among the early 
physicians, and located at Jordan P. O. Jordan Chaffin was the first 
blacksmith and located at New Cambria. George Rodman was an 
early shoemaker and lived near Stockton. William Hammock, from 
Virginia, owned and operated a mill, which was built by Isaac Mill- 
(952) 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 753 

sap, about five miles south of New Cambria on the Chariton river, 
about 1850. The first church edifice was erected by the Catholics in 
1860, and located at New Cambria ; it blew down a few years after- 
ward, but a new building was immediately erected. 

Lingo P. O. was settled in 1870 by George Jobson, who opened a 
coal mine at that place. The town contains one general store, one 
hotel, and one blacksmith shop. Jobson was the first postmaster. 
Thomas Craig was among the early citizens of the town. 

Jordan P. O. was located in 1 83 — by Jordan Hall and R. C. Mitchell. 
The place has one dwelling house, one store and one blacksmith 
shop. Hall was the first and is the present postmaster. 

The plat of New Cambria was filed for record October 1, 1861, by 
Cyrus O. Godfrey, and the town was located on a part of section 1. 
The place was originally called Stockton, in honor of James Stocks, 
who was a railroad contractor on the Hannibal and St. Joe Railroad. 
The name was changed in 1861 to New Cambria by the Welsh, who 
compose about half the population of the town. Stocks erected the 
first business house. Joseph Willis, O. W. Jones and Judge W. D. 
Roberts were among the pioneer business men. E. A. Edmunds 
erected a steam mill in 1866, in the south-west part of the town. 

The business of the place is divided as follows : — 

Four dry goods and general stores, one weekly newspaper, two 
groceries, two drug stores, one livery stable, two hardware stores, 
three blacksmiths, three restaurants, three hotels, two millinery 
stores, two churches — Congregational and Presbyterian — Music and 
Good Templars' hall, two shoe shops, one furniture store, one har- 
ness shop, two saloons, one meat shop, one district school, one to- 
bacco factory, one fruit evaporating works, one hoop-pole factory, 
daily mail, telegraph, express. Population about 600. 

Beside the above business establishments, there is the Lingo and 
Southwiek Creamery, which was opened May 21, 1883, by Judge 
Lee Lingo and H. R. Southworth. It has the capacity for making 
1,000 pounds of butter per day. New Cambria is a busy little town, 
and ships more produce than any other place of its size on the line of 
the railroad. The town was incorporated in 1870 ; O. W. Jones was 
the first chairman of the board of trustees ; he is now the postmas- 
ter, and has filled the ofl^ice for many years. The first district school 
was taught by William Mossbarger, who came from Kentucky in 
1856. Before the last war, the town contained but one store and 
about five dwellinsfs. 



754 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 



SECRET ORDERS. 

Lodge No. 93, I. O. G. T. — Organized August 5, 1878, with the 
following members : E. A. Fletcher, J. S. BIythe, Lettie Bailey, Martin 
B. Moore, W. M. Bundrow, W. A. Hughes, G. W. Jones, E. H. Nor- 
toni, R. Healey, Anna Morman, Thomas Fletcher, Mrs. Clara Jones^ 
Mrs. Libbie Jones, Mrs. Mary Sundy, E. Gr. Davis, O. Boone, E. W. 
Davis, Willie Jones, C. Hughes, R. O. Jones, J. Reese, W. Hughes, 
Jennie Hughes, A. Jackson, J. Linn, J. Mclntyre, L. E. Davis, G. F. 
Brown, Mrs. Thurber, J. W. Lundy, Mrs. Libbie Fletcher, M. Good- 
son, Mrs. T. H. Hughes, Gracie Smith, H. Adams, G. W. Miller, 
W. W. Bailey, Lizzie Morgan, J. O. Jones. 

Lodge No. 402, A. F. and A. M. — Was organized October 13, 
1871. The first three officers were: Lee Lingo, W. D. Stephenson 
and E. W. Nortoni. 

Lodge No. 337, I. 0. 0. i^. — Was instituted May 19, 1875, with 
the following constituent members: J. W. Bailey, A. J. Barton, E» 
A. Flether, T. H. Walker, J. A. Linder, and C. M. Wilkins. 

Post No. 113, G. A. i?. — Was organized Septembers, 1883, with 
W. W. Bailey, H. A. Sisson, J. Levett, J. M. Couch, W. Smoot, D. 
Kissor, J. F. Lotz, J. A. Rose, William Blake, C. Wright, E. Dowell, 
J.,W. Bacon, A. Mendenhall, F. Dowell and P. Dowell as charter 
members. 

CALLAO TOWNSHIP. 

Callao township is in the south-western part of the county, lying just 
north of Morrow township. It was originally, or when first laid out, 
no larger than Morrow, but is now about thirty-six miles square. It 
is Avatered by the Middle fork of the Chariton river. Stinking creek, 
and Chariton river. Within its territory are also located Fed, Swan, 
and Trestle lakes, the largest of which is Swan lake, which covers 
about 700 acres of land in sections 15, 16, 21 and 22. These lakes 
are within a half mile of each other, and are connected by a small 
stream. Swan lake was so named because it resembles a swan in 
shape. The Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad Company constructed a 
trestle work through the north end of Trestle lake, hence the name, 
*' Trestle " lake. The township was named after the town of Callao, 
which is situated in the same, and the town of Callao was named by 
Samuel Kinney after a South American city. 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 755' 



SOME OF THE FIRST SETTLERS. 

Claiborne Wright, from Kentucky ; Jacob Lowe, from North Car- 
olina ; William Everhard, from Ohio; John Roe, from England; 
George Perry, William Perry and Henry Perry, from North Carolina ; 
Daniel Pillers, from Ohio ; Isaac Summers and Elza Perkins, from 
Kentucky; John Dameron, from North Carolina ; Samuel Marmaduke, 
John Brammar, John Gentle, George Gentle, Martin Wright, May 
Claybrook, David Freeman and Enoch Humphrey, from Kentucky ; 
Samuel Humphrey, James Mott, Mike Sweeney and John Sweeney, 
from Ireland ; L. P. Claybrook, Allen Wright and Allen Gunther, 
from Kentucky. 

The earliest religious denominations to organize churches in Callao 
township were the Baptists and Cumberland Presbyterians. Union 
Ridge Church (Baptist) was the first house of worship. Allen Wright 
(Christian) held meetings in the township quite early, so did James 
Ratcliff , a Baptist minister. The first school was taught in a log-house 
located on the farm of George Green. Dr. Park was the pioneer 
physician. 

CALLAO. 

Callao was laid out on the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad in 1858, 
by Samuel Humphrey and Samuel Kemm. Kenim erected the first 
business house in the town, which was used as a store and hotel. The 
first dwelling house was built by Humphrey. William Eberhard 
opened a blacksmith shop. The town contains three dry goods and 
grocery stores, two drug stores, one furniture store, one hotel, one 
harness shop, one restaurant, one hardware store, one livery stable 
and two blacksmith shops. About 10 cars of freight comprising 
stock, tobacco and grain, are shipped from here monthly. There are 
four churches : M. E. Church South, Presbyterian, and two colored 
churches — Baptist and Methodist. One flour mill which cost $8,000, 
and a woolen mill; the motive power of each is steam. The popula- 
tion of the place is 500. There is a daily mail and express. 

BEVIER TOWNSHIP. 

This township lies immediately west of Hudson township and con- 
tains 30 square miles. The Hannibal and St. Joe Railroad passes 
through its center from east to west. The water courses are few in 
number, and are confined to the north-western part of the township . 



756 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

These streams include the Middle fork of the Chariton river and two 
or three small tributaries. 

OLD SETTLERS. 

William Green came from Kentucky and settled south of and near 
the present site of Bevier ; Wilburn Hughes, from South Carolina, 
.settled west of Bevier; Solomon Mullinax came from Kentucky; 
Daniel Barrow, from Virginia ; Phillip Gilstrap, from Kentucky ; 
Thomas and William White, from Tennessee ; George Parker, from 
Kentucky ; Lewis Cross, from Kentucky ; Daniel Johnson, from Ken- 
tucky. Among other early settlers were John Sneed, Col. Jacob 
Johnson, William Garrett, Jonathan Bremmer, Jefferson Patrick, 
Lewis Magee, John Terrill, Leroy Penton, Joseph Summers, Milton 
Cristial, Silas Cristial, Jeflerson White, Solomon Shoemaker, Ellison 
Miller, John Miller, Sr., Permenas Banta, Evans Wright, Elijah 
Mitchell, Timothy Cooley. 

The settlers above named include many of those who came to the 
township between the years 1832 and 1845. 

The Baptists erected the first house of worship about the year 1856. 
Kev. James Moody was an early minister of the gospel. The first 
school-house was built about 1838, one and one-half miles south of 
Bevier. William Mathews, from North Carolina, was the first school 
teacher. J. B. Winn, from Kentucky, was one of the first physicians. 
Lewis Cross opened the first blacksmith shop. 

BEVIER. 

Bevier was laid out in 1858, by John Dufi", and named after Col. 
Robert Bevier, from Kentucky. The land upon which the town was 
started was originally the property of Lewis Gilstrap, who entered 
160 acres. The plat embraces the north-east quarter and the east 
half of the north-west quarter, of section 15, township 57, range 15, 
and was filed for record June 29, 1858. 

James McDermith, an Irishman, oi^ened the first hotel. 

The first board of trustees of the town were Daniel Rowland, chair- 
man; A. B. Goodale, Thomas Francis, David Jones and J. E. Frame. 
The first marshal of the town was P. C. Grimes. William Hardister 
opened the first store ; Col. Benjamin Shackelford erected one of 
the first business houses. The first dwelling house was built by Ar- 
bory Bower. John H, Kennedy was the first white child born in 
the town. Oscar Parker was the first postmaster. The first mill 
was erected in the township by Oliver Hughes, in 1880. John Skin- 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 757 

ner was the first mail carrier, his route extending from Huntsville to 
Bloomington. The first church was built in Bevier in 1862. 

SECRET ORDERS. 

Knights of Pythias, 7i — Was organized October 20, 1882, with 
the following charter members: Isaac Keith, R. Hern, J. S. Evans, 
D. Wright, J. D. Collins, G. W. Beal, D. J. Reed, T. R. Jones, O. 

D. Wallace, D. J. Jones, William Beale, J. Hickland, J. E. Jones, J. 
Richards, D. Jones, J. Meyer, D. R. Williams, E. Ruckman, J. 
Harris. 

Knights of Labor, 7i7— Was instituted June 22, 1878, but was 
discontinued in 1882. The original members were J. Owens, T. 
Richards, M. A. Davis, S. S. Evans, A. Cook, W. C. Gaston, D. 
W. Roberts, T. Rogers, J. T. Wright, J. Coulter, J. Ruch, R. X. 
Davis, D. Wright, D. Andrews, R. Morgan, F. Mussel, J. Reed, D. 
N. Williams, W. B. Thomas, O. D. Wallace. 

1. 0. G. T., 314. — Was organized May 11, 1871, with the fol- 
lowing charter members : J. T. Evans, J. R. Hughes, J. Stirrup, 

E. Elias, T. Morgan, J. E. Evans, T. W. Davis, Lenora S. Hughes, 
Ruth Hughes, Sarah A. Hughes, Mary E. Davis, L. L. Coleman, 
Lavina Coleman, D. R. Hughes. 

/. 0. O. F., ^55. — Organized July 7, 1871, had as charter 
members J. T. Wright, O. Frederick, T. Pearson, J. Evans, J. J. 
Lewis. 

BUSINESS. 

Six dry goods and groceries, two livery stables, three meat shops, 
two druo- stores, three saloons, two confectioneries, one restaurant, 
one hotel, one public school, three shoe shops, three blacksmiths, 
two lumber yards, eight churches, three doctors, one private school. 
Daily mail. Thomas J. Reese, postmaster. 

The town contains about 1,200 population, and is the chief coal 
mining town in the county. 

*. ROUND GROVE TOWNSHIP. 

Round Grove township was reorganized in 1872, and lies in the 
south-eastern portion of the county, bordering upon Shelby county. 
It contains an area of 36 square miles, about one-third of which is 
covered with timber. Its surface is veined by the Middle fork of 
Salt river. Bee branch and Winn creek. The land produces excellent 
corn, oats, timothy and clover; and a good quality of tobacco is 



758 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

raised in the timbered portion of the township, but not much of the 
latter is grown. Wheat is also grown to some extent. Apples and 
small fruit do well. Among the large farmers are Judge Jno. D. 
Smith, Jacob Hendershott, S. P. Bronson, J. P. Vancleve, Pierce 
Bros. (James K. and John F.) and W. H. Whitcomb. 

Mr. Hendershott makes a specialty of short-horn cattle, Norman 
horses, Poland and China hogs, Plymouth Rock chickens, etc. He 
operates a saw and grist mill, and is prepared to manufacture sorghum 
molasses on a large scale. Mr. Bronson has the Holstein breed of 
cattle. 

Among the first settlers in Round Grove township were John C. 
Rowland, Thomas Winn, Sr., Henry Mathews and Levi Cox. Mr. 
Rowland located on the south-west corner of section 31, township 57, 
range 13. We have spoken of Rowland and Winn elsewhere in this 
history, and will now give a brief biographical sketch of Levi Cox, 
which we take from the Macon True Democrat. 

LEVI COX 

was born in North Carolina, on March 22, 1800. His father and 
family removed to Barren county, Ky., the year not recollected. 
Mr. Cox was raised in said county, and was married in 1828 to Miss 
Elizabeth Wade. She died in 1835, and in 1838 he was again married 
to Miss Lucy Wine, his present wife. In 1842 he moved from Bar- 
ren county, Ky., to Macon county, and settled on his present farm, in 
section 16, township 57, range 13, near Judge Smith's. 

At the time Mr. Cox settled in Macon county, the county in his 
immediate neighborhood was settling up faster than many other 
portions of the county. Still they were without public schools, mills 
and churches. They had to depend on subscription schools, and for 
preaching, traveling ministers held forth in groves and farmers' 
houses. For meal and flour the settlers had to go many miles in 
wagons. But when they went they took grain enough to lay in for 
bread for months. 

On April 16, 1850, Mr. Cox, in company with Joseph Snodgrass, 
Oliver Stewart, and Mr. Gee, started for the golden fields of Cali- 
fornia. Their train was hitched to horses. They made the trip 
through by the 17th day of August, or about 120 days. When the 
reader remembers the distance, the heat, the many streams and 
mountain defiles, and steep rocky ascents to be made with a wagon, 
he will think the trip quick enough. There is occasionally a sprinkling 
of fun mixed in with the hardships of such a trip. At times the 
traveling was very unpleasant, especially in the neighborhood of 
alkali water, burning sand, and hostile Lidians — at all times looking 
out for Indians, and every night having out sentinels watching that 
the stock was not stolen or stampeded by the murdering, thieving 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 759 

plagues of the plains, the Pawnees and other devilish Indians. Game 
was plenty ; buffalo and antelope were numerous. His company 
killed some for fresh meat. 

Mr. Cox settled in Eldorado county, California, and commenced 
diojging for gold the first day he got there. His success was various. 
Sometimes he had a few thousand dollars ahead, when his luck would 
fail, and by the time he got to work again, it would be all used for 
something to eat. 

His life for the past 21 years has been one of varied fortune. 
When he left home he had no idea of being gone more than two years. 
From the accounts from California he thought he could, in that land 
of gold, made his fortune quickly and return home and live at ease 
the remainder of his days. He returned from Eldorado worse off 
than when he left the '* Old States." While a few suddenly made 
fortunes, and others made fair wages, thousands had no success — 
to-day making something, to-morrow nothing. This was not only 
California life, but it is to a great extent the life of the world. 

When mining failed, he would work at sawing lumber with a whip 
saw, and do such other work as presented. His life in California was 
one of constant hard labor, and after an absence of 21 years from 
home, he returned to his family many years older, and had to begin 
the battle of life again, with ever changing fortune. 

When Mr. Cox left Macon county in 1850 there was no kind of 
internal improvement. No railroad was even spoken of, much less 
any Macon City, La Plata, Oallao, Bevier, New Cambria, Atlanta, or 
the fine college at College Mound. 

Mr. Cox had not heard from his family for more than three years 
before he started for home. Nor had his family heard from him ; 
although he had written repeatedly. He wrote to other friends in 
the county, and none were received. At last one of his sons, while in 
Montana Territory, wrote to him. Mr. Cox concluded he would start 
for home, and took the cars at Sacramento City, on the Pacific Eail- 
road, and reached home in eight days, when 21 years before it had 
taken him 120 days to travel the same distance. What a change in 
the whole country ! 

When he passed over this same country 21 years before it was 
unsettled, and but few whites were known outside of the military 
posts. The whole country was infested with hostile and other Indians, 
with herds of buffiilo in every direction, with other wild game in great 
abundance. 

Now, this same Indian territory is not only settled up by whites, 
but States have been organized and entered the Union, and many 
others will soon be knocking at the door for admission. 

Railroads that were not thought of then have not only been built 
across the great plains and through the Rocky Mountains, but towns 
and cities have sprung up like mushrooms every few miles on these 
railroads and throughout the country. Not only this, but the great 
telegraphic system of Morse has connected the great Atlantic and 
43 



760 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

Pacific oceans with electric power. Thus have the East and West 
been doubly united by rail and lightning. 

But there was something yet that had taken place, of greater polit- 
ical importance, since he had left the " States." The old States had 
been engaged in civil war. Large armies, North and South, had been 
marshaled under the greatest military leaders of the age, and engaged 
in some of the most terrible battles known since the beginning of the 
century. After a few years of carnage, the stars and stripes pre- 
vailed and the Union was declared indestructible. With the end of 
the terrible war came the freedom of the negro, and shortly afterward 
the right of suffrage to that race who were in bondage. 

When he began nearing home, oh, who can tell his feelings ! The 
country was changed — everything appeared new — he did not recog- 
nize his own native land. Would he know his wife, his children, his 
friends? — would they know him? These questions flashed through 
his brain. He hardly knew where to get off on the Hannibal and St. 
Joe Kailroad. Instead of getting off at Macon, he went on to Clar- 
ence, in the edge of Shelby county. There he had to inquire the way 
home. What did he know of Macon City and Clarence, when all 
around both places when he left was wild prairie, with scarcely a set- 
tlement in sight? When he came in sight of home, he saw the same 
old log cabin and recognized it. He had previously sent a neighbor 
to inform his wife and family of his arrival, and that he would soon be 
with them. They met him in the yard. His wife met him, but she 
did not look natural to him. Mrs. Cox said to him : " Come in ; you 
will find us in the same old cabin you left 21 years ago." Great was 
the rejoicing. The whole neighborhood came in crowds to welcome 
him home. Mr. Cox did not remember his children. From small boys 
and girls they had grown out of his memory. The yard was full of 
his children and grandchildren. Perhaps there never was such an 
event before. 

Mr. Cox said he felt highly gratified in meeting with so many of 
his old friends, and for their friendly visits. If the fatted calf was 
not killed, the hog was, and the dinner was eaten on the old style — 
*' eat and be merry." 

In passing from Macon to Clarence by rail, he passed within half a 
mile of his home, and did not know it. When lie saw Macon City, 
he felt satisfied there were more people in it than there were in the 
whole country when he left. 

Another thing, Mr. Cox says, surprised him — the great growth of 
the timber. A great many places that contained small undergrowth 
had grown into considerable timber. This he attributes to the settlers 
keeping the fire out. Other places in the prairie that had no timber 
when he left are now covered with undergrowth of considerable size. 

Mr. Cox is now in his seventy-second year, enjoying unusual good 
health for his age, and is surrounded by his children, grandchildren, 
other relatives and friends, and feels satisfied in enjoying the balance 
of his days at home. 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 761 

Among other pioneers were — 

Judge John D. Smith, from North Carolina; Joel Crain, Howard 
county, Mo. ; Joseph Kincade, Marion county. Mo. ; Benjamin Fur- 
man, from. Kentucky ; John Y. Lister, from Maryland; C. H. Lister, 
from Maryland ; Judge John B. Walker, from Virginia ; AYilliam 
Faulkner, from Virginia ; Johnson Whiles, J. G. Whiles, and Jona- 
than Eatcliff, from Kentucky; B. F. Grafford, Pike county. Mo. ; 
George W. Waddle, from Kentucky ; S. S. Winn, from Kentucky ; 
George B. Larrick, John A. Mackey, James Eichardson and William 
Mote, from Virginia ; James Smith, from North Carolina. 

George B. Larrick taught the first school that was kept in Round 
Grove township. The school house (log cabin) was located on sec- 
tion 21, township 57, range 13. Attending this schoool were the fam- 
ilies of James Smith, John T. and C. H. Lister, Thomas Winn, Sr., 
S. S. Winn, Joel Crain and others. 

The pioneer preacher was Dr. Abram Still, a Methodist. The early 
settlers went to Bloomington and Hunts ville to get their supplies, as 
well as to employ a physician. John T. and C. H. Lister put up a 
blacksmith shop in section 28, township 57, range 13. The first 
church building was erected about the year 1850, by the Methodists, 
and was located near Judge John D. Smith's farm, in section 28, town- 
ship 57, range 13. Judge Smith and wife, Thomas Winn, Sr., and 
wife, Joel Crain and wife, John T. and C. H. Lister and their wives 
were among the constituent members. A new church building has 
been erected by the same denomination on the same section. There 
are at present (1884) two churches, and four school-houses in the 
township. The new church above mentioned is called Bethlehem 
Church, and the other Ewing Church (a Cumberland Presbyterian), 
which was erected about the year 1860, on section 8, township 27, 
range 13. 

ROUND GROVE 

is the only trading point in the township, and contains a post-office 
and depot, and has daily mail and express facilities. It is located on 
the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad and contains three stores, one 
blacksmith and wagon shop, and one drug store. E. G. Skinner is 
the postmaster. The first building was put up in the town by East- 
man Ryther and A. L. McBride, which was a business house. 



CHAPTEE VI. 

HUDSON TOWNSHIP. 

Its Location — Water Courses and Railroads — Early Settlers — Macon — Macon City 
the Original Town — The Town of Hudson — Early Business Men — Additions to 
Macon — City Officials — City Indebtedness — Banks and Bankers — Moot Legis- 
lature — Secret Orders — Band of Hope — Macon Fire Company No. 1 — Macon 
County Medical Society — Strong's Cornet Band — Macon Foundry and Machine 
Works — The Massey Wagon Company — Public School — School Boards — St. 
James' Academy — Johnson College — Hotels — Macon Association for the Distri- 
bution of Real Estate — Macon Elevator Company — The Macon Creamery — 
Wright's Opera House — The Old Harris House — Improvements in 1883 — Business 
Directory. 

HUDSON TOWNSHIP. 

Although not geographically centrally located, Hudson township 
contains the county seat of Macon county. It has a surface of 36 
square miles, and is an average farming township. The east fork of 
the Chariton river flows through the western portion, and one or two 
small tributaries of the middle fork of Salt river, through the north- 
eastern part. The North Division of the Wabash, St. Louis and 
Pacific Railroad passes through the township from north to south, and 
the Hannibal and St. Joe Eailroad passes through it from east to 
west. 

William Fletcher, Simeon Cannon, Benjamin Catterton, Wilson 
Jones, Jacob Bell, Sterling Gee, James T. Haley, Broadwater Mat- 
ney, John Matney, William Holman, Felix Baker, Alexander Good- 
ding, Nicholas Guodding, William Scrutchfield, Jesse Hall, Peter 
Cummings, Andrew Chit wood, Robin Lockhart, John Vansickle, 
Jiidge William S. Fox, John M. Bryant and Rufus Kincaid composed 
nearly all of the early settlers of Hudson township. 

MACON. 

Macon is one of the handsomest towns in the State. It is located 
on a slightly undulating prairie. The town is especially attractive in 
summer, because of its numerous shade trees which adorn each side 
of all the streets. Many of the residences are tastefully constructed 
and are surrounded by large yards, which abound in flowers, shrub- 
(762) 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 763 

hery and shade trees. The inhabitants of the town are kind, 
courteous, hospitable and charitable, and are a reflecting, reading and 
moral people, as is evidenced by the existence of four newspapers, 
twelve church edifices and two elegant schools, each and all of which 
are well sustained. Macon is very truthfully called, the " City of 
Maples." In the spring of centennial year, Mr. James A. Terrill, 
who had a nursery near the city, gave all parties desiring them as 
many maple trees as they would plant, hence the great number of 
maple trees in Macon. 

Macon City (the original town) was laid out in 1856, the plat being 
filed March 12th, on the east half of the south-east quarter of section 
16, township 57, range 14, by James A. Terrill, John M. Curless, 
Samuel H. Herndon and James Gillespie. 

The first settlement, however, was made in 1852, by James T. 
Haley. The house erected by him is still standing, and is now occu- 
pied by J. B. Howe in the south-east part of the city. 

The town of Hudson, west and adjoining Macon City, was laid out 
in 1857 ; the plat was filed July 1st by Thomas P. Kubey, H. L. 
Rutherford and G. B. Dameron, who were trustees of the Hudson 
Land Company, of St. Louis. 

In reference to the early history of Macon City, the True Democrat 
of April 18, 1884, has this to say : — 

Old Macon City was laid out in 1856, and the first sale of lots 
occurred during that year. Hudson was laid out the next year, and 
a sale of lots took place during that year or the next. Old Macon 
and Hudson stood as rival towns, adjoining each other, and as a nat- 
ural consequence the rivalry created a bad feeling and considerable 
trouble. Several meetings were held to obtain legislative action by 
which a consolidation might be brought about. Finally, in 1859, at 
the adjourned session of the Legislature, the territory of the towns 
was incorporated under the name of Macon City. 

The first mayor was Dr. A. L. Knight,^ now deceased. The first 
postmaster was Albert Larrabee, and his office was located on what is 
now Vine street, near Bourk square. The first place of voting was in 
old Macon, where elections were held until the division of the city into 
wards. 

The Legislature in 1863 passed a law changing the county seat 
from Bloominffton to Macon, and striking: out the word " Citv." In 
1863 and in 1864, the election for State and county purposes was 
held at the academy, owned and established by Dr. Frank Allen, 
now of Morrow township. This academy was used and rented by 
the county for circuit and county courts and other public uses. 



1 Albert Larrabee was the first mayor. 



764 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

During the war, the soldiers at times took possession of the acad- 
'emy, and the county court was held in a little school-house, near 
the Towner tobacco factory, and was so occupied until the comple- 
tion of the court-house, in 1865. Here the vote of Macon (City) 
and Hudson township was takjcn in June, 1865, on the adoption of 
the Drake Constitution, and the place also where the "Iron-clad 
oath" was first administered. 

Circuit and probate courts were held for several terms in the sec- 
ond story of the brick building now occupied by Doneghy & Bros. 
Soon after the completion of the court-house, the county court di- 
vided the city into wards, for State and county election purposes. 
The wards stand now as first created and numbered. It is not rec- 
ollected whether the city or county authorities first acted in this 
matter. An election before this change into wards, when Col, Clark 
Green was elected mayor, was held in a little frame building, on 
the corner where the Hagy brick building now stands, and which 
was afterward used as a post-office. The first merchants, grocers 
and other business men opened up in old Macon. In 1859, business 
houses on a large scale were erected just south of the Hannibal 
and St. Joseph Railroad, between Rollins and Rubey streets. The 
Harris House, a large three-story frame building, was put up. The 
lower story was used for dry goods and groceries. Johnson & 
Bagwell, Thompson & White are remembered as carrying larger 
stocks than are now kept by any house in the city. 

The reason for it is now plain. The North Missouri Railroad 
was then unfinished north of this place, and these firms furnished 
goods to the people as far as the Iowa line. The North Missouri 
Railroad track, as first laid down, ran to the Harris House. 

Up to the beginning of the rebellion, and for some time there- 
after, the Hudson portion of Macon, north of the Hannibal and St. 
Joe Railroad, had but few settlements or buildings outside of Vine, 
Weed and a portion of Rollins streets. The lots were all covered 
with hazel brush and scattering wild cherry and pin-oak trees. South 
Hudson had scarcely a house outside of those in close proximity to 
the railroads. 

The first churches were Methodist. The M. E. Church South was 
a small frame building in old Macon, and the M. E. Church was the 
same as is now occupied by them, only that it has been enlarged and 
otherwise improved. 

The first lumber yard was established by Terrill and Reister in old 
Macon. 

The first attorneys were George S. Palmer, Col. R. J. Eberman 
and Col. A. L. Gilstrap. The first printing office was established by 
a young man named Raymond, and the first newspaper published was 
called the Republican, 

The town took a boom soon after the completion of the court-house 
and the close of the war, and now presents a beautiful appearance, 
with thrifty business men, large brick buildings, churches, school- 



HISTORY OF IVIACON COUNTY. 



765 



houses, academy, hotels and other public buildings, equal to other 
towns much older. 

In addition to the names of the early business men above men- 
tioned, there were a number of others, among whom were Dr. A. L. 
Knight, drugs ; Charles Jaeger, hardware ; George Turner, dry goods 
andVoceries; Littrell & Brooks, dry goods and groceries; Lamley 
Bros° dry goods and groceries ; Goldsberry & McQuay, James and 
Christopher Barnes, and a few years later, Joseph L. Baum. 

The first business house in old Macon was erected by John M. 
Curless, who came from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He had a kind of 
general assortment, and sold tools of difi'erent kinds for railroad 
work. He now resides at Cedar Rapids. Wilson Jones built the first 
hotel in the town. Granville Draper put up the first planing-mill ; 
Daniel Patton, the first flour mill; Kughn Brothers, one of the first 
blacksmith and wagon shops. Dr. A. L. Knight was the first physi- 
cian. Hayden Rutherford & Bro. erected the first saw-mill. The 
first regular school was taught in a house built by James A. Terriil ; 
Dr. Frank Allen was the teacher. 

ADDITIONS TO MACON. 

Terriil, Curless and Caldwell's Addition, plat filed October 28, 
1857 ; County Addition, by Isaac V. Pratt, filed November 12, 1870 ; 
Pratt's Sub-division, filed November 12, 1870; County Addition of 
sub-division of block 142, by Abner L. Gilstrap ; College Addition, 
by D. E. McKay, plat filed July 25, 1866. 

CITY OFFICIALS. 

The early records of the city were destroyed by fire, consequently 
we are not able to give the full list of officers, only since 1875. 

In 1860 Albert Larrabee was elected the first mayor. Associated 
with him as councilmen, were James Turner, George B. Turner, A. 
L. Knight, J. T. Reester, Benjamin White and D. E. Wilson. R. J. 
Eberman was city attorney ; Daniel Palmer was city marshal. 

MAYORS FROM 1862 TO 1874. 

Thomas Tibbs, from 1862 to 1863; D. E. Wilson, from 1863 to 
1866; Clark H. Green, from 1866 to 1867; John M. Wilson, from 
1867 to 1868 ; John T. Clements, from 1868 to 1869 ; Joseph Moon, 
from 1870 to 1871 ; John Dougherty, from 1871 to 1872 ; George P. 
Glaze, from 1872 to 1874. 



766 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

City Officials since 1875. — Mayor — Isaac Hayes. Council- 
men— William F. Forcht, S. G. Brock, G. L. Towner, K. E. 
Melone, James Dodds, A. N. McGinley and H. S. Gordon. Treas- 
urer — Samuel J. Wilson. Kecorder — D. P. Dobyns. Attorney — 
Charles P. Hess. Clerk — S. E. Waggoner. Marshal — Charles J. 
Carlin. 

Officers of 1876. — Mayor — William Seager. Councilmen — R. 
Wright, B. F. Moore, I. N. Stewart, R. A. Melone, S. G. Brock, W. 
F. Forcht and G. L. Towner. Treasurer — Samuel J. Wilson. Re- 
corder— D. P. Dobyns. Attorney — C. P. Hess. Clerk — F. S. 
Beeler. Marshal — C. J. Carlin. 

Officials 0/ i<97 7. —Mayor — P. M. Wright. Councilmen — B. 
F. Moore, A. H. Dysen, R. Melone, G. L. Towner, Joseph Brown, 
I. N. Stewart, Thomas Jobson. Treasurer — Samuel J. Wilson. 
Recorder— E. J. Newton. Attorney — F. White. Clerk — T. S. 
Beeler. Marshal — W. H. Butler. 

Officials of 1878. — Mayor — F. A. Jones. Councilmen — B. F. 
Moore, A. H. Dysen, P. F. Leonard, J. G. Vancleve, Joseph Brown, 
J. P. Moore, C. R. Haverly. Treasurer — Samuel J. Wilson. 
Recorder — F. Ames. Attorney — A. F. Foster. Clerk — T. S. 
Beeler. Marshal — John H. Clayton. 

Officials of i<97P. —Mayor — William F. Forcht. Councilmen — 
C. R. Haverly, B. F. Moore, J. G. Vancleve, A. S. Richardson, J. P. 
Moore, B. F. Stone, T. H. Smith. Treasurer — Samuel J. Wilson. 
Recorder — F. Ames. Attorney — F. White. Clerk — Joseph M. 
Patton. Marshal — John H. Clayton. 

Officials of 1880. — Mayor — William F. Forcht. Councilmen — 
James Dodds, S. G. Brock, J. S. Vancleve, Joseph Brown. A. S. 
Richardson, B. F. Stone, T. H. Smith. Treasurer — S. J. W^ilson. 
Recorder — John Farrer. Attorney — C. P. Hess. Clerk — Joe M. 
Patton. Marshal — John H. Clayton. 

Officials of 1881. — Mayor — William F. Forcht. Councilmen — 
R. W. Aikens, A. S. Richardson, B. F. Stone, T. H. Smith, Jos. 
Brown, S. G. Brock, J. G. Vancleve. Treasurer — S. J. Wilson. 
Recorder — John Farrer. Attorney — C. P. Hess. Clerk — J. W. 
Moore. Marshal — John H. Clayton. 

Officials of 1882. — Mayor — J. G. Vancleve. Councilmen — H. 
A. Butler, S. G. Brock, W. H. Sears, B. F. Stone, Thomas H. 
Smith, Philip Reichel, N. S. Richardson. Treasurer — Samuel J. 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 767 

Wilson. Eecorder — John Farrer. Attorney — R. J. Eberman. 
Clerk — J. W. Moore. Marshal — J. H. Clayton. 

Officials of 1883. — Mayor — N. S. Richardson. Councilraen — 
T. H. Smith, J. W. Thompson, C. Eggleston, S. G. Brock, W. H. 
Sears, R. W. Aiken, P. Reichel. Treasurer — E. J. Demeter. Re- 
corder, George Bogert. Attorney — C. P. Hess. Clerk — J. E. 
Thompson. Marshal — John H. Clayton. 

Officials of 1884. — Mayor — N. S. Richardson. Councilmen — 
S. G. Brock, C. Eggleston, J. W. Thompson, T. H. Smith, T. A. 
H. Smith, William Magnus, William F. Forcht. Treasurer — E. J. 
Demeter. Recorder — George Bogert. Attorney — R. J. Eberman. 
Clerk — J. E. Thompson. Marshal — John H. Clayton. 

The city has no floating debt, but owes $5,500, $1,000 of which is 
due September 1, 1884. The balance, $4,500, is due November 1, 
1891. 

BANKS AND BANKERS. 

The first banking institution established in Macon was that of 
George A. Shortridge & Co. (George A. Shortridge and James B. 
Malone). Shortridge was president and Malone was cashier. The 
bank continued to do business under this name until the death of 
Mr. Shortridge, which occurred in 1866, when Shortridge and Malone 
were succeeded by Malone and Epperson (Charles G. Epperson), 
who did business till 1872, when the bank was changed to Macon 
Savings Bank, Charles G. Epperson, president, and James B. Malone 
cashier. After running until February 14, 1882, the bank failed for 
$300,000. The assets will pay 20 per cent on the dollar, leaving 
$240,000 unpaid, or a loss of that amount. There were 525 deposit- 
ors, the largest of whom had $9,375 in the bank when it broke. 
When the failure of the bank was announced, it created a profound 
surprise, and consternation was written upon the face of all who had 
been so unfortunate as to lose their money in it. 

B. N. Tracy and John W. Henry started a bank in 1857, which ran 
until 1869 under the name of Tracy & Henry, when the firm was 
changed to Tracy & Son (N. B. Tracy, Jr.). This bank failed in 
September, 1876, its liabilities being at the time a little more than 
$125,000. It has since paid about 40 per cent to creditors. 

The Farmers and Traders' Bank was established January 1, 1877, 
by G. L. Towner, who was president, Solomon Wagoner, cashier, 
and Charles G. Epperson, James B. Malone and Theodore Kraus. 
This bank did business until February 14, 1882, when it failed, the 



768 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 



liabilities being about $33,000. Being connected with the Macon 
Savings Bank and under the same management, it closed its doors 
upon the same day that the Macon Savings Bank did. It has since 
paid about 25 per cent of its indebtedness. 

The failure of these three banks has retarded, to a considerable ex- 
tent, not only the prosperity of Macon and its business interests, but 
this loss has been felt by the farmers, traders and others throughout 
the entire county, and in a measure so crippled the community at 
large that, for a time, there was scarcely anything done in the way 
of business enterprises. Indictments were preferred against the chief 
officers of the Macon Savings and the Farmers and Traders' banks, 
but after one or two trials, which failed of conviction, the suits were 
dismissed. 

STOCKHOLDERS OF MACON SAVINGS BANK. 

J. B.Winn, $5,200; A. L. Shortridge, $5,000; E. C. Shain, 
$7,500; Jehu Teter, $1,500; K. A. Melone, $2,200; T. E. Sharp, 
$1,200; T. G. Sharp, $2,500; C. G. Epperson, $5,000; J. B. Me- 
lone, $10,000 ; G. A. Shortridge estate, $15,000 ; George L. Towner, 
$4,500; Orr Sanders, $200; Macon Savings Bank (exchanged real 
estate) $5,200. Total, $65,000. 

John Scovern, William Logan and S. G. Wilson opened a private 
bank in March, 1882, and ran until March 6, 1883, when the bank 
was changed to the First National Bank of Macon. The following is 
a statement of the condition of the First National Bank of Macon, at 
the close of business April 21, 1884: — 



LIABILITIES. 

Capital stock $50,000 00 

Surplus fund 1,000 00 

Undivided profits 2,428 31 

Circulation 13,500 00 

Deposits 167,191 05 



ASSETS 

Loans and discounts 
Government bonds . 
Other bonds . . . 
Due from other banks 
Furnitui-e and fixtures 
Redemption fund . . 
Cash 



$234,119 36 



891,889 


56 


15,000 


00 


30,620 


00 


75,456 


84 


778 


90 


675 


00 


19,6»9 


06 


$234,119 


36 



Officers — William Logan, President; S. G. Wilson, Vice-Presi- 
dent; John Scovern, Cashier ; C. D. Sharp, assistant cashier. 

Directors — Jeff. Morrow, Sr., James L. Tibbs, William Logan, S. 
G. Wilson, John H. Babcock, James G. Howe, P. Y. Hurt, John 
Scovem. 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 



769 



The Exchange Bank opened November 20, 1 883, by Bairds & Wright. 

Official Statement of the Financial Condition of the Exchange Bank of Bairds & Wright, 
at the close of business on the 15th day of April, 1884. 



RESOURCES. 

Loans on personal security 
Loans on real estate security 
Other bonds and stocks 
Due from other banks . . 
Furniture and fixtures . . 
Checks and other cash items 
Bills of National Banks and 
legal tender U. S. notes . 

Gold coin 

Silver coin 

Exchange 



$16,019 42 

8,450 55 

700 00 

15,931 99 

485 85 
741 04 

7,848 90 

2,507 50 

320 03 

1,041 95 



Capital 
Deposits . 
Exchange 



LIABILITIES. 



«15,000 00 

37,587 39 

1,459 84 



Total $54,047 23 



Total $54,047 23 



State of Missouri, > We, P. M. Wright, President, and Frank 
County of Macon. (Baird, Cashier, two of the partners in or 
owners of said banking business, and each of us, do solemnly swear 
that the above statement is true to the best of our knowledge and 
belief. P. M. Wright, President. 

Frank Baird, Cashier. 

Subscribed and sworn to before me, this 23d day of April, A.D. 
1884. Witness my hand and notarial seal affixed, at Macon, Mo., the 
date last aforesaid. (Commissioned and qualified for a term expiring 
October 3d, 1885). 

[seal.] S. S. Wilson, Notary Public. 



moot legislature. 

The citizens of Macon organized a Moot Legislature in 1868, with 
the following members : John Mayer, J. B. Melone, J. G. Howe, 
John Fee, F. A. Jones, J. W. McKindley, R. W. Coles, G. W. 
Barnes, Thomas Proctor, Charles G. Epperson, S. P. Griffith, J. M. 
London, J. T. Clements, A. N. McKindley, J. F. Williams, J. H. 
Overall, E. C. D. Shortridge, T. A. Eagle, L. M. Trimble, A. P. 
McCall, James M. Love, D. K. Turk, P. M. Wright, J. L. Wood, J. 
E. Wilkerson, Charles P. Hess, Fletcher White, A. L. Shortridge, 
W. M. Rubey, H. P. Vrooman, D. C. McKay, W. A. Guyselman, B. 
R. Dysart, B. E. Tracy, Jr., L. G. Tracy, J. S. Curtiss, J. W. Henry, 
W. S. Larrabee, B. F. Stone, William D. Wright, Clark H. Green, 
A. J. Williams. 

SECRET ORDERS. 

Masonic Lodge, ISTo. 172. — Organized July 9, 1874. Charter 
members : James G. Howe, Sol. E. Waggoner, Thomas B. Howe, A. 



770 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

L. Knight, E. S. Golclsberiy, George P. Glaze, Isaac C. Stephens, 
James B. Melone, William H. Farrar, E. B. Van Vleet, C. G. Epper- 
son, John Meyer, Alfred Farrar, Phil, T. Holman, John D. Howe, 
John P. Walker, Isaac Hayes, Thomas G. Thorp, George Ingels, 
Jas. L. Baum, James G. Howe, W. M. ; Sam Ebert, S. W. ; F. M. 
Winn, J. W. ; James L. Tibbs, treasurer ; A. A. Gilstrap, secretary ; 
A. W. Gilstrap, S. D. ; L. A. Rogers, J. D. ; T. A. H. Smith, T. ; 
Rev. R. H. Crockett, chaplain. 

Knights of Pythias Lodge, Ko. 74. — Was organized May 19, 
1882. The charter members : C. P. Hess, C. Grahl, F. H. Murphy, 
M. C. Trew, Thomas A. Smedley, W. F. Forcht, W. B. Webber, 
George B. Reichel, J. O. Jewett, J. J. Ziglar, J. S. Miller, S. Ebert, 
R. W. Caswell, Hez. Purdom, James P. Kern, Theo. Gerry, J. W. 
Moore, W. C. B. Gillespie, Alfred Dyson, Chris. Maffrey, T. M. Sev- 
ern, John H. Clayton, L. A. Thompson, James H. Patton, W. H. 
Butler, J. C. Brookbank, A. R. Lemon, Thomas A. Craig, W. P. 
Howe, J. E. Thompson, H. H. Downing, John T. Jones, W. S. Her- 
man, T. L. Thompson, F. E. Williams, G. B. Krieter, J. D. Gatty, 
J. W. Wooldridge, E. B. Clements, J. G. Howe, W. B. Kunkel, M. 
J. Payne, E. A. Lee, Frank Reed. Officers : A. R. Lemon, P. C. ; 
Theo. Gerry, C. C. ; M. C. Trew, V. C. ; L. A. Thompson, P. ; C. 
Maffrey, M. E. ; J. S. Miller, M. F. ; W. B. Kunkel, K. of R. S. ; 
J. W. Moore, M. of A. ; J. J. Davis, I. G. ; S. Ebert, O. G. ; rep- 
resentative to grand lodge, C. P. Hess. 

Lodge No. 150, 1. 0. 0. i^. — Was organized July 15, 1865. 
Charter members: James H. Biswell, James M. Love, B. F. Clark- 
son, Henry Shaw, John M. Floyd, C. Otto, Clark H. Green, A. L. 
Ferguson. Present officers : H. S. Gordon, N. G. ; S. Ebert, V. G. ; 
W. J. Wright, R. S. ; J. K. Haverly, P. S. ; J. L. Baum, treasurer. 

Macon Lncampment iVo. 72, I. 0. O. F. — Was organized Jan- 
uary 8, 1874. Charter members : O. S. Bearce, D. P. Dobyus, C. 
R. Hutchins, A. L. Grain, H. S. Glaze. Present officers : J. A. Cook, 
C. P. ; W. H. Miller, H. P. ; S. Ebert, S. IV. ; F. L. Power, J. W. ; 
C. R. Haverly, S. ; J. W. Patton, treasurer. 

Lodge No. 4, Brothers of Philanthropy — Was organized April 10, 
1881. Charter members: A. R. Lemon, R. W. Aiken, C. R. 
Haverly, B. O. Parker, T. F. O'Daniel, N. L. Bennett, F. H. Murphy, 
George W. Spreistersback, William Jones, G. H. Jones. Present 
Officers : Henry Renne, I. G. ; John Koll, O. G. ; B. O. Parker, C. 
K. ; William Dale, S. K. ; T. F. O'Daniel, R. ; C. R. Haverly, Rec. ; 
W. M. Jones, Treas. ; M. K. White, S. ; John C. Gab, O. 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 771 

Marvin Lodge JSfo. 325, I. O. G. T. — Was organized July 22, 
1871. The charter members were: John M. Henry, A. K. Lemon, 
S. B. Weaver, James M. Turner, N. S. Richardson, R. J. Eberman, 
Fletcher White, W. H. Sears, A. M. Rogers, John A. Jackson. 
Present Officers: Thomas A. H. Smith, W. C. T. ; Maude Holt, W. 
V. T. ; Kate Richardson, Sec. ; William A. Smith, F. S. ; May Ben- 
nett, Treas. ; P. W. Gayer, Chaplain ; D. M. Oliver, Marshal ; Lillie 
Eggleston, Guard ; John C. Gade, Sentinel. . 

Lodge JSTo. 28, A. 0. U. TF. — Was organized October 6, 1877. 
Charter members : W. H. Goodding, B. J. Milan, J. A. Hudson, H. 
B. Marshall, William R. Sheen, J. F. Darling, T. E. Sharp, L. D. 
Walbridge, Hez. Purdom, R. A. Melone, S. J. Wilson, John Shep- 
herd, L. B. Williams, J. R. Little, C. E. Evans, E. J. Hawkins, T, 

A. Smedley, John H. Mason, W. O. Clarkson, L. W. Mitchell, John 
W. Sanford, R. W. Caswell, James F. Corby, J. D. Abell, T. S. 
Beeler, James M. Thrall, James B. Melone, J. P. Moore, Ethelbert 
Talbot, C. R. Hutchins, H. S. Glaze, J. O. Jewett, E. M. Baxter, 
Charles J. Borden, Chris Fritz. Present Officers : C. P. Hess, P. 
M. W. ; J. P. Moore, M. W. ; John J. Davis, Recorder; George P. 
Reichel, Financier ; William F. Forcht, Treasurer. 

Lodge 23, G. A. JR., Dep. of Mo. — Was organized August 18, 
1882. Charter members : Frank M. Murphy, Morris True, Nathan 
S. Richardson, George Yuncker, B. F. Moore, H. S. Glaze, R. W. 
Caswell, C. J. Borden, R. M. Montgomery, A. R. Lemon, S. R. 
Dearing, A. W. Inman, J. M. Turner, Alois Steiner. Present Offi- 
cers: N. S. Richardson, Com.; S. G. Brock, I. V. C; C. R. 
Haverly, I. V. C. ; E. C. Still, Surgeon; A. R. Lemon, Adjt. ; D. 
E. Wilson, Chaplain ; George Yuncker, I. M. ; S. J. Wilson, O. D. ; 
H. A. Butler, O. G. 

« Band of Hope. — Organized in February, 1884, with 185 members. 
D. H. Payson, president; Mrs. J. T. Ridgeway, vice-president; 
Mollie Bennett, secretary ; Daisy Fletcher, treasurer ; Minnie Gerow, 
librarian ; Minnie Wisdom, assistant librarian. 

Macon Fire Company No. 1 — Was organized February 6, 1872. 
First Officers : Chief of Fire Department, A. Field. Assistant 
Chief of Fire Department, J. G. Howe. Foreman of Company, 
George P. Glaze. Assistant Foreman of Company, B. F. Moore. 
Secretary, Frank Smith. Treasurer, C. R. Hutchins. Engineer, 
H. A. Butlet-. Foreman of Hose, R. A. Melone. Assistant Fore- 
man of Hose, J. H. Clayton. Charter Members.- J. W. Henry, S. 

B. Hanley, John Talbot, S. Waggoner, C. G. Epperson, W. P. 



772 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

Beach, T. Wamsley, Frank Davis, J. P. Love, C. C. Butler, James 
Ingles, A. Miller, W. H. Goodding, S. Jackson, James Cook, W. 
W. Tory, Frank W. Henry, D. A. Patton, H. S. Allen, G. W. 
Barnes, C. J. Carlin, S. Ebert, George Fox, P. T. Holman, W. B. 
Hargis, J. M. London, James B. Melone, John W. Patton, Frank 
Palmer, A. W. Rogers, J. P. Sharp, J. D. Stephens, T. W. Shaw, G. 
L. Towner, Ed. Turner, Thomas Thompson, James Tibbs, W. F. 
Williams, D. E. Wilson, R. Wright, J. Dodds, John M. Easton, A. 
G. Dyson, W. S. Hughes. Fuel Cart Boys. — Foreman, F. Hobb. 
Assistant Foreman, J'. Epperson; E. L. Glaze, Tobias Thompson, 
Charles Fletcher, E. Thompson, Wm. Patton, B. Goldsberry, T. 
Hanley, Ben. Clayton. Present Officers: H. A. Butler, Chief of 
Fire Department; R. Davis, Assistant Chief of Fire Department; L. 
K. Davis, Foreman of Company ; Thomas Still, Assistant Foreman 
of Company ; J. H. Clayton, Foreman of Hose ; J. H. Jones, Assist- 
ant Foreman of Hose ; J. D. Gatley, Foreman of Hook and Ladder ; 
H. W. Choj^e, Assistant Foreman of Hook and Ladder; W. H. But- 
ler, Treasurer ; F. A. Rosevale, Secretary. 

The average number of tires per year is 15. 

Macon Count]/ Medical Society — Was organized April 16, 1879. — 
Officers of 1879 — T. J. Norris, President ; B. C. Mitchell, Treasurer ; 
D. H. Mathews, Secretary. Board of Sensors — G. W. Miller, W. 
F. Morrow, D. H. Mathews. 1880 — B. J. Milam, President; W. 
V. Yates, Vice-President; Mrs. Dr. Mary Towner, Treasurer; A. T. 
Levick, Secretary. Sensors — J. W. Proctor, J. M. Cully, T. Fred- 
erick. 1881 — W. F. Morrow, President; E. Jeserich, Vice-Presi- 
dent ; B. J. Milam, Secretary ; J. M. McCully, Treasurer. Sensors — 
J. W. Martin, A. T. Levick, J. W. Proctor. 1882 — W. V. Yates, 
President; A. C. Smith, Vice-President; R. C. Mitchell, Secretary; 
B. J. Milam, Treasurer. Sensors — T. J. Norris, A. T. Levick, 
Isaiah Frederick. 1883— J. H. Petty, President; F. Allen, Vice- 
President ; J. W. Moore, Recording Secretary; B. J. Milam, Treas- 
urer. Sensors — J. W. Martin, A. T. Levick, J. W. Proctor. 
1884 — A. T. Levick, President; J. W. Proctor, Vice-President; J. 
W. Moore, Corresponding and Recording Secretary; B. J. Milam, 
Treasurer. Sensors — T. J. Norris, F. Allen, W. V. Yates. Present 
Members ; Isaiah Frederick, W. V. Yates, T. J. Norris, L. C. Mit- 
chell, James T. Casey, W. F. Morrow, A. J. Norris, D. H. Mathews, 
F. W. Allen, John McCollough, B. C. McDavit, J. W. Martin, George 
P. Benning, Evans Jones, B. A. Payne, A. L. Levick, B. J. Milam, 
R. N. Turner, J. W. Proctor, A. C. Smith, Richard Hayes, A. H. 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 773 

Nichols, B. L. Mixon, W. S. Sears, Willarcl Terrill, A. B. Miller, T. 
N. Thompson, J. H. Petty, J. W. Moore, T. H. Hughes, D. W. 
Dempsey, B. E. Moody. 

The Macon Medical Society — Was organized in September, 1869. 
The charter members were; A. L. Knight, J. N. Stewart, E. Hahn, 
J. J. Lyle, Isaiah Frederick, J. B. Winn, T. A. Eagle, Arthur Bar- 
ron, William Benny, N. S. Eichardson, J..C. Scroggin, T. W. Shaw. 
Its first officers were : A. L. Knight, President ; N. S. Eichardson, 
Secretary and Treasurer. At present the officers are : N. S. Eichard- 
son, President; Ed. B. Clements, Secretary ; Arthur Barron, Vice- 
President ; J. B. Winn, Treasurer. 

Stronr/s Cornet Band — Was organized about four years ago — 
1879. Names of members : B. F. Strong, manager; Charles L. Far- 
rer, president; Thomas A. Craig, secretary; O. D. Clark, Treas- 
urer; Gus Strong, Eobert Smith, Edward 0'Daniels,W. S. Herman, 
Charles Gibbs ; Ed. Berry, Harry Berry, drummers. 

COLORED ORGANIZATIONS. 

Dane Lodge No. 13, A. F. and A. M. — Was organized February 
1, 1871, by W. A. Dane and J. N. Triplett. Charter members — 
William Jones, Eeuben Barber, E. W. Morrison, Joseph Allen, Adam 
Braggs, John Jackson, John Washington. Present officers: E. W. 
Morrison, W. M. ; Craig Griffin, S. W. ; James Coleman, J. W. ; 
John Tyler, Treas. ; William Cross, Sec. ; Sam Davis, S. D. ; Will- 
iam Jones, J. D. ; Henry Dodd, J. S. ; Alfred Holliday, S. S. ; 
James Coleman, Tyler. 

There are also colored lodges of Good Templars, Knights of Ta- 
bor and United Brethren. 

MACON FOUNDRY AND MACHINE WORKS. 

The above establishment was started in 1880, by F. Palfrey, the 
present owner, who began with an investment of $5,000, and by in- 
dustry and economy has increased the amount to $15,000, with but 
little incumbrance. The castings made at this foundry compare 
favorably with those made at any foundry in the country. One of 
the specialties of this foundry is the making of the self-oiling coal 
car machinery wheels, of which Mr. Palfrey is the inventor. These 
wheels are made of chilled iron. Another specialty is the Eggelston 
& Patton patent adjustable racket bar and bracket stove shelving. 
From 15 to 25 men find constant employment at this foundry. 



774 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 



THE MASSEY WAGON COMPANY 



which was organized April 1, 1884, employs 25 hands, and has a ca- 
pacity of making 1,000 wagons per year. The firm, previous to the 
present one, known as the Macon Wagon Company, suspended oper- 
ations three years ago, and the building and machinery remained idle 
until the present firm, composed of John Massey and Son, started 
last April. The house is a large, commodious brick, and cost $20,- 
000, including the machinery. 

PUBLIC SCHOOL. 

The Union Free School building was erected in 1866-67 at a cost of 
about $20,000. It is located in the eastern part of the city, and 
accommodates about 800 pupils. The school is graded in several 
different departments. The superintendents of the public schools of 
Macon have been S. P. Bonnson, J. M. Howard, G. P. Beard, D. H. 
Horns, G. L. Osborn, L. M. Johnson, A. E. Wardner, S. A. Taft, 
N. B. Henry, J. T. Ridgeway and S. F. Trammel. 

There is at present no colored school building, the former one 
having been destroyed by fire. The houses erected in 1871-72 cost 
$7,000. Colored children enrolled in the city number 243. 

SCHOOL BOARDS SINCE 1866. 

1866 — H. P. Vrooman, Davis Stutzer, N. H. Patton , Thomas Proc- 
tor, Walker T. Gilman, J. J. Lyle. 1867 — L. M. Trumbull, J. W. 
Henry, Davis Stutzer, H. P. Vrooman, Thomas Proctor, A. H. 
Patton. 1868 — L. M. Trumbull, Philip Eeichel, Davis Stutzer, H. 
P. Vrooman, Thomas Proctor, N. H. Patton. 1869 — L. M. Trumbull, 
N. H. Patton, JohnH. Henry, Philip Reichel, Jacob Gilstrap, David 
Stutzer. 1869 — L. M. Trumbull, R. W. Coles, B. N. Tracy, J. W. 
Henry, N. H. Patton, Philip Reichel. 1870. — L. M. Trumbull, N. H. 
Patton, B. N. Tracy, R. W. Coles, W. C. Gilstrap, P. T. Holman. 
1870— W. C. B. Gillespie, B. N. Tracy, Philip Reichel, N. H. 
Patton, R. W. Coles, E. F. Bennett. 1871 — B. N. Tracy, R. W. 
Coles, Philip Reichel, W. C. B. Gillespie, J. Jaeger, N. H. Patton. 
1871 — N. H. Patton, R. W. Coles, Philip Reichel, W. C. B. Gilles- 
pie, N. S. Richardson, Samuel J. Wilson. 1872 — Philip Reichel, 
N. S. Richardson, Amos Field, Samuel J. Wilson, N. H. Patton, W. 
C. B. Gillespie. 1872 — H. S. Glaze, Amos Field, William Saeger, 
A. R. Lemon, N. S. Richardson, S. J. Wilson. 1873 — H. S. Glaze, 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 775 

Amos Field, W. Saeger, A. K. Lemon, N. S. Richardson, S. J. Wilson. 
1874 — H. S. Glaze, William Saeger, Amos Field, J. Jaeger, H. S. 
Gordon, F. A. Jones. 1875 — Same board. 1876 — H. S. Glaze, 
William Saeger, Amos Field, J. Jaeger, F. A. Jones, H. S. Gordon. 
1877 — Same board. 1878 — J. Jaeger, Amos Field, F. A. Jones, H. 
S. Glaze, H. S. Gordon, William Saeger. 1879 — Same board. 
1880 — Benjamin F. Stone, H. S. Glaze, Amos Field, F. A. Jones, 
William Saeger, Joseph Jaeger, 1881 — S. J. Wilson, Web M. 
Rubey, H. S. Glaze, Amos Field, Benjamin F. Stone, Joseph Jaeger. 
1882 — W. F. Forcht, Edwin McKee, T. W. Reed, Benjamin F. 
Stone, Web M. Rubey, S. J. Wilson. 1883 — C. P. Hess, B. E. 
Guthrie, William F. Forcht, Web M. Rubey, S. J. Wilson, Edwin 
McKee. 1884 — Edwin McKee, Web M. Rubey, B. E. Guthrie, Will- 
iam F. Forcht, C. P. Hess, N. S. Richardson. 

ST. JAMES ACADEMY. 

This school was opened in September, A. D., 1875. It had its 
origin in a desire to meet the local demands for a higher education 
than could be furnished by the public schools. It was not intended 
at first to make it diocesan in its character, but simply local. But 
the unexpected success of the school encouraged the rector to yield 
to the suggestions of his friends to receive pupils from various parts 
of the State who might be placed under his care. It has now a 
recognized position as the only boarding school for boys under the 
control of the Church in the Diocese of Missouri. The boarding 
department is open exclusively to boys ; though the daughters of the 
citizens of Macon are received as day scholars under certain restric- 
tions. 

This school had enrolled in 1883, 98 students. It is now in a 
prosperous condition, and is growing rapidly into favor, receiving 
patronage and encouragement, not only from the church under whose 
control it now is, but from the friends of education generally. 

JOHNSON COLLEGE. 

An institution bearing the above name was incorporated under the 
acts of County Courts, giving charters, in 1866, under the auspices 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, North Missouri Conference, with 
the title of Macon Male and Female University. The petition was 
presented by D. C. McKay, D. E. Wilson, F. A. Jones, T. A. Eagle 
and nine others. An outlay of $40,000 was expended in the con- 
struction of a building, but it was never completed owing to a want 
44 



776 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

of sufficient funds. It was intended to make it a large, handsome 
building — large enough to accommodate 300 students. Edwin John- 
son, of Lynn, Mass., after whom the college was named, was the 
warm friend of the institution and its chief contributor, having donated 
the sum of $10,000. The College was located near the north-east 
edge of the city. It was taken down a few years ago and the brick 
were used in building a part of St. James' Academy. 

HOTELS. 

Macon has had a number of hotels, among which have been the 
Evans House, on Weed street; the City Hotel, the Macon Hotel, in 
the same vicinity; the Commercial Hotel, the Vine Street House, 
the Rollins House, the Wabash House and the Palace Hotel. The 
latter is the largest building of the kind in the city, and was erected 
in 1881, by B. F. Stone, at a cost of $30,000. 

MACON ASSOCIATION FOR DISTRIBUTION OF REAL ESTATE. 

This association was organized in 1868, with Col. C. H. Green, 
president; J. M. Love, general manager; J. B. Melone, treas- 
urer, and Capt. G. W. Bearnes. There were 3,149 certificates, 
worth $1 each, and 193 prizes. These prizes were to have been 
drawn on July 15, 1868, but failing to sell all the certificates, the 
drawing did not take place, and the money was refunded to the 
purchasers of certificates. 

MACON ELEVATOR COMPANY, 

is composed of J. G. Vancleve, W. H. Sears and W. M. Vancleve. 
These gentlemen recently purchased the valuable property of the 
old company. The elevator does a large business in handling corn, 
rye, oats and seeds, and in exchange of meal, etc. Its capacity 
for grinding is 500 bushels per day, and capacity for shelling 10 
car-loads per day. The paid-up capital is $10,000, and the com- 
pany enjoys the confidence of the entire business community. 

THE MACON CREAMERY. 

The contract for building the Macon creamery has been let and 
work commenced. It is to be completed by the middle or last of 
May. Judge H. Vandeberg will have his son and J. J. Davis asso- 
ciated with him, under the firm name of Vandeberg & Co. The 
main building will be 46x24 ; the ice-house 24x36 ; boiler-room. 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 777 

10x18, and the fuel-room 10x18. The building complete will con- 
tain the following rooms and apartments: Cream-room, churn-room, 
butter-working-room, office, storage-room, coolmg-room, refrigerat- 
ing-room, wash-room, engine and boiler-room, fuel-room, and ice- 
house. The building is constructed with three air chambers in 
outside walls, double doors and windows, fitted up with steam and 
cold water coils for heating and cooling building, steam pipes, water 
pipes, steam jets, etc., and following is a partial list of machinery 
and fixtures used in their large plan : Two 300-galIon power churns ; 
three 400 or four 300-gallon cream vats ; 35 patent refrigerating 
hauling cans, power butter-worker, scales, cold and hot water wash- 
ing tanks, force pump in well, cream pails, thermometer, tryer, all 
necessary shafting, belts, pulleys, hangers, etc., office furniture and 
books, 10-horse boiler and engine, and all small articles needed in 
the business. The company has secured over 500 cows, and want 500 
more. The building will be located on Vine street, one block east 
of Rubey, on the old brick-yard. 

weight's opera house 

was built by Nathaniel Hunt in 1874, and used as a tobacco ware- 
house for several years. The present owner, P. M. Wright, pro- 
posed to the city council that if it would make a market-house of the 
rooms below, and require the butchers of the city to open their stalls 
in the building, he would prepare the stalls and construct an opera 
house, which proposition was accepted. The building is being fitted 
up, and when completed it will be one of the handsomest buildings of 
the kind in the State. It will have an upper circle and seating capac- 
ity of 900, with private boxes. The roof is a suspension one, and no 
pillars or posts in the main hall, excepting the supports to circle 
above. The opera house will be nicely papered and decorated 
throughout ; the stage is 22x55 feet ; ventilation is good. The 
scenery for the stage and drop-curtain is beautiful in design, having 
been made by a first-class scenic artist. The building is 56x90 feet, 
and will cost when completed $12,000. The thanks of the people 
are not only due the city council, but more especially to Mr. Wright, 
for the convenient market-house and beautiful hall, which will be com- 
pleted about May 15, 1884. 

the old HARRIS HOUSE. 
[From True Democrat.] 
The Old Harris House is well remembered by the old citizens of 
Macon. During the Civil War it was headquarters for several Post 



778 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

Commanders, and the upper story was used as a military prison. 
After Porter's raid and defeat at Kirksville, the prison was pretty full 
of prisoners. They were put in for various reasons and causes. Some 
of the prisoners were from adjoining counties, but were mostly citi- 
zens of Macon county. They were confined for some time, and after 
examination as to charges, were generally released on oath of lo3^alty 
and bond. A few were sent to the militarj^ prison at Alton and St. 
Louis. It was from the Harris house prison that the notorious raider, 
Poindexter, escaped. He had been in prison as a noted rebel leader 
and organizer of rebel forces for some time. He was restless, and 
wanted to be up and working for his cause. One very dark and rainy 
night he managed to escape the sentinel at the prison, but had not 
gone far before he was missed, and the guard fired in the supposed 
direction. It was reported he was badly wounded. He got away all 
the same. During the year 1864, Gen. Guitar had his headquarters 
at the Harris House — sometimes called the Planters' House. Political 
excitement ran high. The Union men who were for Gen. McClel- 
lan — the Democratic candidate for President — were looked upon as 
no better than Copperheads of Vallandingham stripe, by the Kadical 
Unionists. 

Jim Lane, of Kansas, was the idol of many of the extreme Union- 
ists, and " Hurrah for Jim Lane " was constantly heard on the streets. 
It was the watchword among a large majority of Union at this place. 
Gen. Guitar was not that kind of a man. He was for the Union and 
Gen. McClellan. The name of Jim Lane was very obnoxious to him. 
It got out that he would punish any of his men hurrahing for Jim 
Lane in his presence. Several of them did. He knocked one over 
with his fist, caused another to carry a heavy stick of wood on his 
shoulder and march to and fro in front of headquarters, and others he 
put in prison. This was done in a military point of view to keep up 
military organization, and keep his men in proper subjection as 
soldiers. But he could not fully do it. The outside pressure was 
against McClellan — nearly all for Lincoln. The soldiers in prison 
would get in the window and yell for Jim Lane, so they could be 
heard for several blocks away. It was not a good time for Democrats, 
especially if they were for McClellan. These soldiers in prison kept 
up their yellling as long as they were confined. It is not now recol- 
lected whether they got out of their confinement, or whether they 
were further punished in any way. 

IMPROVEMENTS IN 1883. 

[From Macon Times of August 3cl.] 

A gentleman remarked the other day that Macon was not only the 
best trading point he knew of, but that in all his travels, he knew of 
no place in all North Missouri where so many improvements were 
going on. And when we come to think of it, much more is being 
(lone in way of improvements than is generally supposed. In fact, 
Macon, with the certainty of a heavy fall trade, is starting on a con- 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 779 

siderable boom. The following very incomplete list of improvements 
in this city, which does not include any rebuilding or repairs occa- 
sioned by cyclone or storm, will give some idea of what we are doing. 
It is safe to say that much more would be done in the way of erecting 
new buildings and improving others but for the fact that the recent 
cyclone required considerable time of mechanics making repairs. The 
following list of improvements, which is very incomplete, will give 
some idea of our progress ; — 

B. Edwards, two brick houses on Vine street, $6,500 ; B. Edwards, 
two brick houses on Eollins street, $3,750 ; Habberman & Soldan, 
wholesale beer warehouse, $1,000; E. J. Denieter, brick business 
house on Rollins street, $3,500 ; J. Jaeger & Co., two brick business 
houses on Weed street $3,500 : McKee & Smith, improvement of store- 
rooms, $550 ; Gen. Vancleve, rebuilding and erecting a large addition 
to house on Rollins street, $1,500; J. G. Vancleve, improving resi- 
dence, $500 ; Chris Maffry, new residence in south-west part of city, 
$1,200; Graham Wilson, improving residence, $600; Al. Miller, 
new residence on Crooked street, $1,200; Benjamin H. Stean, new 
residence north of court-house, $1,500 ; B. Powell, additions and 
improvement of residence, $200 ; C. H. Steele, improvement of 
premises, $350 ; Rev. H. R. Crockett, additions and improvement to 
residence, $200 ; A. Steiner, addition and improvement to residence, 
$250; Mrs. Roberts, improvement of residence (the Dr. Stewart 
property), $500; Stevens and Hail, improvement of store-room, 
$350 ; Al. Dyson, improvement of residence, $200 ; Myra Mont- 
gomery, improvement of residence, $150 ; M. Gieselman, improve- 
ment of business house, $200 ; Dr. Milam, improvement of residence, 
$200; Dr. Milam, new barn, $250; E.J. Demeter, new residence 
near park, $1,100; D. K. Turk, additions and rebuilding residence, 
$1,000; H. S.Gordon, additions and rebuilding residence, $1,000 ; 
J. E. Goodson, Jr., improvement of residence, $550 ; S. J. Waggoner, 
improvement of residence, $150 ; Catholic church, improvements, 
$300 ; W. F. Forcht, improvements of residence, $250 ; M. E. 
Church, repairs and improvements, $600 ; F. Palfry, foundry to be 
rebuilt and enlarged, $1,000; Second Baptist Church, colored, im- 
provements, $500. 

In addition to the above list, which is not complete, it does not 
include many improvements made which are small, of themselves, but 
aggregate a great deal and add immeasurably to the apjDearance of the 
city. 

Neither have we included many of the scores of houses which 
have been painted, among which we may mention : Stephens & Hail, 
store; E. S. Goldsberry, store; John Mayer, store; Milsted & 
Burns, store ; Odd Fellows hall ; W. C. Belshe, store ; Isaac Gross, 
store; Banta Bros., store; T. A. Craig, store; Mrs. Poole & Eggle- 
ston, store ; J.Jaeger &Co., store ; Saminett Bros., store ; D. K. Hagy, 
store ; Henry Stocking, residence ; Ezra Norris, residence, and many 
others we cannot call to mind in this hurried mention. This w^ill 



780 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

suffice to show that Macon is pushing forward and would have done 
much more had it not been for unfortunate but unavoidable drawbacks. 

BUSINESS DIRECTORY. 

Adams & Garrison, blacksmiths; Robert W. Aiken, proprietor 
Wabash Hotel; J. W. Angus, music store; John A. Banta, proprie- 
tor Banta Roller Mills ; Thomas Banta, grocer ; Banta & Son, livery ; 
Rev. J. S. Barwick (Methodist); Joseph L. Baum, clothing; Mrs. 
Tillie Baxter, dressmaker; William P, Beach, real estate; Charles 
W. Belshe, restaurant ; William C. Belshe, dry goods ; James L. 
Beny, lawyer; Sidney G. Brock, editor and proprietor Republican; 
J. N. Brown, lawyer; Mrs. J. N. Brown, music teacher; Mrs. Mark 
Brown, dressmaker ; H. A. & C. C. Butler, grocers ; Mrs. Lillie 
Butler, dressmaker ; Rev. Patrick B. Cahill (Catholic) ; John H. 
Clayton, city marshal; Ed. B. Clements, physician; Thomas A. 
Craig, jeweler ; Miss Lou Dale, dressmaker ; John J. Davis, produce; 
Ed. J. Demeter, hardware ; William Denzler, harnessmaker ; Frank A. 
Dessert, harnessmaker ; T. T. Dodson, tailor; James Donovan, grocer 
and express agent; Downing & Williams, boots and shoes; Dysart 
& Mitchell, lawyers ; R. J. Eberman, lawyer; Samuel Ebert, cloth- 
ing ; Eichenberger & Trew, cigar manufacturers; Exchange Bank, 
Bairds & Wright ; Amos Field, druggist ; Fletcher & Gatty, tailors ; 
First National Bank, John Scovern, cashier ; William H. Forbes, ex- 
press agent ; W. F. Forcht, lumber ; James Fowler, horses and mules ; 
L. J. & G. J. Fox, jewelers ; Christian Fritsch, meat market ; John 
T. Gehaus, grocer ; Fred. W. Geiselmau, tailor; Moritz Geiselman, 
tailor.; Abner L. Gilstrap, lawyer; Henry S. Glaze, grocer; Good- 
son & Son, proprietors Messenger of Peace; Gordon & Moore, farm 
implements; Gray & Ford, livery; Grahl & Miller, saloon; E. A. 
Graves, proprietor Gem Hotel; Greene Bros., fruit evaporators; 
Harbin M. Greene, justice ; John H. Hartman, boots and shoes ; Mrs. 
Curtis R. Haverly, dressmaker ; Haverly & Parker, livery ; Michael 
Hornback, dry goods ; James G. Howe, county clerk ; London, Steau 
& Willis, real estate; Rev. Charles Jackal (Lutheran); Mrs. Susan 
Jackson, dressmaker; Dr. Thomas B. Jackson, druggist; J. Jaeger, 
hardware; Peter Jochims, meat market; John T. Jones, lawyer; 
William Jones, blacksmith; J. W. Kings worth, stair builder; Mrs. 
R. M. Kingsworth, dressmaker; Franz A. Koch, shoemaker; John 
H. Griffin, live stock; R. S. Griffith, shoemaker; Isaac Gross, gro- 
cer; Thomas Grove, grocer; Benjamin E. Guthrie, lawyer ; Haber- 
man & Soldan, saloon ; Daniel K. Hagy, grocer ; Miss Delia Haley, 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 



781 



dressmaker ; Thomas Haley, constable ; Hail & Baker, dry goods ; 
Jasper Hammett, barber; J. F. Hawley & Co., boots and shoes; 
Miss Sarah E. Harkrader, millinery ; Miss Mary J. Harris, music 
teacher; J. Koechel, broom-maker; John Koll, builder; William 
B. Kunkel, proprietor Windsor restaurant; J. Larrabee, builder; 
Peter Larson, restaurant; John M. League, railroad agent; Kich- 
ard L. Lewis, carriage manufactory; Friederich Leubke, shoe- 
maker; Macon Brewery Company; — Teamer, proprietor Macon 
House ; Massey Wagon Company, John Massey, President ; David 
McCartney, barber; McCully & Smith, grocers ; John A. McDowell, 
wagon maker; Mrs. Martha McDowell, millinery; McKee & Smith, 
dry goods; Jesse McNutt, blacksmith; McMurray & Son, carriage 
manufactory ; Mason & Strong, painters ; Joseph L. Martin, circuit 
clerk ; William H. Martin, dry goods ; Richard S. Matthews, judge of 
probate ; John Mayer, hardware ; Mason House, — Alvoid, proprietor ; 
Merchants' Hotel, Mrs. Schiffeldecker, proprietor; Gabriel Meyer, 
shoemaker ; Benjamin J. Milam, coroner ; Miller & Milam, physicians ; 
A. J. Milstead, grocer; J. F. Mitchell, lawyer; Eobert G. Mitchell, 
school commissioner; Moore, McCuUough & Co., proprietors Macon 
roller mills; J. H. Morgan, sheriff; J. Morrow, Sr., county 
treasurer; E. J. Newcomer & Co. (William M. Vancleve), druggist; 
Eli J. Newton, lawyer ; Henry C. Noel, barber ; Thomas J. Norris, 
physician ; Thomas F. O' Daniel, marble works ; Frederick Palfrey, 
founder and machinist; Palace Hotel, M. B. Marcum, proprietor ; 
Dwight H. Payson, real estate; John W. Patton, bookseller ; Joseph 
M. Patton, news depot; Joseph Phillips, wagonmaker; John W. 
Pickett, physician ; Phil Pollard, stencil cutter and tinner ; Pool & 
Eggleston, milliners ; Algernon R. Pope, lawyer ; Thomaig W. Reed, 
dentist; George P. Reichel, furniture; Nathan S. Richardson, phy- 
sician ; Miss Alice Roberts, dressmaker ; James W. Roberts, recorder 
and justice; Robinson Bros., dry goods; Rollins House, Gustave C. 
Sauvinett, proprietor ; Frederick A. Roswell, photographer ; Webster 
M. Rubey, lawyer ; St. James Academy, Ethelbert Talbot, proprietor ; 
Sauvinett Bros., second-hand goods; Frank Sehweikhaus, saloon; 
William H. Sears, lawyer; Aaron R. Lemon, carpenter; Adolph 
Sippel, blacksmith ; Mrs. Smith, music teacher ; W. A. Smith, den- 
tist ; Thomas H. Smith, restaurant; Smith & Tory, dressmakers; 
Con Suavely, sewing-machine agent; John G. Spriesterbach, wagon- 
maker; Alois Steiner, tailor; Isaac C. Stevens, clothing; Ed. C. 
Still, physician; Thomas A. Still, carpenter; Stocking & Huntoon, 
vinegar manufacturers; Cyrus Strong, builder; Terrill & Bro., nur- 



782 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

serymen ; J. E. Thompson, city clerk ; Lysander A. Thompson, law- 
yer; Thomas L. Thompson, painter; James L. Thrall, furniture; 
James L. Tibbs, grocer; Times Printing House, J. A. Hudson, pro- 
prietor; William E. Tomlinson, painter; Toole & Payton, grocers; 
Rev. John H. Townsend, Baptist; Trister & Co., saloon ; James M. 
Turner, meat market ; Horatio G. Tuttle, carpenter ; John Tyler, 
barber ; James G. Vancele, grocer ; William M. Van Cleve, proprietor 
Macon elevator ; Walker & Gilstrap, real estate ; Thomas Wardell, 
coal merchant ; Williams & Wooldridge, druggists ; Samuel J. Wilson, 
insurance ; James B. Winn, physician ; Lucian P. Wooldridge, 
insurance ; James W., Wright, florist ; W. J. Wright, grocer. 




CHAPTER YII. 

Ten Mile Township — Eagle Township — Liberty Township — Valley Township — 

Russell Township. 

TEN MILE TOWNSHIP. 

Ten Mile township is the central of the eastern tier of townships, 
and is 36 miles square. It is watered by a tributary of the Middle 
fork of Salt river, and two or three other smaller streams. 

The township took its name from a creek of the same name, which 
is just 10 miles in length. There are four churches and nine school 
houses in the township ; no other township in the county contains as 
many school-houses. 

EARLY SETTLERS. 

The first settler in the township was William Griffin, who was orig- 
inally from Kentucky. Mr. Griffin being the earliest settler, we shall 
present a brief biographical sketch of him, taken from the Macon 
True Democrat: — 

Capt. William Griffin was born in Lincoln county, Ky., on the 
28th day of May, 1797, and was raised in Pulaski county, same 
State. 

He was married to Miss Susan Buster in September, 1821, in Pu- 
laski county. In 1828 he and family, in company with his brother, 
John Griffin, moved to and settled in Ralls county. Mo., near New 
London. In 1829 he moved to Marion county, near Hannibal. 

Hannibal then was in the brush ; there were only a few huts or log 
cabins ; there was only one two-story house in the place, and that was 
made of logs, and used as a tavern by Joseph Brazier, not far from 
the present steamboat landing. Occasionally a steamboat would 
make its appearance, but had very little business with Hannibal. 
There was a ferry kept by Samuel Stone & Bro., who also had a dray 
to haul goods from the landing to Draper's store. Zachariah Draper 
was the only merchant or store-keeper in the place. 

Capt. Griffin commenced an improvement in Macon county in 
1838 in Ten Mile township, near Laporte. At that time there was 
no settlement nearer than Thomas Winn's, Henry Matthews and the 
Moccasinville settlement. The county was without roads, churches, 
school-houses, mills or blacksmith shops. 

In February, 1839, Capt. Griffin moved his family to his new 

(783) 



784 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

home. The first sermon preached in his neighborhood was delivered 
under an oak tree near his house, by Elder James Satliflf, and Will- 
iam Sears, he thinks, in 1840. 

The first church established in his section of the country was in 
1841, or 1842, by the Missionary Baptists. The first minister was 
Euphrates Stringer. The preaching, after a church organization, 
was done in a school-house for many years before a regular house 
was built for worship. He does not remember the year the first 
school-house was built. 

The first post-ofiice was established at the Captain's house, of 
which he was postmaster, but he does not remember the year, but 
sometime about 1845. It was about this time that the State road 
from Hannibal to St Joseph was established. 

The first store was established at Laporte by a gentleman by the 
name of Eutter, in a cabin. Mr. Rutter sold out to Edmond Ash, 
the year not recollected. 

The county seat was located at Bloomington, about 1837 or 1838. 
The first representative Avas Johnson Wright, and the first sherifiT 
was Jefferson Morrow. The courts were held in a double log cabin. 

The county was generally Democratic, though the Whig party 
sometimes elected their candidates on local questions. 

Following Mr. Griffin to this new land of promise were Wylie J. 
Patrick, Benjamin F. Combs, William G. Griffin and Jesse Richard- 
son, from Kentucky ; Daniel Cooper, from Marion county, Mo. ; John 
Nunly and Hiram Graves, from Kentucky; John C. Pierce, from 
Tennessee ; Jonathan Elsy and Delkin Elsy, from Virginia ; Thomas 
Gaines, from Kentucky ; John Shawber and George Byers, from Vir- 
ginia ; James Alexander, Elijah Barnes, John T.Hawkins, William 
Roberson, Charles Barnes, Tapley Long, Marvin Long, Charles Col- 
lier and James Griffin, from Kentucky ; William Garwood, Joseph 
Montgomery, Jackson Rambo and Pat Montgomery, from Indiana ; 
Stephen Tooley, from Kentucky ; Joseph Danner, from Illinois ; 
Daniel McKenzie, William James and Edmund Rutter, from Ken- 
tucky ; Campbell Watson, Solomon Atkins, Stephen Woodall, Henry 
Bates, Elijah Elder and George Lee. 

The first mill was built in the township in 1842, by Charles Collier ; 
the first steam mill in 1864, by John B. Griffin, and located on Billy's 
branch, south-west of Laporte. The first church was erected about 
the year 1841, by the Baptists — a small log house; the first school 
was taught in the same building, by Euphrates Stringer, who was 
also a preacher. He was from Kentucky. William Sears and James 
Ratliff, whom we have several times mentioned in this history, 
preached in the township as early as 1839, under some large shade 
trees. The church above referred to was located on section 23. 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 785 

Dr. Edmunds was the first physician, and came from Shelby county, 
Mo., about 1840. Edwin Walker was the pioneer blacksmith; he 
opened a shop near the town of Laporte in 1852. William Silvers 
was the first shoemaker. 

LAPORTE. 

This hamlet was laid out by a man (whose name we could not ob- 
tain) who came from Indiana. He owned the tract of land upon, 
which the .town is located. The town contains eight or ten houses — 
two general stores and a church edifice. William Griffin was the first 
postmaster appointed in the township. The ofllce was called Ten 
Mile, and was kept in a brick house two miles east of the present 
town of Laporte. The present postmaster of Laporte is Samuel 
Montgomery, who came from Ohio since the war of 1861. The town 
contains a population of 50, and has a Methodist Church and a dis- 
trict school. 

The business consists of two general stores, two shoemakers, one 
blacksmith, one wagon-maker, one hotel, one cooper, three physicians, 
one lawyer and two carpenters. 

EAGLE TOWNSHIP. 

Eagle township is north of Hudson township, and is 36 miles square. 
It was reorganized in 1872. 

The Wabash, St. Louis and Pacific Railroad passes almost through 
the center of the township from north to south. 

The Little East fork of the Chariton river waters the township on 
the west, and the Middle fork of Salt river, with its tributaries, 
flows through the eastern part. About three-fourths of the land is 
in cultivation, and produces fine grass, corn, and some wheat. About 
one-fourth of the township is still covered with timber. 

FIRST SETTLERS. 

William Blackwell was the first white resident in the township. 
We have already briefly mentioned the name of the old pioneer, in 
the first chapter of the history of Macon county, but will now give it 
more fully by copying from the Macon Ti'ue Democrat: — 

William Blackwell was born in Madison county, Ky., January 13, 
1797, and was married in the same county and State on the 18th of 
September, 1823, to Miss Elizabeth Lynch. About 12 months after 
his marriage he moved to Estill county, and lived there about three 
years, and from there started to Missouri, October^, 1827, and landed 
in Boone county, November 7,1827. He lived there about a year 



786 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

and from there moved and settled in Howard county. On the 9th of 
April, 1831, he left Howard county, and on the 12th of April he 
reached the neighborhood where he now resides, about six miles north 
of Macon, on the Kirks ville road. 

At the time Mr. Blackweil settled in what is now Macon county, he 
remembers, as being older settlers, the Morrow ftimily — Maj. Will- 
iam J. Morrow, Joseph Morrow, Jefferson Morrow (who was a boy), 
John and Jesse Morrow, Archibald Chambers, Andrew Millsaps, and 
the Lowes. 

At that time Macon county was a part of Randolph county. In 
fact, Randolph extended to the Iowa State line. 

There was a settlement in the southern part of what is now Macon 
county, and is now known as Morrow township. 

The first settlers after this were Clem Hutchinson and Joseph Owen- 
by, who settled in 1832 where Bloomington is now located. There was 
no store, nor use for one at that day. The first store in the county 
was opened at Bloomington in 1836, by Dabney Garth. After this 
the county began to settle up, and the place which was afterwards 
Bloomiuijton was first called Box Ancle, from some unknown cause. 
It was a place where a great deal of liquor was drank and a good deal 
of fighting took place on every public occasion. 

Alexander Goodding settled the fiirm where his widow now resides, 
on the road between Macon and Bloomington, about the year 1836. 

About the same time, Mr. Blackweil don't remember whether be- 
fore 1836, the Wrights, James A. Terrell, William Sears, the Winns, 
D. C. Hubbard and the Holmans came. 

His settlement or neighborhood was afterwards called Moccasin- 
ville, because the settlers had no leather to make shoes and used moc- 
casins for their feet. When Mr. Blackweil settled in Moccasinville, 
he found there Nathan Richardson (who went afterwards to Texas), 
John Walker and the Walker boys, who had reached there a few days 
before him. James Myers and family accompanied Mr. Blackweil. 
Mr. B. first settled the Rene Goodrich place, and after staying there 
six 3'ears, settled the place he now lives on. Nathan Richardson set- 
tled the place where William Jones now lives. The Walkers settled 
the places where Robert Woodville and William Simpson lives. 

Up to 1838, when this county was organized, there was no voting, 
nor was there a justice of the peace within the present limits. At 
that day all the voting was done at the county seat. The first election 
was held in 1838 or 1839, at Box Ancle (afterwards Bloomington), 
of which William Blackweil was one of the judges. He does not 
remember the others. 

The first mill was established by Judge James C. Cochran, at 
Bloomington, in 1837 or 1838. The grinding was done by horses 
hitched to a sweep or lever. Before this mill was built, the people 
had to go to Huntsville, to Goggin's mill. The first water mill was 
built on the Chariton, by Howell Rose, the year not recollected. 

The first church or school-house he remembers was a log building 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 787 

18 feet square, at Moccasinville, and the first preacher was Dr. Abra- 
ham Still, father of the present Dr. Still, of Macon. 

The first circuit judge was Thomas Reynolds. The first lawyers 
not recollected. The first physicians were Dr. Abraham Still, Dr. 
John Wilkin, Dr. Arthur Borron, Dr. William Proctor. The first 
school teacher in the upper part of the county was Oliver P. Davis. 

The first court was held at Box Ancle, in a log cabin, although 
some said the first session of the county court was held on a fence. 

The first mustering of the militia was held at or near what is now 
Excello P. O., four miles south of Macon. James Wells was the first 
colonel, and Abner Vickry was one of the captains. Lloyd Coulter 
was also a captain. 

The first Baptist preachers were William Sears and James Ratliff. 

In the early settlements the wolves were very troublesome, and the 
settlers frequently had to turn out and hunt them. Mr. Blackwell 
remembers going with Alexander Goodding, Jesse Walker and Benja- 
min Walker, catching three near where the mining town of Bevier is 
situated. 

The woods and prairies were thick with game, but more interest 
was taken in hunting bee trees. Every fall parties would go out with 
teams and travel northward many miles, and come home loaded with 
the richest honey. It was this continual travel up and down the 
Grand Prairie (on which Macon City is now built) that gave the trail 
the name of Bee Trail, but the settlements have now pretty much 
obliterated all traces of the hunter's track. 

Billy's branch, a creek between Macon and Laporte, was named 
after Mr. Blackwell by the boys, simply because in cutting a bee-tree, 
the tree fell and crippled his dog. 

On the 14th of July, 1829, Robert Myers, who now lives near 
Atlanta, came to Mr. Blackwell's house in Howard county, to inform 
him that the Indians were killing the stock and threatening the lives 
of the settlers on the Grand Chariton, west of where Kirksville is now 
located. James Myers, his brother, had sent word to his father to 
raise some men and come up there and protect the settlers viz. : 
James Myers, Nathan Richardson, Isaac Gross, Stephen Gross and 
Reuben Myrtle. On the 15th about 25 men, which number was after- 
wards increased, started. The first night they encamped on the Grand 
Narrows, where Sim Cannon afterwards lived. There the company 
chose Fields Trammel for captain and William Guess first lieutenant . 
On the 16th they took up their line of march, and that night they 
reached the settlement. Then a council was held. The Indians had 
left, and the question was whether the company should pursue them. 
The result was a determination to follow the Indians, which was done on 
the morning of the 17th. After marching about 10 miles the troops 
came to the Indian encampment. When the company came in sight 
of the Indians they became excited and rode forward in disorder. 
When they got to the camp they formed a partial line on the rear of 
the camp. 



788 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

Capt. Trammell rode up and called for their interpreter, when two 
Indians, one a chief called Pumpkins, came up and shook hands with 
the captain. He asked the chief what tribe they belonged to, and 
they said the Iowa. After that Mr. Blackvvell's attention was called 
to John Myers, who called to the Indians to lay down their guns. 
The Indians numbered about 50 warriors, and were loading and prim- 
ino- their guns. He next heard the squaws make a mournful yell or 
scream and then they broke for the woods. Mr. Blackwell then 
heard the report of a gun when he sprang off his horse and held him 
by the bridle. There was at this time a general flight or firing in 
every direction. He saw an Indian with a gun leveled at him, as he 
supposed, and he aimed to shoot the Indian, but his gun snapped. 
He then took his gun from his face and prepared to fire, when the In- 
dian stepped behind a forked tree. He then aimed to shoot him 
between the forks of the tree, but his gun snapped again. (This 
was the day of the flint locks.) After the gun snapped the second 
time he looked around and saw that his comrades had pretty much all 
retreated. He retreated, too, but leading his horse, about 100 yards, 
when he halted to see what the Indians were doing. In a moment 
James Myers came up and said he was wounded, and Blackwell gave 
him up his horse, which Myers mounted. Blackwell told him to go 
on and rally the men, that they could whip the Indians. They went 
on. The next thing Blackwell saw was James Winn trying to get up 
behind Myrtle, which he finally did after getting to a log. They then 
rode off. The next thing he saw was 'Squire John Myers, who ran 
into the brush and hid. He went on and overtook several of the men 
who had halted, among whom was James Myers, who hallooed that 
they had killed his father. Mr. B. remarked that he was mistaken. 
In a few moments a loud report was heard from a gun. He turned 
to look and saw several Indians standing where he had seen Myers 
stop. At this time the report of at least four guns was heard, and in 
a few moments several more shots were heard, at which time the mare 
on which Winn and Myrtle were mounted was shot. The men then 
broke and left Mr. B. on foot. He ran about 100 yards to where the 
mare had fallen with her feet upon some limbs of a fallen tree. 
Winn's leg was fastened under the mare. He asked Mr. B. to roll 
the mare off him, but he could not do so. Mr. B, then took him by 
the hand and assisted him in getting loose. Winn jumped up, when 
they both broke into a run. They kept close together for 70 or 80 
yards, after which Mr. Blackwell turned and saw that Winn had left 
the trail and stopped and exclaimed, " Boys, I am gone ! " Black- 
well ran on about 100 yards further when he heard two more guns 
fired, and he supposed those shots had killed Winn. Blackwell ran 
on several hundred yards, when he came to a horse hitched for him 
by Robert Myers. The bottoms were very muddy and the nag soon 
gave out, and Mr. Blackwell footed it until he overtook a part of the 
company at the cabins or settlements, where Nathan Richardson and 
the others l)efore mentioned lived. He found at the cabins John Myers 
and John Asbell, who were each wounded in the hand, Myers with a 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 789 

ball and Asbell with an arrow. Capt. Trammel (father of Philip 
Trammel) was wounded, and a portion of the company was with him. 
As the company retreated they took the women and children with 
them to Howard county. 

In a few days a company was orj^anized in Randolph, under Capt. 
Sconce, and proceeded to the battle-ground. Mr. Blackwell accom- 
panied them as a member. When they arrived there, they found 
Winn dead where Blackwell had seen him last. (James Winn was a 
brother of Thomas Winn, of Eound Grove township.) The Indians 
had mutilated his body with fire. They also found 'Squire John 
Myers dead where Mr. Blackwell had seen him last, shot with five balls. 
They went on to the encampment and found Powell Owenby dead on 
the ground, also two Indians. Another Indian was reported dead. 
Gen. Owens came out with a force the next day and found another 
dead Indian. 

The Indians were soon afterwards arrested by an Indian agent, and 
they were tried at Huntsville, but it being acknowledged by James 
Myers that he had fired the first gun, the Indians were released. 

There was no more trouble Avith the Indians in this part of the 
State, and everythins' was quiet on the Indian question until the 
Black Hawk War of 1832. 

Other old settlers were S. F. Blackwell, son of William Blackwell ; 
John Walker, from South Carolina ; Judge Isaac Goodding, from 
Kentucky; Erbin East, from Kentucky; William Brackin, Albert 
Apperson, John Bell, Sydney F. Blackwell and Nathan Richardson, 
from Kentucky. 

The first white child born in the township was James Blackwell, 
the son of William Blackwell, who now lives in Henry county, Mo. 
He was born in 1833. The first resident physician was Dr. Charles 
Atteberry. Dr. Charles McLean, however, of Randolph county, 
practiced in the township as early as 1838. 

Several years ago there was a post-office in the township called 
Sumner, located on section 21. This was discontinued and another 
post-office established about the year 1880 in the northern part of the 
township called Lyda. Wells Floyd was the first postmaster ; 
Maurice Maloney is the present one. The first religious services 
were held at Moccasinville in a log building which was erected for a 
school-house and church. 

Perry Davis was the earliest school teacher. John Floyd was the 
first blacksmith, and opened a shop in the north-east part of the town- 
ship about the year 1861 or 1862. S. F. Blackwell was the chairman 
of the first board of trustees. Porter Owenby and Lucinda Walker 
were the first couple married in the township, the ceremony being per- 
formed by Rev. Cook. 



790 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 



JUDGE ISAAC GOODDING. 
[From Macon True Democrat.] 

Judge Isaac Goodding was born in Wayne oouuty, Ky., in 1813. 
His parents died when he was young. He came to Missouri in 1829, 
and first stopped in Randolph county with his brother Abraham, who 
had come to Missouri in 1816, and first stopped in Howard county, 
and afterwards moved out and built the first cabin north of where 
Huntsville now stands, where he entered the first land in his town- 
ship. 

Judge Goodding lived with him four years, and in the year 1832 
came to Macon county and built him a shanty five or six miles south- 
east of where Macon now stands. He kept bachelor's hall in the 
winter of 1833, 10 miles from where any one but himself lived. That 
winter he trapped and killed six very large wolves, and was at the 
killing of one panther, three bears and a great many deer and other 
small game. The next fall he built his cabin on the place where 
Derett Peyton afterwards lived. This was the first cabin that was 
ever built in that neighborhood, and the help to raise it came from 10 
to 15 miles. Mr. G. married and moved into that cabin in 1834, and 
soon had plenty of neighbors, for that part of the county settled up 
very fast that year and the next. Most of them were new beginners ; 
had but little and needed but little. The only trouble in raising hogs 
was to keep the wolves from eating the pigs. When they wanted 
venison they went out with their guns and Idlled the fattest ; when 
they wanted honey they went out and cut a bee-tree ; when they 
wanted preserves they gathered crab apples and made them ; when they 
wanted pies they cut a pumpkin and made them, and with all the im- 
provements the people have not improved much on the pumpkin pie and 
honey. They were all full of life, humor, friendship and sociability. 
Sometimes the men would have cabin and stable raisings; the women 
would have quiltings at the same time, then they would turn out for 
four or five miles round and have a nice time generally. Occasionally 
they took the babies along, then every mother had the prettiest baby ; 
every man had the best gun and dog. There were no little tricks to 
deceive any one. As Hon. A. P. McCall used to say: " These were 
the days of honesty." If any one was sick they were visited ; if his 
crop needed work, they worked it for him without fee or reward. 
After awhile the children were large enough to go to school, then the 
neighbors got together, selected a site for a school-house, and all 
hands turned out and soon had a comfortable school-house. A teacher 
(generally old men) would apply for the school. He would have his 
'* article of agreement " to teach a three months' school for $2.50 per 
scholar. 

Soon after they got their school-houses, the preachers of the gospel 
came and preached to them. Sometimes they preached in private 
houses. The Old Baptists came first in some places and the Methodists 
in others. These two denominations furnished the pioneer preachers. 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 791 

All hands and the cook turned out to preaching — some on foot, some 
on horseback, and some in ox-wagons, and all plainly dressed, mostly 
in their own manufacture. If some of our modern young ladies and 
gents had stepped into a church at that day it would have caused about 
as much excitement as a monkey. The young ladies would walk for 
miles barefooted to preaching. When they got near the house, they 
would stop, brush the dust off their feet and put on their shoes. 

They were governed by the whip-poor-will. When they sung in 
the spring they threw off their winter shoes, and had no more use for 
them until they ceased singing in the fall. 

Such things as boots w^ere hardly known in the land. 
The most of the settlers settled in and cultivated timber land for 
two reasons : — 

First, they were not able to open a prairie farm, having no wagons 
and teams to haul rails or break prairie. 

Secondly, they had some doubts about the prairie being fit for 
cultivation, as they were mostly from Kentucky, and had never seen 
prairie cultivated. 

In clearing his first field, Mr. Goodding killed upwards of twenty 
rattlesnakes. He never had a law suit in his life. He came to Mis- 
souri a poor orphan boy, without a dollar, and had to borrow the 
money to enter his first forty acres of land. 

He had been a member of the Methodist church 40 odd years, and 
was always very liberal in his views, giving the right hand of fellow- 
ship to any one that bore good fruit. He had been a member of the 
Masonic fraternity for over 40 years. He served as a member of the 
county court with S. S. Lingo and John D. Smith for six years, be- 
ginning in 1856. At that time the county lev}' was only 20 cents on 
the hundred dollars. He was at that time, like Nimrod of old, "a 
mighty hunter," and wore buckskin pants and hunting-shirt. 

He once attended a neighborhood dance ; a majority of the young men 
were dressed in buckskin clothes. After dancing awhile before a 
large fire, they began sweating freely, and it is said they smelt very 
much like the fifteenth amendment. 

He traveled the " Grand Divide " when there was no sig:n of house 
or farm in sight of the road from the vicinity of Huntsville to the 
Iowa line. It was winter — the prairie all burnt over and the earth 
covered with snow. He said he thought it was the most dismal look- 
ing country he ever saw, and that he would not have given ten cents 
an acre for all the land on the route. 

He camped one night where the Wabash hotel now stands. The 
largest vessel that he had to hold water was a pint cup. The water 
was all frozen into ice. He went down the " branch " and got a cake 
of ice and propped it up before the fire and set his cup under the drip 
and had plenty of water. This ice water did not cost a cent. 

In 1838 he was appointed overseer to cut and open a road from 
Bloomington to Centerville. A part of the hands allotted to him lived 
12 miles from any part of the road. While notifying the hands, he 

45 



792 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

went to an Indian encampment near where Vienna now stands. He 
had a good deal of fun trying to swap horses with the Indians. They 
offered him two ponies for his horse, but he would not swap, and they 
(lid not work the road. He once ran a couple of Indians a very tight 
race for 200 yards, but they could not catch him. 

He once came very near ending his life in the following manner : 
He had been in the habit, when a coon was treed, to cut and lodge 
sapplings against the coon tree, and climb and cut the coon out. 
In going for a coon tree once, after he had got up, in cutting the 
limb, he came very near cutting the very limb that he was standing 
on. If he had, the fall would have undoubtedly stopped his breath 
forever. 

Where the city of Macon now stands was at one time a great place 
to kill deer and other game. He was once hunting near there when a 
deer came running by him. He looked just behind him and there was 
a very large wolf after him. The wolf was gaining, and he shot the 
wolf and let the deer go. At another time he was running a deer 
near where Macon now stands, and his hat fell off, but he kept on and 
caught the deer, and when he went back the cows had eaten it up, so 
he had .to go home hatless. There are several living witnesses to this 
adventure. 

After the change in the township organization law, reducing the 
number of judges from 25 to five. Judge Goodding was elected a 
member of the county court from the first district, embracing Eagle, 
Ten Mile, Jackson, Liberty, Lyda, La Plata and Johnson town- 
ships. 

Judge Goodding died at his old home in Eagle township, on the 8th 
day of September, 1880, aged 57 years. He left a widow and a num- 
ber of children and firreat-o-randchildreu to lament his death. Per- 
haps no man in the county was better known or more universally 
beloved, or left a family so highly respected. 

LIBERTY TOWNSHIP 

occupies the central position of the county and was organized in 1837, 
during the sitting of the first county court. Its territory, however, 
has been greatly reduced in size, the township now embracing an 
area of only 36 square miles. It is admirably watered, its surface 
being veined by the East and Middle forks of the Chariton river and 
by Sweezer creek. It is a good average township, agriculturally, and 
has a great number of farmers, as shown by the vote, which reached 
275 at the election of 1883. There are now four churches and five 
school-houses in the township, includino; the Bloominsfton Hisch 
School, all of which are in a flourishing condition. The people (the 
original settlers, at least), were Kentuckians generally, and the pres- 
ent population is steady, moral and industrious. 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 793 



FIRST SETTLERS. 



James Wells, Clement Hutchinson, George M. Taylor, George W. 
Green, W. T. Gilman, Absalom Lewis, Solomon Milam, Allen D. 
Green, A. L. Gilstrap, Jesse Gilstrap, Jacob Gilstrap, Joseph Griffin, 
Enoch Griffin, Charles A. Warfield, Bues Milam, Benjamin Milam, 
Willis E. Green, Warren C. Smoot, William Wiggans, Robert C. 
Armstrong, John Landre, Wesley Cherry, William H. Proctor, David 
Seney, James B. Wiggans, James B. Giddings, Canada Owenby, Mar- 
tin Humphreys, William Holman, David Wright, Armstead Smoot, 
Nathan B. Garrett, Mark Dunn, Enoch Johnson, Haley Andrews, 
John Smoot, Andrew Millsap. 

A few of the early business men of Bloomington were Roderick L. 
Shackelford, A. P. McCall, B. F. Sharp (hotel keeper) and Austin 
McKinney. 

In Liberty township was located the first seat of justice in Macon 
county ; here were gathered the pioneer lawyers, the judges, the doc- 
tors, the officials, and that heterogeneous class of adventurers who 
follow in the wake, but never in the forefront, of civilization. Here, 
for many years, was the seat of power and influence, and here were 
witnessed some of the first efibrts at farmina: and the buildino- of 
manufactories, which were but an earnest of what may be seen in the 
county to-day. Here, too, occurred some of the first marriages and 
first births and here, too, repose the ashes of some of the earliest 
dead. 

We are indebted to Dr. Arthur Borron for the following sketch 
and recollections of the town of Bloomington and Liberty township : — 

The prominent settlers in Bloomington in 1840 were Robert George, 
commissioner for building the court-house, which began the following 
year ; Westley Halliburton and A. L. Gilstrap were then contem- 
13lating the study of law, in which they afterwards achieved an honor- 
able distinction ; D. C. Hubbard, then county clerk ; George M. Tay- 
lor, county surveyor; John W. Baird, afterwards county judge; 
George A. Shortridge, in charge of a store for his brother-in-law, Ab- 
salom Lewis, and some others. 

About a year or two after Jabez N. Brown moved to Bloomington, 
soon taking a prominent place as a good lawyer and an honest, relia- 
ble man, filling the office of county treasurer for several years with 
credit to himself. Some time afterwards Thomas G. Sharp moved in 
and commenced the practice of law, and here, also, Benjamin F. Dy- 



794 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

sart began his professional career, who, for his ability and legal 
knowledge, stands high in public estimation. 

Of the medical faculty — in 1840 two young physicians of consid- 
erable promise were practicing — Drs. Wood & Baker — who sold 
their office to Dr. Borron, and, both moving to the Platte purchase, 
soon after died ; also. Dr. W. H. Proctor, who, after a residence of 
12 years in Macon county, moved to Putnam county, in this State. 

For a few years several physicians settled in Bloomington, the prin- 
cipal of whom were Dr. Clarke and Dr. A. L. Knight, Virginians, 
both of whom, for education and moral character, stood high in the 
estimation of all. After that, Dr. James B. Winro, who had for 
many years done an extensive practice in the lower part of this county, 
located in Bloomington — a man of high standing as a physician and 
gentleman and who, after a residence of two or three years, removed 
to Macon City, where he at present lives. 

In Divinity — the Rey. James Ratliff and Rev. William Sears were 
the acknowledged leaders of the church of Old School Baptists. Mr. 
Ratliff was a man of strong, but rather uncultivated intellect ; positive 
in his religious views and not wanting in self-assertion, he was looked 
up to by a large sect of Christians. 

About three years after Bloomington Lodge of A. F. and A. M. 
was chartered, Mr. Ratliff made himself known to the members as a 
Mason of 25 years standing, stating that he had been waiting to see of 
what material the lodge was composed, and that now, being satisfied 
with the standing @f the members, he wished to be affiliated. Per- 
haps this declaration, though a great shock to his church, might have 
passed over, but, unfortunately, some too zealous members, after con- 
siderable difficulty, induced him to become orator at a public installa- 
tion. This brought things to a crisis. The church labored hard with 
him to renounce Masonry and withdraw from the lodge. He replied 
to them " that he was a Mason before he became a member of the 
church, and that he knew of nothing in Masonry that could not meet 
his conscientious approval." 

Finding him immovable, he was excluded from the township. The 
writer chronicles this as exemplifying the stern Puritan-like enforce- 
ment of the rules of their church, in parting with their ablest member, 
and the firm integrity of an honest man, ready to make any sacrifice 
rather than violate his conviction of right. 

The Rev. S. B. F. Caldwell afterwards moved to Bloomington, 
organizing a large and influential Church of Cumberland Presby- 
terians. He was a man of rather distinguished presence, gentle man- 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 795 

ners, and a fluent, forcible speaker, and was held in high esteem by 
his congregation and a large circle of admiring friends. 

The Rev. Walter Toole presided most acceptably over the Southern 
Methodist Church. He was an earnest minister and a devout 
Christian. 

Other ministers held meetings occasionally, but as they did not 
reside in Bloomington, mention will only be made of the Rev. Allen 
Wright, of what is termed the Christian Church, an eminent divine 
and an able preacher. These are included between 1840 and 1853. 
Of the business men of Bloomington may be named George A. Short- 
ridge, William E. Moberly, James H. Bagwill, John, Thomas and 
George Sharpe, John Medly and Alfred Tobin, all of whom did a good 
business and had many friends. 

Mr. Shortridofe put a bank at Bloomino;ton about the begfinuins: of 
the War of 1861 which was raided and, unfortunately, a large amount 
of money stolen which was never recovered. Mr. Shortridge moved 
to Macon City, where he removed the bank, and died soon afterwards, 
much regretted by a wide circle of friends as an honest man, and Chris- 
tian gentleman. 

The writer would deem this sketch incomplete with the names 
of Col. R. J. Johnson, of Virginia, and Howel Rose, omitted. The 
former was a man of considerable wealth, owning a valuable property 
near Bloomington. A true Democrat in feeling, esteeming a man 
not for his money, but for his honest worth, and ready to assist a 
poor man whom he knew to be honest, he was a man of rare good 
judgment, with the urbanity and ease of manner nature bestows only 
on a chosen few. 

Mr. Rose, who built a mill on the Chariton, died soon after it was 
completed. He was a good citizen and endowed with a remarkable 
engineering ability that, had his life been spared, would, under 
favorable circumstances, enabled him to have made his mark in the 
world. 

The writer can not close without noticins: the influence of a crood, 
true woman on the fortunes of her family. 

If in traveling through the country 40 years ago, you were to find a 
comfortable double log-house with plenty of stock, sheep, etc., and 
everything in order, you may know that farmer had a smart, manag- 
ing woman at the head of his domestic affairs. If you enter you will 
find the family-room clean and tidy. Large quantities of spun yarn, 
woolen and cotton arrano-ed alono; the walls. In an ante-room stands 
a loom, spinning wheels and all the implements of domestic industry. 



796 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

A matronly, elderly lady, plainly but neatly dressed, welcomes you 
kindly and, if near raeal time, invites you to partake with the 
family. 

If towards evening, you are invited to stay over night. After supper 
is over, the things cleared away and the fire replenished, the mother 
quietly brings out her work and her daughters arrange for their several 
duties. The older daughters spin and perform the manipulations 
needed to fit the yarn for the loom ; a smaller one cards and a little one 
picks the wool. My host converses with you, but the kindly 
look he occasionally turns towards the partner of his joys and sorrows 
must show you that he appreciates her work. 

Occasionally she puts in a word, but all the time keeps her eye on 
the children to see that they properly perform their work. 

After a while you retire to your couch, and the husband and sons 
who assist on the farm, and the little ones follow your example; 
but the matron and her older daughters will continue their labors 
perhaps to 11 o'clock, and then be up before daylight for the tasks of 
another day. 

In the morning, after breakfast, you will find, on inquiry, you 
have nothing to pay, and if you have made yourself agreeable, claimed 
kin, however remote, or even acquaintance, with some old friend in 
Kentucky or elsewhere, you receive a kindly invitation to call again 
should you ever pass that way in future, and when given it is meant. 

And what is done with the product of the family labor? you may 
ask. It is made into mixed jeans for the Sunday clothes of the 
husband and sons, and bark jeans for every day wear ; flannel and 
linsey dress for the mother and her daughters, blankets, etc., and the 
balance goes to the store to barter for any little fancy articles they do 
not make themselves. 

And this an every-day picture of the olden time. A woman of 
this kind is a main factor in her husband's prosperity. A daughter- 
in-law told the writer that for many years at the outset of her married 
life she had, from the proceeds of her sheep, geese and poultry, kept in 
clothes her family and bought all their groceries, whereby her husband 
was enabled to lay out his earnings in increasing his stock and adding 
more land to his farm. Such a woman is beyond price, and if she 
does not bring a fortune she will save one. Like the mainspring 
of a watch, she keeps all the wheels running, and when she stops, it 
too often ends in a ruined, broken up family. During a long life, 
the writer has found that those who have distinguished themselves 
most have almost always had superior women for mothers. Bodily 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 797 

vigor and constitution may come from the father, but the intellect of 
a child is due to its mother. 

The town of Bloomington was laid out on the south-east corner of 
the south-west quarter of the south-east quarter, and the south-west 
corner of the east half of the south-east quarter of section 27, and on 
the north-east corner of the north-west quarter of the north-east 
quarter, and the north-west corner of the east half of the north-east 
quarter of section 34, township 58, range 15, embracing 50 acres of 
land, deeded to the county in December, 1837, by James C. Cochran 
and C. C. Hubbard, in consideration that the seat of justice should be 
located upon it. The plat of the town was not filed until May, 1845. 
The town was laid out by James Ratlifi', who was appointed commis- 
sioner in June, 1838. 

A temporary court-house (wooden building) was erected on block 
3 in 1838, under the superintendency of Joseph Owenby, which was 
20x30 feet in dimensions. 

At the Nc)vember term of the county court, 1839, an order was 
made for the erection of another court-house to be constructed of 
brick. This, however, was not completed until about the year 1852. 

After the removal of the county seat, the court-house was torn down 
and made into a church and Masonic hall. 

It was the intention of the county court to name the county seat 
Bloomfield, but there being another town of that name in Stoddard 
county, Mo., it was, at the suggestion of Jefferson Morrow, called 
Bloomington, which name was approved and adopted by the court. 

Here was published the Bloomington Gazette, the first paper (a 
weekly) that was established in the county. The first number of this 
paper was issued May 28, 1850, by Love & Gilstrap. The name of 
the paper was afterwards changed to the Macon Legion, which was 
much enlarged and much improved. James M. Love was the editor 
and proprietor. In looking over one of the first issues of the Gazette^ 
we find the names of the following business and professional men 
among the advertisers: A. L. Gilstrap, Owen Wilson, Jacob Gilstrap, 
T. G. Fladeland & Co., M. H. Smith, A. P. McCall, M. J. Winn, A. 
T. Harper, G. A. & B. F. Shortridge. Among the professional men : 
T. G. Sharp, attorney ; Bright G. Barrow, attorney ; S. S. Fox, attor- 
ney ; W. H. Proctor, M.D. ; James Matson, M.D. ; W. M. Pulliara, 
nurseryman ; Stern & Brother, tanyard, five miles west of Bloom- 
ington. 

In 1856 the town was favored with the presence of Thomas H. 
Benton, who was at that time a candidate for Governor. The *' Jack- 



798 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

son Resolutions" constituted the burden of his speech* The people, 
to the number of 1,000, met in a grove near the edo-e of the town, 
and here the great man entertained them for fully three hours. He 
also discussed the advantages and practicability of the Pacific railroad, 
not forgetting to pay his respects to his enemies, whom he compared 
to prairie hawks, who had been pecking at him all over the State. So 
strong was the anti-Benton feeling among some of the people of 
Bloomington that a store opened in that town was called the '< Anti- 
Benton Store." 

The early settlers of Bloomington and surrounding country were 
fond of the turf. A race track was opened near the town, and here 
until 1854 the h)vers of fine horses were wont to congregate, to test 
the speed of different horses. 

Bloomington grew and flourished as a place of business, until the 
location of the Hannibal and St. Joseph and the North Missouri rail- 
roads at Macon City, a place at that time of about 3,000 people, when 
it was thought that the best interests of the county demanded a change 
in the location of the county seat. ^ 

The removal of the county seat was effected by an act of the General 
Assembly, which was passed in 1863, thereby saving the citizens of 
the county a long and bitter fight, which would have ensued had an 
attempt been made to change the seat of justice by a vote of the 
people. 

Bloomington with its hopes and ambitions, containing a population 
at that time (18(33) of 500 inhabitants, has gradually declined from 
that time to this ; it is still a small business point, with less than 150 
inhabitants. 

SECRET ORDERS. 

Old Bloomington Lodge I. O. 0. F. — Was organized in 1853. 
George M. Taylor, Wilson L. Fletcher, James W. Cook, George L. 
Tanner, Henry Shook, A. J. Seney, James M. Love, C. M. Pilcher, 
Carter M. Smith, William Burris, Isaac Summers, Jacob Gilstrap, 
Owen Wilson, William Ratliff, John T. Johnston, Daniel Nunley, John 
G. Wright, Thomas J. White, Rufus C. White, John A. Dale, Will- 



1 Macon was at the time occupied by soldiers of the Union army. Everything 
was in an uncertain condition; the civil authorities were in a large measure subor- 
dinated to military rule, and it was thought that the county recgrds would be safer 
if they were at Macon than they were at Bloomington. In short, the county seat 
was brought to Macon City, as a kind of military necessity. Had the question been 
submitted to a vote of the people, the seat of justice would unquestionably have re- 
mained at Bloomington for at least a number of years longer. 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 799 

iam J. Dale, J^ H. Biswell, A. P. Linn, A. J. Marmaduke, Benjamin 
H. Weatherford and Harry Howard, were the charter members. 

Bloomington Lodge iVo. 102, A. F. and A. M. — Was organized 
in 1848, with the following charter members: A. D. Green, Samuel 
Davidson, Nathan Richardson, M. M. Towner, Charles C. McKinuey, 
S. B. F. Caldwell and W. D. Marmaduke. 

VALLEY TOWNSHIP 

•was originally named in honor of Jacob Loe, the first settler in Ma- 
con county, but was changed in 1872, by the county court, to Valley 
township. The Chariton river. Little Turkey and Painter ci'eeks, 
and other small streams vein the surface of the township. 

Among the early settlers were Richard Blue, William Ward, 
William Richardson, Temple Wendell, Howell Rose, John Southern, 
John Dennison, Isaac Millstrap and Daniel Hull. 

William Ward was the first settler, and came from Kentucky in 
1835. Howell Rose built the first mill in 1840. John Dennison was 
a great bee and deer hunter. The first school was taught in the 
Temple Wendell neighborhood by John Richards about 1844. 

The first church services were held in the school-house above men- 
tioned, and were conducted by William Sears and James Ratlifi". No 
house of worship is at this time in the township. Gabriel Wendell 
opened the first blacksmith shop. No post-office is in the township ; 
the people get their mail at New Cambria. About one-half of the 
township is under cultivation. 

RUSSELL TOWNSHIP. 

Russell is one of the middle western townships of the county, con- 
taining 36 square miles. Its surface is permeated by the Muscle fork 
of the Chariton river, Brush creek and a few other smaller streams, 
which afford an abundance of stock water. The soil partakes very 
much of the nature of the land in Drake and White townships — hilly 
and not generally very fertile, excepting some of the bottom lands — 
which are productive, and good for agricultural purposes. 

EARLY SETTLERS. 

Jacob Epperly was possibly the earliest settler in the township, 
coming to the same from Kentucky in 1835, and locating on the 
Muscle fork of the Chariton river. John D. Pennell emigrated from 
Ohio and settled on Brush creek about the same year. George Green 
from Kentucky opened a farm on Brush creek ; James Roberson from 
Kentucky settled on the same creek. 



800 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

Andy Baker came from Ohio ; John Witt and Keuben Brown from 
Kentucky ; Ezra Wilson from Indiana ; James Owen and James Mc- 
Connell from Kentucky; James Epperson and A. Mendenhall from 
Indiana ; Joshua Lovett from Tennessee ; Davis Mendenhall from In- 
diana ; Gabriel Wendell from Virginia. 

Lovett was fond of hunting, and the township being a prolific field 
for game of all kinds, he indulged his desires to the fullest extent. 
He has had as many as 84 wild turkeys, dressed, and hanging up in 
his cabin at one time in the winter. He chopped wood for fifty cents 
a day, and paid one dollar and fifty cents for a bushel of corn meal. 
He walked seven miles each day, and received fifty cents for cutting 
and splitting one hundred rails. He was in the Civil War of 1861, 
and fought under Sherman and Thomas, remaining three years in the 
army and participating in seventeen battles. 

The first mill was erected in the township by Davis Mendenhall on 
the Muscle fork. Joseph King and Joseph Keese are now operating 
mills, the former on Brush creek, and the latter on Muscle fork. 
The first school was taught by George Jenks, who came from New 
York. Elias Bowman was the pioneer preacher. He was a Metho- 
dist and emigrated from Illinois. The Presbyterians (C. P.) built the 
first church in 1874, near Brush Creek. William Bagly was among^ 
the first practicing physicians, locating in the township in 1872. Ga- 
briel Wendell was the blacksmith. 

Mechanicsburg was a small place, containing a store, post-office and 
hotel. It was settled by Thomas Burke, who erected the first busi- 
ness house and hotel. The town was situated on the old stage route 
about five miles from New Cambria. Thomas Burke was the first 
postmaster. No post-office is now in the township. 




CHAPTER YIII. 

Jackson Township — Lyda Township — Independence Township — Walnut Creek 
Township — White Township. 

JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 

Jackson is one of the north-eastern townships, bordering on the line 
of Shelby county. It is 36 miles square, and is watered, principally, 
by Bear creek and its tributaries. The best soil for farming purposes 
is found in the north-western and south-eastern portions. No coal 
mines have as yet been develoiDed. About one-fourth of the town- 
ship is timber. 

The pioneer settler of the township was Benjamin Davis, who came 
in the fall of 1832, and built a small cabin in section 36, township 59, 
range 13. Davis came from Monroe county, Mo., and after living in 
Jackson township three years, he returned to Monroe county. He 
was the only settler in the township for three years. Before leaving 
the township, he sold his improvements to Samuel Goodson in 1836. 
Goodson came from Clinton county, Ky., and died in Monroe county, 
March 27, 1872, in the eightieth year of his age. 

During the years 1836-37, Joel Maxey and Andrew J. Darby came 
from Monroe county ; James M. Stowe and Solomon Blessing, from 
"West Virginia, in the spring of 1838 ; Oliver P. Lea, William and 
Daniel Saling, Preston Duckworth, Elizabeth Swinney and Isaac D. 
Goodson, in the fall of 1838. About the same time came Lacy 
Snow, William Kelly, Stephen Hail, William D. Hail, John Silvers, 
Leven Bristow and Thomas G. Poague. These were the first 
settlers. 

James McNutt built the first mill in section 36. James Griffin 
taught the first school in section 34. The Primitive Baptists organ- 
ized the first church in 1838, under James Ratlifi" and Archibald Pat- 
terson. The constituent members were William Saling and wife, 
John Silvers and wife, Isaac D. Goodson and wife, and Mrs. Elizabeth 
Goodson. 

There is and has never been but one post-oflicein the township, and 
it is called Nickellton. 

(801) 



S02 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 



LYDA TOWNSHIP. 



Lyda township lies south of La Plata township, and is in the sec- 
ond tier of townships, south of the north line of the county. It 
was named after one of the early settlers — Gideon Lyda, who immi- 
grated from Tennessee. The township is well drained, and has a 
number of water-courses, the most important of which are the East 
fork of Salt river, Long Branch and the Middle fork of the Chariton. 
About three-fourths of the township is prairie. The western part of 
the same is hilly and rolling. Coal has been found in great abun- 
dance. The middle and eastern portion of the township is the most 
productive. William A. Miles, Joseph S. Newmyer, John Ketchum 
and others are large farmers and stock-raisers ; the last named 
makes a specialty of raising sheep. 

OLD SETTLERS. 

The southern portion of this township was first settled, the major- 
ity of the pioneers coming from Kentucky. George Lyda and E. L. 
Lyda were from Tennessee ; Kobert C. Armstrong, Rev. James Moody, 
Mike Moody and John Lynch, from Kentucky; Hiram Stone, from 
Tennessee; Col. Charles Hamilton, Henry Hardgrove, Hezekiah 
Hardgrove and Theodore Meredith, from Kentucky ; Alexander R. 
McDuffy, William McDuffy, Archibald McDuffy, Henry Clem and 
Joseph Ayers ; Bance Dunnington and Reuben Dunnington, from 
Tennessee ; John Kelso, John Dunnington and James Landry, from 
Virginia ; Pal. Dunnington, from Tennessee ; Jefferson Dabney, Jubal 
Dabney and Dr. Arthur Borron, from Scotland ; John Roan, Semen 
Atteberry, George Goodding, Bluford Dabney, William A. Miles, 
John Farmer, Frank Jones, James Farmer, Charles Buster, Martin 
Atterberry, Mike Buster, W. Sanders, Humphrey McQuarry and Na- 
than Dabney, from Kentucky ; John Jones and Gideon Lyda, from 
Tennessee ; Johnson Miles, Frail Myers and Robert Myers, from Ken- 
tucky. 

James Ayers, one of the pioneers above named, is said to have 
lived near the railroad many years ; has never been in a car, and 
never had a picture taken of himself. He does not think much of 
railroads and modern ideas of invention and improvement. 

The first church in the township Avas located near Vienna and 
erected about the year 1844. It was owned by the Baptists, and 
called " Mount Tabor." A man by the name of Aldrich was among 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 803 

the early ministers of the gospel. Nathan and Jubal Dabney and 
James Black were great hunters. Long Branch aflforded a fruitful 
field for bears, panthers, wild cats, lynx, deer and small game. No 
such hunting grounds to-day are in all the country. Where the deer 
and the panther then roamed may now be seen the house and well- 
improved farm aud the evidences of refinement and civilization. 

Old Shiloh Church was built about the year 1845, by the Cum- 
berland Presbyterians, and was situated near Love lake. The same 
denomination built a new house of worship in 1867. S. Atteberry 
was among the early school teachers. 

ATLANTA. 

Atlanta was settled in 1858, by S. Atteberry. The original plat 
of the town embraced 30 acres of his farm. Mr. Atteberry was 
originally from Kentucky, but came from Davis county, Iowa, to Mis- 
souri in 1845. After his arrival he built a log house, and then came 
the "house-warming," his neighbors and friends coming to dine. 
Wild game was abundant, the hunters seldom going more than 500 
yards from their cabins to get all they desired to kill. Wolves 
were numerous and ravenous, aud often deprived the settler of his 
last pig, lamb, or even calf. 

The first business house was made out of a portion of Mr. Atte- 
berry 's barn, and was opened by Dr. Daniels. Sy. Sigler erected a 
house which was used by him as a grocery store. 

SECRET SOCIETIES. 

Masonic Lodge, No. 268 — Organized in 1868; had the following 
as charter members: Arthur Borron, Z. Tate, E. M.Ford, Oliver 
Chatman, Martin Atterberry, Keuben Dunnington, J. S. Lyda, J. 
W. Dabney, George A. Lyda, Daniel Moody, A. M. Atterberry, J. 
R. Goodin and P. R. Goodin. 

/. 0. O. F. Lodge, JSTo. 411 — Was organized in 1881. The 
charter members were W. E. McCuUy, A. W. Collins, R. B. Snell, 
Thomas Thompson, John Cook, C. R. Haverly, Archie Atterberry, 
O. S. Burse. 

/. O. G. T., No. 274 — Was organized in November, 1868, with 
E. S. Bedford, Lottie Bedford, J. H. Babcock, Hugh McDonald, W. 
W. Babcock, Guy Tozer, Mary Tozer, William Wilson, as charter 
members. 



804 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 



BUSINESS. 

The business of this place embraces three general stores, two drug 
stores, one hardware store, one hotel, one saw and grist mill, one 
livery stable, one restaurant, two blacksmiths, one furniture store, 
two millinery stores, one shoe shop, two bakeries, two physicians, one 
meat market, two churches, daily mail and express. 

In 1883 a fire occurred in Atlanta, which destroyed nine buildings, 
the owners sustaining a loss of about $30,000. The citizens, how- 
ever, with characteristic energy and liberality, have erected in their 
stead larger and more substantial buildings. The post-office at At- 
lanta was originally called Ohio, but at the suggestion of Semen Atte- 
berry, it was changed to Atlanta after the Civil War of 1861. 

VIENNA OR ECONOMY POST-OFFICE. 

Vienna was settled by Col. Charles Hamilton in 1837. He built 
the first mill, opened the first store and laid out the first town in 
the township. Vienna is a small business point, located three miles 
east of Atlanta, and contains one general store. 

LOVE LAKE 

derives its name from a small lake on which it is located, 16 miles 
north of Macon City. Both town and lake were named after James 
M. Love. It is a station on the northern division of the Wabash, St. 
Louis and Pacific Railway, and five miles south of La Plata. Ship- 
ments are hay, corn, live stock, sheep and grain. The population is 
about 50, with daily mail facilities. 

James M. Love laid out the town in 1868, and erected the first busi- 
ness house. J. L. Wood sold the first goods, and was also the first 
postmaster. The railroad company owns a large ice house which is 
located on the lake. The town contains one general store, one har- 
ness shop and one blacksmith shop. William A. Donald, of Macon 
City, is erecting a saw and grist mill at this place. Henry Newmyer 
makes large shipments of hay. 

INDEPENDENCE TOWNSHIP. 

Independence Township is one of the original municipal divisions 
of the county, and was organized in 1837, but embraced much more 
territory at that time than it does now. It is the central of the sec- 
ond tier of townships south of the north line of the county. About 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 805 

one-third of its area is timber. Its surface is veined by a number of 
streams, among which are Sweezer creek, Middle fork of Chariton 
river, East fork df Chariton river and Licks branch. These 
streams have been admirably arranged by nature, affording not only 
ample drainage, but an abundance of water during the dry seasons. 
The best part of the township for agricultural purposes is in the cen- 
tral portion of the same. Corn, tobacco, hogs, cattle and hay are 
among the products. The township has three churches and six school 
houses. 

OLD SETTLERS. 

The early settlers to this township were generally from Kentucky. 
Many of them, however, came to Howard, Eandolph and Chariton 
counties. Mo., and lived there a short time before comins: to Macon. 
The list we present below is quite full : — 

Greenberry Burckhart, Philip Dale, Simpson Graves, Edmond Bur- 
ton, Samuel Blakely, Martin Lynch, William Williams, Charles Hatfield, 
Isaac Gross, George Gates, John Huffman, John Griffin, James Mays, 
Allen Erans, Jesse White, Elijah Faught, John D. Halstead, William 
Bunch, James Bunch, Abraham Still, Edward Still, David Steele, 
W^illiam Thurman, James Lovern, Noah Gross, James Elliott, James 
Wiggins, William Shane, Samuel Thurman, Henry Bunch, John 
Bunch, James Mathews, Abraham Dale, James Riley, William Hodge, 
Philip Trammel, William Lister, Mary Miller, Jere Huffman, Will- 
iam Haufler, James Sunderland, David Graves, Wesley O. Bristow, 
James Mason, John Blakely, Joshua Sena, James Richardson, Camp- 
bell Hubbard. 

Philip Trammel, in speaking of the early settlement of the town- 
ship, says the first mill that was operated was put up by Abraham 
Dale, in the northern part of the township. It was a horse mill, and 
was run by an incline wheel. After Dale's mill was discontinued, 
Isaac Gross erected another horse mill in the same neighborhood. 
Before the farmers were favored with regular mill facilities, and when 
the water was too high for them to go to Huntsville, or to Rose's 
mill, on the Chariton river, they went to James Richardson's house 
in the township, and ground their own grist on a hand mill, Mr. 
Trammel has seen upon different occasions as many as 25 men at 
Richardson's house at one time, waiting to take their turn at grind- 
ing. These occasions were always rendered agreeable to all present. 
Some one or more of these pioneers would kill a deer or a turkey on 
their way to the mill, and upon their arrival, these would be given to 



806 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

Mrs. Richardson, who would prepare a dinner and all were invited to 
partake. Richardson and his good wife have long since " crossed 
the river," but their kind-hearted hospitality and royal feasts of ven- 
ison, turkey, wild honey and corn bread, are still remembered. 

The original blacksmith was John Huffman, whose shop stood near 
the eastern line of the township. 

" Little Zion," was the name of the pioneer church, and was loca- 
ted in the vicinity of Dale's mill. It was a double log house, and 
was built by the Regular Baptists, about the year 1840. This prim- 
itive house of worship was constructed by the constituent members 
of the organization, which was formed at that early date. James 
Ratliff, William Sears, and other ministers of the gospel officiated in 
its rude pulpit for many years. Simpson Graves and wife, Isaac 
Gross and wife, Charles Hatfield and wife, William Shane and wife, 
James Riley and wife, Abraham Dale and wife, Philip Dale and wife, 
John Bunch and wife, and David Steele were some of the early mem- 
bers of *' Little Zion " Church. 

Abraham Still was the first physician to locate in the township. 

Between the years 1846 and 1855 the township was visited by two 
severe hail storms, which did great damage, to corn especially. The 
corn was young and tender, and the hail beat and broke the stalks 
down to the ear. Entire fields were destroyed in the track of the 
storm, which was a mile and a half in width, and for some dayb 
afterwards these fields of blighted and decaying corn emitted a very 
offensive odor. 

Cholera made its appearance in 1849 and James Wiggins took the 
disease and died. 

MAPLE p. o. 

This is a small business point, containing a store, 16 miles north 
of Macon City. The mail is a semi-weekly one. 

WALNUT CREEK TOWNSHIP 

derived its name from a creek which flows through the northern por- 
tion of the same. 

It is supposed that Fisher Rice was the earliest settler in the town- 
ship ; he came from Kentucky in 1834. Two or three years afterwards 
Gabriel Lunday from Illinois, Amos Williams from Kentucky, Nicho- 
las Gunnels from Kentucky, and A. B. Griffin from Kentucky, located 
in the township. A little later James L. Herron from Ralls county, 
Mo., Enoch Johnson from Kentucky, Ignatius Burnes, from Ralls 



I 
I 



HISTORY or MACON COUNTY. 807 

county, Mo., Moses Loveni from Kentucky, Charles W. Truitt from 
Kails county, Jeremiah Biswell from Kentucky, William Huckaby 
from Virginia, James Banning from Randolph county. Mo., Joseph 
Bailey from Ralls county, and John Bigsby from Kentucky, emigrated 
to Macon county and settled in Walnut Creek township. 

Walter Gilman erected the first mill on Rock creek about the year 
1854 ; it was a steam saw and grist mill. The first church edifice was 
built in 1865 by the Welsh at Glasstown — Presbyterian. The first 
school-house was put up in 1845, and a school was taught therein by 
P. M. Richardson. E. C. Still was the first practicing physician; 
William Dunnels was the first blacksmith, and began work about the 
year 1848. Amos Williams and his seven sons were the Nimrods of 
the township. No post-office existed at that time. Not more than 
one-third of the land is in cultivation. The township is generally hilly 
and has an abundance of timber. 

WTIITE TOWNSHIP. 

White township is south of Drake township and embraces an area of 
36 square miles. It was named in honor of Randolph White, who 
came from Randolph county, Mo., after 1850. White was a native of 
Kentucky. One of the earliest settlers in this township was John 
Devoid, who emigrated from Virginia about the year 1836 and located 
about 12 miles north of New Cambria, where he now resides. 

Mike Whistnan, Sol. Whistnan and Gabriel Lunday came from Vir- 
ginia ; William Sears, Thomas Bradley, King Smedley, Daniel Hull, 
James Robertson and John Denison came from Kentucky ; Samuel 
Michaels came from Illinois ; James Lile, J., P. Morris, Rev. William 
RatlifF, W. W. Green, William Stephens, Samuel Bland, D. D. Wright, 
Burrill Richardson , Harvey Richardson, Riley Mitchell ; Marion Bradley 
came from Kentucky ; John White came from Randolph county. Mo., 
as did also Thomas White, James White and Randolph White ; John 
Devalt, Elijah Lovett, Jesse Hull, Lemuel King, Lorenzo Bunch, 
Jonah Abbott and M. H. Abbott were all early settlers. 

Solomon Scott erected the first mill in the township about the year 
1866, on the Muscle fork of Chariton river; it was a water mill. 
There is no mill operated at this time; no church edifice is in the town- 
ship ; religious services are held in the school-houses. Caleb Collier, 
a Baptist, was one of the first ministers. Meredith Davis taught one 
of the early schools in the south-eastern part of the township. John 
Devoid, above named, was the first blacksmith, his shop being located 
on his farm. John Michael was the shoemaker for the neighborhood. 
46 



808 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

Dr. James Cantwell practiced medicine in this section of country before 
any other physician. 

The town of Goldsberry, located on section 2, township 59, and 
range 17, is the only business point, and has the only post-office in the 
township. The town was laid out by E. S. Goldsberry and P. J. 
Burton, in February, 1882, (the plat being filed February 3d). The 
town contains one general store, one drug store, two blacksmith shops 
and one shoemaker shop. P. J. Burton was the first and is the pres- 
ent postmaster. 

About one-half of the land of this township is in cultivation. The 
soil is like that of Drake township, generally poor and hilly, with some 
rich alluvial bottoms ; about one half of the area is prairie land. It is 
watered by the Muscle fork of the Chariton river, Brush creek and 
Little Turkey creek, with their tributaries. There are five school- 
houses in the township. 




CHAPTER IX. 

Johnston Township — La Plata Township — Eichland Township — Easley Township — 

Drake Township. 

JOHNSTON TOWNSHIP. 

Johnston is the smallest township in the county, containing about 
18 square miles. It occupies the extreme north-eastern portion of the 
county, and is watered by the North fork of Salt river, the tributa- 
ries of that stream and Bear creek. It was reoro-anized in 1872 and 
named in honor of Col. Richard Johnston, who came here from Vir- 
ginia, in 1838, and settled upon the present site of Sue City. About 
four-fifths of the township is prairie, and is well adapted to agricul- 
tural purposes, and also to the growth of fruit. A immber of large 
farmers and stock-raisers reside in this township, among whom are 
John J. Powell, J. M. Norris, Lon Ray, J. M. and B. Collins, Joseph 
and Frank Spencer, There are three churches and three school- 
houses in the township. No coal has as yet been developed. The 
township is one of the best improved in the county. Among the 
early settlers were Logan Thompson, William Wears, Thomas Easly, 
George Billings, Joshua Davis, Peter Talbot, William Lee, Will-' 
iam Kelly, Lacy Snow, John J. Powell, Charles Johnson, Stephen 
Bradford, Joseph Spencer, Frank Spencer, William Barrow, Sr., Lon 
Ray, Elijah Turner, J. M. Collins, B. CqIIIus, nearly all of whom 
located near the present site of Sue City. The first mill in the town- 
ship was erected at Sue City by Henderson McCully. The first card- 
ing machine was operated by Col. Richard Johnston about the year 
1841. The first school-house was built by the Thompson Bros, in 
1866, about one mile north-west of Sue City. A man by the name of 
Duncan taught the first school. Jesse Kellogg opened the first black- 
smith shop at Sue City. Dr. T. J. Norris was the first resident phy- 
sician. 

Sue City is located partly in sections 29 and 32, in the south-eastern 
portion of the township. It was laid out in 1868 by Joseph T. Rys- 
ter, and was named after his wife Susan. At this time the town con- 
tains four general stores, one harness and one millinery store. It has 
mail facilities. Dr. L. Garrison being the present postmaster. The 

(809) 



810 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

town has three churches, viz: M. E. Church South, Missionary Bap- 
tist and Christian Church, and also a steam saw and grist mill and 
public school. 

LA PLATA TOWNSHIP. 

This township is situated in the north-eastern part of the county, 
and has an area of 36 square miles ; about a third is in timber land. 
The Little East fork of the Chariton river runs through the western 
part of the township ; the Middle fork of Salt river and its tributa- 
ries, through the middle and southern part, and Titus creek through 
the north-eastern part. The township is well adapted to agricultural 
purposes, and is one of the foremost in the shipment of hogs, cattle 
and sheep. The farmers are in a good condition, the township is well 
improved and the people are happy and prosperous. 

EARLY SETTLERS. 

John Gilbreath came from Tennessee in 1826, to Cooper county, 
Mo., and resided there until 1838, when he removed to Newton coun- 
ty, and thence to La Plata township, in 1841. He had no such luxu- 
ries as coffee and sugar, and did not possess as much money as would 
amount to one dollar for two years after his arrival. He had to bor- 
row money enough to pay his taxes (87V2c), for several years. His 
table, as well as the tables of the settlers generally, were supplied with 
wild game and honey, which were in great abundance. 

John Holmes emigrated from Tennessee about the year 1835, and 
was one of the first settlers in the township. He moved to Iowa, 
where he now resides. 

William Titus came from Kentucky about the year 1836. Among 
other very early pioneers, were Joseph Owenby who came from Ken- 
tucky, as did John Beard, John Ellis and Steven Atterberry ; James 
Seavers, Lewis Shores and Enoch Bailey were from North Carolina ; 
Jesse Griffin and Richard Wright were from Kentucky, as was also 
Benjamin Wright ; J. J. Miller came from Illinois, and L. D. Miller 
from the same State ; Samuel C. Davidson was from Tennessee. 

William Titus erected the first mill in the township, locating it on 
Titus creek, about the year 1840 ; it was a horse-mill with no cogs, 
and was supplied with a band made of raw-hide. This mill was pat- 
ronized by farmers residing 10 and 20 miles distant. 

Samuel C. Davidson, from Tennessee, taught the first school in a 

loo" cabin which was located about three miles south-west of La Plata. 

James Seavers was the first blacksmith who opened a shop in the 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 811 

township ; it was situated about three miles south-west of La Plata, 
and was put up in 1838. W. B. Lillie was the first physician, and 
came from Boonville, Mo., in 1848, and settled near La Plata. Robert 
Houston was among the early shoemakers. The first church edifice 
was built in 1866 by the Baptists, the building committee consisting 
of L. D. Miller, W. N. Morris, A. M. Carpenter and J. J. Miller. 
The first minister was Rev. S. C. Davidson. 

LA PLATA. 

This town was laid out in 1855 by Lewis Gee and Thomas Sanders, 
on the south-west quarter of the north-west quarter of section 8, 
township 60, range 14. The plat was filed March 17, 1855. Among 
the early business men were Thomas Sanders and ■ Jex. Dr. 

Moore erected the first hotel. 

The La Plata Globe of July 20, 1871, said of the town : — 
. La Plata, Macon county. Mo., is located on the North Missouri Rail- 
road, near the junction of the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad, 188 
miles from St. Louis. In 1870 a census was carefully taken, giving 
it a population of some 700, and this has largely increased during the 
past year. The location is peculiarly pleasant and healthful, being 
immediately on the Grand Divide, between the Mississippi and Mis- 
souri rivers. Four churches have been organized .in La Plata, and 
two of these have fine and comfortable houses of worship. The fol- 
lowing denominations are represented : Presbyterian, Northern and 
Southern Methodist, Baptist and Christian. The educational facili- 
ties of the place are found in one public school^ of high grade. A 
new school-house is under contract, and will be finished in December. 
When completed, it will accommodate from 600 to 800 pupils. 

The Masonic order is well represented here. The Odd Fellows also 
have a fine lodge, and the Good Templars have lodges. 

La Plata is not excelled in this section of the country as a manu- 
facturing town. Timber, coal and water are easily obtained in abun- 
dance and of the very best quality. Coal can be furnished here at 12 
cents per bushel ; wood of the best quality from $2 to $3 per cord. 
Car-loads after car-loads of wood are annually shipped from this 
point, and nowhere would a woolen factory pay better than here. 

Our flour mill is not to be excelled in the West for quality and quan- 
tity of flour manufactured. 

We can boast of having one of the best nurseries in the West. J. 
E. Davis & Bro. are the proprietors. 

We give the following persons engaged in the various branches of 
trade: Dry goods — T. C. Campbell, Clark &* Cherry, J. Layman & 
Co., Swarthout, Barron & Ford, Phipps & Powell; groceries and 
produce, Clark & Cherry, T. C. Campbell, E. J. Merrill, Tibbs & 

1 This school-house is an elegant brick structure. 



812 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

Bi'o., Phipps & Powell, Barron & Ford; furniture, J. M. Deer; 
drug stores, Campbell & McDevitt, E. J. Merrill, Sharp & Bro. ; 
jewelry, T. Kelly ; boots and shoes, B. C. Bernard, C. C. Wood ; 
hardware and farming implements, J. Jager & Co., W, Rynearson, 
Spencer & Ray ; millinery stores, Mrs. Sanders, Mrs. Moore ; black- 
smith shops, J. Ryner, John Wright ; wagon-makers, Holbert & 
Murphy ; stationery, Samuel Davidson, J. Swarthout ; lumber yard, 
Irving & Caldwell ; livery stables, Harrington & Haines ; harness 
shops, C. C. Wood, J. Hamel ; hotels, J. Gilstrap, J. H, Olds, B. F. 
Balch; physicians, Sharp, Campbell, McDevitt, Ball, Barrow; pho- 
tographer, J. Tompkins ; real estate agents, Sanders, Lilly, E. J. 
Newton ; notary public, E. J. Newton, T. Sanders, D. Lilly, S. Da- 
vidson ; nursery, Davis & Bro. ; billiard hall and saloon, Griffin & 
Bro. 

The town was incorporated as a city of the fourth-class April 5, 
1881. Jacob Gilstrap was the first mayor. The aldermen were: 
From the first ward, W. F. Morrow and D. M. Griffin, and from the 
second, H. G. Reyner, C. C. Wood ; W. J. Biggs was treasurer ; W. 
W. Miller, clerk; J. F. Mitchell, attorney; John Chapman, marshal; 
Calvin Round, street commissioner ; N. W. Marquis, collector; L. C. 
Reyner, assessor, and James Round, sexton. 

The second and present mayor and city officers are ; John Hemel, 
mayor; alderman from the first ward, C. Owsley, John Fisher; sec- 
ond ward, J. B, Thompson, W. T. Oliver; E. L. Brown, treasurer; 
C. N. Mitchell, clerk; W. N. Rutherford, attorney; A. J. Miles, 
marshal ; Z. Kelley, street commissioner and collector, B. R. Win- 
ters, assessor, and John Owens, sexton. 

SECRET ORDERS. 

Lodge No. 237, A. F. and A. Jf — Was organized in 1858. The 
charter members were : Jake Miley, E. B. Dabney, S. C. Davidson 
and G. N. Sharp. 

Lodge JSFo. 27, A. O. U. PF— Was instituted in 1876, with E. A. 
Griffin, James Irvine, Joseph Spencer, T. J. Phipps, W. D. Powell, 
M. H. Howard, D. M. Griffin, J. M. Mason and others as charter 
members. 

Col. Forbes Post, G. A. i?. — Organized August 7, 1882, had 
as its charter members : C. S. Edwards, W. G. Saltmarsh, Barney 
Swarthout, B. R. Winters, Calvin Round, John Sampson, James Round, 
Daniel Caughlan, James J. Mcintosh, C. W. Johnston, W. R. Burch, 
Charles Westcott, W. J. O'Neal, W. H. Combs, John McClung, 
Thomas Harris, G. C. Saul, Hamilton Bonham, H. B. Foster, James 
A. Julian, J. H. Sanders, D. H. Barnhard, James Phillips, H. H. 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 813 

Sanders, U. J. Winn. The present officers are Calvin Round, com- 
mander ; C. C. Wood, adjutant; and J. N. Mcintosh, O. D. 

Lodge JSTo. 23,1. O. G. T. — Was organized June 12, 1869, with 
W. J. Biggs, S. K. Kellara, E. A. Caldwell, S. A. Edwards, Anna A. 
Walden, Josie Buck, Thomas R. Buck, J. R. Joslin, R. T. Davidson, 
E. C. Edwards, W. W. Berry, J. W. Campbell, Alexander Hart, Edwin 
Buck, Minerva Hart, E. A. Griffin, W. F. Sharp, C. S. Edwards, 
William Bratton, Mittie Lewis, Jennie Moore, B. C. McDavitt, B. 
Sharp, H. Sanders, Lizzie A. Berry, Maggie Buck, E. A. Fletcher. 

Lodge No. 139, 1. O. O. i^. — Was organized May 17, 1860. Its 
charter members were : Dr. W. W. Moore, Theodore Sanders, Dr. 
Atterbury, Dr. Jay and others. 

Lodge No. 63, A. 0. U. PT. — Was organized May 17, 1860. It 
had as charter members: Thomas J. Phipps, W. D. Powell, J. M. 
Irvine, J. B. Spencer, John F. Mitchell, W. J. Biggs, Josiah Gates, 
D. M. Griffin, E. A. Griffin and J. W. Mason. 

LA PLATA SAVINGS BANK. 

This bank was established as a private bank, November 16, 1876, 
by Dr. J. Gates as president and G. N. Sharp as cashier. The bank 
was chartered May 1, 1882, and became controlled by other parties. 
The following is the last official statement of the financial condition of 
this bank at the close of the business on the 15th day of April, 1884 : — 

RESOURCES. LIABILITIES. 



Loans on personal security. 



Loans on real estate security 
Due from other banks . . 

Real estate 

Purniture and fixtures . . 
Bills of National Banks and 

legal tender United States 

notes 6,177 00 

Gold coin 1,000 00 

Silver coin 493 02 



#22,230 85 Capital stock paid in ... . $15,000 00 



4,242 50 Surplus funds on hand . . . 3,386 II 

17,415 38 Deposits subject to draft at 

3,100 00 sight 38,826 89 

1,554 25 



Total $57,213 00 Total $57,213 00 



SS. 



State of Missouri, 
County of Macon. 

We, W. T. Gilbreath, president, and William J. Biggs, cashier of 
said bank, and each of us, do solemnly swear that the above statement 
is true to tlie best of our knowledge and belief. 

W. T. Gilbreath, President. 

Wm. J. Biggs, Cashier. 



814 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

Subscribed and sworn to before me this 23d day of April, A. D. 
eighteen hundred and eighty-four. 

r /^^— N ^ Witness my hand and notarial seal hereto affixed, at office 
< SEAL > in La Plata, the date last aforesaid. 

( N^v^-/ J (Commissioned and qualified for a term expiring March 
23, 1887). 

Edwin L. Brown, Notary Public. 
Correct — Attest : 

J. Gates, 
, J. M. Irving, 

E. L. Brown, 

Directors. 
creamery. 

The officers and stockholders of the creamery at this place are J. 
B. Thompson, president; G. H. Hockensmith, vice-president and 
manager ; G. H. Branham, secretary ; E. L. Brown, treasurer ; B. 
F. Atteberry, B. C. McDavitt, Joseph Soddrel and J. C. Doneghy & 
Bro., stockholders. 

The creamery building cost $6,600, is 36x44 feet in dimension and 
is divided into cream-room, churn-room, butter-working room, pack- 
ing-room, cold storage room, office and engine-room. An ice-house 
adjoining is 36x44 feet, story 14 feet, and has a capacity for 400 tons. 
The creamery is supplied with all modern machinery and appliances, 
and has a capacity for making 2,500 pounds of butter per day. The 
company was organized in May, 1883, and ran successfully during 
that year, making an average of about 200 pounds of butter per day. 
Farmers are making extensive preparations, and the dairy industry 
for which this section is so well adapted, promises to be a leading 

feature of farm life and work. 

* 

newspapers. 

There have been four newspapers printed at La Plata. The first 
was the La Plata Globe in 1871 ; the second, the La Plata I^i^ee PresSy 
in 1871 ; the third, The Advocate in 1873, and the fourth and last, 
the La Plata Home Press in 1876, which is still in existence. These 
papers are more fully mentioned in our chapter on the press. 

LA PLATA WOOL GROWERS* ASSOCIATION. 

This association was organized in February, 1881, and have had one 
annual shearing at which premiums were awarded. The society was 
discontinued in 1882. The following were the officers ; J. F. Nor- 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 815 

folk, president ; B. F. Atterberry, recording secretary ; A. M. Earn- 
hardt, corresponding secretary and Joseph Lane, treasurer. 

SHIPMENTS FROM LA PLATA. 

The following account of shipments was compiled by A. G. Treg- 
meyer commencing January 1, 1881, and ending December 27, 1881 : 
Horses and mules, 10 car loads ; hogs, 208 car loads ; cattle, 134 car 
loads ; hay, 93 car loads ; shaved hoops, 21 car loads ; walnut lumber, 
33 car loads ; sheep, 70 car loads ; oats, 42 car loads ; corn, 15 car 
loads ; wool, 12 car loads ; grass seed, 2 car loads ; ties, 309 car loads ; 
chickens, 5 car loads ; old iron, 2 car loads ; apples, 13 car loads ; total 
number of car loads 969 ; total number of pounds forwarded, 10,108,- 
860 ; amount of freight collected on same, $25,154,037 ; total num- 
ber of pounds received, 9,722,040; amount of freight collected on 
same, $17,141.87 ; total number of tickets sold, 3,391 ; amount col- 
lected for same, $3,546.50 ; total number of W. U. messages sent 
and received, 1,820; amount collected on same, $635.42. 

The shipments of the town have gradually increased since that 
period. 

BUSINESS DIRECTORY. 

Swarthout Barnabas, postmaster; Brammer & Reed (George W. 
Brammer, Damon Reed), grocers ; Cahill & Powell (Miss Elizabeth 
F. Cahill, Mrs. J. M. Powell), milliners ; John Chadwick, barber ; 
Mrs. Marsh & Miss Hamel (Mrs. L. C. Marsh, Miss Lucy Hamel), 
milliners ; A. J. Miles, city marshal ; Davis & Chadwell (Jesse Davis, 
John K. Chadwell), proprietors city scales ; John Green, proprietor 
La Plata House ; Dudley W. Dempsey, physician; J. P. Phipps, 
jeweler; John M. Derr, furniture; J. C. Doneghy & Bro. (James C. 
and John), general store; John Fisher, general store; Thomas W. 
Flag, physician ; Josiah Gates, physician ; Jacob Gilstrap, justice of 
the peace ; Goodding, Williams & Wait (J. Benjamin Goodding, Will- 
iam E. Williams, E. M. Wait), general store; Griffin Bros. (Enoch 
A. and Daniel M.), grain and live stock; John M. Griffin, livery; 
John Hamel, harness-maker; Isaiah W. Herman, ca:i'penter ; J. B. 
Thompson, editor and proprietor Home Press; Fisher & Daugherty 
(John Fisher, S. W. Daugherty), stove and tinware; James M. 
Irving, lumber and grain ; William P. Johnson, meat market ; Zebe- 
dee Kelley, street commissioner and city collector ; Joel King, pro- 
prietor Farmers' hotel ; La Plata Savings Bank, W. T. Gilbreath, 
president, William J. Biggs, cashier; Llewellyn Bros., confectioners; 



816 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

Winfield S. Little, nursery; Dr. Brazwell C. McDavitt, druggist; C. 
C. Wood, harness-maker; Miles W. Marquis, insurance; Miller & 
Pennell (William Miller, Joseph Pennell), flour mill ; Moore & Llew- 
ellyn (Thomas H. Moore, Charles E. Llewellyn), lumber; Joseph 
Park, lawyer; Frank F. Reed, dentist; W. N. Rutherford, lawyer; 
John Reyner, blacksmith; James A. Julian, shoe-maker; Sanders & 
Miles (John H. Sanders, William Miles), hay press ; Saul & Reyner 
(George Saul & Harry Reyner), hardware; James J. Swarthout, 
blacksmith; Sears & Sears (James S. and Walker S.), drugs and 
groceries ; Joseph Soddrel, carpenter ; Joseph B. Spencer, farming 
implements; Augustus* G. Tegmeyer, railroad and express agent; 
James B. Thompson, real estate agent and deputy clerk of circuit 
court; Jacob F. Weaver, cooper and city clerk; James H. Wilson, 
general store ; H. H. Haller, baker and confectioner ; Hamis & Allen 
(E. C. Hamis, E. R. Allen), photographers; John Mairens, wagon- 
maker ; La Plata Creamery (incorporated), J. B. Thompson, presi- 
dent, George T. Hockensmith, vice-president, George H. Branham, 
secretary ; William Shalley, cigars and confectionery ; Josiah Gates^ 
drugs ; Daniel Caughlin, drays ; Benjamin F. Atteberry, boots and 
shoes ; Thompson & Rutherford (J. B. Thompson, W. N. Ruther- 
ford), general insurance ; William M. Hodge, shoe-maker ; B. R. Win- 
ters, restaurant; C. Owsley, groceries; Halbert Maus, blacksmith. 

RICHLAND TOWNSHIP. 

Richland is the central of the northern line of townships, and con- 
tains thirty-six square miles. The East fork of the Chariton river 
and Richland creek are the principal water courses. 

The earliest settlers in the township were William Gross, James L. 
Barnett, Eben Enyart, R. A. Wright, Josiah Cannatcy, Ed. Hickman, 
John Sutter, Nicholas Duvall, George Edwards, James Riley, James 
R. Alderman, James Richardson, Robert Y. Ellis, Lewis Shores, Mat. 
Shores and James Hubbard. 

Among the pioneers above mentioned, we here copy a brief sketch 
of William Grj>ss taken from the True Democrat: — 

William Gross was born in Randolph county, Missouri, January 12,. 
1822. 

His father, Abraham Gross, came from Cumberland county, Ken- 
tucky, and settled in the territory of Missouri in 1816, in what is now 
Randolph county, but he thinks it was then called Howard county. 
His father settled near the Goose pond, seven miles south-west of where 
Huntsville is located. He remembers of hearing his father speak of 
a few settlers in that section before he settled there ; among the names 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 817 

recollected were the Kerbys and a family by the name of Sears. Will- 
iam Gross lived in Randolph county until he was 18 years old. 

The first time he ever was at Huntsville was about 1832, when he 
was about ten years old. There were but a few houses in the place — 
all built of logs. He does not remember whether there were any 
courts held then. He remembers one store kept by Daniel G. Davis. 
He remembers that William Goo;o;in had a mill. He does not remem- 
ber when a court-house was built, but remembers of hearing his father 
and others say a tax Avas to be raised to build one. The year he does 
not remember. 

The first preaching he ever heard was at the Goose Pond Church, 
Old School Baptist, by Thomas Frisco, James RatliflF and William 
Sears. This was about 1830. He thinks this was the first church 
built in Randolph county. 

This Goose pond at that time covered about 50 or 60 acres of land, 
and would swim a horse. It has long been dry and in cultivation, and 
yielding large crops. 

This pond land was cultivated for years by Wylie Sears. This is 
now called Silver creek neighborhood. 

The next church built that he remembers was a Methodist, and was 
on Silver creek. Afterwards there were several other Old School 
Baptist churches in other parts of the county. 

About 1839, Huntsville was a business place ; it had increased to a 
right good size for a new country. There were a number of stores 
and groceries (whisky shops). The court-house was built of brick, 
and of good size. 

He remembers the following persons engaged in business in Hunts- 
ville in 1839 : Dabney C. Garth, Coppedge Dameron and Alex Dam- 
eron, merchants. Dr. Herndon was the leading physician in the town, 
and Drs. Gorham, Fort and Head in the country. 

In 1839, William Gross entered a piece of land in township 60, 
range 15, now Richland township, Macon county, Missouri, now oc- 
cupied as a farm by two of his sons, Charles Martin and John Walker 
Gross. He entered this land at the U. S. Land office at Fayette, 
Howard county ; Boone and Sebree, officers. 

In 1840, William Gross came to Macon county and married Irena 
Hatfield, Elder William Sears officiating. He then settled on the land 
he had entered, then in Independence township, now called Richland. 

Macon county had been organized but a few years. The northern 
portion ©f the county had but few settlers. He remembers the fol- 
lowing persons when he first came to live here : Charles Hatfield, 
Abraham and Philip Dale, Stanton Carter, William Shain, James 
Riley, John and Armstead Smoot, George Gates, William Easley, Sr., 
— Scott, William Huchabee, Maxey Miller, Dr. Still, Sidney Swet- 
nam, John Mathis, Micajah Hull, John Bunch, Daniel and Jesse Hull, 
Jesse Griffin, James R. Alderman, Frederick Vaughan, Daniel Murry 
and Daniel Murley, William Mason and Col. Isaac Gross. 

There were two church organizations. One was the Old School 
Baptist at Little Zion, and the other Methodist, near Dr. Still's. 



818 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

There was one water mill on the Chariton, called Rose's mill, and 
a horse mill at Abraham Dale's and a band mill at William Titus'. 

The militia mustered at Dale's mill. The colonel was Isaac Gross. 

There was no post-office north of Bloomington until about 1850. 

Mr. Gross has been one of the largest farmers and most extensive 
stock dealers in the county. He was the first man in the county who 
stall-fed cattle for market. In 1843 he had a lot of these kind of 
animals for sale, and sold them to Col. Dick Johnston at two and a 
half cents gross. 

He was the first man in the county who ever shipped fat cattle to 
New York. He drove them to Quincy, and then by rail sent them to 
New York at a cost of $22.50 per head. He made money in the oper- 
ation although the freight appeared exorbitant. 

Up to the rebellion he was in fair circumstances — independent. 
He was largely engaged in the cattle business and in 1863 had 300 
head of fat cattle. He had sold 200 head to Alexander, the great cattle 
dealer of Illinois, and started to deliver them, when he was arrested 
at Macon as a rebel, and the delivery prohibited. He was put in con- 
finement in the Harris House Military Prison and kept there three 
months before he was released. He had received some pay for the 
cattle, and through Gov. Yates, of Illinois, the authorities here let 
cattle enough go to Alexander to settle what was paid for. 

Mr. Gross had $1,500 in the express office at Macon, which Gen. 
Merrill took possession of, and when he was released, to the credit of 
Gen. Merrill (who has many sins to answer for), he returned every 
dollar of the money. 

During his imprisonment, the militia took 60 head of his cattle, 
leaving nothing in return. But this is not all he suffered and lost. 
He delivered to the militia authorities here 500 tons of hay — worth 
$5,000 — and to this day has never received one cent. 

These misfortunes and great losses would have disheartened an ordin- 
ary man, but William Gross is one of the old-class pioneers, used to 
hard life — its ups and downs — and labors on, believing that all will be 
right when the great settlement day comes. 

He is now 62 years old, enjoying good health and bids fair for 
many more useful years. He still lives near his first land entry in 
Richland township, four miles south-west of La Plata. 

EASLEY TOWNSHIP. 

Easley Township is one of the north-western townships, and em- 
braces an area of about 32 square miles. It is the best drained town- 
ship in the county. Besides Walnut creek and Chariton river with 
their tributaries, there are three small lakelets, called respectively 
Eagle, Swan and Yankapin lakes, which are located in sections 15 
and 22. 

The township was named after Judge William Easley, who emi- 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 819 

grated from Kentucky about the year 1838. He was one of the 
judges of the county court from 1852 to 1856, and is still a resident 
of the township. We reproduce here a brief sketch of Judge Easley's 
life taken from the TV-we Democrat: — 

William Easley was born in Grainger county, Tenn., near Rut- 
ledge, in 1806, and resided there under the same roof 21 years. In the 
fall of 1827 he immigrated to Cincinnati, Ohio; there he remained till 
the spring of 1829. He then traveled further west to Illinois, and 
settled in Sangamon county. In 1830 he was married to Miss Sophia 
Patrick, just from Clarke county, Ky. 

In 1831 there was great excitement throughout the West over the 
Indian question — Black Hawk and other chiefs were stirring up the 
Indians for war. 

On the 4th day of June, 1831, William Easley enlisted for the war, 
under command of Capt. Achilles Morris ; Gov. Reynolds was com- 
mander-in-chief. Other officers were Gen. John Dunkan, Col. James 
D. Henry, Maj. John T. Stewart and Adjutant John J. Harden, who 
subsequently fell while bravely fighting in the Mexican War with 
Henry Clay, of Kentucky. 

After his discharge in 1831, Mr. Easley settled in Morgan county, 
near Winchester. He lived there until the fall of 1836. The follow- 
ing spring he made a trip to Texas, and crossed the United States line 
March 6th, 1837, the day that Col. David Crockett and others were 
killed at the Alamo, by the Mexican soldiers under Gen. Santa 
Anna. 

The same spring he returned back to Illinois, and the same year he 
moved to Macon county. Mo., and settled in the present town of 
Newburg, which was once called Polkville. 

In 1840 he was elected a justice of the peace, and was continued in 
office until 1852. Newburg was then in Independence township, and 
it embraced at that time Richland, La Plata and Walnut Creek town- 
ships, as since organized out of its territory. 

At the general election of 1852 Mr. Easley was elected justice of the 
county court, and was made presiding justice afterwards, and served 
four years. After this he commenced the practice of law. 

When the rebellion broke out, in 1861, he took the side of the 
Federal Government. In 1861 he enlisted as a private in Co. F, 
Eleventh Missouri cavalry, M. S. M., under the command of Capt. 
Ignatius Burns. A. L. Gilstrap was colonel aud J. B. Rogers was 
major. Col. Gilstrap was superseded by Col. H. S. Lipscomb, as good 
a man as Missouri could start. In a short time Mr. Easley was elected 
a lieutenant. He served until October, 1862, and tried to resign, but 
owing to some prejudice his resignation was not accepted. The Second 
and Eleventh regiments were consolidated when he was left out of the 
service. 

Sometime after he arrived at home, an order was issued (No. 107) 
to organize companies or plattoons as militia. His neighborhood 
made up a company and he was elected captain, without opposition. 



820 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

That order was soon rescinded and another order issued that theState 
should organize into what was called the Missouri Militia. Capt. Eas- 
ley then organized another company, and was again elected captain. 
That was in 1864 or 1865, and he served until the close of the war, 
after which he resumed the practice of law. 

At the time Judge Easley settled in Macon county, there were num- 
bers of red men. There were but fcAv settlers in his section. He 
recollects the Dales, Shains, Hatfields, Ownleys, Smouts, Smiths, 
Lows, Shores, Sears and Wrights. There were others, but he does 
not now remember their names. 

Judge Easley is, religiously, a Missionary Baptist, and politically, a 
Democrat, greatly opposed to Grant and all the Dent family. 

Newspapers in the early days here were hard to get, and it some- 
times happened that important matters were long unknown to us, ow- 
ing to mail facilities. 

The first paper that he ever subscril^ed for was the Bloomington 
Gazette, published by James M. Love in 1850. Col. A. L. Gilstrap 
was part owner with Mr. Love. It was a small paper, but sprightly, 
and suited the people. When the Gazette was established, we thought 
we were making great strides and that everything else would soon fol- 
low. The next thing we had the Hannibal and St. Joseph Kailroad, and 
have since continued to advance. 

Judge Easley is still living. He resides on a farm in Easley town- 
ship, named after him. 

Among other old settlers were David Williams and Thomas Will- 
iams from Kentucky, George Cook, James Cook and Leo McDavitt 
from Kentucky, James Broyles from Tennessee, John McDavitt and 
Joseph Sears from Kentucky. At a later date came Milton and Marion 
Truitt, John Roan, Dr. William B. Lilly, Colton B. Sears, J. Hen- 
drickson and others. 

The Truitts above mamed built the first mill in the township, and 
located it at Mercy ville in 1854. It was a grist and saw mill, and is 
still running. 

Thomas Truitt erected the first house of worship in 1858. The first 
services were conducted by Rev. John Roan, who was a missionary 
Baptist. The pioneer school-house was built in 1854. J. W. Cook 
taught the first school. Dr. William B. Lilly was the first physician ; 
Colton B. Shears was the first blacksmith. 

Not more than one-fourth of the township is under cultivation — 
much of the remainder is timber. 

There is a post-office in the township, located at Mercyville, a small 
town situated in sections 35 and 36, in the south-east corner of the 
township. This town was named after "Pap" Williams' wife, 
Mercy, and was laid out in 1865. The land upon which it was located 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 821 

was owned by Allen Fletcher and Thomas Truitt. The town contains 
three general stores, one steam mill, one blacksmith shop and two 
saloons; no churches. The first postmaster wasC. T. Shirely. James 
L. Miller was the chairman of the first board of trustees and still 
holds that position. The first store was put up by Henry Cook, the 
first dwelling-house by Robert Vanskike. D. T. Galyen is the present 
postmaster. 

DRAKE TOWNSHir. 

Drake township ^ lies in the extreme north-west portion of the 
county and embraces an area of 36 square miles. The land is com- 
paratively poor and hilly, much of it (fully one-half) remaining un- 
cultivated. The streams are the Muscle fork of the Chariton river, 
with its confluents and Walnut creek. The township contains a less 
population than any other in the county and but little progress was 
made towards its settlement until about the year 1855. The fact that 
wild turkeys, wild cats, a few lynx', and a few deer are occasionally 
seen in the township shows that portions of it are still sparsely settled. 
Much of the unsettled part of the township is owned by the Hannibal 
and St. Joe Railroad Company. 

OLD SETTLERS. 

George Naigles came from Kentucky and so did E. Williams, 
Preston Todd, William Ratlifi", James Ratlifi", Cyrenius Helton, Ham- 
ilton Helton, R. O. Swink, James Carter, Stephen Ratliff, W. H. 
Abbott and Caleb Colgear ; Amos Williams was an old settler ; 
Joseph Messenger was from Connecticut ; William Pates, ^ from 
Texas; Kerry Hobson, from New York; James Drake, from Iowa; 
John Messenger, from Connecticut ; Mathew Crowder, from Ken- 
tucky ; James Cantwell, from Iowa ; Meredith Davis was from 
Kentucky, as was also John Graybeal ; Joseph Morris came from 
Ohio ; James Williams, from Kentucky ; Martin Abbott, from Ken- 
tucky; John Murry, from Kentucky. 

John Messenger opened the first business house on the Muscle fork 
of the Chariton river, in 1846. James Drake had a store at Tullvania, 
and operated the first steam mill that was run in the township. It 
was located on Walnut creek. The first mill, however, was put up 
by Mathew Crowder, on the Muscle fork, and was run by water 
power. Religious services were first held at a place called New 



1 Township named after James Drake, who came from Iowa in 184:9. 
' Raised in Indian Territory. 



822 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

Boston, by James Eatliff , a Baptist minister. Meredith Davis taught 
the first school in a little log house, about three miles west of what 
is known as the site of New Boston. The first physician to settle in 
the township was Dr. James Cantwell. John Graybeal was the 
pioneer blacksmith. Joseph Morris opened the first hotel. 

Among the most noted hunters was James Williams, who followed 
it for a livelihood, and so successful was he, that he disposed of a 
greater number of hides and peltries at New Boston and other towns 
in the county and adjoining counties, than any other man in that 
region of country. 

NEW BOSTON. 

This town was named after Boston, Mass., and was laid out in 
1846. It contained about 30 houses, 5 general stores, 2 black- 
smith shops, 2 saloons and 1 hotel. The town was moved west one 
and one-half miles into Linn county about the year 1872. All that 
remains at the present time to mark the site of the old town is the 
brick residence of James Morris. The town was originally called 
Robinson, after the first post-oflBce. The first store and dwelling was 
built in New Boston by John Messenger. 

TULLVANIA. 

Tullvania is a small business point situated in section 14. James 
Drake at one time erected a mill near this point. The place was 
named after Nicholas Tull. 

There are several school-houses, but no church edifices in the town- 
ship. No railroad and no post-office facilities are as yet within her 
boundaries. 



\m^mm^' 



CHAPTEE X. 

EAELY BENCH AND BAR — CRIMES AND INCIDENTS. 

Thomas Reynolds — Robert T. Pruitt — William H. Davis — Alexander L. Slayback — 
John V. Turner — James M. Gordon — J. R. Abernathy — Amusing Incidents — 
Suing a Bull — Drinkard Case — Harris Case — Keller Case — Walter Tracy Shot 
and Killed by Charles Stewart. 

Among the early members of the Bench and Bar of Macon county, 
including those who resided in the county, as well as those who at- 
tended circuit court from other counties, were James M. Gordon, 
John B. Clark, Sr., C. W. R. Vanarsdale, J. W. Minor, Robert Wil- 
son, ClowOxley, William A. Hall, W. J. Howell, Wesley Hallibur- 
ton, A. L. Slayback, Abner Gilstrap, T. G. Sharp, George H. Burck- 
hartt, William Y. Slack, B. F. Farr, Philip Williams, J. V. Turner, 
A. J. Herndon, Abraham McKinney, S. G. Wadkins, Samuel S. Fox, 

E. B. Lowe, J. N. Brown, B. F. Stringfellow, J. R. Abernathy, C. 

F. Bowen, Josiah Fisk, D. C. Tuttle, Samuel Gloom, William S. 
Davis. 

The sketches following include the names only of some of the most 
prominent attorneys, who are now dead, beginning with 

THOMAS REYNOLDS, 

who was the first circuit judge of Macon county. 

We copy from Judge Bay's " Bench and Bar of Missouri : " — 
*' Many of our readers will recollect the deep sensation produced 
upon the public mind by the announcement of the tragic death of this 
gentleman, who took his own life while Governor of the State. He 
was not only one of the profoundest jurists of the West, but possessed 
a versatility of talent that would enable him to adorn any position to 
which he might be called. 

'♦Gov. Reynolds was born March 12, 1796, in Bracken county, 
Ky. But very little is known respecting his early education ; but it 
was, no doubt, as good as could be obtained in the schools where he 
resided. He certainly was not a classical scholar, though he had 
some knowledge of Latin. He was admitted to the bar in Kentucky 
47 (823) 



824 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

about the time he became of age, but iu early life he removed to Illi- 
nois, where he filled the several offices of Clerk of the House of Rep- 
resentatives, Speaker of the House, Attorney-General and Chief Jus- 
tice of the Supreme Court. 

"In 1829, he moved to Missouri and located at Fayette, Howard 
county. He brought with him a high reputation as a jurist, and soon 
secured a good practice. It was not long before he was chosen to 
represent Howard county in the Legislature, and became Speaker of 
the House. After leaving the Legislature, he was appointed judge of 
the judicial circuit comprising the counties ot Howard, Boone, Calla- 
way, et al. 

" In 1840, the Democratic party met in convention at Jefferson 
City, to nominate a ticket for State officers, and Judge Reynolds was 
nominated for Governor, almost by acclamation. 

" It was at this time we made his acquaintance, and formed a very 
high estimate of him, as not only a man of ability, but of undoubted 
integrity and honesty of purpose. As a delegate in the convention, 
we gave him our support, and had occasion frequently, afterwards, to 
meet and transact business with him, as we were in the Legislature 
during: most of the time he was Governor. He was elected over J. B. 
Clark, by a handsome majority. 

"No very important event transpired during his administration. 
He was the first Governor who strongly urged the abolition of impris- 
onment for debt, and probably to him, more than any other person, 
are we indebted for this humane enactment. Gov. Reynolds had few 
superiors as a jurist, and hence it is that most of his life was spent on 
the bench. There was nothing superficial in his law learning. He 
drank from the lowest depths of the legal well, and there secured the 
gems which can be nowhere else found. 

" * Errors, like straws, upon the surface flow; 

He who would search for pearls must dive below.' 

" He studied the law as a science, and we have heard him say, on 
several occasions, that he had read Coke, Bacon and Blackstone sev- 
eral times. His mind was as clear as a bell and his power of analysis 
very great. As a forensic speaker few excelled him, and in canvass- 
ing the State for Governor but few were willing to encounter him. 
At the time of his death his prospects for distinction were greater than 
those of any man in the State — for his genial habits, pleasant de- 
meanor and unquestioned integrity had made him exceedingly popu- 
lar — and it was a mere question of time as to his election to the Fed- 



HISTORY OF' MACON COUNTY. 825 

eral Senate. He had a dread of being thought disloyal to his party, 
which often induced him to appoint men to office unfit for the position. 

"Shortly after breakfast on February 9, 1844, a report of a gun 
was heard from the Executive Mansion in Jefferson City, and some 
persons passing by at the time went into the Governor's office to as- 
certain the cause of it, and there found the Governor weltering in his 
blood, with the top of his head blown entirely off, and of course he 
was dead. He just before sent for a rifle, the muzzle of which he 
placed against his forehead, and by the a^d of a strong twine tied to 
the trigger with one end wrapped around his thumb he discharged it. 
On the table near where he fell was found a letter addressed to his 
most intimate friend, Col. William G. Minor, in the following 
words : — 

" ' In every situation in which I have been placed, I have labored to 
discharge my duty faithfully to the public ; but this has not protected 
me for the last twelve months from the slander and abuse of my 
enemies, which have rendered my life a burden to me. I pray God 
to forgive them and teach them more charity. My will is in the 
hands of James L. Minor, Esq. Farewell. Th. Reynolds.' 

'* ' Col. W. G. Minor.' 

" Here we might stop and throw a mantle over this mysterious and 
tragic event, but truth and candor force us to state that many of Gov. 
Reynolds' friends attributed the suicide to a very different cause 
from that designated in his letter to Col. Minor. To be more explicit, 
they believed it grew out of his domestic troubles. It is certainly a 
very great draft upon our credulity to suppose that a man who had 
been a quarter of a century in public life, and who was an old and 
experienced politician, would take his owia life because of the ill- 
natured squibs of the oj^position press which every public man has 
to encounter. No greater truism was ever uttered by man than was 
uttered by Dean Swift when he said, ' Censure is the tax a man pays 
for being eminent.' That he may have been more than ordinarily 
sensitive in this respect is not improbable, but the comments of the 
press respQcting his administration were no more uncharitable than 
those which had been aimed at the Governor who preceded him. He 
should have found some consolation in the words of Pope : — 

•"The villain's censure is extorted praise.'" 
ROBERT T. PRE WITT. 

Mr. Prewitt was another early attorney who practiced at the Macon 
bar. 

In 1862, while holding a term of the Supreme Court in Jefferson 



826 HISTORY OF MAOON COUNTY. 

City, we became acquainted with Mr. Prewitt, who was then a lawyer 
in full practice, residing in Fayette, Howard county. He attended 
the terras of court at Jefferson City regularly, and delivered several 
oral arguments which made a favorable impression, both as to his 
ability as a lawyer and his pleasant and gentlemanly demeanor. 

He was the son of Rev. Joel Prewitt, a Christian or Campbellite 
minister, of Kentucky, and was born in Bourbon county in that 
State, August 1, 1818. His father brought his family to Missouri 
about 1824, and settled on a farm within a few miles of Fayette. 
After receiving a good academic education, he commenced the study 
of the law in 1840 with Abiel Leonard, one of the most eminent law- 
yers in the western country. After remaining with Mr. Leonard 
about two years, he went to Kentucky and completed his studies with 
his uncle, Judge John Trimble, of the Supreme Court of that State, 
a noted jurist. He then returned to Missouri, took a desk in the 
office of Gen. John Wilson at Fayette, and entered upon the practice. 
His opportunities for a legal education could not have been better, and 
he improved them well, for he became thoroughly grounded in the 
principles of the law. He soon obtained a reasonable share of busi- 
ness which gradually increased through life. In 1832 he was 
appointed circuit attorney for the second judicial district, and dis- 
charo-ed the duties of his office with marked ability until the latter 
part of 1856. He necessarily had to encounter some of the ablest 
lawyers in the State, for his circuit embraced some of the oldest and 
wealthiest counties, such as Howard, Boone and Callaway. He was 
a member of the constitutional convention called in 1861 to deter- 
mine upon the relations of the State towards the Federal Govern- 
ment. His district comprised the counties of Howard, Randolph and 
Chariton, and was represented in part by Gen. Sterling Price. In 
1863 Gen. Price was expelled for disloyalty, and Mr. Prewitt was 
elected in his place, and took his seat June 17. One of the main 
questions then to be decided was in reference to the emancipation of 
the slaves. Mr. Prewitt took strong ground in favor of the Union, 
but was very conservative in his course, and while he admitted that 
slavery was doomed, he thought that sound policy dictated that loyal 
slave-holders should to some extent be compensated for the loss of 
their slaves. 

Mr. Prewitt was a man of noble impulses and of the highest integ- 
rity, and was much beloved by all who knew him. He was a fine- 
looking man, and his genial disposition and happy temperament 
brouo-ht him a large number of devoted and attached friends. He 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 827 

was a fluent and impressive speaker, but not an orator. His style of 
declamation was more conversational than otherwise. He was, more- 
over, a close student, and never neglected the interests of his client. 
In 1844 he married Martha A. Williams, daughter of F. E. and M. 
A. Williams, of Howard county, a most estimable lady, who with five 
daughters survives him. He died at Fayette in September, 1873, at 
the age of 55. 

WILLIAM H. DAVIS. 

That portion of Missouri known as the North Grand River country 
possessed, at an early day, many lawyers of ability, among whom was 
William Harrison Davis, of Keytesville, Chariton county. Mr. Davis 
was born in Nelson county, Ky., on November 29, 1811. He came 
with his parents to Missouri Territory in 1820 and settled in Chariton 
county, which then had a very sparse population ; but the country was 
in a rapid state of improvement and presented many inducements to 
the emigrant. Like all countries just opening to settlement, it con- 
tained but very limited means to educate the young. Now and then 
some enterprising Yankee would stop and teach school for one or two 
terms, and then push on to parts unknown. Frequently they would 
be without a teacher for six months at a time. It was this system of 
itinerant teaching that young Davis had to rely upon to obtain the 
rudiments of an English education ; but he improved it better than 
the average run of boys, for, though addicted to frolic and mischief, 
he was studious and fond of his books and always stood well in his 
class. There is a story of his boyhood worth relating : There were 
two rival schools in the neighborhood ; young Davis went to the one 
that was taught by Rev. Ebenezer Rogers, who was raised among the 
Quakers, and had imbibed their antipathy to war and bloodshed. On 
several occasions he cautioned the boys to avoid all disputes and con- 
tentions with the boys of the other school ; but young Davis was a 
Kentuckian, delighted in the manly art and could not see the necessity 
for his teacher's admonition, so he occasionally measured his strength 
with the rivals of the champions of the other institution. On one oc- 
casion the facts reached the ears of the Rev. Ebenezer, who never 
spared the rod when advised of any violation of the rules. As young 
Davis came into the school-room with a face not much improved by 
the rencounter, the teacher, with a raised ferule and an angry coun- 
tenance, demanded to know if he had been in a fight, and, receiving 
an affirmative answer, was about to chastise the offender, when Will- 
iam said, looking at him squarely in the eye : " I met one of their big 



828 HISTORY or macon county. 

boys, sir, and he said you was a toryand an ass, and I couldn't stand 
tliat : so I o-ave liim a o-ood threshino-." In a moment the ferule was 

7 O O Cj 

quietly laid upon the table and William pleasantly directed to take his 
seat. Such quickness of perception and consummate strategy are 
very rare in a boy of that age. 

When but 16, young Davis entered as an apprentice in a printing 
office at Fayette, Howard county, and soon learned the trade. In the 
fall of 1833 he and a man by the name of Kelly established a paper 
in Liberty, Clay county, called the Enquirer^ and at the end of the 
year he sold his interest to his partner and commenced the study of 
the law in the office of Gen. John Wilson, at Fayette, with whom he 
remained about two years, when he was licensed to practice by the 
Supreme Court of the State and located at Keytesville, where he re- 
sided till his death, which took place on June 21, 1845, at the early 
age of 33. Mr. Davis belonged to the old Whig school of politics, 
and, though he often indulged in political discourses, never became a 
candidate for any office. The State was Democratic and no one of his 
faith could hope for political distinction ; hence he applied himself 
very diligently to his profession, never relinquishing his studious 
habits, and soon took high rank at the bar — no empty compliment 
when he had to contend with such men as Leonard, Clark, Wilson, 
Adams and Joe Davis, all of whom attended the Chariton court and 
the courts of the adjacent counties. Mr. Davis was a vigorous, earn- 
est and logical speaker and at times quite eloquent. As a jury lawyer, 
in particular, he had but few equals, for he rarely made a mistake in 
his estimate of men. He seemed to divine the peculiarities of each 
juror and shaped his argument accordingly. At the time of his death 
he was rising very rapidly and, had life been spared to him, must 
have attained a very enviable position in the profession. 

" The world's a bubble and the life of man less than a span." 

ALEXANDER L. SLAYBACK. 

Those of the early inhabitants of Marion, Shelby, Macon and La- 
fayette counties, in this State, who still survive, must retain a pleas- 
ant recollection of the gentleman whose name is above, for he was 
not only one of those genial spirits who never fail to secure many 
warm and attached friends, but was a man of learning and promise, 
and bade fair to make a high reputation in his profession. Death, 
however, " who loves a shining mark," cut him down in the morning 
of life, and at a time when fortune was responding to every wish of 
his heart. 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 829 

He was a son of Dr. Abel Slayback, of Cincinnati, and was born in 
that city in 1817. When he was but 15 years of age, he was sent to 
Marion College, in Missouri, an institution of learning under the di- 
rection and control of the Presbyterian donomination, and conducted 
on the manual labor plan. It was then regarded as the best college 
in the State. Young Slayback pursued his studies with much dili- 
gence, and during his vacations entered upon a course of reading, 
under the direction of his father, which it was supposed would be ad- 
vantageous to him when he commenced the study of the law, for at 
an early period he had fixed upon the legal profession as best suited 
to his order of mind and personal inclinations. In this he was en- 
couraged by his father, who discerned in his son mental traits that, 
in his judgment, fitted him for a professional life. 

In June, 1838, he was admitted to the bar by Judge McGirk, of the 
Supreme Court. Judge McGirk congratulated him upon the good ex- 
amination he had passed, and gave him some good advic© with refer- 
ence to his future course, which the young claimaint for legal honors 
fully appreciated. In July, 1837, he married Miss Annie M. Min- 
ter, eldest daughter of I. A. Minter, Esq., of Philadelphia, and opened 
a law office in Shelbyville, the county seat of Shelby county. He soon 
obtained a fair amount of business, but to a young practitioner without 
fortune, and solely dependent upon his own exertions, it was neces- 
sarily a life of toil and privations ; but he was greatly encouraged by 
the reception he received from the people, and by the womanly devo- 
tion of his good wife who ever made his home happy and cheerful. 
He practiced in Shelby, Knox, Lewis, Marion, Macon and Audrain 
counties, and on special occasions attended courts in other counties. 
In May, 1847, he concluded to change his residence, and moved to Lex- 
ington, Lafayette county. Lexington was growing rapidly in popu- 
lation and wealth, and not only aflbrded a larger field in which to 
prosecute his profession, but presented greater facilities for educating 
his children. His great probity of character, close application to bus- 
isness, and fine oratorical powers, readily attracted the attention of 
the people of Lafayette, and he was soon retained in many prominent 
cases pending in the courts of that circuit. Though a public spirited 
man, he took but little interest in politics, and never would permit his 
name to be used for a public office. He was a very ardent Mason, and 
labored hard to secure the location of the Masonic College at Lexing- 
ton, and in 1848, delivered the address at the laying of the corner stone 
of that institution. He died August 19, 1848, very suddenly, in his 
thirty-first year, leaving a widow and five children, the youngest of 



830 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

whom survived him but a short time. The three sons — Alonzo W., 
Charles E. and Preston T., became residents of St. Louis; the former 
was killed in 1882. The subject of our sketch did not live long enough 
to obtain that distinction in his profession which his talents, practical 
Christian hjibits and great personal integrity entitled him to, and no 
doubt would have secured to him. We have made no reference to his 
cheerful and genial disposition, which made him a favorite, particu- 
larly with his co-laborers at the bar. He was the life of every com- 
pany in which he entered ; had a copious fund of good humor and was 
never wanting in a good anecdote to amuse others. He was an ex- 
ceedingly fluent and ready speaker, and his discourses abounded in 
pathos and dignified wit, and his manner was wholly free from the 
appearance of labored preparation. His unexpected death was not 
only a terrible blow to his confiding family, but proved a serious 
loss to the profession, which has not many such men to spare. Mr. 
Slayback was a practical and true Christian, having united with the 
Presbyterian Church when only 16 years of age, and his life furnished 
a contradiction to the commonly conceived opinion that a successful 
lawyer cannot be a sincere Christian. It is said Mr. Slayback, in 
his youth, exhibited many of those traits of character for which he 
became noted in manhood. It was Milton who said ; — 

" The childhood shows the man 
As morning shows the day." 

He was slender in person, and about six feet four inches in height, 
and had light brown hair. He was fond of music and played well on 
the flute and violin. 

JOHN V. TURNER, 

who in early days visited the Macon bar, was born in Carroll county, 
Ky., on December 16, 1816. His early education was confined to the 
common schools of that day, but as he approached manhood he en- 
tered Hanover College, Indiana, where he made considerable progress 
in his studies, but did not remain long enough to graduate. He, how- 
ever, continued his studies, and by diligence and close application 
became a good classical scholar. 

He pursued the study of law several years in Kentucky, and 
in 1842 came to Missouri and settled in Boonville, Cooper 
county. While practicing law there he frequently wrote for the 
Boonville Observer, a sheet that acquired considerable celebrity 
through its terse and vigorous editorials, most of which were from 
Mr. Turner's pen, and he soon became the recognized editor. As the 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 831 

Democratic party was iu the ascendant the paper received little or no 
patronage from the State government, and had to rely chiefly upon the 
local advertising, but the ability with which it was edited gave it a 
large circulation, and Mr. Turner's reputation as a writer became well 
established. Many of his articles were republished in the leading Whig 
papers in St. Louis. Mr. Turner was a very decided Whig, and like 
all Kentuckians who belonged to that party was a great admirer of Mr. 
Clay, and supported him for the presidency with much zeal. 

Wishing, however, to retire from the editorial chair and apply himself 
more closely to his profession he removed to Keytesville, in Chariton 
county, where he practiced with fair success many years ; but in 1858 
again changed his residence and permanently located in Glasgow, 
Howard county, where he remained till his death, which occurred July 
10,1874. As a lawyer Mr. Turner was better known to his profes- 
sional associates than to the community at large, for his extreme 
modesty and retiring disposition unfitted him for public display, 
and in respect to political preferment kept him in the back ground ; 
Hbut those who knew him well placed a high estimate upon his legal 
attainments, and eagerly sought his opinions and his advice. For 
office he never manifested any inclination, and refused time and again 
to permit his name to go before the public. The only public position 
he ever filled was that of treasurer of his county, and in that case the 
office sought him, and he proved most worthy of the trust. 

It must not be supposed that his retirement proceeded from a want 
of interest in the public welfare, for he was a zealous advocate of in- 
ternal improvements by both State and Federal Governments, and 
never failed to lend his aid to all projects tending to promote the public 
good. From what has been said of Mr. Turner it might be inferred 
he was wanting in social qualities; but such was not the fact, for he 
had considerable humor, and upon all festive occasions added greatly 
to the life and zest of the company. He was, moreover, a man of 
generous impulses and warm attachments ; his taste for general litera- 
ture and scientific research fitted him for the head of some institution 
of learning, and had his life taken that direction he must have obtained 
no little celebrity. Mr. Turner had a fine poetical taste, which often 
led him to hold converse with the muses. 

JAIMES M. GORDON. 

James M. Gordon was one of the first circuit or prosecuting 
attorneys that attended the early courts of Macon county. 

With but little education, he commenced the study of the law in 



832 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

the office of his brother John, in 1833 or 1834, and the first book that 
his preceptor placed in his hand was " Paley's Moral Philosophy." 
This he literally devoured and then took up Coke, Blackstone and 
other standard authors. Having a fine constitution he devoted nearly 
16 hours a day in close study. He read nothing but law, not even 
the newspapers of the day. He was licensed to practice law in 
August, 1836. He had been previously elected judge of the county 
court, and served in that capacity two years. He was elected to the 
office of prosecuting attorney, and prosecuted in his circuit for a term 
of 12 years, and gave great satisfaction to the people, for he was a 
most vigorous prosecutor, and a terror to evil doers. He mastered 
the criminal law and few criminals in his district escaped punishment. 
Having no literary taste his reading was confined to the law, and in 
the law he became very profound. In 1852 and 1860 he was elected 
to the Lower House of the General Assembly, and in 1862 to the 
State Senate, the district embracing Boone and Callaway counties. 
He retired from the practice of the law in 1865, and having amassed 
a competency, settled upon a farm and devoted the remainder of his 
days to agriculture. He died suddenly from heart disease February 
21, 1875. He was never married. He was the legal preceptor of 
several of the ablest lawyers of Missouri ; among them, Gov. Charles 
H. Hardin, who studied with him two years, and who entertains the 
highest reverence for his memory. 

J. R. ABERNATHY. 

J. R. Abernathy was a school-teacher, and while he was conducting 
his school, in true pedagogue style, and never dreaming of the dull 
principles inculcated by Coke and Blackstone, some one of his 
patrons — perhaps the host with whom he boarded — had a bee-gum 
taken from him rather unceremoniously. He was in trouble, and in 
his extremity applied to "Abbey," as he was familiarly called. He 
took the statutes and turned to the index and looked first for '* bee- 
o-ums." Seeins: nothino;, he turned to " bees," and beino; still unsuc- 
cessful, he next looked for " honey," but his search was a vain one ; 
and thus mocked by everything, but being a man of resolution, he 
began to turn leaf by leaf and page after page. He had not pro- 
ceeded far until he came to " forcible entr}'^ and detainer." *' Ah ! " 
said he, "I have it," and he instituted an action for forcible entry 
and detainer for the bee-gum. This was his first case in court, from 
which he afterwards branched out, and he was so well pleased with 
his success that he read law and applied for a license. His case was 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 833 

referred for examination to Judsje Jack Gordon. It is said Mr. 
Gordon, who was himself a fine hiwyer, though a little eccentric, 
only asked him if he conld sino; and dance, and these questions being 
satisfactorily answered, he was ready to report. He presented him- 
self at the bar, and the judge asked him if he were ready to report. 
His answer was that Mr. Abernathy did not know much of the com- 
mon law, but was h — 11 on the statute, and he recommended that the 
court grant him a license. 

The following persons constitute the present bar of Macon : Ben 
Eli Guthrie, William H. Sears, J. N. Brown, Benjamin R. Dysart, 
Robert G. Mitchell, Reuben J. Eberman, Abner L. Gilstrap, John T. 
Jones, J. F. Mitchell, Eli J. Newton, A. R. Pape, Webster M. 
Rubey, L. A. Thompson, M. C. Tracy, J. F. Williams, George W. 
Stephens, Charles P. Hess. 

AMUSING INCIDENTS. 

Among the many stories told of the proceedings of the early courts 
of Macon county, as well as of modern times, are the following : — 

In 1857, when Judge J. W. Henry was on the bench, a jury had 
been impaneled in the forenoon to try a case. The Judge dismissed 
the jury at noon with the usual instructions, and requiring them to 
return promptly at two o'clock. One of the jurors who had been in 
the habit of imbibing freely of " red-eye," every time he came to town, 
took several drinks before court was called, but was on time when 
court convened. The court-room was warm, the juryman was resting 
in a good and comfortable seat, and feeling the eflects of his too fre- 
quent potations he was soon in the land of dreams. He had been 
sleeping in his seat some minutes before court opened. When the 
Judge came in, the sherifi" called court, which of course created some 
little commotion as the jurors, witnesses and by-standers were taking 
their seats. Our sleeping friend, who had for several years previous 
to this time, been one of the judges of election in his township, was 
doubtless dreaming of some election through which he had passed, 
and hearing a buzzing noise or commotion in the court-room, thought 
that a fresh supply of voters had been brought to the polls, and cried 
out in a loud, distinct tone of voice — " M-o-r-e vo-ters ! M-o-r-e vo- 
ters ! " The Judge had just taken his seat, and instantly looked about 
him to see what it meant. Casting his eye in the direction of the jury 
box, he saw the sleeping man, and told the sheriff to take " that man 
out of the court-room," and told the clerk to enter a fine of 
Another juror was selected and the trial proceeded with. 



834 HISTORY or ma con county. 

A man by the name of Timothy Divine, who resided in the county 
west of the Chariton river ^ was arrested for selling liquor without a 
license. He was not only a very poor man, but had lost the fingers 
of one hand entirely. He was brought into court, and when his case 
was called, he got up and told the Judge (Henry) that he was a poor 
man, and did not have a cent in the world. The Judge asked him if 
he had sold the liquor? Divine said "yes Jedge, I sold the liquor." 
His Honor then told him that he could not fine him less than $40 
and costs. Divine, after gravely meditating upon the amount of tlie 
fine a moment, looked toward the Judge and said in a soliloquizing 
manner— '^ Well ! Don't it beat h— 11 ! " 

A man on the witness stand about the year 1875 had been kicked 
in the mouth by a mule, and the consequence was that he could not 
articulate distinctly. Judge William A. Hall was then occupying the 
bench, and had a great contempt for a witness whom he thought was 
trying to prevaricate. The opposing attorney was asking questions, 
and the witness owing to the maimed condition of his mouth could not 
answer them very readily or distinctly — in fact the Judge thought 
he was prevaricating, and finally became a little impatient and asked 
the witness if he did not know that he should not prevaricate when 
giving his testimony. The witness thinking the Judge had reference 
to the imperfect manner in which he spoke, turned around and said 
"Judge, since the mule kicked me in the mouth, I can't help it." 
The Judge commanded the witness in a peremptory tone to "Go 
on." 

SUING A BULL. 

Soon after the close of the late war, a strange, breachy bull, came 
into the neighborhood of Richard Whitehead, a justice of the peace in 
Hudson township. Although an entire stranger to the community, it 
appears that he cared nothing for his reputation and acted in such a 
disreputable manner that the farmers upon whose pastures and upon 
whose corn he had rioted without a license, became highly incensed. 
So much aggrieved were they, that his majesty, the bull, was chased 
into a tobacco barn and there confined until the proper steps were 
taken to dispose of him. 

After numerous consultations the justice finally issued a summons 
and had all parties served with a copy, including the bull — the sum- 
mons being served upon the latter in the barn. Upon the day of 
trial the parties to the suit all appeared except the bull, and all were 
represented by counsel except the bull. The case was, however, 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 835 

heard and judgment taken against the bull by default for $28 and 
costs. The justice issued an execution for the amount and the bull 
was sold. Before the sale occurred, it was ascertained that the bull 
was the property of Milt Houston living in the county. A man by 
the name of Briggs bought the bull at the sale. The owner paid back 
the money to the purchaser and took possession of his bull. 

CRIMES. 

It is simply designed here to give only a brief account of a few of 
the important criminal cases which have been tried in Macon county. 

drinkard's case. 

In 1879, B. F. Drinkard, a man who had mostly been raised in the 
county, had leased of the widow McVickar her large farm in Callao 
township, for a term of years, and in that year had taken a man, 
Nichols, as a cropper (Drinkard being a cripple from wounds received 
in the war). The three, Mrs. McVickar, Drinkard and Nichols, lived 
in separate residences within a quarter of a mile, and there were 
numerous outhouses, lots and fences, all connected, more or less to- 
gether. There had sprung up some ill will between Drinkard and 
Nichols, and on the morning of August 28, 1879, Nichols undertook 
to take a load of sorghum cane to the mill in the wagon of James 
Mott, a neighbor, who was with him. As they passed out of the 
field through Drinkard's lot, the latter forbid it, with some threats. 
Nichols, however, went on, and on his return secured a small pistol, 
and as they approached Drinkard's lot, Mott got out of the wagon 
and took the road to his own house. Nichols proceeded through 
Drinkard's lot, and as he checked his team for his little son who had 
seen him coming and ran to the gate, close to Drinkard's house, lead- 
ing to the field, to open the gate, he was shot in the back with a rifle, 
the ball ranging upward. He slid down from the seat to the bottom of 
the wagon-bed, and when found by his wife, Mrs. McVickar, and 
Mott, who had heard the shot and the scream of the boy, was lying 
doubled up. He said but little ; said he did not think Frank was that 
kind of a fellow to shoot him from the bush. After the shot the boy 
saw Drinkard run into the house with his rifle. Nichols died within 
a few hours. Drinkard eluded the officers, and after four or five 
days gave himself up to 'Squire Amos, of Macon ; was indicted at 
the September term of the circuit court, and tried at the May term 
following. The State, in addition to the above facts, with many 



836 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

others, relied on the evidence of county surveyor, W. G. "Walker, and 
his deputy, J. W. Riley, illustrated with carefully prepared plates of 
the ground, houses, fences and gates, showing accurately the respect- 
ive distances and elevations and depressions of objects and the ground 
in connection with accurately and scientifically drawn plates of the 
human trunk, showing the exit and entrance of the ball, with its 
range through the body, prepared and fully explained by the testi- 
mony of Drs. Norris, Jeserick and Milam, and the attending physi- 
cian. Dr. Campbell ; and, also, the fact that when the little boy 
looked up at the crack of the gun, he saw the smoke just passing 
beyond his father's head. The mathematical deduction from the 
angle of range of the ball, the height of the wagon-seat, and declina- 
tion of the surface of the ground, was that Drinkard must have been 
from 17 to 20 feet to the north and rear of Nichols when he fired, 
which would place him in the corner of the fence, among some tall 
jimson weeds. Nichols' pistol was found in his pocket. The de- 
fense was self-defense ; that Nichols came driving down with his pis- 
tol presented, threatening Drinkard, who reached in the door for his 
rifle and stepped out in front of his door on high ground and fired. 
The evidence on both sides was very voluminous. The verdict of the 
jury was guilty of murder in the second degree, and assessed his 
punishment at 99 years in the penitentiary. 

While an appeal was being perfected, Drinkard escaped from jail, 
and still remains at large. 

The State was represented by the prosecuting attorney, Ben Eli 
Guthrie and Col. John F. Williams. The defense by Dysart & Mitch- 
ell, W. H. Sears, Col. R. J. Eberman and Capt. John M. London. 

HARRIS CASE. 

In 1879 Charles H. Harris lived on 80 acres of land he had pur- 
chased of Daniel Morgan, and on which he had given a deed of trust 
to Morgan to secure the unpaid purchase money. The land was 
adjoining the farm of Morgan, who had in the meantime died, and his 
widow, Margaret Morgan, was administrating the estate, and had 
foreclosed the deed of trust on the 27th of May of that year, buying 
in the land. On the 28th, her son Thomas, a young man of 20 
years, with his brother-in-law, Morris, went with a wagon to get a 
load of timber, cut by Harris and lying in the public road near his 
fence, for stove wood. They had loaded the wagon and gone about 
100 yards toward home, when Harris (who claimed he was starting 
out looking for a cow) made a detour from his house and met them 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 837 

in the road with a double-barrelled shot-gun, halted them, and after a 
warm altercation with young Morgan (in which he claims Morgan 
threw his hands behind him, and Morris drew a revolver from the 
wagon, all of which Morris denies), shot him in the left breast. 
Morgan made a few steps and fell dead on the roadside. Harris 
escaped to the woods, but was captured on the second day, in the 
neighborhood; indicted June 4th, tried January next following, and 
found guilty of murder in the second degree and sentenced to 10 
years in the penitentiary. His attorneys appealed the case to the 
Supreme Court, which reversed the judgment, and he was brought 
back from the penitentiary, retried and found guilty as before, and 
sentenced to 20 years in the penitentiary. On a second appeal 
the Supreme Court reversed the judgment, and Harris was again 
brought back from the penitentiary for trial. By this time Morris, 
the only witness of the killing, had moved to Vancouver's Island, 
and the case was continued for a term or two to secure his attendance, 
failing in which the case was dismissed in January, 1884, and Mr. 
Harris, who had always borne an excellent reputation for peace and 
good order, is now leading a very quiet and industrious life at Bevier, 
in Macon county. On the first trial in the circuit court the pros- 
ecuting attorney, Capt. Ben Eli Guthrie, was assisted by Col. R. 
J. Eberman, and on the second trial by Col. John F. Williams. 
Messrs. Dysart & Mitchell, assisted by James W. Roberts at the first 
trial, defended Mr. Harris in the circuit and Supreme Courts and 
stuck to him until his discharge, notwithstanding his poverty. 

KELLER CASE. 

Jimmie O'Neil, a young man of about 20 years of age, was in 1881 
the night operator at the telegraph ofiice at the Hannibal depot, in 
Macon City, and was highly respected by his employers and acquaint- 
ances. Wilbur F. Keller, a young man something near 30 years of age, 
of a good Illinois family, and with many natural and acquired accom- 
plishments, had on several occasions stopped for a few days at Macon, 
putting up at the Merchant's Hotel, where O'Neil boarded, and they 
were acquainted. There were some circumstances indicating that at 
some time tacit but not expressed dislike occurred between them. 
Keller was stopping at the Merchant's in January, 1881, and on the 
— th day of said month, had been drinking about town and was 
somewhat boisterous, when the marshal disarmed him and made him 
promise to behave. 

In the evening, Keller having received his pistol, started for the 



838 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

Wabash depot to take the train. In going he had to pass the Hanni- 
bal depot, where, at the time he struck the platform, O'Neil was 
leaning out of the window talking to James Sweeney, the section boss, 
on business. Sweeney observed to O'Neil, without intending Keller 
to hear, " There comes that fellow who was making a fool of himself 
up town." Keller, somewhat under the influence of liquor, wanted 
to know what they were talking about, and an altercation followed 
between him and Sweeney, the latter turning around and moving 
toward him. O'Neil called Sweeney back or cautioned him, and 
going on to the platform put his hand on the shoulder of Sweeney 
who began to step back toward the wall of the depot, when O'Neil 
moved some six feet toward the out edge of the platform as if to get 
out of the way, Keller having in the meantime, with a threatening 
oath, drawn his revolver, which either by design, as claimed by the 
State, or accidentally, as claimed by the defendant, went off, and 
struck O'Neil in the abdomen. Keller turned and fled, throwing 
away, as soon as out of sight, his plug hat. He came back in the 
night and took a south bound train on the Wabash, on which he was 
captured by Marshal Clayton. He was tried at the May term follow- 
ing and found guilty of murder in the second degree and sent to the 
penitentiary for 19 years, where he now is, notwithstanding vigorous 
efforts have been made for his pardon. 

On the part of the State, Prosecuting Attorney Guthrie was 
assisted by W. H. Sears, of Macon, and M. M. Crandall, of Brook- 
field, and the defense was conducted by Dysart & Mitchell, assisted 
by Mr. Phipps, of Illinois. A motion for a new trial was withdrawn. 

WALTER TRACY SHOT AND KILLED BY GEORGE STEWART. 
[From the Times.] 

Walter Tracy and George Stewart lived in Ten Mile township, this 
county, as neighbors. They became involved in trouble over Stew- 
art's sister, a woman 40 years old, and Friday, August 24, 1883, 
Stewart shot and killed Tracy. 

The details are related so clearly in the following testimony of an 
eye-witness, who appeared before the coroner's jury, and who is 
corroborated by others who were present, that we give his evidence 
in full ; and also publish the full evidence of the woman, as will be 
found below : 

Bazzle Griffin, sworn : Myself, James P. Powell, David Miller, Clay 
Hubble and Day Griffin were at the bridge across draw between my 
house and David Miller's about 10 :30 o'clock a.m., to-day. I looked 
up the road and told them there comes George Stewart ; he rode 
within about 30 steps of bridge, hitched horse and got off of horse, 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 839 

and came right down to the bridge ; he stopped in about 12 or 15 feet 
of where Mr. Tracy was fixing block in end of bridge at north-east 
corner; J. P. Powell was behind Tracy's back, being to the north- 
west; Dave Miller and Clay Hubble were south-east of Tracy. I was 
south-west of Tracy across the bridge, about 15 feet from him. Mr. 
Stewart said: "Every d — d one of you get out of the way; I have 
nothing against any of you except Tracy ; when he married my sister 
he agreed to treat her like a lady, and he has not done it." Walter 
Tracy raised up and started across the bridge, bent over, and just as 
Tracy started from Stewart the latter fired, and when he got across on 
the south side about 10 feet he fired the second shot from gun. Tracy 
staggered and got into a tree top that was lying 20 or 25 feet from 
the bridge, then Stewart fired first shot from pistol ; Tracy crossed on 
west side of branch and Stewart followed across and fired second shot 
from pistol; this shot hit him in the back; Tracy at this time was 
throwing up his hands ; Tracy stopped, staggered and fell on left side, 
and Stewart followed right on up and put revolver in about one foot 
of his neck and fired twice, each shot taking effect in his neck. Then 
Stewart turned, walked back across bridge, and Miller said, *' You 
will be sorry for what you have done," and he said, "Boys, I am 
already sorry, but I had to do it, and I done it." He then got on his 
horse and went slowly on out east towards his home. Tracy lived, in 
my opinion, about one and a-half or two hours after he was shot; all 
the words Tracy uttered was as Stewart was firing second shot with 
revolver; while Tracy was crossing toward me he called, " Help me, 
help me," and after Stewart had fired last shot and started away, he 
said in a whisper, " Raise me up." I helped to raise him up, went to 
my home after water, and gave him a drink about 30 minutes after he 
was shot; I went to my house and got hay to prop him up with, and 
then, by this time there being several there, I went home, and in about 
15 minutes came back and they said he was dying. Last Wednesday, 
August 22, 1883, Stewart said in presence of Powell Griffin and my- 
self, "When Tracy married my sister he agreed to treat her like a 
lady, and has not done it." This is all I heard him say. Stewart 
did not seem angry or excited when he killed Tracy, and went away 
cool and quiet. 

[Signed] Bazzle Griffin. 

Cory Tracy, age 40, December 25, 1883, being sworn, said: I am 
the wife of Mr. Tracy, deceased. Married at home. May 4, 1883, by 
Methodist minister, who resides at Clarence (may be A. P. Linn), j 
had known Mr. Tracy little over two years ; first met him at my home 
next morning after we moved, 7th November, 1881. He asked me to 
marry him in January — first part of the month — 1883, at my house ; 
no one else present in house ; my brother was at the lot ; I never con- 
sented ; I told him I didn't want to marry him, and I told him I didn't 
believe it would be any account ; he begged and plead with me ; by 
saying I didn't think it would amount to anything, I meant that I 
thought he just wanted to marry me because he had treated me as 

48 



840 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

he had. When I was married there were present my mother, brother, 
minister and ourselves. He (Mr. Tracy) forced me to marry him ; 
George H. Stewart is my brother — is the name of party that did the 
shooting ; he was at our home this morning, and went to the black- 
smith shop this morning about eight o'clock and came back about nine 
or 9 :30 ; he went to shop after wagon tongue ; I didn't see him leave 
the house after that ; he said that he wanted to fix the wagon to go to 
Clarence ; when he came home the second time he had a whip, stick 
or something in his hand ; he has a gun ; I don't know what kind of a 
gun it is ; I don't know one kind of a gun from another ; my brother 
did not speak to Mr. Tracy before this ; soon after we were married 
they had some kind of settlement, since which time they have not 
spoken. Question: Do you know what they fell out about? I don't 
know what they fell out about ; I know of no difficulty except 
difficulty between me and Mr. Tracy ; I never heard my brother make 
any threats against Mr. Tracy ; the reason I married Mr. Tracy was 
because he treated me bad about a month before we were married ; 
no one else was about the house ; our family consists of my mother 
and this one brother and myself; they were in Clarence to see brother 
Will, who was lying low with typhoid fever ; they are not in the habit 
of leaving me alone ; they went on Thursday and at night I went to 
Brown Creekman's and stayed all night; brother and ma came home 
about 10 A. M. Friday ; I didn't tell them about what had happened 
because Mr. Tracy said it would ruin both of us ; I never told this 
until we were married in the presence of Mr. Tracy and my mother 
and brother, the morning before they went to Macon after license ; 
what I told them was I said: "Mr. Tracy, you have treated me 
badly." " I know I have," he said ; " I did it to make you marry 
me." I said I would rather be buried alive than marry him under 
these circumstances, and he said : " If you will marry me, I will make 
you a lady all your life." 

Before this I had never told my brother or mother about Tracy's bad 
treatment of me ; this was the only time I ever told them of this until 
I went home, after I had lived with him at his house 25 days ; there 
was no indication of anger in my brother after I told this, and Tracy 
proposed to go after a license to Macon, and they went of Mr. Tracy's 
own free will ; no angry words passed, and they went from Macon to 
Clarence after a minister, and about two hours by the sun that day we 
were married ; my brother never asked me to marry Mr. Tracy ; I 
married him just because he begged me to, and because he had treated 
me the way he had ; Mr. Tracy told me after we were married that 
the house was his, but his parents said it was not, and I don't know 
whose it is ; I was not living with Mr. Tracy at this time, that is, the 
time of the killing of Tracy, and have not since the first 25 days after 
we were married ; the reason I did not live with him was, his mother 
and father treated me so badly when he was gone, and I had no pro- 
tection ; when he was here they were good, but when gone, they would 
let in on me ; they never touched me, but just threatened me ; the 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 841 

night I left, the old man said he would kill me ; me and Mr. Tracy 
got along well together ; when my brother came back home this morn- 
ing he said: «< Jack, " this is what he always called me, "I have 
killed Tracy." He was at our house door at this time; he just 
turned and went off, and I haven't seen him since ; when he told me 
this I said: "Why, brother George!" We moved from Logan 
county, Ky. ; Middleton, in Simpson county, was our post-office ; we 
lived two miles from Middleton ; John Ballouw was our near neigh- 
bor ; my brother never had a difficulty before this that I know of; he 
did strike Frank Bloodworth over the head with the end-gate of a 
wagon, but they were good friends five minutes afterwards ; never 
gets intoxicated ; he is mighty high-tempered ; mother heard George 
say he had killed Tracy. Her 

(Signed) Cory X Tracy. 

mark. 
Following is the verdict of the jury : — 

We, the undersigned jury, summoned to inquire of the death of 
William W. Tracy, in Ten Mile township, Macon county. Mo., do find 
that he came to his death by means of three pistol shot wounds, in- 
flicted at the hands of one George H. Stewart, and further, that said 
shooting was done without any provocation or just cause. 

(Signed) A. J. Ashbury, 

W. J. Greenley, 
Gee Jones, 
Joseph Neff, 
Landreth Massey, 
N. B. Gault. 
We deeply regret that Stewart was not arrested. It seems that 
those present, if they had possessed presence of mind, could have 
prevented the killing, and could certainly have secured Stewart. But 
they were, no doubt, dumbfounded at Stewart's action, not expecting 
anything of the kind. These citizens and others of the community, 
assisted by Sherifi" Morgan, have done all they could, we learn, to 
capture Stewart, but thus far to no avail. 

EXPLOIT OF A ST. BERNARD DOG. 
[From the Kepublican, April 16, 1874.] 

Dr. Berthier, county physician, has, at the county hospital, situated 
about a mile and a half east of this city, a dog of the Saint Bernard 
breed. This dog is not yet fully grown, but, it would seem, has the 
instincts of his breed strong within him. One Saturday night, about 
8 o'clock, he rushed about the hospital acting in a strange and excit- 
ing manner. It soon became evident that he wanted some one to 
follow him. Dr. Berthier ordered " old Uncle Jimmy," who used to 
make his headquarters at the station house, but who is now "man 
Friday " at the hospital, to go with the dog and see what the trouble 
might be. Finding that he had made himself understood, and that 
Uncle Jimmy was prepared to follow, the dog led the way across the 



842 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

country through the snow in the direction of the city. At a distance 
of over a quarter of a mile from the hospital, the dog, who rejoices 
at the name of " Major," descended into a ravine. Phniging through 
the deep snow that filled the ravine, the dog went to a big drift and 
began tugging and hauling at some object buried therein, lifting his 
head occasionally and uttering a bark to encourage Uncle Jimmy, who 
was wading to the spot as fast as he could. Marveling greatly, Jimmy 
plowed his way down the ravine, and reaching the spot where Major 
was at work, saw before him a human being — a woman. He at first 
tried to beat the dog away, thinking — as he was rather cross at nights 
about the hospital — that he was hurting her. He soon saw, however, 
that he was careful to lay hold of nothing but the woman's clothing, 
and that he was doing his best to drag her out of the drift. Jimmy 
managed to lift the woman — whom he found was still alive — out of 
the hole, but was unable to move her from the spot, she being so near 
chilled to death as to be unable to stand. Assistance was called from 
the hospital, and the doctor turned out with his nurses and all the 
convalescents about the place. It required the exertions of six of the 
strongest men that could be mustered to carry the woman to the hos- 
pital, and after she was housed the doctor and nurses worked over her 
for some hours before she could be placed in bed. The husband of the 
woman is in the hospital, and it appears that she left the city late in the 
evening to visit him. Dr. Berthier says that had she remained in the 
snow 20 minutes longer she would have perished. 

The next day when she came to her senses she was so much 
ashamed of the affair that she left the hospital without going to his 
room, begging that he might be told nothing of her perilous adven- 
ture. She owes her life to " Major," the noble and sagacious St. 
Bernard dog. 




CHAPTER XL 

Newspapers, Public Schools and Post-Offices. 

The first paper published in Macon county was the Bloomington 
Gazette. The first issue of this paper appeared May 28, 1850, and 
was owned and published by James M. Love and Abner L. Gilstrap. 
The prospectus for this paper was printed in Quincy, 111., as early as 
the month of March. Mr. Love, who now resides at Macon, says that 
he had great difficulty in getting out the first number. The type was 
purchased at St. Louis and in shipping, all the lower case g's were 
omitted and the figure 9 had to be used to supply the deficiency, after 
exhausting italics, etc. The Gazette had 500 subscribers and gave 
employment to several hands. There was no job press and all work 
was done on the newspaper press. The Gazette was independent in 
politics. 

The Bloomington Register was the next paper and was started in 
1852 by Thomas B. Howe and Francis M. Daulton. It was Whig in 
politics. 

During the same year the Bloomington Republican, a Democratic 
paper, was established by Abner L. Gilstrap. 

In 1854 Rufus C. White started the Bloomington Messenger, Demo- 
cratic. 

Thomas B. Howe and James E. Sharp commenced the publication 
of the Bloominpton Journal in 1855. Democratic. 

The Bloomington Messenger was again started in 1856 by R. C. & 
D. C. White. Democratic. 

James M. Love and Harry Howard published the Macon Legion in 
1859. Democratic in politics. The Legion was the last paper pub- 
lished at Bloomington. 

The Republican, a Democratic paper, was the first paper published 
in Macon. It was established in 1860 by A. L. Gilstrap. 

D. E. H. Johnson published the Register in 1861 ; after he left, at 
the besfinning of the Civil War, the Third Iowa regiment of infantrv 
took the material of the office and issued a paper called the Union. 
A man by the name of Wilkes was the editor. 

The Argus, Republican in politics, was edited by Thomas Proctor 

and published in 1863. 

(843) 



844 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

The Express, an independent journal, was started in 1870 by R. H. 
Griffith. 

Then followed the Greeiibacher, by John M. London, in 1877, and 
was consolidated with the Standard. 

The Independent, by C. H. Steele, in 1874, 

The Standard, by F. T. Mayhew, in 18 — ; consolidated with the 
Greenbacker and called the Greenback- Standard in 1877. 

Free Press, by Steele & Mayhew. 

The Enterprise, by Steele &, Mayhew. 

The Examiner, by B. F. Stone, in 1875. 

The Journal, by John M. London and J. T. Clements, in 1867, and 
consolidated with the Examiner in 1875. 

The Daily Pilot, by J. T. Clements, in 1875. 

The Daily Examiner, by London & Steele, in 1875. 

The Macon News, in 1879, by J. M. Love. 

[By J. A. Hudson.] 

The Times was started at Fayette, Howard county, in about the 
year 1840, by Green & Benson, the late Col. Clark H. Green being 
the head of the firm, the paper then being called the Boonslick Times. 
Mr. Benson died shortly afterward, when Col. Green became sole 
proprietor. In the year 1844 or 1845, Col. Green moved the paper 
to Glasgow, and changed the name to Glasgow Times. Col. Green 
continued its publication until in 1862, when it was suppressed on 
account of its Union proclivities. In 1865, Col. Green removed to 
Macon and resumed the publication of the paper under the name of 
the Macon Times, and continued its publication until the time of his 
death, in the fall of 1871. The paper was then sold to the firm of 
Gillespie, Purdom & Howe, composed of W. C. B. Gillespie, Hez. 
Purdom and John N. Howe, who published the paper till the sum- 
mer of 1872, when Gillespie purchased Purdom's interest. Gillespie 
& Howe published the paper a few months, when, in the winter of 
1872-73, T. A. H. Smith associated himself with Mr. Howe, and they 
purchased the interest of Mr. Gillespie, and published the paper a 
short time, when the paper was consolidated with the Macon Demo- 
crat, under the name of the Democratic Times, and passed into the 
hands of James M. Love and Edward C. Shain, who published the 
paper until the fall of 1874, when it was sold at trustee's sale to B. 
F. Stone and Walter Brown. Soon afterward Mr. Stone purchased 
Mr. Brown's interest. In August, 1875, a wholesale consolidation of 
Macon newspapers occurred, in which the Times was a central figure, 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 845 

but ill which move it lost its name for a time. The Democratic 
Times, published by B. F. Stone, the Macon Journal, by John M. 
London, and the Macou Daily Pilot office, by Baxter & G-reen, three 
distinct establishments, were consolidated, the proprietors organizing 
the Examiner Printing Company, with a capital of $10,000. In this 
combination Mr. Stone held a controlling interest, and a written con- 
tract that the paper should be continued as a Democratic journal. 
The company did business in the rooms now occupied by the Times. 
A daily and weekly were published, known as The Examiner. After 
a few months the publication of the daily was suspended. This com- 
bination gave the paper an immense local circulation and strong pres- 
tige. It was an early advocate of the nomination of Samuel J. Til- 
den, and after his nomination gave him ardent and effective support, 
the county giving a Democratic majority of over 1,000, the largest 
Democratic majority ever obtained in the county. Before the close 
of this canvass the entire stock passed into Mr. Stone's hands, who 
sold the establishment, in the summer of 1877, to Purdom & Hud- 
son, the firm composed of Hez. Purdom and J. A. Hudson, the pres- 
ent proprietor. In February, 1878, Mr. Hudson sold his interest to 
I. J. Buster. Purdom & Buster then published The Examiner till 
the office vvas burned in the spring of 1879, about the first of April. 
Shortly afterward the business, good will, and what was saved of the 
material, were sold to W. C. B. Gillespie and C. H. Steele. Again 
the name was changed, this time to North Missouri Register. The 
first of February, 1883, Gillespie & Steele sold the paper to J. A. 
Hudson, the present proprietor. Mr. Hudson reorganized the office, 
put in steam presses, and restored the paper to its former name, the 
Macon Times. In May, 1883, the Missouri Press Association, at its 
annual convention, held at Carthage, Mo., awarded the Times a large, 
handsome gold medal, as being the best printed paper in the State of 
Missouri. The Macon Times has been, and is, a firm supporter of 
the Democratic party, its measures and its nominees. It has a circu- 
lation of 2,200. 

In reference to the papers published in Macon in 1875, Mr. Ab- 
ner L. Gilstrap in The Illustrated Historical Atlas mentions the 
following : — 

The Macon Democratic Times, established in 1873, by James M. 
Love & Co. ; now published by B. F. Stone & Co. 

The Macon Journal, established by J. T. Clements, John M. Lon- 
don and K. W. Caswell in 1867 ; now published by John M. London. 



846 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

The Macon Republican,^ established by Gen. F. A. Jones, S. G. 
Brock and Dr. W. A. Wilson in 1870, and is still published. 

The Missouri Granger, established in 1873, and now published by 
C. H. Steele & Co. 

The Baptist monthly publication, Messenger of Peace, established 
in 1874, published by E. M. Baxter & Co. ; Elder John E. Goodson, 
editor and proprietor. 

Western Herald, a monthly publication of the colored .Baptist 
Church, is edited by Rev. Amos Johnson, colored. 

[Contributed.] 

The Macon Republican, now the oldest newspaper in Macon county, 
was started by Gen. F. A. Jones and S. G. Brock, March 2, 1871. 
Previous to this time these gentlemen had been in the active practice 
of the law, and engaged in the newspaper enterprise because they be- 
lieved that the community needed a paper of the true policy and 
politics which they assured the Republican would represent. At the 
same time they continued their law practice, giving their intervals of 
time to the newspaper work. Both being gentlemen of literary tastes, 
having graduated at one of our best Eastern institutions, the Republi- 
can won the esteem and warm support of the community regardless of 
political differences. While distinctly Republican in its political senti- 
ments, it never allowed these sentiments to enter into any business 
relations or effect its earnest advocacy of every enterprise or all affairs 
that related to the progress, social reforms, county or state enter- 
prises. It has always zealously advocated the interests of its town, 
county and state. It has endeavored to lead and educate public senti- 
ment in all moral reforms, rather than go with public sentiment, and 
has been fearless and independent in advocating what they considered 
good public measures and worthy enterprises. Year after year it has 
obtained a stronger hold upon the esteem and respect of its readers 
by its straightforward consistent course. As an evidence of its stand- 
ing we quote the remark often made : " We can always depend on the 
Republican and we always find it a clean sheet." 

It would never suffer any slighting jest upon good morals, or in- 
uendoes at Christianity to appear in its columns. Hence it has always 
been a safe and desirable paper for the family. Gen. F. A. Jones, the 
senior of the firm, died January 7, 1882, and since then it has been 
under the sole control and management of S. G. Brock, who is its 



1 Gen. Jones died in January, 1882; his interest was purchased by S. G. Brock, who 
is now the sole owner of the Republican. 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 847 

present proprietor. The Republican has clone a good work for Macon 
county in frequently publishing its resources, the inducements it offers 
to immigrants, in giving strong encouragement to its citizens in times 
of adversity and misfortune, and its earnest words of hope and strong 
arguments for a future of prosperity and good success. 

The last paper started in Macon is the True Democrat. The first 
issue appeared October 26, 1883. James M. Love and Harry How- 
ard are the proprietors. 

The papers now published at Macon are the Republican, the True 
Democrat, the Times and the Messenger of Peace; the latter is a re- 
ligious paper, and published in the interests of the Baptist Church. 

N'ew Cambria Enterprise, an independent paper, was started in 
1876, by Martin Moore. In 1878, F. Theodore Mayhew published 
the Standard, a Greenback paper. The Herald was established in 
April, 1881, by R. P. Thompson. It is still in existence, and is in- 
dependent in politics. The Reflector was published at Bevier by J. J. 
Smith in 1883. The La Plata Free Press was started May 4, 1871, 
by Frank H. Newton and T. B. Marmaduke. The La Plata Globe 
was published (first issue) July 20, 1871, by W. Y. Bruer, independ- 
ent. The Advocate was started in 1873 by W. H. Howard and H. C. 
Caldwell. It lived about three years. The last year of its existence 
it was published by Joseph Park. 

The La Plata Home Press was established August 18, 1876, by its 
present editor and proprietor, J. B. Thompson. From the first itkas 
been and still is uncompromisingly Democratic in politics, yet cour- 
teous in its discussion of all questions. Its main feature is its local 
news, however, and in this regard it has always aimed at excellence. 
And to this fact may be attributed its success, as it has a circulation 
of over 1,000 copies. In 1882 its editor was honored by his brethren 
of the press of the State by being chosen as its chief officer. The 
paper was established at La Plata without a " bonus " being oftered 
by the citizens, as is the custom in Western towns and villages, its 
publisher coming into the community an uninvited stranger, without 
the promise of a single subscriber or a line of advertising. It is now 
a well established, prosperous country newspaper, with a large and 
steadily increasing circulation and a liberal patronage otherwise. 

PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 

The public schools of the county were organized under the new law 
soon- after the close of the Civil War. There was much prejudice ex- 
isting in the minds of the people, generally, against the public school 



848 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

system, but as time passed and the practical utility and great benefits 
arising therefrom were fiiirly demonstrated, this prejudice gradually 
wore away, and now the public schools are regarded with great favor 
by all. From a few, straggling, log-cabin school-houses, which were 
poorly supplied and equipped with conveniences for instruction, and 
poorly patronized, the number has increased to 130, many of which 
are first-class in appearance and appointments, and all are neat and 
comfortable, and during the year are filled with as bright and intelli- 
gent a class of pupils as can be found anywhere. 

The location and number of school-houses in the county are as fol- 
lows : — 

Ten Mile township, 9, white; Lingo township, 7, white; Hudson 
township, 7, white; Narrows township, 8, white; Easley township, 
6, white ; Middle Fork township, 6 white, 1 colored ; Liberty town- 
ship, 6, white ; Independence township, 6, white ; Eichland township, 
6, white ; White township, 5, white; Morrow township, 5, white; 
Callao township, 5 white, 1 colored ; Chariton township, 5, white ; 
Bevier township, 5, white ; Lyda township, 5, white ; Walnut town- 
ship, 5, white ; Jackson township, 4, white ; Eagle township, 4 white, 
1 colored ; Round Grove township, 4, white ; La Plata township, 4, 
white ; Drake township, 4, white ; Valley township, 4, white ; Russell 
township, 4, white; Johnson township, 3. Total, 130. 

To take charge of these schools, 172 teachers are employed, 77 of 
whom are males and 95 are females. These teachers are paid an aver- 
age salary of $31.33 per month — the males receive $34.49 and the 
females $28.18. 

There are in the county, according to present enumeration, children 
of school age, white males 4,702 ; white females, 4,326 ; colored 
males, 198 ; colored females, 187 — making a total of 9,413. 

The county has a magnificent school fund which now reaches the 
sum of $86,304.39, which is exceeded by only two or three other 
counties in the State. 

The amount loaned from swamp-land funds is $51,831.20; amount 
loaned from fund of sixteenth section, $23,769.31 ; amount on hand 
not loaned, $10,703.88. 

For the year 1883, there was paid out to teachers $24,892.46 ; for 
fuel, $1,523.63; for repairs and rents, $1,063.98. 

The schools are under the superintendance of Prof. S. F. Trammel, 
who is the school commissioner of the county. Mr. Trammel is also 
principal of the public schools of the City of Macon, and although 
young in years, he brings to the work considerable experience, and 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 849 

being energetic, ambitious and thoroughly qualified, the public 
schools, through his instrumentality, have attained a degree of excel- 
lence of which the people of the county may well feel proud. 

There are two fine public school buildings in the county — one at 
Macon and the other at La Plata. 

POST-OFFICES. 

Atlanta, Beverly, Barnesville, Bloomington, Barryville, Callao, 
TuUvania, Excello, College Mound, Economy, Ettle, Goldsberry, Love 
Lake, Macon City, Lingo, Seney, Walnut, Maple, Mercyville, La 
Plata, Lyda, Narrows Creek, New Cambria, Nickellton, Kaseyville, 
Ten Mile, Woodville. 




CHAPTER XII. 

DIFFERENT WARS. 

Mormon Difficulty — Mexican War — California Emigrants — The Civil War of 1861 — 
Kesolutions — Extracts from the Macou Legion — Companies and Captains — Occu- 
pation of Macon City by Union Troops — Military Execution at Macon — Confeder- 
ate Soldiers Review of Macon County Men — Confederate Officers Hanged. 

MORMON DIFFICULTIES. 

Two companies were raised in Macon county to aid in the suppres- 
sion of the Mormon diflSculties in the counties of Jackson, Caldwell, 
and Daveiss. One of these companies was commanded by Captain 
Lewis Gilstrap and the other by Capt. John H. Kose. 

MEXICAN WAR. 

At the call of President Polk for volunteers for the Mexican War, 
quite a number responded from Macon county. No regular company, 
however, was organized ; those who went united with Capt. Han- 
cock Jackson's company, which was at that time forming in Randolph 
county. 

The following comprises the names of two-thirds of the men who 
went from Macon county to the Mexican War : J. B. Clarkson, 
Robert Myers, T. A. H. Smith, O. P. Magee, Benjamin F. Heater, 
Pleasant Richardson, Samuel Love, Thomas Barnes, John Peyton, 
Daniel G. Sweeney, Hardin Butner, Wilson Fletcher, Dennis D. 
Wright, Ellis Wilson. 

CALIFORNIA EMIGRANTS. 

No doubt the desire for gold has been the mainspring of all progress 
and enterprise in the county from the beginning till the present time, 
and will so continue to remote ages. Generally, however, this desire 
has been manifested in the usual avenues of thrift and industry. On 
one occasion it passed the bounds of reason and assumed the character 
of a mania. The gold fever first broke out in the fall of 1848, when 
stories began to spread about of the wonderful richness of the placer 
mines in California. The excitement grew daily, feeding on the mar- 
velous reports that came from the Pacific slope, and nothing was talked 
(850) 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 851 

of but the achievements of gold diggers. The papers were replete 
with the most extravagant stories, and yet the excitement was so great 
that the gravest and most incredulous men were smitten with the con- 
tagion and hurriedly left their Ijomes and all that was dear to them on 
earth to try the dangers, difficulties and uncertainties of hunting gold. 
Day after day and month after month were the papers filled with glow- 
inoj accounts of California. 

Instead of dying out, the fever rose higher and higher. It was too 
late in the fall of '48 to cross the plains, but thousands of people in 
Missouri began their preparations for starting in the following spring. 
The one great subject of discussion around the firesides that winter 
(1848) was.the gold of California. It is said at one time the majority 
of the able-bodied men of the county were unsettled in mind, and were 
contemplating the trip to California. Even the most thoughtful and 
sober-minded found it most difficult to resist the infection. 

Wonderful sights were seen when the emigrants passed through — 
sights that may never be seen again in Macon county. Some of the 
emigrant wagons were drawn by cows ; other gold hunters went on 
foot and hauled their worldly goods in hand-carts. Early in the 
spring the rush began. It must have been a scene to beggar descrip- 
tion. There was one continuous line of wagons from the Orient to 
the Occident, as far as the eye could reach, moving steadily westward, 
and, like a cyclone, drawing in its course on the right and left many 
of those along its path. The gold hunters of Macon crowded eagerly 
into the gaps in the wagon trains, bidding farewell to their nearest 
and dearest friends, many of them never to be seen again on earth. 
Sadder farewells were never spoken. Many who went left quiet and 
peaceful homes only to find in the " Far West " utter disappoint- 
ment and death. 

Just how many persons went to California in 1849-50 from Macon 
county cannot at this date be ascertained. It is supposed that the 
parties named below composed the majority of the emigrants from this 
county : — 

Dr. Al. Ray, Daniel Cornelius, Jeptha Banta, S. S. Lingo, M. M. 
Turner, Aleck Sichols, Levi Cox, J. J. West, Col. Thos. Pool, Mat 
Halley, R. S. Halley, Lewis Cox, Hardin Butner, Hugh McCann, 
John Murphy, Jas. Landrum, Carter Landrum, James Banning, D. 
D. Fowler, J. B. Hutchinson, Burrell Griffin, Enoch Griffin, John 
Tilley, John Fisher, Nathaniel Brogles, Wm. Gates, Wm. StanfieW, 
Wm. Belmear, John Melone, John Midley, James M. Stone, Thos. 
Hale, Daniel C. Hubbard, Wilson Fletcher, Lewis Smith, Carter Wil- 



852 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

kin, Thos. Bourk, Joseph Bourk, A. Mendenhall, S. Mendenhall, 
W. Surbur, Washington Surbur, Geo. W. Anderson, Benton Surbur. 

THE CIVIL WAR .OF 1861. 

Were we to undertake to write the full history of what occurred in 
Macon county, either upon the eve of the Civil War or during its con- 
tinuance, such a history would more than fill this volume. We shall, 
therefore, give only such facts as are most important, or rather the 
most salient features connected with the war history of Macon county. 

The people of the county were warm in their attachment to the 
Union of the States until the bombardment of Fort Sumpter, and 
until the attack made at St. Louis by the Federal Government upon 
the State troops under Gen. D. M. Frost. The latter event precipi- 
tated their final decision, and caused them to take sides with their 
Southern brethren, and the excitement was of such a character that 
the citizens of the county met at Bloomington, the county seat, and 
passed resolutions expressive of their sentiments in regard to the 
political status of the country at that time. 

[From the Macon Legion of May 17, 1861.] 

Saturday, May 11, 1861, a very large number of persons met at 
the court-house at Bloomington for the purpose of indorsing the Gov- 
ernor's course in refusing to furnish troops to President Lincoln to 
make war on the South. 

At an early hour the people began coming in by scores and hun- 
dreds, until the large crowd was estimated at from 2,000 to 2,500. 

The Macon City delegation was headed by a brass baud and a 
Southern flag of 15 stars. 

Next in order were 15 young ladies on horseback, each bearing a 
flag representing a particular Southern State, the name of the State 
being in large letters. The banners were followed by a large number 
of horsemen in double file. 

The marshals were Ben E. Harris and Thad Davis. The ladies and 
the flags were loudly and repeatedly cheered. About this time a 
large and splendid Southern flag with 15 stars was run up a pole 93 
feet in height, on the public square, amidst loud huzzas and waving 
of hats. Ben R. Dysart made a neat and appropriate speech on the 
occasion, and welcomed the ladies bearing the Southern banners. 
Three loud cheers were given at the conclusion of his speech. 

The meeting was organized by calling Capt. William Griffin to the 
chair and appointing Web. M. Rubey, secretary. Mr. E. C. McCabe, 
of Palmyra, was introduced to the meeting, and addressed the audi- 
ence at length in an able advocacy of " Southern Rights," which was 
well received by the people. Hon. James S. Green addressed the peo- 
ple for two hours in an able and eloquent manner. He took extreme 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 853 

Southern ground, and declared that a State had the constitutional 
right to secede ; he denounced an " armed neutrality" as worse than 
nonsense, and that its advocates had " wooden heads and iron 
hearts." 

" That neutrality was an impossibility; and that the people would 
be ready and willing to secede as soon as they were armed. Mr. 
Green's speech seemed to suit the crowd, for he was vociferously and 
constantly cheered. As nearly everybody in this section was present 
it is unecessary for us to give the minute details, and to allude farther 
to the proceedings. The chairman appointed the following committee 
to report resolutions : T. G. Sharp, Thomas McCormick, A. J. Mar- 
maduke, J. N. Brown, G. A. Shortridge, W. G. Griffin, James A. 
Terrell, K. T. Johnston, W. J. MorroV, P. M. Stacy, Jacob Loe, 
Kobert T. Ellis, Benjamin E. Harris, W. W. Moore and Louis Robion, 
who made the following report, which was unanimously adopted : — 

" Whereas, Civil War, with all of its horrors, is upon us, brought on 
by the Black Republican Abolition Administration (at the head of 
which is Abraham Lincoln), by using low, cunning and base treachery 
to deceive the people of what was lately the United States of America ; 
and then in violation of solemn pledges, attempting to reinforce Fort 
Sumpter, at a time, too, when the border States, deceived by Lincoln's 
treachery, were hopeful of a peaceable settlement of our national 
troubles, and were using every patriotic means for that end. There- 
fore be it 

^^ Resolved, That we loathe and abhor the rulers of a nation who can 
stoop to such base hypocrisy as has marked this Abe Lincoln Black 
Republican Abolition Administration. 

'■'■Resolved, That we regard the civil war into which the country is 
precipitated as being the result of the " irrepressible conflict" doc- 
trine as preached and advocated by Beecher, Greeley, Lincoln, Seward 
& Co. for years past. 

^^Resolved, That the sites of Federal forts, arsenals, etc., within the 
limits of the States of this Union, were acquired by the Federal 
government, and jurisdiction over them ceded by the States, as trusts 
for common purposes of the Union during its continuance, and upon 
the separation of the States such jurisdiction reverts of right to the 
States respectively by which the jurisdiction was ceded ; whilst a State 
remains in the Union the legitimate use of such forts, etc., are to 
protect the country against foreign force and to aid in suppressing 
domestic insurrection. To use or to prepare them to be used, 
to intimidate a State or constrain its free action, is a perversion of the 
purposes for which they were obtained. Xhey were not intended to 
be used against the States in whose limits they are found in the event 
of Civil War. 

^^Resolved, That in our worthy and excellent Governor, C. F. Jack- 
son, we have a true patriot, and one who will stand by the rights of 
Missouri and of Southern rights at all hazards. That in refusing 
' aid and comfort to the enemy,' when called upon by Secretary 



854 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

Cameron for troops to aid in subjugating our Southern brethren, he 
will receive the unanimous approbation of Missourians. 

^^ Resolved, That in the hmguage of Gov. Jackson, " Missouri has 
at this time no war to prosecute ; it is not her policy to make aggres- 
sions on any State or people, but in the present state of the country, 
she would be faithless to her honor and recreant to her duty, were she 
to hesitate a moment in making the most ample preparation for the 
rights of her people against the aggressions of assailants. 

^'■Resolved, That Missouri ought with all possible speed put herself 
upon a war footing, so as to be fully prepared for any emergency. 

^'Resolved, That Missouri ought to co-operate with the slave States 
in such measures as may be necessary for our mutual protection as 
slave States." 

We make further extracts from the same paper : — 
Macon county is alive with excitement and military enthusiasm. 
Since the attack on the State troops at St. Louis, and the rumor that 
an army of Federal troops intended taking possession of Macon City, 
hundreds are volunteering for the defense of the State. The men are 
here by thousands, but they are poorly provided with arms. 

On Monday last there were 300 men drilled the greater part of the 
day in this place. The men seemed anxious to learn military exer- 
cises, and having experienced leaders, learned very rapidly many of 
the evolutions. 

** SILVER GRAYS." 

This company of "Home Guards " will parade here on next Saturday 
at 10 o'clock, for the purpose of drilling and electing officers. 

"MACON RANGERS." 

This fine company, numbering 96 good and true men, met here on 
Monday and elected William D. Marmaduke, captain ; G. M. Taylor, 
first lieutenant ; James Lovern, second lieutenant ; and C. M. Smith, 
third lieutenant. 

COMPANIES AND CAPTAINS. 

Two companies of volunteers were first raised, mostly in Macon 
county. Captains William Forbes and C. R. Haverly. About the same 
time Capt. Cupp raised a company of Home Guards. 

In the winters of the years 1861 and 1862 six companies of Missouri 
State Militia Cavalry were recruited and organized at the City of Ma- 
con, four of which were from Macon county, commanded by Captains 
I. N. Burnes, G. W. Bearnes, Jacob Gilstrap and H. E. York. A. 
L. Gilstrap was commissioned lieutenant-colonel, and a few days aft- 
erwards Henry S. Lipscomb brought in six additional companies, and 
formed the Eleventh Regiment of M. S. M., of which Lipscomb was 
appointed colonel. Lieut. -Col. Gilstrap remained in command un- 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 855 

til the consolidation of his reojiment with the Second Regiment M. 
S. M., about the 2d day of October, A. D. 1862, when he and Col. 
Lipscomb were mustered out as supernumerary. 

Many companies of militia were in service during the war, and in 
1864 three or four companies of Missouri volunteers were raised in 
Macon county for the Forty-Second regiment, commanded by Col. 
William Forbes. These troops were all in the service of the Federal 
Government. 

On the side for the Confederate States, six companies were re- 
cruited, mostly from Macon county, commanded b}^ Captains William 
D, Marmaduke, Robert Bevier, Ben Eli Guthrie, Carter M. Smith, 
Michael Griffin and Theodore Saunders. 

The following are the names of the men who entered the Union 
army : — 

Co. *'^" Tenth Missouri Infantry. — Charles Anderson, Z. M. 
Atterberry, L.J. Atterberry, George W. Abeling, M. E. Buster, James 
Buster, L. G. Cook, Joseph Cook, Pinkney Cook, D. W. Chambers, 
John S. Davis, William K. Davis, William Forbes, John W. Farmer, 
Robert C. Gaines, Abner George, Bunel C. Hart, C. R. Haverly, J. 
P. Higginbottom, Robert Hubbard, William H. Johnson, Jonathan 
Kimmel, W. E. Kimmel, David Kimmel, Samuel Ketchum, William 
S. Lea, William Lea, William B. Lea, James R. Lea, Alphius Land, 
John L. London, J. A. McQuary, James O. McNamis, Welcome 
McNamis, Ellis R. Nichols, John B. Newmyer, Peter Peterson, 
James M. Patrick, J. H. Rubeson, James R. Ramsey, F. R. Ruckraan, 
Benjamin F. Stone, Robert Seaton, Jonathan Scritchfield, John C. 
Scott, James M. Stacy, Jacob Walker, A. B. Youngblood, William 
C. Nichols, N. D. Nichols, John W. Whittaker and Thomas Pleas- 
ants of the Twenty-third Missouri ; Walker Lucas, Isaac Lucas, John 
McDaniel, Silas Titus, John Titus, Marion Hines and Hezekiah 
Edwards of Co. E, Twenty -fourth Missouri; George Young- 
blood, William Vestal and Frank McGuire of the Sixteenth 
Illinois; Thomas Walters, George D. Walters, James Stitt, Tim- 
othy Terrill, Philip J. Atterbery of the Seventh cavalry; 
John M. London, W. W. Jennings, G. L. Green, James Trant, E. 
F. Baugh, G. M. Dexter, James M. Hewell, James E. Bridewell, 
Claiborn Vestal, William Hagg, O. P. Bramball, John Cummings, J. 
W. Butler, W. W. Wixon, Peter Richmore, James M. Thomas, 
Robert M. Verden, Thomas E. Painter, H. C. Woodson, James A. 
Painter, William Satterfield, Redmond Whitehead, William M. 
Brogles, Benjamin F. Clark, Wylie Harris, Samuel Boston, J. F. 
49 



856 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

Eodgers, Joel Cook, A. H. Means, Israel Jennings, Henry Buchanan, 
William J. Lawson, Frank G. Lester, Thomas J. McCall, H. G. 
Stephens, A. W. Porter, Terry Carter, John G. Carter, James W. 
Hitchcock, Nelson Lewellan, E. H. Lawson, A. h. Gray, Francis 
H. Berry, Samuel G. Davis, Herman Kemper, Levi D. Bradley, 
William H. Centers, A. E. Kockwood, Peyton Y. Hurt, John Vail, 
Thomas L. Nicherson, Thomas A. Smedley, Robert L. Turner, John 
C. White, John Witt, Peter M. Heaton, Isaac Whisenand, John L. 
Jones, Preston Helton, John Lane, William B. Shuffitt, George Burks, 
Charles Miller, C. R. Haverley, Thomas J. George, James D. Barn- 
hart, Hayden A. Butler, Jackson Botts, Thomas J. Combs, William 
R. Coiner, Robert L. Craig, John T. Crawley, Andrew J. Call, Joshua 
Carney, A. N. Dunn, Rhodes Davis, John W. Ellis, William V. Evans, 
B. F. Everhart, James F. Evans, Benjamin F. Fields, JohnM. Fields, 
William Forcht, John Frye, Thomas J. Garrison, Thomas M. Groves, 
Robert Gardner, Joseph Hewlett, Lawrence Hewlett, Joseph M. Henry, 
Daniel J. Hoagland, James T. Hunt, Thomas P. Hunt, Hiram G. 
Hunt, William J. Hunt, Melvin B. Hogden, James Inman, Oscar L. 
Jennings, Alexander L. Kale, Hiram Lucas, Daniel E. Livermore, 
Thomas Milledge, Thomas H. McKay, William H. McKay, Nathaniel 
Minks, Richard R. Minks, William Moody, John W. Patton, H. N. 
Parberry, John Pates, David S. Roberts, George W. Rice, Peter F. 
Rowland, George H. Stover, R. H. Smith, George A. Shirley, Henry 
Sulhoof, Dabney Stevenson, Joseph Smith, Anthony Samuels, John 
W. Stevens, M. T. Shelton, J. B. Shoemaker, A. N. Shelton, Nathan 
M. Smith, Charles Turley, McDonald Turley, Isaac Underbill, William 
T. Van Meter, Robert Vass, Thomas Wingfield, Patrick Waddle, 
William H. Wright, Milton C. Wright, William H. Wilcher, James 
F. Wilson, John L. Wilson, Thomas P. Whiteaker, A. H. Will- 
iams, F. M. Stice, Hardin Cornelius, John T. Hudson, Lewis 
Campbell, James W. Davis, Edward Huchshorn, Elijah C. Harp, 
John P. Ramsey, D. A. Shoemaker, Jonathan Kimmel, H. C. Shoe- 
maker, James Shoemaker, Milton Shoemaker, Richard Shoemaker, 
James E. Moorehead, Reuben Dowell, William Forbes, Temple F. 
Lundy, Richard West, William T. Shain, William S. Burk, Josiah 
Stanfield, Benjamin F. Arisman, Nicholas T. Green, JohnW. Lundy, 
George D. Walters, Thomas A. Vestal, John Dowell, William Holman," 
William T. Atwell, William Mendinghall, John S. White, William M. 
Fletcher, James W. Banning, Calvin Chopin, Harvey Richardson, 
John O. Lucas, Armistead Shain, John Sears, Isaac Murry, B. B. 
Richardson, Joseph Dennison, John A. Wilks, John Ballenger, 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 857 

Tavender W. Wilks, Marvin Stanfield, John H. Smith, John B. Cook, 
Allen Penton, Martin Coulson, Charles A. Daun, Elijah Dowell, 
George W. Kinney, William Adams, Alexander Mendinghall, James 
N. Fletcher, James H. Riley, James W. White, James K. Woodruff, 
William G. Sullivan, William F. Troutman, Aaron Liter, William J. 
Summers, Francis M. Rhodes, Isaiah E. Rhodes, Thomas W. Turner, 
William W. Turner, William Hardisty, Jacob Dixon, John A, Dale, 
David Bradley, Ed. G. Blankenship, John C. Love, Joseph Murphy, 
Lorenzo Medley, Mordecai McDonald, James W. Washburn, M. M. 
Underbill, A. Underbill, William Tbompson, James W. Shoemaker, 
Andrew W. Taylor, George W. Johnson, R. H. Terrell, J. B. J. 
Phipps, H. N. Burk, William F. Haines, Ed. C. Shain, James H. 
Brudlove, Jacob Vestal, William H. White, Allen Vestal, John J. 
Corley, Henry Smith, Andrew Agee, Edward Swink, M. H. Abbott, 
John W. Bailey, Nathan T. Bailey, Joseph Bailey, Francis M. Bradley, 
Thomas B. Burk, John A. Brown, Isaac N. Burk, John S. Butler, 
William T. Buchanan, William H. Cantwell, James Darrell, Peter Ful- 
ton, Robert W. Green, John Greenstreet, Thomas J. Green, Jepe 
Hall, John H. Hill, Thomas Kerby, John Kerby, Joseph F. King, 
John L. King, John K. Luster, John L. McCandless, Jepe Mitchell. 
George W. Dougherty, William C. Hall, A. R. Graves, John M. 
Carter, Samuel Henderson, A. T. Armstrong, A. J. Dabney, Benja- 
min Attebery, Harrison Able, John P. Attebery, M. V. Attebery, 
Theodore Attebery, George H. Ashlock, James W. Barnes, W^. D. 
Baity, B. P. Bernard, Robert Coiner, G. B. Cunningham, G. E. W. 
Cook, Thomas M. Cooley, Wijliam P. Clark, William H. Combs, 
John C. Cook, Hiram Conkling, D. S. Dauner, Jerry Dauner, Jacob 
Downey, William T. Dunington, O. P. Davis, J. B. Emmons, L. G. 
Emmons, Jonathan Ford, N. G. Farmer, Thomas L. Griffin, Howell 
Gee, B. F. Grisham, John H. Gilbreath, D. T. Galyer, William G. 
Hunt, William H. Hardgrove, George W. Johnson, Simon Kiper, 
James O. Lew, John S. Lew, Elijah Long, A. W. McDavitt, Basil 
McDavitt, William J. Milts, Burt Marten, John C. Mickells, James 
Meeks. Jonathan May, John S. Miles, A. J. Miller, A. J. Mathews, 
Henry A. Pulliam, Granville PuUiam, F. A. Patrick, W. R. Payne, 
R. E. Patrick, John M. Plummer, Hiram Robinson, George A. Red- 
mon, David T. Robinson, Benjamin Roberts, Alfred Shares, William 
Shares, Henry Sanders, William Simmons, William J. Saltmarsh, 
James H. Saling, Elijah S. Tate, William P. Tiller, Cyrenus Thomp- 
son, James W. Truett, A. G. Wilson, J. P. R. Yorenly, Albert Easley, 
J. B. Williamson, W. T. Williamson, C. H. Malone, Joseph R. Sum- 



858 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

iners, C. W. Watts, James W. Gunnells, S. H. Shuett, George Lee, 
Levi M. Gunnells, Eobert Draper, Thomas J. Saunders, W. H. Pal- 
mer, A. C. Hajden, J. D. Thompson, George W. Gates, William 
Miller, Jacob C. Teter, John G. Dean. 

OCCUPATION OF MACON CITY BY UNION TROOPS. 

The first Union soldiers that reached Macon City Avere composed of 
Iowa and Illinois regiments, under the command of Brig. -Gen. Stephen 
A. Hurlbut. They reached Macon City in June, 1861, on the Hanni- 
bal and St. Joe Railroad trains. Among the first acts was the cutting 
down of the Secesh pole that stood near the Harris House. The camp 
was just south of the Hannibal and St. Joe Railroad depot. 

A company of the sixteenth Illinois, under Lieut. Wilson was sent 
to take all the guns from the citizens of Bloomington. This was done 
early one Sunday morning, every citizen being arrested and placed 
under guard. They were all shortly released but the arms were taken 
to Macon City. Macon City was regarded by the Federal authorities 
as a good point for concentration of troops and as a strategic key to 
North Missouri from its railroad facilities. The arrival of Federal 
soldiers gave encouragement to the Unionists, and soon many compa- 
nies and regiments were organized and stationed at that point. 
Breastworks were thrown up in the eastern part of the town and occu- 
pied by the State M. S. M. The greatest number of soldiers at one 
time stationed at this place was 7,000, all under the command of Brig.- 
Gen. Hurlbut. Their stay was brief. Other troops from Iowa, Illi- 
nois, Wisconsin and other North-western States took their places. 
The Generals in command at different times were Merrill, Fiske and 
Guitar. The Colonels in command at different times were Foster, 
Gilstrap, Williams, Forbes and Eberman. 

The town presented at all times a military appearance. Soldiers 
were seen everywhere. The drum and fife and cavalry bugle kept the 
martial spirit in its proper bounds and discipline in good order. It 
was sometime after the surrender of Lee at Appomattox before Macon 
City was entirely relieved of troops. 

MILITARY EXECUTION AT MACON. 

On the 25th day of September, 1862, 10 Rebel prisoners were ex- 
ecuted, on the triple charge of treason, perjury and murder. On 
the day previous 144 prisoners, who had been confined in the " Har- 
ris House," in Macon, were sent by railroad to St. Louis, for im- 
prisonment during the war. The 10 retained had been condemned by 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 859 

Gen. Lewis Merrill, or by a drum-head court-martial, to be " shot to 
death," because, as it was claimed, " each one of them had for the 
third time been captured while engaged in the robbing and the as- 
sassination of his own neighbors," and, therefore, were the most de- 
praved and dangerous of the gang. It was also charged, that " all of 
them had twice, and some of them three, and others had four times 
made solemn oath to bear faithful allegiance to the Federal Govern- 
ment, to never take up arms in behalf of the Kebel cause, but in all 
respects to deport themselves as true and loyal citizens of the 
United States." And it was further charged that "every man of 
them had perjured himself as often as he had subscribed to this oath, 
and at the same time his hands were red with repeated murders." 

The names of the condemned men were, Frank E. Drake, Dr. A. C. 
Rowe, Elbert Hamilton, William Searcy, J. A. Wysong, J. H. Fox, 
Edward Riggs, David Bell, John H. Oldham and James H. Hall. 

The ceremonies attending their execution were exceedingly 
impressive. On the morning of the 25th the condemned men were sep- 
arated from their comrades and confined in a freight car on the Han- 
nibal and St. Joseph Railroad, and were at the same time informed 
of the doom that awaited them. The next day the Rev. Dr. R. W. 
Landis, chaplain of the cavalry regiment known as " Merrill's Horse," 
was present to attend to the spiritual interests of the condemned. 
He called on them on the evening of the 25th and found them all 
deeply penitent and apparently making earnest preparations for death. 
They confessed they had Avronged the Government, wronged the State, 
wronged their neighbors and themselves : yet they declared they 
were not wholly responsible for their own acts. They had been led 
into evil — so they pleaded — through the influence of others. 

The prisoners spent most of the night in prayer. Next morning 
urgent appeals were made to Gen. Merrill, who was present in Ma- 
con, to spare th^r lives : to have them tried by civil courts ; to 
imprison them till the end of the war ; but he did not modify their 
sentence. One of these appeals came in the shape of a letter 
written by the youngest of the 10 — about 20 or 21 years of 
age — and simply claimed mercy for the writer. It was received 
early on the morning of the execution, and as the General was still in 
bed, the note was placed in the hands of his adjutant. The following 
is a verbatim copy : — 

general for god sake spare my life for i am a boy i was perswaded 
to do what i have done and forse i will go in service and figt for you 
and stay with you douring the war i wood been figting for the union 
if it had bin for others. J. A. Wysong. 



860 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

At 11 o'clock, A. M., the procession was formed and the silent mul- 
titude, civil and military, moved at the signal of the muffled drum 
toward the field of execution near the town. The executioners were de- 
tailed from the Twenty-third Missouri infantry, and numbered 66 men. 
They marched six abreast with a prisoner in the rear of each file. 
A hollow square, or rather parallelogram was formed on a slightly 
declining prairie, a half mile south of the town. The executioners 
formed the south line of this square ; the balance of the Twenty-third 
Missouri, the east and west lines, and Merrill's Horse the north. The 
executioners were divided off into firing parties of six for each prisoner, 
leaving a reserve of six that was stationed a few paces in the rear. 
General Merrill and staff were stationed close within the north-east 
angle of the square. The firing parties formed a complete line, but 
were detached about two paces from each other. Each prisoner was 
marched out 10 paces in front and immediately south of his six 
executioners. This order having been completed, the prisoners were 
severally blinded with bandages of white cloth, and then required 
to kneel for the terrible doom that awaited them. At this time 
every tongue was silent and nothing was more audible than the heart- 
throbs of the deeply moved and sympathizing multitude. At a sig- 
nal from the commanding officer. Rev. Dr. Landis stepped forward 
to address the Throne of Grace. His prayer was the utterance 
of a pitying heart, brief and impressive. It was an earnest appeal 
for pardoning mercy for those who were about to step into the 
presence of God and eternity. And then followed the closing scenes 
of this bloody drama. The prisoners remained kneeling while 60 
muskets were pointed at their palpitating hearts. The signal is given 
and the fatal volleys discharged, and the 10 doomed men make a 
swift exit from time to eternity. 

The bodies of five of the deceased were claimed by their respective 
friends ; the balance were interred by military direction.^ 

CONFEDERATE SOLDIERS. 

Capt. George W. Elliot, Capt. Isaac Gross, Lieut. B. T. Snod- 
grass, George Goddard, killed at Wilson creek ; William Goddard, 
John Goddard, James F. Gross, Capt. Thurman, John B. Trammel, 
died; James P. Cook, Asa Combs, Andrew Higginbotham, Perry 
Gross, Thomas Howard, Dr. Dil. Howard, Jerry Huffman, Joseph 
Huffman, James A. Huffman, William Lester, Frank Lester, Jackson 



1 Switzler's History of Missouri, pp. 417, 418, 419. 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 861 

Cosby, Eobert Woods, D. Bunch, Perry Bunch, Thomas Bunch, 
Henry Fuught, Amos Morris, Maj. James Lovern, Abram Riley, 
Jacob Dixon, Bluford Engart, Dr. James D. Sparrow, John Sunder- 
land, Thomas Halstead, killed; Thomas Thurman, John H. Morsran, 
Zach. Miller, William Belmear, A. A. Shain, William Shain, Ben. B. 
White, Malin Hatfield, George Hatfield, James Hatfield, John Dri- 
ver, Ed. Lindsey, Abram Lindsey, Jacob Downing, Thomas Payton, 
John T. Banning, May Burton, William Burton, Charles Leathers, 
John Edgar, Clark Meadows, Frederick Switzer, Martin Poe, R. J. 
Guthrie, Ben Eli Guthrie, Thomas Moore, M. M. Carter, John Dale, 

Walker Catterton, Catterton, James Fletcher, James 

Palmer, Peter Heaton, Newton Switzer, Jr., Frederich Switzer, Eben 
Engart, Sr., Humphrey Engart, William Wilson, John Wilson, Green 
Bolman, James Bolman, Robert Bolman, John Reynolds, Eben Rey- 
nolds, James Reynolds, John Harris, Green Groves, Wesley Halli- 
burton, Logan Daniels, Jacob Johnson, Cyrus Halderman, Alfred 
Roberts, George Roberts, J. C. Hutton, John Grimes, Richard 
Grimes, William Nunn, James Menefee, Logan Hardiston, Thomas 
Hardiston, Spuce Cox, Carter Landison, Thomas Clark, John Deiner, 
Amos Lewis, W. D. Marmaduke, Thad. Marmaduke, J. B. Trammel, 
Thomas Halstead, James Huffman, Joseph Huffman, B. B. White, 
William Laister, Frank Laister, George W.Elliott, J. H. Morgan, X. 
J. Pindall, Horace Miller, Dudley Tobin, Jerry Huffman, John C. 
Love, Theodore Saunders, W. W. Moore, Carter M. Smith, Perry M. 
Stacy, James Lovern, George L. Turner, Isaac Gross, George God- 
dard, Benjamin R. Dysart, Ed. Coal, James D. Sharron, W. W. 
Palmer, Shad Davis, Fairbanks Larrabee, W. H. Terrell, James Rich- 
ardson, Edward Lindsey, Hiram Lindsey, John Holman, William 
Holman, James Holman, Richard Mott, William Mott. 

About 700 men went into the Union array from Macon county, and 
about 600 into the Southern army. Many of those who entered the 
Southern army were enrolled in the militia after their return home. 
They did this for protection. The people of the county were largely 
Southern in their sentiments. 

[By Capt. Ben Eli Guthrie.] 
A brief review of the Macon county men who went out in the com- 
pany of Capt. Ben Eli Guthrie, in the State Guard, which company 
afterward became Co. I, of the Fifth Missouri infantry, pro- 
visional army of the Confederate States of America : John T. Banning, 
May Burton, William Burton, Charles Leathers, John Edgar, Clark 



862 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

Meadows, Frederick Switzer, Marion Poe, R. J. Guthrie, Thomas 
Moore, M. M. Carter, John Dale, Walker Catterton, James Fletcher, 
James Palmer, Peter Heaton and many others whose names have 
escaped the writer's memory, as well as others I'rom the adjoining 
counties of Randolph, Monroe and Chariton. 

This company left the county August 12, 1861, crossed the Missouri 
river at Brunswick in company with the company of Capt. William 
M. Neilson, of Chariton, and joined Col., afterwards Gen. Edward 
Price, at Marshall, and afterward was organized with the companies of 
Capts. James Lovern and Theodore Sanders into Bevier's battalion of 
Clark's division, M. S. G., and was engaged in the battle of Dry 
Wood, September, 1881, then with Gen. S. Price returned to Lexing- 
ton, where, with the companies of Capt. William H. Johnson, Isaac 
Groves, J. B. Griffin and James Hamilton, was organized into the 
Fourth regiment, third Clark's division, with R. S. Bevier, colonel ; 
F. X. Pindall, lieutenant-colonel ; James Lovern, major; Capt. J. P. 
Leeper, assistant-adjutant; and Thad. Marmaduke, sergeant-major; 
Capt. Thomas Rider, commissary ; Benjamin G. Dysart, surgeon ; 
and Henry Rider, hospital steward. This regiment took part in 
Price's Missouri operations during the fall and winter of 1861-62. In 
December, 1861, Col. Bevier took such of this regiment as he could 
get and went into the Confederate camp on Sac river, where he con- 
tinued to recruit until Price fell back to Springfield, where the recruit- 
ing continued, and large numbers of the Macon county men joined 
him until he had several companies, when the retreat from Springfield 
to Arkansas, in February, 1862, commenced, in which Bevier's 
battalion took part, being a part of the reserve to the rear guard. 
They also took a prominent part in the advance in March of that 
year, and the battle of Elk Horn Tavern. After the retreat from Elk 
Horn, these companies were consolidated with a battalion of Col. 
James McCowen, of Johnson county, into the Fifth Missouri infantry, 
provisional army, C. S. A. James McCowen, colonel.; R. S. Bevier, 
lieutenant; Col. Waddell, major; Lieut. Suppen, assistant-adjutant; 
Thad. Marmaduke, sergeant-major; Capt. Mildell, quartermaster; 
Dr. B. G. Dysart, surgeon ; Dr. Goodwin, assistant-surgeon ; and Dr. 
Wolfe, hospital steward. This regiment was then taken, with the 
rest of Van Dorn's army, to Corinth, Miss., marching from Frog 
Bayou to Des Arc, and then transported by boat to Memphis, and 
then by rail to Corinth, and were in Gen. Little's division of Price's 
corps, Beauregard's army, and participated in the operations around 
Corinth, and were in several important skirmishes and covered the 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 863 

retreating column on the east side of the Mobile and Ohio Railroad on 
the evacuation. They took part in the battle of luka in September, 
and the battle of Corinth in October, and covered Van Dorn's retreat 
down the Mississippi Central Railroad to Grenada, before Grant, in 
November and December. Spent the winter in Camp Rodgers, on the 
Yallabusha, 15 miles west of Grenada, and in January, 1863, were 
moved to Jackson, and in February to the Big Black, and afterwards 
to Port Gibson and Grand Gulf to meet Grant's advance on Vicks- 
burg. Took part in all the operations around these places, even 
making a brilliant reconnoissance across and up the west side of the 
river, and when pressed to retreat, the Third and Fifth Missouri made 
a brilliant dash through a cane-brake through McPherson's corps, and 
that gave time to burn the brido^es and move the train across the 
Bayou. It should be stated, after Gen. Little was killed at luka. 
Gen. Bowen (whose merits as a soldier, scarcely second to none, have 
been sadly overlooked) commanded the division. The command then 
took a prominent part in the battle of Baker's creek, cutting the 
Federal lines and saving Pemberton's army when they were falling 
back all along the line. An incident will serve to show the spirit of 
the Macon county boys. When Pemberton's lines began near its 
center to be pressed back, steadily and surely, he sent for Bowers' 
Missourians, who were to the right; they came marching in fours by 
the left flank, and arriving at the place where desired, so pressing was 
the necessity they were ordered to form by right into line in the midst 
of the flying'Confederates, and under the fire of the advancing and 
triumphant enemy. This maneuver, as a matter of course, doubled 
them up, and the line being long, those first formed were for a long 
time much exposed and pressed, and had to fall slowly back while the 
others formed. 

The Fifth regiment formed the center of the brigade, and Co. 
I was color company of the regiment, and just as it got on the 
line, the right gave way and fell back behind a fence, and the com- 
pany was compelled to do likewise, and the whole line was in that 
tremulous condition when no one could tell whether it would stand or 
run, when John Dale, suddenly jumping back over the fence, sang out 
at the top of his voice, "Come on Company I, we can whip 

the Yankee of ," and suiting the action to the 

word, advanced, the company following with a shout. The line to the 
right took it up, the left was given room and chance to form, and they 
cut their way through the enemy, and Pemberton got behind his works 
at Big Black. This is simply one of many instances of the daring of 



864 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

Macon county boys. The command was in the engagement at Big 
Black next day. They also constituted the reserve during the siege 
of Vicksburg. After the surrender they were placed in the camp, 
at Demopolis, Ala., wheue they became lions in the social world for 
miles around. In the fall they had their arms restored to them and 
were reviewed in the streets of Demopolis by Jefferson Davis and 
Joseph E. Johnston. They spent the winters in quarters at Meridian, 
Miss., attached to the headquarters of Gen. Johnston. 

It should be stated that Gen. Bowen died at Vicksburg, soon after 
the surrender, and few commanders have been more sincerely mourned 
than he. Gen. Cockrell became his successor. In January the com- 
mand was ordered from Meridian to Mobile, to meet a threatened 
attack, when under the command of Gen. Dabney H. Maury, an old 
friend-adjutant of Gen. Van Dorn, who had often commanded us 
about Corinth when Gen. Little was sick. He received us warmly, 
treated us most courteously, and provided for us bountifully and took 
great delight in exhibiting our soldierly bearing and capacity in fre- 
quent reunions and parades on Government street, where we won the 
admiration of the beauty and chivalry of the city. The command 
remained in Mobile until the spring when Sherman commenced his 
movement eastward from Vicksburg ; it proceeded to Brandon, Miss., 
to reinforce Gen. Johnston, and fell back with Johnston to Demop- 
olis, Ala., from where it was ordered to Lauderdale, Miss. ; thence 
in April to Tuscaloosa, Ala., whence it was in May ordered to join 
Gen. Johnston in Georgia, which it did at Eome on the evening of 
the night of the evacuation. In this grand campaign it was attached 
to Polk's (afterwards Stewart's corps) and took an active part in all 
the movements of Johnston's and Hood's army, to the close of the 
campaign at Jonesboro, Ga., in September, during which time it did 
not have a warm meal, all the provisions being cooked miles away 
and usually issued and sold to the men in the line of battle. The 
command was with Hood in his movement back through North Georgia 
and Tennessee to Nashville, and helped to tear up the railroad. 
Fought the battle of Altoona, Ga. ; was in the attack on Columbia, 
Tenn., and the battle of Franklin and the investment of Nashville by 
Hood. After the investment, marched to the mouth of Duck river, 
and then up to Bainbridge on the Tennessee river to rejoin Hood on 
his retreat out of the State. The company then marched to West 
Point, Miss., thence was sent by rail to Mobile, where in the spring 
it was a part of a garrison of Fort Blakely, across the bay from the 
city, and was captured by Gen. Canby on the evening of the day 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 865 

Gen. Lee surrendered. The men and line and field officers were sent 
to Ship Island; in the Gulf, and the general officers were kept in the 
forts in Mobile Bay. Afterwards they were taken to New Orleans 
and thence to Vicksburg to be exchanged, and were put across the 
Big Black into the lines of Gen. Dick Taylor, on the evening of May 
4, 1865. Gen. Taylor had on that day surrendered his department 
to Gen. Canby. The command in a few days afterwards was regu- 
larly paroled at Jackson, Miss., and turned loose, ragged and penni- 
less, in a country having only chimneys and a very few houses. But 
the Macon boys went to work with the same determination that 
characterized them as soldiers, and as a consequence they are all 
doing well and are good and upright citizens. 

CONFEDERATE OFFICER HANGED. 

fFrom the True Democrat.] 

The first and only execution by hanging in Macon county by official 
authority was that of a Confederate officer executed in Macon City 
in the fall of 1864. The officer was tried by a military court on sev- 
eral charges ; the only one now recollected was that of intercepting 
the United States mails within the Federal lines and examining the 
same. He was found guilty and sentenced to be hung at Macon City. 
The place of execution was in the south-western portion of the city. 
On the day of the execution thousands of citizens and soldiers assem- 
bled to witness the hanging, and to hear what the condemned officer 
had to say. 

As the hour drew near, the prisoner, properly escorted, arrived in 
a wagon, sitting on his coffin. He got out and rapidly ascended the 
ladder to the platform. Major McKay, provost marshal, read the 
order of execution. The prisoner asked and obtained leave to make 
a short address. 

He said: "lam a Confederate soldier, and have been tried and 
found guilty of intercepting the United States mails and have been 
sentenced to death by hanging. I think as an officer in the military 
service of the Confederate authorities, that in time of war I had the 
right to intercept anywhere any information that would be of service 
to me or my government. A soldier does not fear death. But a 
soldier prefers the bullet to the ignominious death of hanging." He 
then took the rope and put it around his neck and observed : *' I die 
a true Confederate soldier." 

The name of the Confederate officer is not recollected. He was a 
fine-looking young man and appeared to have no more fear of death 
than the greatest hero or Christian martyr recorded in history. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

EEUNIONS. 

There have been but two reunions of the old settlers of Macon 
county ; the first occurred in July, 1879, and the latter in September, 
1883. 

OLD settlers' reunion AND PICNIC. 

[From the North Missouri Eegister of June 6, 1879.] 

The undersigned old settlers of Macon county, Mo., hereby call a 
meeting of the old settlers and the public, at Bloomington, on Friday 
the 4th day of July next. The object is a grand reunion of the old 
settlers of Macon county, and to organize an old settlers' society or 
association, and to hereafter to have annual reunions and talk of old 
things: Jacob Loe, Jeff Morrow, Sr., Kobert Green, Lewis Green^ 
William Blackwell, Robert M. M^^ers, Thomas Winn, Isaac Goodding, 
William Holman, Felix Baker, Moses Taylor, W. T. Gilman, Frederick 
Rowland, Robert Gibson, Sr., N. H. Tuttle, Sr., A. L. Giistrap, Isaac 
Gross, William Gross, Abraham Gross, Joseph Griffin, Bird Posey, 
W. S. Fox, John R. Watson, N. Switzer, John P. Walker, N. E. 
Walker, D. G. Buster, William R. Brock, John C. Pierce, William H. 
Jones, James O. Siltum, E. S. Gipson, A. J. Marshall, William 
Brammer, Claiborn Wright, Perry M. Stacey, Charles Barnes, R, S. 
Goodson, D. G. Sweeney, J. M. Ston, Sr., James Sears, Jacob Bell, 
O. Hattler, George A. Lyda, F. D. Dougherty, L. D. Miller, B. G. 
Barrow, William A. Miles, R. Dunniugton, B. F. Combs, Jesse Hall, 
William S. Crutchfield, Evans Wright, H. K. Smedley, A. J. Davis, 
Beverly Bradley, Thomas Bradley, Thomas G. White, John McDuff'ee, 
John Devoid, John A. Dale, G. H. Hindle, A. Mendinghall, Moses 
Burnett, Haz Snead, J. D. Penland, Willis Blue, M. H. Terrel, 
William Easley, Sr., B. Landre, James Landre, M. H. Abbott, Joshua 
Sency, A. Landre, James Johnson, Arthur Borron, J, P. Powell, S. C. 
Hamilton, John B. Griffin, E. C. Still, James Dysart, James Lovern, 
David Freeman, William King, J. N. Brown, Walter Owens, James 
Mott, Sam Humphreys, George Truitt, Thomas G. Sharp, James W. 
Cook, Joseph Stone, Hiram Stone, Bues Milam, John E. Ellis, C. P. 
Ross, Wesley Seney, Sid Skinner, Joseph Claybrook, Sr., James K. 
Linn, W. W. Wiggins, Phil Trammel, S. Atteberry, Mark White, 
Thomas Moody, John Vansickle. 

A committee consisting of the following old citizens will meet at 
Bloomington on Saturday, June 14, to select the ground and prepare 
(866) 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 867 

the same for the picnic, viz. : Judge Isaac Goodding, William Holman, 
A. Landre John McDuffee, Joseph Griffin, Green Posey, James K. 
Linn, W. Y. Seney and S. C. Hamilton. 

[From the Times.] 

At a meeting of a large number of citizens of Macon county, as- 
sembled at Bloomington on the 4th of July, 1879, to celebrate the 
National anniversary of Independence and for a reunion of the old 
settlers of Macon county, T. G. Sharp was elected chairman and J. 
H. Dameron, secretary. The chairman explained the object of the 
meeting. Prayer was offered by Rev. E. Talbot, after which the fol- 
lowing speakers were introduced by the chairman : W. S. Fox, Will- 
iam Blackwell, Jeff. Morrow, John McDuffee and Thomas Pool, all 
of whom made short and appropriate speeches, at the conclusion of 
which an adjournment for diimer was had, at which was found bounti- 
ful supplies and invitations to all to partake. After an hour of so- 
cial conversation and the reunion of old friends, the meeting was 
again called to order, when the following speakers were introduced : 
Isaac Goodding, G. H. Dameron, F. T. Mayhew, Rev. R. Dysart, G. 
H. Holderby, Felix Baker, W. T. Gilman and A. L. Gilman, and a 
few remarks were made by the chairman. The speeches were inter- 
esting, and the circumstances referred to filled many a heart with 
the recollection of the good old days past and gone. The rending of 
the Declaration of Independence, and the occasion being the anniver- 
sary of freedom, added to the enjoyment of the day. The reunion of 
the old friends was happy, indeed, to those who had not seen each 
other for years, and when reminded that some were there who would 
never meet again, many hearts were filled with sadness. This reun- 
ion at old Bloomington will long be remembered by many. The peo- 
ple are under many obligations to the good people of Bloomington 
and vicinity who so kindly made arrangements for their accommoda- 
tion. There is a general desire that these reunion meetings may be 
kept up. At 4 o'clock, p. m., after benediction by Rev. E. Talbot, 
the meeting adjourned. 

OLD SETTLERS. 

[Prom Macon Times, July 20, 1883.] 

At a meeting of the old settlers of Macon county held at the court- 
house in Macon City, May 26, 1883, it was unanimously agreed to 
hold a general reunion of the old pioneers of Macon county at Steele's 
Park, Macon City, Mo., on Saturday, the first day of September next. 
It was the desire of said meeting that an invitation be extended to all 
citizens of Macon and adjoining counties to attend and participate in 
this reunion of old settlers, and the undersigned was directed to appoint 
a committee consisting of one old citizen from each township and 
ward as a general committee on arrangements and invitations. I have 
therefore selected the following named persons to act as said commit- 



868 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

tee, and would request them to meet at the court-house in Macon on 
Saturday, August 4, to make arrangements for the reunion, to wit: 
Middle Fork township, Newton Switzer ; Round Grove township, 
John D. Smith ; Ten Mile township, John B. Griffin ; Jackson town- 
vship, Daniel J. Sweeney ; Johnston township, James Johnson ; Nar- 
rows township, William P. Chandler; Hudson township, James A. 
Terrell ; Eagle township, S. F. Blackwell ; Lyda township, William 
A. Miles ; La Plata township, John Gilbreath ; Chariton township, 
Lewis Green ; Bevier township, Timothy Cooley ; Liberty township, 
Joseph Griffin ; Independence township, Jacob Low ; Richland town- 
ship, William Cross ; Morrow township, D. J. Buster ; Callao town- 
ship, Samuel Humphreys; Valley township, William King ; Walnut 
township, James R. Hull ; Easley township, William Easley ; Lingo 
township, Lee Lingo ; Russell township, Alexander Mendenhall ; 
White township, H. K. Smedley ; Drake township, Thomas Ratliff; 
Macon — 1st ward, J. N. Brown; 2d ward, Walter Toole; 3d ward, 
William C. Smith. 

[From the Times, August 10, 1883.] 

The various township committeemen appointed to make arrange- 
ments for the meeting of the old settlers of Macon county assembled 
at the court-house on Saturday, August 4th, and were called to order 
by Hon. Jefferson Morrow at 2 o'clock p. m. On motion, Maj. Nor- 
ton Brown was chosen chairman and J. G. Howe secretary. The 
invitation to hold the reunion at Steele's Park Saturday, September 1, 
1883, was accepted. A general discussion of the nature of the exer- 
cises and a free interchange of views were had between the members, 
and the following gentlemen were appointed a committee of arrange- 
ments and programme : J. A. Terrell, W. P. Chandler, Jefferson Mor- 
row, Jacob Bell and Philip Trammel. This committee was duly 
instructed to make arrangements for the meeting of old settlers and 
prepare a programme, and also to secure a band of music if prac- 
ticable. 

Committee of Speakers, — J. G. Howe, G. W. Kinchloe and D. J. 
Swinney. 

It was the sense of the meeting, however, that the speaking be 
confined mostly to the old settlers, who would give their recollections 
of early life in Macon county. 

A motion was made and carried that every citizen of Macon and 
adjoining counties be cordially invited to come with baskets well 
stored with provisions, so that all might eat and be filled, and have a 
grand old reunion. 

On motion Gen. William M. Vancleve, J. T. Jones and James G. 
Howe were appointed a committee to secure reduced fare on railroads, 
and make suitable arrangements for the care of visitors from abroad 
who may remain over night. 

On motion the committee then adjourned. The greatest interest 
and enthusiasm were manifested by all to make the reunion a grand 
success. 



i 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 869 

After the general committee had adjourned, the committee of ar- 
rangements met and organized by electing J. A. Terrell, chairman, 
and Phillip Trammel, secretary. The committee then adjourned to 
meet on Wednesday, August 8th, at 1 o'clock, p. m., at the park, to 
give directions for the preparation of the grounds, and prepare a pro- 
gramme to carry out the views of the general committee. 

J. N. Brown, Chairman. 

J. G. Howe, Secretary. 

The committee of arrangements met at the appointed time and pro- 
ceeded to arrange a programme. 

A large number of citizens of Macon City having expressed a de- 
sire to the committee to be allowed to participate in the reunion and 
aid in its labors, the following gentlemen are hereby appointed a 
committee on behalf of Macon Cit}-^ to procure a band and make such 
other demonstrations of welcome and entertainment as in their discre- 
tion they may desire ; John Scovern, William H. Sears, Ben Eli 
Guthrie, Frank Dessert and Eli J. Newton. 

On motion the committee adjourned. 

J. A. Terrell, Chairman. 

Philip Trammel, Secretary. 

[Taken from the Macon Times of September 17, 1883.] 

The old settlers' reunion for 1883 is a thing of the past, but was 
an event in the history of Macon county and Macon City to be remem- 
bered down through years and years to come by thousands who were 
present. The day was beautiful — all that could have been desired, 
except that it was a little warm and dusty. 

The business houses and many residences w*re profusely decked 
with flags and streamers, and the entire city and population put on 
their holiday attire to welcome the old settlers and make their visit to 
the capital city pleasant. By 10 o'clock the streets were thronged 
with people, many having arrived in the city the previous evening. 
About 10 : 30, Gen. Vancleve, chief marshal, and his assistants, W. H. 
Sears, Esq., and Dr. E. B. Clements, formed the procession, which 
began at once to move in the following order: Macon cornet band; 
carriage containing Mayor Richardson and Congressman Hatch ; car- 
riages containing old settlers ; carriages containing city and county 
officers ; citizens generally. 

After going through the principal streets, the procession passed out 
Rollins street to Steele's park, where the meeting was called to order 
by Gen. Vancleve and prayer offered by Rev. Walter Toole. The old 
settlers were then welcomed to the capital in a happy and pleasing 
address by Mayor Richardson. 

Rev. Walter Toole responded in behalf of the old settlers in very 
appropriate terms. Among those honored with seats upon the stage 
we noticed old Uncle Bobbie Gipson, 117 years old; Lewis Green 
and wife, both 77 ; W. T. Gilman, 73 ; John W. Lewis, 70 ; Jeff' 



870 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

Morrow, 70; Mrs. Jeff, Morrow, 64; James D. Eichardson, 64; W. 
T. Holraan, Col. Hatch, Rev. Walter Toole and Gen. Vancleve. 

Noon having arrived, dinner was announced, which had been brought 
in baskets and found to be in abundance. Many of the people of the 
city spread tables upon the ground. The afternoon was taken up in 
speech-making by the old settlers and awarding the presents made by 
the citizens of the city of Macon. 

The following letter was read by Ben E. Guthrie, which explains 
itself : — 

"August 31, 1883. 

" William S. Crutchfield was born March 3, 1820, in Howard 
county, six miles from Glasgow. His parents remained there until 
he was six years old. They then removed to Randolph county near 
Huntsville. I remained there till 1837, and then came to Macon 
county, near old Bloomington. In the year 1840 I went back to 
Randolph county, and was married the 17th of December ; thence, 
the 10th of January, I moved back to Macon. I then built a log 
shanty, split out puncheons and floored it with them. I had one two- 
year-old filly and a heifer to begin on. This was on the place Will- 
iam Holman lives on now. In the spring I cleared six acres, and it 
being in timber, I carried the most of the rails to fence it. We had 
no wagons here then. I went to the woods, cut a tree and sawed 
wheels and made a wagon to do my hauling on. That is what you 
call fogy ; you do better, but I thought it was fogy. There was 
plenty of game here then; deer, turkeys and some panthers were 
killed after I came here. I now give you the names of my neigh- 
bors that were here when I came : Felix Baker, Eli Goodding, Nich- 
olas Goodding, Isaac Goodding, Nathan Richardson, Johnny Walker, 
Jesse Walker, John, Bell, Urban East, WiUiam Blackwell and old 
man Penick. The only house between here and Huntsville was 
Simeon Cannon's, three miles south of Macon. We lived easy here 
then ; we all kept plenty of deer and turkey in our smoke-houses. 
Our nearest mill was at Huntsville, kept by old Uncle Billy Goggin. 
When we got out of meal, and corn was hard enough to grit, we 
made gritters, and when it got too hard to grit, we burnt out the end 
of a log and made a mortar, put in what we called a pestle and made 
hominy. I guess some of the people here would call that old fogy, 
but I wish we could have such old fogy again. W^e killed deer, 
dressed their skins and made our pants and hunting shirts out of 
them. We lived easy, did not work much; our hogs fattened on the 
mast, so there was no need to work much. Some had clapboard 
<loors and some had none. When we went to a neighbor to borrow 
anything, if they were not at home, we went in and got it, and the 
next time we saw them it was all right. If a man went to another 
for money, if he had it he got it, without either giving mortgages or 
notes. All of these old neighbors that I have mentioned have passed 
away, except Felix Baker, Jake Bell and myself. I will close my 
remarks by saying that I wish we could have such times again. 

"William S. Crutchfield." 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 871 

The citizens of Macon were prepared to make the following 
presents : A gold-headed cane to the oldest man present ; a gold- 
headed cane to the oldest settler present ; a silver cup to the oldest 
lady settler present. 

The following committee was appointed to determine who were en- 
titled to the presents: Capt. Wm. C. Smith, chairman; Judge J. H. 
Osborne, Maj. William A. Miles, Judge John McDuffee and Esq. J. R. 
Wine. The committee reported to the following effect: The oldest 
man present, Robert Gipson, 117 years of age ; the oldest settler 
present, Lewis Green, 77 years old, settled in the county in the spring 
of 1830 ; oldest lady settler, Mrs. Lewis Green, who came to this 
county with her husband in the spring of 1830. 

W. F. Anderson, the fashionable tailor of the city, having donated 
cloth for a suit of clothes to be awarded to the man who had lived 
longest in the county with his wife, excepting those who had received 
a premium, and there being a cane of rare wood to be presented to 
the second oldest settler, the same committee reported that Jefferson 
Morrow was entitled to the cloth, he having lived 47 years in this 
county with his wife ; and that Wm. Phipps was entitled to the cane, 
he having settled here in 1832. 

The presentations were made by Capt. Ben E. Guthrie, who de- 
livered a short but eloquent and appropriate address in each instance. 
There were five generations of uncles in Robert Gipson's^ family 
present, as follows: Robert Gipson and Smith Gipson, his son; Mrs. 
McGuire, Smith Gipson' s daughter; Mrs. McPeters, Mrs. McGuire's 
daughter, and a daughter of Mrs. McPeters. 

Another interesting feature of the meeting was the presence of Col. 
Isaac Gross and William Blankenship, who were members of the first 
grand jury in the county. This august body held its meetings on a 
loo; under a tree at old Bloomino;ton. Uncle Jeff Morrow, our effi- 
cient county treasurer, was sheriff at the time, and attended this 
grand jury. 

Among the old settlers we noticed present were Ab. Lewis, who is 
one of the pioneers; Wm. Patterson, Moses Taylor, E. S. Gipson, 
Mrs. E. S. Gipson, who came here among the first, having come with 
her father, Thomas Bannon — she is now 61 year^of age and the mother 
of 19 children ; John Foster, S. F. Blackwell and his mother, 
Mrs. Elizabeth Blackwell, and also his sister, Mrs. S. C. Hamilton, 
which families settled at Moccasinville, in this county, in 1831 — Mrs. 
Blackwell is now 83 years old ; William Blankenship, Logan Thomp- 
son, William Phipps, Jackson Hines, S. C. Hamilton, Judge Rowland, 
Howell Gee, Judge John Walker, Walter Gilman, J. M. Love, Lewis 
Green, W. A. Miles, Mr. Baker, Willam Holman^ Mrs. Holman, Mrs. 
Cane, Mrs. Green, Mrs. Bean, Mrs. Moses Taylor, and many others 
with whom we are not acquainted and whose names we did not get. 

Next to Mr. Gipson, the oldest person on the grounds, so far as we 



1 See Gipson's sketch in history of Chariton township. 
50 



872 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

could learn, was Mrs. Ann Barstow, who lives near Jacksonville, and 
is 89 years old, though she has been in the county only a little over 
two years. 

Among prominent persons present from a distance were Sol Hatch, 
of Hannibal ; Judge Ellison, of Kirksville, and Judge William Hay- 
wood, of Clark county. The occasion was truly enjoyable and 
pleasant throughout, and old friends met each other after a separa- 
tion of many years in several instances. 

In addition to the arrangements made by the old settlers' commit- 
tee of one from each township, a committee was appointed in behalf 
of Macon city. This committee took up a subscription in the city, 
the band was employed, and carriages were provided to convey the 
old settlers from the city out to the park. It was this committee that 
procured the presents which were awarded. The people of the city 
desired to do all that was possible to make the old settlers feel at 
home and enjoy the day, and are highly gratified that the meeting was 
such a grand success and hope that we shall have many more such 
occasions. 




CHAPTEK XIY. 

RAILROADS AND BONDED DEBT. 

Hannibal and St. Joseph Eailroad — North Missouri Eoad — Alexander and Bloom- 
ington Road — Mississippi and Missouri Road — St. Louis, Macon and Omaha Air 
Line Road — M. and M. Bonds — Bonded Debt of Macon County. 

HANNIBAL AND ST. JOSEPH RAILROAD. 

The Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad was completed to Macon 
from Hannibal in 1858, and to St. Joseph in 1859. Along this rail- 
road, for 12 miles each side of the road, the company was granted 
alternate sections of land by the United States Government in 1852. 

As early as August 11, 1851, we find the following proceedings 
had by the county court in reference to the Hannibal and St. Joseph 
Railroad Company : — 

*'Now, at this day, came R. Stewart, president, and makes a mo- 
tion for the board of directors of the Hannibal and St. Joseph Rail- 
road that Macon county take as much as 100 shares of stock in said 
road by authorizing the judges of said court to subscribe the same. 

''Whereupon, it is ordered by the court that the county of Macon 
take 100 shares of stock in said road, and that the president of said 
stock subscribe the same, provided said road runs through the county, 
and not prejudicial to the county seat of said Macon county." 

In our history of Buchanan county, we gave some facts in reference 
to the early history and completion of the Hannibal and St. Joseph 
Railroad to St. Joseph, and as they will not be out of place here we 
will reproduce them. 

The people of St. Joseph early awoke to a sense of the importance 
and necessity of railroad communication with the East. About the 
first reference to this matter we find in the Gazette of Friday, Novem- 
ber 6, 1846 : — 

*« Our country is destined to sufier much, and is now suffering, 
from the difficulty of navigation and the extremely high rates the 
boats now charge. Our farmers may calculate that they will get 
much less for produce and will be compelled to pay much more for 
their goods than heretofore, and this will certainly always be the case 
when the Missouri river shall be as low as it now is. The chances 

(873) 



874 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

are fearfully against having any considerable work bestowed in im- 
proving the river, and until it is improved by artificial means, the 
navigation of it to this point must always be dangerous and very un- 
certain . 

" The prospects for this fall and winter are well calculated to make 
the people look about to see if there is no way to remedy this incon- 
venience, if there can be any plan suggested whereby our people can 
be placed more nearly upon terms of equality with the good citizens 
of other parts of our land. 

" We suggest the propriety of a railroad from St. Joseph to some 
point on the Mississippi — either St. Louis, Hannibal or Quincy. For 
ourselves, we like the idea of a railroad to one of the latter places 
suggested, for this course would place us nearer to the Eastern cities, 
and make our road thither a direct one; we like this road, too, be- 
cause it would so much relieve the intermediate country which is now 
suffering and must always suffer so much for transporting facilities in 
the absence of such an enterprise. 

" If this be the favorite route, we must expect opposition from the 
southern portion of the State, as well as all the river counties below 
this. For the present, we mean merely to throw out the suggestion 
with the view of awaking public opinion and eliciting a discussion of 
the subject. In some future number we propose presenting more ad- 
vantages of such a road, and will likewise propose and enforce by 
argument the ways and means of accomplishing the object." 

The suggestions thus offered of the necessity of a railroad seemed 
to have been universally popular, and through the vigorous action of 
the friends of the enterprise, we find, thus early, a charter granted by 
the Legislature, as follows : — 

AN ACT TO INCORPORATE THE HANNIBAL AND ST. JOSEPH RAILROAD 

COMPANY. 

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Missouri^ as 
follows : — 

Section 1. That Joseph Robidoux, John Corby and Robert J. Boyd, 
of St. Joseph, in Buchanan county; Samuel J. Harrison, Zachariah 
G. Draper and Erasmus M. Moffett, of the City of Hannibal ; Alex- 
ander McMurtry, of Shelby county ; George A. Shortridge and Thomas 
Sharp, of Macon county; Wesley Halliburton, of Linn county; John 
Graves, of Livingston county ; Robert Wilson, of Daviess county, 
and George W. Smith, of Caldwell county, and all such persons as 
may hereafter become stockholders in the said company, shall be 
and they are hereby created a body corporate and politic in fact and 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 875 

in name, by the name and style of the Hannibal and St. Joseph Rail- 
road Company, and the same title, the stockholders shall be in per- 
petual succession, and be able to sue and be sued, implead and be im- 
pleaded in all courts of record and elsewhere, and to purchase, receive, 
have, hold and enjoy to them and their successors lands, tenements 
and hereditaments, goods, chattels, and all estates, real, personal and 
mixed of what kind or quality soever, and the same from time to 
time, to sell, mortgage, grant, alien and convey, and to make divi- 
dends of such portion of the profits as they may deem proper, and also 
to make and have a common seal, and the same to alter or renew at 
pleasure, and also to ordain, establish and put in execution such b}'- 
laws, ordinances and regulations as shall appear necessary and con- 
venient for the government of such corporation, and not being con- 
trary or repugnant to the Constitutiou and laws of the United States, 
or of the State of Missouri, and generally to do all and singular the 
matters and things, which to them it shall lawfully appertain to do 
for the well being of the said corporation and the due management 
and ordering of the affairs of the same : Provided, always, that it 
shall not be lawful for the said corporation to deal, or use, or employ 
any part of the stock, funds or money, in buying or selling any wares 
or merchandise in the way of traffic, or in banking or broking opera- 
tions. 

Sec. 2. That the capital stock of said corporation shall be $2,000,- 
000, divided into 20,000 shares of $100 each, and it shall be lawful for 
said corporation, when and so soon as in the opinion of the individ- 
uals named in the foregoing section a sufficient amount of stock shall 
have been taken for that purpose, to commence and carry on their 
said proper business and railroad operations under the privileges and 
conditions herein granted. 

Sec. 3. That the said company is hereby authorized and empow- 
ered to cause books for the subscription stock to be opened at such 
times and places as they may deem most conducive to the attainment 
of the stock required. 

Sec. 4. The said company [shall] have power to view, lay out and 
construct a railroad from St. Joseph, in Buchanan county, to Palmyra, 
in Marion county, and thence to Hannibal in said county of Marion, 
and shall, in all things, be subject to the same restrictions and entitled 
to all the privileges, rights and immunities which were granted to the 
Louisiana and Columbia Railroad Company, by an act entitled " An 
act to incorporate the Louisiana and Columbia Railroad Company," 
passed at the session of the General Assembly in 1836 and 1837, and 
approved January 27, 1837, so far as the same are applicable to the 
company hereby created, as fully and completely as if the same were 
herein enacted. 

Sec. 5. Nothing in this act, nor in that to which it refers, shall be 
construed so as to allow said company to hold or purchase any more 
real estate than may be necessary and proper for the use of the road 
and the business transacted thereon. 



876 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

This act to take effect and be in force from and after its passage. 
Approved February 16, 1847. 
The following were the 

PROCEEDINGS OF THE RAILROAD CONVENTION, 

held at Chillicothe, Mo., June 2, 1847. 

Deleo-ates from the various counties of North Missouri assembled at 

o 

Chillicothe, Mo., on the 2d day of June, 1847, according to previous 
notice. The convention was organized in the court-house at 11 
o'clock, by calling Judge A. A. King, of Ray county, to the chair, 
and electing Dr. John Craven, of Davies county, and Alexander Mc- 
Murtry, of Shelby county, vice-presidents, and H. D. LaCossit, of 
Marion county, and Charles J. Hughes, of Caldwell county, secre- 
taries. 

It was moved that the delegates in attendance report themselves to 
the secretaries, whereupon the following gentlemen gave in their 
names and took their seats : — 

B. F. Loan and Lawrence Archer, from Buchanan county, Absalom 
Kernes, from DeKalb ; Robert Wilson, John B. Connor, Volney E. 
Bragg, William Peniston, James Turley, Thomas T. Frame, Jacob 
S. Rogers, M. F. Greene, John Mann, Woody Manson and John 
Craven, from Davies county ; George Smith, Patrick Smith, Jesse 
Baxter, A. B. Davis and C. J. Hughes, from Caldwell county; A. A. 
King, ^ from Ray county; John Graven, Thomas B. Bryan, Elisha 
Manford, John Harper, F. Preston, F. L. Willard, John L. Johnson, 
S. Munser, John Bryan, B. F. Tarr, Thomas Jennings, William 
Hudgens, William Hicklin, William L. Black, James H. Darlington, 
Robert Mitchell, John Austin, James Austin and F. Preston, from Liv- 
ingston county ; Dr. Livingston, from Grundy county ; W. B. Wood- 
ruff, James C. Moore, James Lintell, John J. Flora, Jeremiah Philips 
and W. Halliburton, Linn county ; George Shortridge, A. L. Gilstrap 
and Benjamin Sharp, from Macon county ; Alexander McMurtry, from 
Shelby county ; Z. G. Draper, James Waugh, Henry Collins, H. D. 
Laossitt and William P. Samuel, from Marion county. 

On motion of Col. Peniston, it was resolved that a committee con- 
sisting of one member from each county represented in the conven- 
tion be appointed for the purpose of reporting upon what subjects 
this convention shall act. The president appointed Robert Wilson, 



1 Austin A. King, who presided over tills convention, was Judge of the Fifth 
Judicial Circuit, of which Ray county was a part, from 1837 to 184:8, when he was 
elected Governor of Missouri. 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 877 

L. Archer, A. Kiirns, G. Smith, F. L. Willard, Dr. Livingston, W. 
B. Woodruff, George Shortridge and Z. G. Draper. 

On motion, it was resolved that a committee, consisting of one 
member from each county here represented, be appointed to report a 
basis upon which to vote in this convention. The president appointed 
A. L. Gilstrap, B. F. Loan, William P,. Peniston, Thomas Butts, 
Thomas R. Bryan, Dr. Livingston, W. Halliburton and James 
Waugh. 

George Smith of Caldwell presented the following propositions 
for the consideration of the convention, and moved to lay the same 
upon the table, which was done : — 

Whereas, The people of Northern Missouri are in favor of the 
project of a railroad from Hannibal to St. Joseph, therefore, 

Resolved, By the delegates (their representatives) that we recom- 
mend the following as the best method to procure the means for the 
construction of the same : — 

First. A liberal subscription by the citizens of the State to the 
capital stock of said company. 

Second. That Congress be petitioned for a grant of alternate sec- 
tions and parts of sections of all vacant lands 10 miles on each side 
of said road, when located. 

Third. That the company procure a subscription to the stock by 
Eastern capitalists, and, should the foregoing means prove inadequate, 
we then recommend that the Legislature pass an act authorizing the 
company to issue bonds, to be indorsed by the Governor or Secretary 
of State, for the residue ; the company to give a mortgage on the 
whole work to the State, for the liquidation of said bonds. 

The convention then adjourned till afternoon. 

At the opening of the afternoon session, it was resolved that the 
rules for Ihe government of the House of Representatives, of Mis- 
souri, be adopted for the government of this convention. 

A report was adopted, by which the basis of voting in the conven- 
tion was fixed as follows : that each county represented in the 
convention be entitled to one vote for every 100 votes therein, by 
which rule the county of Marion was allowed 15 votes ; Shelby, 7 ; 
Macon, 9 ; Linn, 7 ; Livingston, 8 ; Grundy, 6 ; Davis, 9 ; Caldwell, 
4 ; Ray, 15 ; DeKalb, 3 ; and Buchanan, 22. 

The committee, to whom was referred the duty of submitting sub- 
jects for action of this convention reported. 

1. To appoint a committee of three members to draft an address in 
the name of this convention to the people of Western Missouri, set- 
ting forth the advantages to be derived from the contemplated rail- 
road from St. Joseph to Hannibal. 



878 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

2. To appoint a committee of three, whose duty it shall be to peti- 
tion the Legislature of Missouri for such aid in the undertaking as 
can be afforded consistently with the rights of other sections of the 
State. 

3. To appoint a committee of three to petition Congress for a dona- 
tion of alternate sections of lands within six miles on each side of 
said road when located. 

4. To appoint a committee whose duty it shall be to superintend 
the publication and distribution of the proceedings of this convention, 
together with the charter of the road, and the address to the people 
of Northern Missouri. 

5. Said committees to be appointed by the president and the mem- 
bers of each committee as nearly contiguous as practicable. 

The convention then adjourned till the following morning, when on 
reassembling, the five above mentioned resolutions were unanimously 
adopted, with the exception of the fifth, which was adopted with an 
amendment striking out all after the word president. 

Among other resolutions offered at this session of the convention, 
the following by Judge King, of Ray, was unanimously adopted by 
way of amendment to a similar one offered by Dr. Grundy of Liv- 
ingston : 

Resolved, That whereas this convention has adopted a resolution 
authorizing a memorial to Congress for donation of alternate sections 
of land to aid in the construction of the contemplated railroad, also 
authorizing a memorial to the Legislature for such aid in the under- 
taking as can be afforded consistently with the rights of other por- 
tions of the State ; therefore, we, the delegates, pledge ourselves to 
support no man for Congress who will not pledge himself to the 
support of the proposition aforesaid, nor will we support any man 
for Governor, Lieutenant-Governor, or member of the Legislature 
who will not pledge himself to give such aid in the construction of 
the said railroad consistent with the rights of other portions of the 
State as contemplated by the resolution aforesaid. 

Mr. George Smith, of Caldwell, offered the following resolution, 
which was read and adopted: — 

Resolved, That the committee appointed to petition the Legislature 
be instructed to ask for an amendment to the fourth section of the act 
incorporating the Louisiana and Columbia Railroad Company (being 
the law bv which the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad Company are 
to be governed), so as to give the power to the president and direct- 
ors of the last mentioned company to cull in an amount not exceed- 
ing 10 per cent every 60 days, and change the notice from 60 to 30 
days. 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 879 

The following resolution by Mr. Sharp, of Macon, was adopted: — 

Whereas, It is not only extremely important to the agricultural 
and commercial interests of the immediate country that a good 
wagon road be opened from St. Joseph to Hannibal, but the United 
States mail stages cannot be put in motion on said route until said 
road shall be opened. And 

Whereas, It is of the utmost importance, as well to the whole in- 
termediate country as to the two extremes, that mail facilities be 
speedily obtained in stages through said country. Therefore, 

Resolved, by this Convention, That it be recommended to each 
county through which said road may pass, immediately to ©pen, 
bridge, and put in good repair the said road, in order that mail stages 
may be immediately started, according to the act of Congress estab- 
'lishing said route. 

Mr. Tarr, of Livingston, moved to reconsider the vote adopting 
the third proposition reported by the committee on business, which 
was agreed to. 

He then offered the following amendment to said third proposi- 
tion: — 

Adding to third proposition by the committee on business, as fol- 
lows, "Also to petition Congress that should any of the alternate 
sections on the road, or within six miles on either side thereof to be 
sold at any time subsequent to the 16th day of February, 1847, and 
before the action of Congress in relation to these lands, that other 
lands be granted as nearly contiguous as possible in lieu thereof." 
Which was agreed to, and the third proposition as amended, was 
then adopted. 

Dr. Livingston, of Grundy, offered the following r,esolution, which 
was adopted : 

Resolved, That the proceedings of this convention be signed by the 
president, vice-presidents and secretaries, and that the president be 
requested to transmit a copy thereof to each of our representatives 
in Congress, requesting them to use their utmost endeavors to obtain 
from Congress the grant of land contemplated by the proceedings of 
this convention. 

The president then announced the following committees: — 

1. To address the people of Northern Missouri — Archer, Bragg 
and Cossitt. 

2. To petition Congress, in accordance with the resolution of the 
convention — Cravens, Halliburton and Shortridge. 

3. To petition the Legislature — Tarr, George Smith, of Caldwell, 
and Dr. Livingston. 

On motion, it was resolved that the thanks of the delegates and 



880 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

their constituents are due the officers of this convention for the able 
manner m which they have discharged their duties in this convention. 

The convention then adjourned sine die. 

The charter of the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad was secured 
mainly by the exertions of Robert M. Stewart, afterwards Governor 
of the State, and at the time of its issuance, a member of the State 
Senate, and of Gen. James Craig, and Judge J. B. Gardenhire, 
yvho represented Buchanan county in the Legislature. (Gen. Craig 
was afterwards president of this road, with two brief intervals, for the 
period of 11 years, from 1861). 

With all the enthusiasm on the part of the people, material aid was 
lacking^, as it was not until 1852 that the building of the road became 
a definite fact. At that period, Hon. Willard P. Hall represented a 
district of Missouri in Congress, and was chairman of the committee 
of public lands. By his efforts the passage of a bill was secured 
granting six hundred thousand acres of land to the Hannibal and St. 
Joseph Railroad Company, and the success of that long cherished 
enterprise was finally assured. The preliminary survey had been 
made by Simeon Kemper and Col. M. F. Tiernan, accompanied by 
Robert M. Stewart, whose indefatigable efforts in behalf of the inter- 
ests of the road, contributed as much if not more than those of any 
other man to their ultimate accomplishment. Stewart became after- 
wards the first president of the company. The building of the road 
commenced at the east end. About the spring of 1857, work was be- 
gun on the west end, and by March of that year, the track extended 
out from St. Joseph a distance of seven miles. The first fire under 
the first engine that started out of St. Joseph on the Hannibal and St. 
Joseph Railroad, was kindled by M. Jefferson Thompson. This was 
several years before the arrival of the first through train in Februarys 
1859. (Sometime in the early part of 1857.) 

The Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad was completed February 13, 
1859. On 'Monday, February 14, 1859, the first through passenger 
train ran out of St. Joseph. Of this train E. Sleppy, now (1881). 
master mechanic of the St. Joseph and Western machine shops, in 
Elwood, was engineer, and Benjamin H. Colt, conductor. 

The first to run a train into St, Joseph was George Thompson, who 
ran first a construction and then a freight train. 

The first master mechanic of the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad 
shops in St. Joseph was C. F. Shivel. These shops were established 
in 1857. In the following year Mr. Shivel put up the first car ever 
built in the city. 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 881 

On the 22d of February, 1859, occurred in St. Joseph the celebra- 
tion of the completion of the Hannibal and St. Joseph Road. This 
was, beyond doubt, the grandest display ever witnessed in the city 
up to that period. 

M. Jefferson Thompson, at that time mayor of the city, presided 
over the ceremonies and festivities of this brilliant occasion. The city 
was wild with enthusiasm and the most profuse and unbounded hos- 
pitality prevailed. 

A grand banquet was held in the spacious apartments of the Odd 
Fellows' Hall, which then stood on the corner of Fifth and Felix 
Streets. Not less than six hundred invited guests were feasted here ; 
and it was estimated that several thousand ate during the day at this 
hospitable board. 

Broaddus Thompson, Esq., a brother of Gen. M. Jefferson Themp- 
son, made the grand speech of the occasion, and performed the cere- 
mony of mingling the waters of the two mighty streams thus linked 
by a double band of iron. 

The completion of the road constituted an era in the history of St. 
Joseph, and from that period dawned the light of a new prosperity. 
In the five succeeding years the population of the city was quadrupled, 
and her name heralded to the remotest East as the rising emporium 
of the West. 

In the summer of 1872 this road commenced the building; of a 
branch southward from St. Joseph, 21 miles, to the city of Atchison. 
This was completed in October of the same year. 

The Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad Company has about 19,000 
acres of land in Macon county. 

NORTH MISSOURI RAILROAD. 

[We copy from the Macon News of 1879.] 

The organization of the North Missouri Railroad Company was 
effected in 1853 or 1854. The road was built by city, county and 
private subscription, aided by bonds loaned by the State amounting 
to some $6,000,000. The road never received any donation of land 
from the Federal Government. The city of St. Louis, by a vote, 
took a large amount of stock, and all the counties on the present 
line took stock, except Macon. The charter called for the location 
along the ridge dividing the waters of the Missouri and Mississippi 
rivers, " or as near as may be." After the road was finished to Mex- 
ico, great efforts were made to get stock subscribed by Macon county. 
Randolph took $175,000 stock, Adair voted stock, and it was thought 
under these circumstances that Macon would. 

Public meetings were held in the eastern and south-eastern portions 



882 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

of the county in favor of submitting the matter to a vote. Maj. 
James S. Rollins, of Boone, and Isaac Sturgeon, of St. Louis, ad- 
dressed the citizens of Macon county at Bloomington, showing the 
advantages of the road. A public meeting was held at Bloomington, 
at which Dr. A. L. Knight, of Macon City, was chairman, and J. M. 
Love was secretary. The meeting passed resolutions asking the 
county court to submit a proposition subscribing $100,000 to secure 
the location and building of said road through Macon county. 

The resolutions of the meeting were presented to the county court. 
The county court ordered an election. There were several proposi- 
tions, mostly conditional. One was that the line of the road should 
be located through Bloomington. The matter was pretty thoroughly 
canvassed. The words of the charter, " on the dividinsr ridg-e, or as 
near as may be," satisfied many that it could not be located by Bloom- 
ington, and the election resulted in the proposition being voted down. 
It was fruitlessly contended by the friends of the road that the 
words, *'as near as may be," permitted the location of the road by 
Bloomington; that the line could leave the "Grand Divide," pass 
along the East fork, strike the ridge between the East and Middle 
fork to Bloomington, thence north, intersecting the " Grand Divide " 
at Kirksville. But the voters took a difierent view. In fact, a ma- 
jority were not in favor of taking stock at all. 

For some time after this, the managers of the road talked of run- 
ning the road through Shelby and Monroe counties, leaving Macon 
out. Perhaps it would have been done had not the words of the 
charter prohibited it. The road was finished to Macon City in Feb- 
ruary, 1859. The track was laid up to what was then known as the 
Harris House, afterwards burned down. The completion of the North 
Missouri Railroad to Macon City caused the town to increase rapidly 
in population and business. There were not half houses enough for 
applicants, and rents were very high. The business men prospered 
to an extent not surpassed since the road was extended northward. 
Trade extended to Iowa, and our merchants and grocers had a whole- 
sale trade that was large and profitable for a period of 10 years with 
Northern Missouri and Southern Iowa. 

Old Bloomington had one more chance for a railroad in a charter 
for a road known as the Alexandria and Bloomington Railroad from 
the Mississippi to the Missouri river. The first survey was made in 
1862 by John B. Lodge, afterwards chief engineer of the North Mis- 
souri Railroad. The survey was paid for by private subscription. 
The Civil War prevented any particular or special efi'ort being made 
to build it, and in a short time the county seat was moved by an act 
of the Legislature from Bloomington to Macon, and the charter for 
the Macon and Missouri River Railroad effectually killed the Alex- 
andria and Bloomington road. The history of the old roads has been 
given, and the two roads we have, the Hannibal and St. Joe and the 
North Missouri Railroad, the best in the West, have not cost us a 
cent. The natural location of the county gave them to us without a 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 883 

dollai' of county aid, except to the Hannibal and St. Joseph, which 
was afterwards released by the railroad company, and the money that 
had been paid refunded. 

THE MISSOURI AND MISSISSIPPI RAILROAD. 

The Missouri and Mississipiji Railroad was projected north-easterly 
from Glasgow, Howard county, to Edina, Knox county, on to Clark 
county. The county court in 1868, without the vote of the people, 
granted $350,000 in Macon county bonds to the Missouri and Missis- 
sippi Railroad Company and received stock to that amount, which has 
occasioned a course of constant litigation for many years. The road 
was graded and partially bridged to Edina in 1869, and then opera- 
tions entirely ceased on account of injunction and subscription suits. 

ST. LOUIS, MACON AND OMAHA AIR LINE RAILROAD. 

In 1868 the St. Louis, Macon and Omaha Air Line Railroad was 
chartered. Liberty township took $20,000 in stock and Hudson 
township $40,000 : also some private subscriptions were received. 
Very little work was done on this road ; some grading being done 
from Macon, one terminal point to Duck creek one mile towards 
Omaha, when the courts decided that the subscriptions were null and 
void, the company having no legal existence. 

MISSOURI AND MISSISSIPPI BONDS. 

On February the 20th, 1865, the General Assembly of the State 
passed an act to incorporate the Missouri and Mississippi Railroad 
Company, to build a railroad from Macon City through Edina, Knox 
county, to or near the north-east corner of the State in the direction 
of Keokuk, in Iowa, or Alexandria, Mo., and said company was after- 
ward authorized to extend said road south-west from Macon to some 
point on the Missouri river, and by said act it was made " lawful for 
the county court of any county desiring so to do, to subscribe to the 
capital stock of the company and issue bonds therefor and levy a tax 
to pay the same, not exceeding one-twentieth of one per cent upon 
the assessed value of the taxable property for each year." 

On the 2d day of April, 1867, Macon county court subscribed 
$175,000 to the stock of said road without first having submitted the 
matter to a vote of the people, and in the fall of that year were com- 
pelled by peremptory writ of mandamus of the State Supreme Court 
to issue bonds of the county in payment of subscription. 



884 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

There was some considerable discontent on the part of tax-payers, 
which in those troublesome times when a majority of the tax-paying 
voters were disfranchised received but little oflScial recognition. 

The bonds were issued and taxes levied to pay the interest and 
principal of such of them as became due in a short time, notwithstand- 
ing the restriction on taxation in the State. 

On May 2, 1870, the county court in the midst of much excite- 
ment and agitation over the question subscribed for another $175,000 
stock, to be expended on tHe south-west extension of the road, and 
on the same day issued bonds in the payment thereof, and this too 
without a vote of the people. 

The excitement became intense. Mass meetings were held all over 
the county ; loud protests went up ; citizens brought suits to set aside 
the subscription and avoid the bonds and distinguished attorneys 
were employed. 

But taxes were increased to pay the interest on the new bonds and 
meet the maturing principal of the first issue, amounting in 1871 to 70 
cents on the $100. In 1872 a new county court came in and the tax 
was reduced to one-twentieth of one per cent as restricted in the orig- 
inal charter. This tax produced about $3,000. As a consequence 
there was a default on the bonds and coupons. 

Litigation then began in earnest in both State and Federal courts. 
The State courts got the first opportunity at the question, and in 1874 
decided that there was no power to levy a special tax to exceed the 
one-twentieth of one per cent, and in this feature of the case have 
been so far followed by the Federal Supreme Court. 

But in 1876 the Federal Supreme Court decided in a case coming up 
from Clark county, on the same kind of" bonds issued under the same 
law, and under like circumstances, that the bondholder who had re- 
duced his bonds and coupons to judgment was entitled to a warrant 
on the ordinary revenues of the county for the usual expenses, and 
has reaffirmed the same doctrine in four or five different cases from 
Knox, Clark and Macon up to the case in November, 1883 ; notwith- 
standing the State Supreme Court in 1878, in a elaborate opinion, held 
that no such warrant could be issued ; but the bondholder was con- 
fined to the levy of one-twentieth of one per cent for the payment of 
his judgment, and to apply the ordinary revenues to the payment of 
this extraordinary debt would bankrupt the county and subvert its 
judgment. 

In the meantime Macon county had been defeated in both State 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 88 5 

and Federal courts in all her attempts to set aside the subscription 
and to beat the bonds on the ground of fraud and notice. 

The bonds, which some 10 years ago were selling at 15 to 20 cents, 
are now greatest at 60 to 70 cents, and the holders have lately made 
a proposition to compromise at 80 cents, which the county court have 
refused to entertain, and the litigation promises to go on ; and the 
county court has been compelled under a peremptory mandamus from 
the Federal court to issue a warrant for $35,000, and the rise on the 
general funds of the county and several other cases are now pending 
in that court, which will doubtless have the same issue. 

The only remaining question that it appears can arise in the legal 
contest is, whether the Federal court, after it has compelled the issue 
of the warrant, will hold that such warrant is payable in preference to 
warrants issued for ordinary expenses of the county. All intimation 
in their former opinions would seem to indicate that such will be their 
decision. 

A question of fact will then remain whether there will ever come 
into the county treasury money enough to pay these bond warrants. 

BONDED DEBT OF MACON COUNTY. 

Thirty-seven six per cent five 3'ear bonds of $50 each, 10 do. of $500 
each and 10 do. of $1,000 each, issued September 16, 1867, and 17 do. 
of $1,000 each, issued November 1, 1867, interest payable annually at 
office of county treasurer, $36,350.00 ; 101 six per cent 6 year bonds 
of $50 each and 49 do. of $500 each, issued November 1, 1867, inter- 
est payable annually at office of county treasurer, $29,550.00; 2 seven 
per cent 10 year bonds of $500 each and 13 do. of $1,000 each, issued 
February 1, 1869, interest payable annually at Bank of Commerce, 
New York, $14,000.00 ; 57 ten per cent 10 year bonds of $1,000 each, 
issued January 1, 1870, interest payable semi-annually at Bank of 
Commerce, New York, $57,000.00 ; 175 eight per cent 20 year bonds 
of $1,000 each, issued May 2, 1870, interest payable semi-annually at 
Bank of Commerce, New York, $175,000.00. Total, $311,900.00. 

These bonds were issued as a subscription to the Missouri and Mis- 
sissippi Railroad Company, under section 13 of an act entitled '* An 
act to incorporate the Missouri and Mississippi Railroad Company," 
approved February 20, 1865 ; to pay said bonds the act provided that 
a tax not to exceed one-twentieth of one per cent should be levied 
each year. The county has never failed to levy this tax, but the rev- 
enue derived therefrom is insufficient to pay the interest. No other 



886 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

provision is made for interest or sinking fund, consequently a large 
amount of interest is novv due upon the bonds. Taxable wealth, 
$5,647,740. Hudson Township — 27 six per cent 5-20 bonds of 
$500 each, and 2Q do. of $100 each and one of $147.45, issued Feb- 
ruary 7, 1881, under act of May 16, 1879, in compromise and re- 
demption of bonds issued to Railroad, interest payable 

annually on 1st of February, at Third National Bank, St. Louis, 
$16,247.45 ; interest promptly paid. Interest tax nine cents on $100 
valuation. Sinking fund tax 11 cents. Taxable wealth $1,241,300. 
Liberty Toivnship — 27 six per cent 5-20 bonds of $500 each, 32 do. 
of $100 each and one for $184.45, issued February 7, 1881, underact 
of May 16, 1879, in compromise and redemption of bonds issued 
to , interest payable annually, February 1st, at Third Na- 
tional Bank, St. Louis, $16,884.45 ; interest promptly paid. Interest 
tax 28 cents, and sinking fund tax 32 cents on $100 valuation. Tax- 
able wealth $306,916. 




CHAPTER XY. 

CYCLONE AND HURRICANE. 

[From the Macon Times, May 14, 1883]. 

All day Sunday dark and ominous clouds overspread the city of 
Macon, bearing a threatening aspect, but very few contemplated the 
terrible work of destruction that was in store for them. Towards 
night, large, inky clouds gathered in the north and west and a slight 
shower fell, accompanied by a little, wind, but soon passed away, and 
all for a short time was clear and people were in hopes that the weather 
would be clear and beautiful ag-ain. 

But this was not to be. 

Between eight and nine o'clock a dark, inky mass of clouds gath- 
ered in the south-west, which soon developed into a more dense and 
darker blackness as they approached the city to the west. They passed 
just west of the town and passed on to the north-west, where they 
seemed to stand as if to reinforce their sj^ent fury. 

They remained thus for a short time, gathering more in the west 
until the denser mass of clouds were stationed in a direct line in the 
north-west. 

Meanwhile large clouds of a similar nature were gathering in the 
south-east, and like two enemies at battle, amid an incessant roar of 
thunder and flashing of lightning the two masses advanced on each 
other, and a terrible roar like an unremitting peal of thunder, told 
too truly the terrible story that the warring masses had met, and the 
battle of destruction had begun. The lightnings flashed, thunders 
pealed and the roarings of the winds made the night hideous. Crash- 
ing timbers could be heard as they flew through the air on the wings 
of the whirlwind, striking houses, fences, barns and other out-build- 
ings. Houses rocked to and fro as a cradle. Some were lifted com- 
pletely from their foundations and whirled a distance of from three 
to 15 feet. Some houses were completely twisted out of shape and 
unroofed ; while the majority were injured slightly, a number were 
completely wrecked. Small out-houses stood no more chance in the 
fury of this storm than a feather would. Some of them were scat- 
tered a distance of miles over the fields and streets. 

Fortunately for the city the path of the cyclone was across the south 
part of the town, or what is called South Africa, and while a few good 
houses were damaged, most of those destroyed were huts and cabins 
occupied by negroes and of but little value. 

Early Monday morning we passed over a good portion of the path 
51 (887) 



888 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

of the storm to learn the facts as near as possible. In many places 
it was a scene of remarkable destruction, and many instances were 
plain of the terrific character of the disturbing element. 

Though we could not obtain a very clear idea of the character or 
manner of creation, it seems that the cyclone formed in the Chariton 
bottom, about one mile west of A. B. Lewis', 14 or 15 miles south- 
west of Macon, and was accompanied by the usual funnel-shaped 
cloud. 

No fences were left in any part of the storm, which was about one- 
quarter of a mile wide, and in many orchards and in the woods the 
trees were torn up by the roots or twisted into shreds. In many 
places trees were carried a considerable distance. In ftict we saw 
some trees in the woods torn up by the roots, and could not see where 
they came from. 

The first damage to buildings was the partial destruction of Mr. A. 
B. Lewis' barn 14 miles south-west of Macon. Damage perhaps 
$300. 

The place of Mr. C. E. Miller, about one mile north-east, was next 
in line, and not a thing of the fine house and barn and out-houses was 
left standing. Every building was literally riddled, and his orchard 
and trees generally were torn up by the roots. Part of the build- 
ing was blown two and a half miles. R. Green's little boy was se- 
riously hurt, having his thigh bone broken in two places. Mr. Mil- 
ler's wife was seriously injured, and he also sustained some loss in 
stock killed, losing one fine mule and its mate broken down in the 
back. He also lost some cattle. Mr. Miller's improvements were 
good, and his loss is estimated at $3,000 to $4,000. 

A mile still further this way the house of J. A. Summers was 
entirely destroyed, and his barn about half carried away and out- 
bouses damaged. His apple trees were also ruined. Damage perhaps 
$1,000. 

West a quarter of a mile was the house of John Clarkson, but now 
there is nothing left on the place but ruins, and Mrs. Clarkson was 
instantly killed. At the time of the shock Mr. and Mrs. Clarkson 
were standing together on the floor. When Mr. Clarkson regained 
consciousness he heard his wife groan, and, on moving, felt her lying 
close to him, and discovered they were in a mass of debris, about 25 
feet from where they had been standing. Attempting to pick Mrs. 
Clarkson up he found she was dead. He was greatly shocked, but 
not seriously hurt. The house seemed to have rolled over, and the 
>ills were broke in two. Loss on property about $2,000. 

Three hundred yards west of Mr. Clarkson's the buildings and 
lrees of Esq. Joe Burris were swept away, his family being saved in 
the cellar. Esq. Burris had a fine place, and it is thought $4,000 will 
not replace his improvements. 

Burris' school-house near by was razed to the ground and his wife 
seriously hurt. 

A quarter of a mile this side of Mr. Burris' the place of Mr. 
Rigger, a German, was damaged, but no particulars learned. 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. - 889 

Still further north-east a quarter of a mile, William Shunk's house 
was unroofed and a girl injured. 

A half mile north, the buildings on the place of John Blankenship 
were riddled. Loss $1,500 to $2,000. 

A half mile still further to the north-east is the place of Charley 
Buster, whose buildings were all destroyed. When the shock came 
the family ran into the smoke-house, but just as they entered it it 
was carried off. The house belonged to James Banta. Loss oi) 
buildings about $500. Mr. Buster's loss is about $150. 

In the same neighborhood Mrs. John Miller's barn was unroofed 
and wrecked. 

A half mile this side of Buster's the house belonging to Evans 
Wright and occupied by Evans Summers was blown down and 
burned catching fire from the stove. The house was not valuable — 
worth perhaps $300. Mr. Summers lost everything in his house. 

In the same neighborhood the Imildings of Mrs. Jane Rower were 
unroofed, but could not get particulars. 

The chimney on Allen Miller's house was torn down and his barn 
wrecked. Damage about $400. 

All the buildings on Allen Banta's place, still further north-east, 
were razed to the ground, but the family, fortunately, were not at 
home. The loss is put at $2,500. 

Three-fourths of a mile or so north-east the barn of Thomas 

Roberts was unroofed and his house wrecked. Damage about $1,500. 

Next north-east, less than a mile, the house of Wes Banta was 

razed to the ground, but the barn still stands, though wrecked. 

Damage about $()00. 

In same neighborhood the house of Thomas Banta was lifted up, 
the end carried around 40 or 50 feet and set down entirely away from 
the foundation, the east front turned directly north. Part of the 
roof was torn off, but it did not look to be otherwise greatly damaged. 
Some of Mr. Banta's out-houses were razed to the ground. The 
above two gentlemen compose the firm of Banta Bros., grocers, on 
Rollins street, this city. 

The next house in the line of the storm was that of Elijah Banta's, 
where quite a number of the relatives and friends had assembled to 
see Mrs. Banta and Mr. James, Mrs. Banta's father, both of whom 
were confined to their beds in the house with illness. There were in 
all 17 persons in the house, but (me of whom escaped entirely un- 
hurt, and not a stick of a single building on the place was left stand- 
ing. Of those in the house, Mrs. Elijah Banta was fatally injured, 
living about half an hour, and Mr. Mordecai Harp and his son Alonzo 
were seriously and perhaps fatally injured. The old gentleman was 
bruised about the stomach, and the young man had a frightful 
hole — large enough to admit of three fingers — torn into 
his side under the arm-pit, extending into the hollow of the 
body. The bedstead on which Mr. James Avas lying was carried 
away, and he left lying on the ticking on the floor where the bed 



890 , HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY 

stood, and was not seriously hurt. Dr. Jackson, who was then 
attending him, was carried out with the debris and lodged under a 
part of the building, but was saved from perhaps fatal injuries by the 
wind under the timbers raising them up, and every time the timbers 
thus loosened he would straighten out. Twice the pile upon him was 
thus lifted, when the current carried it otf, releasing him. As it was, 
his ankle was dislocated, and he was sorely bruised. He got up and 
inquired if any one was killed or seriously hurt. He was told there 
was not, and soon started for Mr. Thomas Miller's, accompanied by 
Alonzo Harp, who was wounded in the side, but he did not know he 
was so seriously hurt. At Miller's Dr. Jackson did Avhat he could for 
Harp, and securing a horse, his own escaping unhurt from the stable 
at Banta's, rode home. It is remarkable how the Doctor got home, 
crippled as he was. In addition to those already mentioned as being 
in Mr. Banta's house were Mrs. Mordecai Harp, Elijah Banta, William 
Barnes and wife, Stephen Smith and wife, Arthur Cooley and wife 
and C. L. Barrow. We did not get names of the others. Some 
strange things were noticed at Mr. Banta's place, among others, two 
chickens and a turkey that came out of the storm minus many 
feathers, places on then! being entirely bare. They seemed to be 
otherwise serene. Just how the storm tore the feathers from these 
fowls we do not attempt to explain, but it is certain it did it. 

Next in the path of the cyclone was the splendid improvements of 
T. B. Miller, which were entirely destroyed and scattered through the 
woods. Fortunately his family were unhurt. Some of their barn 
was left standing. The trees about the place were torn up by the 
roots. The damage is perhaps $2,500. 

A quarter of a mile west William Burton's house was unroofed. 

North-east half a mile Charles Ross had recently built a small box 
house, which he and his family occupied. Nothing was left standing 
on the place, and Mr. Ross was killed, thougb we could not learn 
details. In fact, in each case it was simply a shock, and all was laid 
in ruins, and the storm had practically subsided or passed on by the 
time those present recovered from the jar. 

In the same neighborhood Mr. Smith's house and barn were 
destroyed and Mr. S. slightly hurt. 

Along the path of the storm as it crossed East fork, great damage 
was done to timber, and where the hills were struck on this side the 
grass was peeled otf. It was also plain that when the cyclone struck 
these hills it was at least partially scattered and turned up the little 
valley, or else it would have passed along the west or north-west side 
of town. This course was plainly indicated by a lot of flour 
scattered some distance in that direction from Elijah Banta's house, 
and was also indicated by the effect on the hills where the cyclone 
struck. 

The next damage was to Mr, Jurgensou's barn, on the edge of the 
town, which was damaged about $300. 

Near by Mr. William Magnus* barn was destroyed, and two rooms 
to his house torn away. Damaged about $1,300. 



■ HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 891 

A Strange incident in this locality is found in the fact that about 
three feet of water in Capt. Bill Smith's pond, on the old Lyle place, 
was taken out. 

It is hard to tell where the storm first struck, or the direction it 
took, for boards were scattered in every direction. The wind first 
struck the large frame house of Charles Lawrence, east of town, tear- 
ing off a portion of the roof, scattering shingles and fragments of 
bo^irds in every direction, tearing down fences, moving his stable 
about six feet and twisting large trees from their roots. It next struck 
the house of Joseph Guy, colored, injuring Lizzie Guy in the side, 
seriously. Next it struck the house of Shadrack Fray, colored, tear- 
ing down outhouses, fences, trees and partially unroofing his resi- 
dence. Several little shanties in the track of the cyclone were 
demolished, and the debris scattered for miles across the country. 
The ice house and stable of Maurice O'Brien were partially torn 
down, both unroofed and house slightly damaged. It struck the 
residence of Jerry Allen, colored, in the eastern part of the city, 
tearing out windows, sending large timbers through the weather-board- 
ing and plastering, moving the house eight or ten feet and demolish- 
ing everything within. The house of Walker Tidings, colored, next 
followed", the^roof falling in on the inmates, who were in the act of 
retiring for the night. Here the great strength of the seething, whirling, 
destroying monster was fully portrayed. A large safe, or cui)board, 
filled with dishes, was carried a distance of 75 yards and dashed to 
the ground, demolishing everything. Mrs. Tidings and a little girl 
were injured by timbers falling on them. A large two-story house, 
owned by G. Steiger, Chicago,"in the south-east part of the town, un- 
occupied, was crushed to the earth like an egg shell, and is a total 
wreck. In its track was the public school building for the colored 
people, a commodious brick structure, leveling it to the ground, the 
walls falling in every direction. The building is a total wreck. The 
house of Anthony Haley, colored, was next demolished, the inmates 
sustaining slight bruises and cuts. J. W. Riley's fences and out- 
buildings were blown down, a shed falling on his buggy and smashing 
it. Thomas Hanrahan, adjoining Riley's, had his house whirled 
around ofl^the foundation and kitchen turned over. Charles Soldan's 
residence was partially unroofed, stable and fence blown, and large 
mai)le trees torn up by the roots. The house of George Houser 
suffered considerable damage by being partially unroofed, and the 
property of W. C. Belshe, adjoining, had all the outhouses and fences 
blown down. The house of a colored w^oman named Smith was 
moved about three feet. L. P. Woodridge's fence, two or three out- 
buildings blown down and shade and fruit trees torn up by the roots, 
and twisted off as one would twist a blade of grass. Shade trees 
ruined at the residence of Otto Habbermann, Mrs. Troester, William 
Trister and the porch of the residence of Mrs. C. Brown was carried 
awav, as were all the fences and other appurtenances thereon. 

The African M. E. Church was struck from the south-east and 



892 HISTOKY OF MACON COUNTY. 

toppled over, partly fiiliing on the side of the house owned and 
occupied by Jesse McNutt, colored, moving the house about three 
feet. Luckily there is a tornado risk on the church for $1,000. 

Other and minor buildings were demolished, and to attempt to 
enumerate the extent of damage done to trees, fences and other smaller 
items would be too lengthy for our time and space. The devastater 
struck the two-story frame house of Willis Turner, a colored man, 
tearing it down, the timbers falling on George Turner, father of Willis, 
injuring him it is supposed fatally. The old agricultural works 
building was partially unroofed. The building on the south-east 
corner of Vine and Ruby streets, occupied by D. K. Hagy as a 
residence and place of business, also felt the power of the cyclonic 
destroyer; the upper portion of the east wall for 15 or 20 feet south of 
Vine was blown out. Joseph and J. H. Patton had their outbuildings 
and fences scattered, and the residences of Mr. N. Hunt and Dr. Still 
suffered in like manner. 

Mrs. Jennie Barrow's fine residence, just beyond the southern 
limits of the city, was considerably damaged, but the loss is fully 
covered by a cyclone policy. 

The residence of Mr. Hornback was partially unroofed, and Mr. C 
Strong's property suffered somewhat also. 

Although the damage to the eastern portion of the town was great, 
excepting the school-house and church, the damage done in the 
western part was equally as great. Everywhere one went the marks 
of the cyclone's terrible work were plainly visible. 

Mr. Phil. Reichel's property sustained serious damage, outhouses 
and fences being blown away, and the roof of his residence being 
damaged greatly. 

The residence of Mr. Chope was seriously injured, the fences were 
torn down, and his stable was lifted completely ofi' the ground from 
over his horses, leaving them standing tied in their places, one of 
them receiving only a slight scratch on the side. The stable was 
carried a short distance and then dashed to the ground and de- 
molished. 

A house, unoccupied, owned by D. H. Pa3^son, was partially blown 
away, the fences being blown down and the wind twisting up a huge 
silver-maple tree by the roots. 

The house occupied by Mr. Ballon, near the old Catholic Church, 
was damaged, the large trees and outbuildings torn down and 
scattered. In some places the limbs of trees that were verdured with 
the richness of spring were stripped clean of their foliage, as if one 
had taken a knife and trimmed the leaves off. 

The stable of Thomas Bledsoe blew down upon his horses, and he 
and his wife rushed out in the hail and wind and heroically threw the 
boards and heavy rafters off the poor brutes, thereby saving their 
lives. 

The house of Fred. O'Neil, colored, was completely gutted, both 
ends being blown out, the wind sweeping through, taking everything 
out of the house and scattering them over the prairie and yards. 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 893 

George Sherman had his stable, fences and other buildings torn 
down. 

The residence of Benjamin Woodson suffered next, the roof being 
partially torn off, fences and outbuildings being torn down. 

The house of William Forcht was damaged, outhouse and fence 
carried away, a small meat-house being lifted up and carried a dis- 
tance of 50 feet or more, and thrown up against the house of Anthony 
Roan (colored), mashing in the end, and knocking it from its foun- 
dation. 

Houses owned by Mrs. Smith, Wherley Patton, Phoebe Watts, 
Mahala Austin, Joe Allen, John Washington, Margaret Allen, were 
all damaged, Mrs. Patton being slightly injured by flying boards. 
The property of A. R. Lemon suffered extensive damage. Mrs. 
Vaughn, a colored woman, was in bed at the time the cyclone struck, 
and was picked up, bed and all, and was carried out into her garden, 
and was gently let down, receiving no injury. Her house, a two-story, 
was mashed into match-wood. Her escape can be regarded as mirac- 
ulous, as well as providential. 

There were quite a number of other buildings blown down and an 
immense lot of property destroyed, but the manner in which we 
escaped was simply wonderful. There is not a house that is standing 
in the track of the cyclone, but what is more or less damaged. The 
blacksmith shop of Ab. Bohannan was unroofed and the front end 
blown out, and the bill boards of both circuses smashed into pieces 
and distributed promiscuously over the common and street. Two 
freight cars on the Wabash Railroad were blown over, while the old 
hay press structure, standing within 25 or 30 feet, that three men 
could push over, was left standing. There were several very narrow 
escapes of individuals with their lives, which were marvelous. Henry 
Braggo, a colored boy, was struck by a flying tree and picked up and 
carried a distance of 75 yards into a yard, sustaining no further in- 
jury than a few bruises on the face and about the ribs. 

Paul Walker, a colored man, was lifted by the wind and carried a 
distance of 100 feet over the railroad track, receiving severe injuries. 

A large barrel half filled with mortar, was blown up into the air a 
distance of 100 feet, striking edgeways on the roof of a house, cutting 
a hole therein and knocking out the end of the barrel. In the busi- 
ness part of town but little damage was done, excepting to Hagy's 
building, A few window glass were blown out of the stores of J. W. 
Angus, J. T. Gellhaus and E. J. Newcomer & Co. ; and a portion of 
the front of Jackson & Raines' livery stable and the fronts out of two 
small buildings on Weed street. 

There are other incidents so wonderful that they are hardly credit- 
able, that could be told but space forbids. • We have endeavored to 
give as minute an account of the terrible work of the cyclone as could 
be obtained. The wind evidently came from every quarter, as frag- 
ments of buildings, etc., could be found in all directions. 

Macon has had her long-looked-for cyclone, and the terrible work 
it has wrought will long be remembered by the people whom it visited. 



894 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

The colored people suffered mostly, and some are in very distressed 
circumstances, as they have lost everything. 

The scene of tlie wreck is a distressing one. Men with resolute 
faces are working faithfully, silently, to gather about them all that is 
left for them to gather. Women and children, some weeping, others 
more courageous are helping their husbands and friends to erect a 
place of shelter from the rain of another night. The work is a terri- 
ble work, but 'tis done. 

[From Macon Times.] 

In our extra we overlooked the misfortune visited upon our neigh- 
bor the Republican. The roof was blown from the building occupied 
by J. G. Vancleve, the upper story of which is occupied as a part of 
the Republican printing office. This part of the office was flooded 
with water making matters unpleasant and inconvenient for a time. 

NOTES AND INCIDENTS. 

Numbers of the citizens sought refuge in cellars, and thus escaped 
the fury of the wind. A large barn of Mr. F. Jurgenson was lifted 
from its foundation and carried over a smaller building and then torn 
to pieces. Household goods, wearing apparel, pieces of furniture, 
cooking utensils and other articles were found scattered for miles over 
the prairies and fields. 

One old darkey, who lost heavily by the cyclone, remarked the 
next day, " That he wouldn't have cared much, but it blowed de finest 
chicken I had into de well." 

A colored wOman named Irving was hung up in a large oak sapling, 
where she remained for an hour, so badly frightened that she was 
unable to come down or help herself. A darkey named Tidings had 
his house lifted clear ofi* of the ground and a portion of it carried over 
20 feet with its occupants and then dropped to the ground, falling to 
pieces and injuring the inmates. Tuesday morning some gentlemen 
were trying to hire some negro men to go out into the country, and 
put up fence. One negro replied, " No, sah ; my house was injured, 
and I'se lookin' fur de 'lief committee now." 

Alonzo Harp, the young man who was injured in the cyclone last 
Sunday evening, was one of the most highly esteemed young men of 
the county, and his death, which occurred Wednesday morning, was 
sad indeed. He was to have been married the next day, Thursday. 
An infant, five months old, belonging to a negro woman named Mc- 
Kenny, was lifted by the wind, carried over 300 yards and dropped 
into a field owned by Charles Lawrence, where it was found in the 
morning uninjured, though drenched to the skin. When found the 
little one was laughing and contented. 

A negro child, three years old named Murphy, was found near the 
Barrow house, south of town. How she got there, she cannot tell, 
and no one knows, but she was found in her night clothes, at a dis- 
tance of nearly a half mile from the house in which her parents lived, 
which was totally wrecked. 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 895 

The remarkable fact was demonstrated by the cyclone Sunday, that 
wearing apparel, bed clothhig, etc., with which it came in contact, 
when found, were completely rotten, appearing to be nothing but a 
mass of ashes, but retaining their shape until handled, although the 
articles looked sound to eye, and did not have any of the marks of 
fire about them. 

Another remarkable feature of the cyclone is, that through the for- 
ests where it passed, the leaves on the trees turned completely black 
as though a heavy frost had fallen upon them. These two features, 
taken in connection, strengthens and goes a long way towards proving 
the electrical theory of Prof. Tice, in regard to these phenomena, to be 
correct. 

Mr. John Blankenship, who was seriously damaged by the cy- 
clone, was standing looking directly at the storm as it approached. 
When the torrent was within 300 yards of his house, a large ball of 
fire shot down to the o-round and at almost the same instant the house 
was riddled. Where the ball of fire struck the ground the earth is 
packed very hard, as though it had been beaten down with a maul. 

Elijah Banta, whose buildings were swept away and wife killed by 
the cyclone Sunday evening, says the shock sounded like the discharge 
of a single cannon at a distance, and that for a moment after the 
shock he knew nothing except that a great torrent of mud and trash 
poured upon him. He could not see a particle, and when he at- 
tempted to rise it seemed he was submerged in steam from a boiling 
kettle. The kindness displayed by the citizens in turning out Tues- 
day and rebuilding the fences blown down, speaks volumes for the 
community. About 400 men were on the grounds, coming from the 
towns west as far as Chillicothe. The noble sons of Bevier turned 
out to the tune of near 100, with a liberal number from Summit. 
Several gangs went out from Macon, notwithstanding losses here 
which demanded attention. Although some objects to the spectators 
who witnessed the terrible work of the cyclone were pitiful and dis- 
tressing, there were also some incidents which were ludicrous as well 
as amusing. Our paragrapher was amazed at the lightness of heart 
with Avhich some people bore their losses. One old colored woman 
weighing over 250 pounds was somewhat amusing to the bystanders 
as she recounted her experience of the terrible situation. On being 
questioned, she told her story : — 

"1 was stan'in' by de doah," she said, "an' I seed de sto'm 
comin'. It looked like two race bosses on de rampaige. I got in de 
house an' got all de chillern an' de ole man in de house. De ole man 
an' fo' ob de chillern got agin' de back doah and I an' five ob de 
chillern got agin' de front doah. I was holdin' Mary Ellen's baby 
which is five months ole. Den de wind struck ; de doah begin to gib 
wa3^ an' I sed to de ole man, ' Lawdy, Joe, I dun tole you I kent 
hoi' dis yar doah no longer, ' an' de doah busted in. Fo' God, chile, 
you'd orter see de chillern an' de res' ob de firniture fly ! " 

Another old colored lady, whose house had been swept away, and 



896 . HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

who weighed over 300 pounds, was completely overcome by her situ- 
ation. Although she was fat — not fair — and fifty, she wept. 

"Chile," she said, between her sobs, "I heerd it comin' and I 
fought dat de shoutin' time, an' I begin to pray, chile ; I prayed, 
an' ebery time dat house shuk I yelled an' prayed. Den I begin to 
sing, but w'en dat house, floo' an' all begin to crawl from under me 
I fouo-ht the kingdom had come, shuah ; an' ebery crawl dat house 
took I'd yell, Lawd, she's a comin'. Den de house was lifted clean 
up, floo' an' all, ober dat little shed ober dar, an' we'n I woke up I 
war layin' ober dar, wid my head in de flou' ches' ; oh, honey, dis 
am terrible." 

HURRICANE, JULY 13, 1883. 
[From Macon Times] . 

Never before, perhaps, in the history of Macon were her citizens in 
o-reater despair than during the hour in which the storm raged over 
the city with such frightful aspects. 

It was a time when strong men were weak ; it was a time when it 
were arrant cowardice to say one was not afraid. It was an hour of 
terror to every heart waiting, watching and fearing that every mo- 
ment the worst would come. It was a time when they thought little 
of personal bickerings ; but turned in vain to those nearest with ap- 
pealing eyes, only to join each other in shuddering and scringing at 
each succeeding gust of wind that swayed and rocked everything in 
its path. It was a time when the heavens seemed filled with clouds 
that had no "silver lining;" but when they had cleared away all 
seemed grateful that the damages resulting were no worse. 

The storm began, at a little past three o'clock, and made earth 
hideous for more than an hour. At one time it was so dark that one 
could scarcely see in a room, and during a great time of the storm it 
was difficult to tell whether houses were down or standing across the 
street, the water, which fell so fast, being blown in such blinding 
sheets. 

The heaviest loss in the city was that of St. James' Academy, 
prized by all as the pride of the city. After a hard struggle, a large 
and imposing three-story wing to the old building was nearing com- 
pletion. It was to have been finished in five weeks, but the storm 
laid the new addition in ruins, leaving the original building standing. 
The walls of the academy fell upon a portion of the residence of the 
rector. Rev. Mr. Talbot, and crushed it to the ground ; but, fortu- 
nately, no one was in the house at the time, the family being at 
Fayette. 



CHAPTER XYI. 

Agricultural Societies — Granges — Coal and Fruit Interests — Official Record. 
AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES. 

The people of Macon county, feeling the need of a county fair, 
effected an organization in 1859. The benefits of such an organiza- 
tion, when rightly conducted, are varied and manifold. The society 
placed right ideals before the people, and by various incentives, 
called them to a higher plane of thought and action. The best 
thoughts of the world, the results of much study, experiment and 
investigation, are transferred from all lands and brought into the 
homes of the people. The premium list covers the whole circle of 
human industries, and every family in the county feels the benefits 
incident to emulation. The gathering of people in masses and the 
annual display of the best products for examination, comparison and 
study, carries higher ideals and new thoughts to every home. Farm- 
ers discuss these matters around the fireside and their farms begin to 
show improvements in every way. Improved breeds of stock are 
introduced, better seed is sown, and new cereals tried, improved 
implements are bought, farm-houses are constructed on better plans, 
and the home is furnished with many comforts and luxuries which 
would never have been thought of, without the fair. It may be con- 
ceded that conductors of fairs have fallen below the true ideals, and 
have not used all the forces placed in their hands by these organiza- 
tions for human improvement, but the Macon county fairs have 
never fallen below the average. 

The Macon County Agricultural and Mechanical Society was incor- 
porated June 6, 1859, with the following members: Frederick Eow- 
land, Thomas Pool, Joseph D. Butler, William Griffin, James Parker, 
J. H. Bean, William T. Griffin, B. T. Grafford, William Henry, Jesse 
Hall, William Holman, Samuel P. Brown, William Palmer, Georgi' 
S. Palmer, S. S. Winn, Thomas Winn, Sr., Franklin Hord, William 
S. Fox, W. D. Bean, J. W. Lamb, John Hoyne, B. F. Coulter, B. E. 
Harris, M. P. Haley, Thomas Winn, Jr., Thomas P. Eubey, W. C. 
Smith, S. Davis, R. S. Bevier, A. P. McCall, Albert Larrabee, E. A. 

(897) 



898 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

Matiiey, Charles Parker, B. F. Stokes, J. H. Petty, W. R. Brock, 
Thomas L. Gorhara, H. B. Menfey, James A. Terrell, D. H. Cald- 
well, J. M. Burk, A. T. Turry, Ludwell Evans, J. B. Rodgers, Adin 
Atteberry, W. C. Phelps, R. S. Rally, Harry Taylor, J. S. Boice, 
Alfred Ray, N. H. Patton, W. P. Chandler, R. D. Summers, R. T. 
Johnson, W. D. Bartle, R. T. Ellis, W. M. Rubey and Isaac 
Goodding. 

The second fair was organized in 1868, April 6th, with the follow- 
ing officers : — 

Old stockholders in new organization, with others — Isaac Good- 
ding, president ; James A. Terrell, vice-president ; Isaac Goodding, 
John P. Walker, Dermenas Banta, J. Hendershott, James A. Terrell, 
William C. Smith, A. P. McCall, N. H. Patton, William Holman, 
directors; R. E. Eggleston, secretary; J. M. Bourke, treasurer. 

The last fair was held in 1874. 

GRANGES. 

There were 18 lodges of Patrons of Husbandry in the county, num- 
bering fully 1,000 members. 

COAL AND FRUIT INTERESTS. 

It has been estimated that about two-thirds of Macon county is un- 
derlaid with coal of the best quality. The most important of the 
workable mines are those which are located at and near the town of 
Bevier, five miles west of Macon. At this point Loomis and Snively 
operate mines numbers one, three and four. The firm is composed of 
W. H. Loomis, L. J. Loomis and S. V. Snively. These mines were 
opened before the late Civil War by the Central Coal Mining Company. 
Loomis and Snively mine their coal by machinery without picking it 
into screenings. Their shafts are sunk from 60 to 70 feet below the 
surface of the earth. They own 2,000 acres of coal land. In the 
winter of 1883-84 they shipped from 800 to 900 car loads of coal per 
month, and employed from 300 to 400 men. In the summer th'ey 
shipped from 600 to 700 cars per month. The coal veins average 
about four and one-half feet in thickness. 

Thomas Wardell, of Macon, owns three mines at Summit in the 
vicinity of Bevier ; only two of these are now worked. He employs 
about 200 men in the winter, and from 80 to 100 men in the summer. 
He ships upon an average about 257 cars of coal per month ; the vein 
is four feet in thickness, and the shafts run to a depth of 100 feet. 
Mr. Wardell owns 2,800 acres of coal lands. 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 899 

The Ouk Dale Company, composed of J. W. Atwill and H. J. Seip, 
located at Bevier, employ about 75 men upon an average, and ship 200 
cars of coal per month. This company works mine number two, 
which was opened during the late war. The coal is about four feet 
thick ; 60 foot shaft. This company owns 120 acres of coal land. 

The Watson Coal Mining Company is also located at Bevier, and is 
operated by W. S. Watson & Sons. The mine was opened in 1882; 
four and one-half foot vein and 75 foot shaft. About 80 men are em- 
ployed ; 300 cars of coal are shipped in winter per month and about 
125 in the summer. 

The Emmerson coal mines are in Narrows township and are owned 
and operated by William H. Jones & Co., the members of the com- 
pany being William H. Jones, P. Y. Hurt, Jefferson Morrow, C. M. 
King, George King, William King, John King, Henry Vanskike. 
These mines work about 50 men, and ship about 75 cars of coal per 
month. 

The richest coal fields in the county, so far as they have been de- 
veloped, are in Bevier and Chariton townships. The fields occupy the 
country lying below the Hannibal and St. Joe Railroad, between the 
Wabash Railroad and Middle fork of the Chariton river, and cover an 
area of about 70 square miles. 

Coal is found in sections 21, 22, 4, 8 and 9 in Chariton township. 
In section 22 the vein is about seven feet in thickness. The mines in 
Chariton township have no railroad facilities ; they belong to J. G. 
Richmond, E. S. Gipson, P. M. Tuttle, J. M. Burris and others. 
Much of the coal in Chariton township crops out on the banks of 
the streams. The oldest coal mine in the county was opened at 
Carbon, east of Macon, in Hudson township ; this, however, has been 
abandoned for some time. 

Thomas Jobson operates a mine at Lingo. He supplies coal to the 
local trade and also to the railroad. This mine has been opened 
about 12 years. From 40 to 75 men are employed and from two to 
four car loads of coal are taken from the mines per day. 

The coal supplied by Macon county is most excellent in quality, 
and is classed as the very best of steam-making coal. There are but 
few counties, if any, in the State that are more highly favored in re- 
gard to coal — both as to quality and abundance — than Macon. 
From the foregoing it will be seen that nearly 2,000 car loads of coal 
are shipped from Macon county every month, or 24,000 car loads per 
annum, saying nothing of the quantity used for home consumption. 



900 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 



FRUIT. 



Macon county is one of the best fruit growing counties in the State, 
antl will in a i'ew years equal if not surpass any other county in the 
production of apples. The apple crop for the winters of 1882-83 
amounted to 105,000 barrels that were shipped to Chicago and the 
Northern markets, saying nothing of the thousands of bushels that 
were sold to the local trade and used at home. Edward and N. H. 
Green (brothers) cultivate the largest apple orchard in the county — 
they having an orchard of 80 acres of bearing trees. J. W. Patton 
is putting out an orchard of 40 acres, as are also H. S. Gordon and 
J. P. Moore. The apple crop for 1884 promises a greater yield than 
for any preceding year. The Ben Davis takes the lead ; then comes 
the Genitan, Jonathan, Wine-sap, Baldwin, Willow Twig, Yellow 
and White Belle Flower, Parmain, Maiden's Blush, Milan, Newtown 
Pippen, the Northern Spy and a few other kinds. Small fruits, such 
as cherries, currants, gooseberries, blackberries, strawberries and 
raspberries do well, and are not only raised by the farmers, but these 
fruits are to be seen in the yards and gardens of those who live in 
the towns and villages throughout the county. 

Grapes, especially the Concord, thrive well, and could be produced 
in great abundance if there Were any market or demand for them 
away from the county. Pears hit occasionally — once every two or 
three years ; peaches do well when they are not injured by cold 
weather ; an ordinary hard winter, however, will kill the trees. 

OFFICIAL RECORD. 

State Senators — John H. Bean, 1846 ; Frederick Rowland, 1854; 
William S. Fox, 1858 ; Abner L. Gilstrap,i 1862 ; Web. M. Rubey, 
1874; H. F. Caldwell, 1878. Representatives — Johnson Wright, 
1838 ; William Griffin, 1840 ; R. S. Shackelford, 1844 ; W. E. Moberly, 
1846; George A. Shortridge, 1848 ; Frederick Rowland, 1850; Ab- 
ner L. Gilstrap, 1854 ; George M. Taylor, 1857 ; Thomas L. Gorham, 
1858 ; B. H. Weatherford, 1860; Thomas Moody, 1862 ; Thomas A. 
Eagle, 1864 ; John Saylor, 1868 ; John E. Goodson, 1870 ; Amherst 
P. McCall, 1872 ; John E. Goodson, 1873 ; James D. Humphreys, 
1874; John F. Williams and P. Y. Hurt, 1876; William M. 
Vancleve, B., and W. D. Powell, G., 1878; Walker S. Sears 
and L. A. Thompson, 1880 ; Walker S. Sears, 1882. Judges Circuit 



I Served two years; others four years. 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 901 

Court — Thomas Reynolds, James Clark, Biirch Clark Leland, William 
A. Hall, George H. Biirckhartt, John W. Henry, Andrew Ellison. 
Judges Common Pleas Court — At New Cambria, William A. Guysel- 
man ; at La Plata, William A. Guyselman ; at Macon City, H. P. 
Vrooman. Judges Probate Court — A. L. Gilstrap, John T. Johnson, 
Benjamin Sharp, M. B. Eskridge, A. T. Harper, John M. Gilstrap, 
D. E. Wilson, H. P. Vrooman, E. W. Knott and R. S. Matthews. 
County Recorders — The recording was done by the circuit clerks, ex 
officio, until the year 1868, when the recorders have been William A. 
Guyselman, 1868, two years ; B. F. Stone, 1870, four years ; Thad- 
deus Marmaduke, 1874 ; Marmaduke in 1878, died in 1882 ; Hezekiah 
Purdora, 1882, appointed; Jno. H. Griffin,^ 1882.. County Treasur- 
ers — George W. Green, William Holman, Jabez N. Brown, Andrew 
J. Marmaduke, George W. Beams, B. F, Stone, Strander Crum, 
Thomas G. Sharp, William H. Goodding, elected in 1876 ; Phillip Tram- 
mel, in 1878 ; Phillip Trammel, in 1880; Jefferson Morrow, Mn 1882. 
Sheriffs — Thomas Jefferson Morrow, 1837 ; Archibald Shoemaker, 
1842 ; Daniel C. Hubbard, 1844 ; Wilson L. Fletcher, 1848 ; William 
J. Morrow, 1850 ; Charles C. McKinney, 1854 ; Robert T. Ellis, 1858 ; 
Amherst P. McCall, 1860 ; William Holman, 1862 ; Jacob Gilstrap, 
1864 ; William Forbes, 1866 ; Thomas A. Eagle, 1868 ; Ed. C. Shain, 
1870 ; William H. Terrill, 1874 ; Terrill, re-elected, 1876 ; A. J. Davis, 
1878; John S. Lyda, 1880; and John H. Morgan,^ 1882. County 
Clerks — Daniel C. Hubbard, 1837; George M. Taylor, 1844; 
George A. Shortridge, 1856 ; James M. Love, 1862 ; John Farrar, 
1866 : Mathew Hockensmith, 1870 ; James M. Love, 1874 ; James G. 
Howe, 1878; James G. Howe, 1882. Circuit Clerks — Daniel C. 
Hubbard, 1837; George M. Taylor, 1844; George A. Shortridge, 
1856; Walter T. Gilraan, 1862; John M. London, 1866 ; E. B. Van 
Vleet, 1870; Thomas A. Smedley, 1874; Thomas A. Smedley, 1878; 
J. L. Martin, 1882. County Court Judges — 1837 — John S. Mor- 
row, Joseph Owenby, James C. Cochran. 1838 — Summers Wright, 
Philip Dale, Joseph Owenby. Elected in October, 1838 — Philip 
Dale, Elvan Allen, Tyre Dabney. 1840 — Wesley Halliburton, Lyre 
Dabney, Walker Austin. 1841 — Tyre Dabney, Archibald Shoe- 
maker, Walker Austin. 1842 — Tyre Dabney, Walker Austin, F. 
Rowland. 1843 — F. Rowland, Jefferson Morrow, Walker Austin. 
1844 — Walker Austin, Jefferson Morrow, J. H. Graves. 1845 — J. 
H. Graves, D. F. Myers, Jefferson Morrow. 1845-46 — William 



1 Present incumbent 



902 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

Griffin, D. F. Myers, J. H. Graves. 1846— D. F. Myers, William 
Griffin, S. B. Beebe. 1846-48 — P. M. Stacy, S. P. Beebe, D. F. 
Myers. 1848-50 — S. P. Beebe, P.M. Stacy, W. S. Fox. 1850-52 — 
Nathan Barrow, John Banta, W. S. Fox. 1852-55 — Nathan Bar- 
row, William Easley, John Banta. 1855-57 — William Easley, Silas 
Barnes, Samuel S. Lingo. 1857-63 — Samuel S. Lingo, Isaac Good- 
ding, John D. Smith. 1863-65 — John D. Smith, Andrew Dodson, 
Samuel S. Lingo. 1865-67 — Samuel S. Lingo, Andrew Dodson, 
A. C. Atterberry. 1867-70 — J. R. Alderman, William D. Roberts, 
Charles P. Hess. 1870-71 — Samuel S. Lingo, John M. Wilson, John 
Gilbreath. 1871 — James R. Alderman, Samuel S. Lingo, Charles P. 
Hess. 1872 — Charles P. Hess, T. C. Campbell, Samuel S. Lingo. 

In 1872 the several municipal townships elected supervisors to act 
as a county court. The whole number of supervisors elected were 25. 
The names of the supervisors were E. W. Norton, Lingo township; 
James M. Randall, Callao township ; Ezra Lamkin, Ten Mile town- 
ship ; P. Y. Hurt, Morrow township ; C. E. Griffith, Eagle township ; 
George Sherman, Hudson township ; E. J. Demeter, assistant super- 
intendent, Hudson township ; A. B. Vincent, White township ; Andrew 
Dodson, Lyda township; William M. Neilson, Chariton township; 
E. Banta, Bevier township ; S. C. Powell, Narrows township; F. M. 
Cox, Middle Fork township ; John P. Walker, Round Grove town- 
ship ; A. E. Stephens, Jackson township; G. W. Nagle, Drake town- 
ship ; John A. Brown, Walnut Creek township ; Daniel Murly, La 
Plata township ; Thomas W. McDavitt, Easley township ; George W. 
Elliott, Independence township; J. P. Powell, Johnston township; 
John Gross, Valley township ; Solomon Melam, Liberty township ; 

A. Mendenhall, Russell township; W. J. Saltmarsh, Richland town- 
ship. William M. Neilson was chosen president; A. L. Shortridge 
was made president in 1873. 1875-76 — John P. Walker, Isaac 
Goodding, P. M. Stacy and Theodore Krauss. 1876-77 — John P. 
Walker, Isaac Gooding, George W. Elliott, P. M. Stacy and Theo- 
dore Krauss. 1877-79 —J. P. Walker, G. L. Towner and Lee Lingo. 
1879-81 — John H. Osborn, Evans Wright and Charles R.Perry. 
1881-82 — John H. Osborn, Charles R. Perry and James W. Paine. 
1882-84 — Lee Lingo, Charles R. Perry and R. J. Owens. 

Macon county was Democratic until 1865, when it became Repub- 
lican under the Drake constitution, and remained so until 1872 when 

B. Gratz Brown was elected Governor, and when the disfranchised 
were permitted to vote. Since that time the county has been Demo- 
cratic ; the majority for that party at the present time is about 800. 



CHAPTER XYII. 

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 

"You raised these hallowed walls, the desert smiled, 
And Paradise was opened in the wild." 

The settlement of the county and the organization of the first 
churches were almost contemporaneous. The plow had scarcely begun 
to turn the sod when the pioneer preachers commenced to labor in 
the new field. In the western country, as well as in the Orient and 
the isles of the sea, marched the representatives of the Christian 
religion in the front ranks of civilization. Throughout the centuries 
which comprise this era have the Christian missionaries been taught 
and trained to accompany the first advance of civilization, and such 
was their advent in Audrain county. In the rude cabins and huts of 
the pioneers they proclaimed the same gospel that is preached in the 
gorgeous palaces that, under the name of churches, decorate the great 
cities. It was the same gospel, but the surroundings made it appear 
different, in the effect it produced at least. The Christian religion 
had its rise and the days of its purest practice among an humble- 
minded people ; and it is among similar surroundings in modern times 
that it seems to approach the purity of its source. This is the best 
shown in the days of pioneer life. It is true, indeed, that in succeed- 
ing times the church has attained greater wealth and practices a wider 
benevolence. Further, it may be admitted that it has gained a firmer 
discipline, and wields a more genial influence on society; but it 
remains true, in pioneer times we find a manifestation of Christianity 
that we seek in vain at a later period, and under contrasted circum- 
stances. The meek and lowly spirit of the Christian fiiith — the 
placing of spiritual things above vain pomp and show — appears more 
earnest amid the simple life and toil of a pioneer people than it can 
when surrounded with the splendors of wealth and fashion. 

But we may take a comparison less wide, and instead of contrast- 
ing the Christian appearances of a great city with the Christian 
appearaces of the pioneers, we may compare the appearances of 40 
years ago, here in the West, with those in the present time of moder- 
52 (903) 



904 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

ntely developed wealth and taste for display, and we find niuch of the 
same result. The comparison is perhaps superficial to some extent, 
and does not fully weigh the elements involved, nor analyze them 
properly. We simply take the broad fact, not to decry the present, 
but to illustrate the past. So looking back to the early religious 
meetings in the log cabins we may say : " Here was a faith earnest 
and simple, like that of the early Christians." 

German Lutherans at ifacou.- The first and original house ot 
worship erected by this denomination was put up in 1865 — a frame 
building and cost $1,000. The church divided in 1882, and the mem- 
bers withdrawing erected a new church edifice called Zion's Church, 
a frame building which cost about $2,000. The membership num- 
bered originally 125. Among the early members were Henry Mag- 
nus William Magnus, Charles Magnus, Sr., Charles Magnus, Jr., 
William Gille, Frank Sweikhaus, Charles Essler, Ferdinand Jurgen- 
sen, John Myer, Henry Ruhrup, Pete Lesser, John Koecher. The 
first minister who officiated in the old church was B. Meissler ; suc- 
ceedincr him were M. Gross, L. Pfeiffer, A. Claus, C. Jaeckel. The 
new church was dedicated April 27, 1884, by Rev. P. W. Myer. 

CatJwlic Church at Macon. -The Catholic Church buildmg was 
purchased from the Presbyterians (Old School) in 1875, it having been 
built in 1864, and is a large and substantial brick structure, which 
cost $6,000. The first services were held on Easter, 1875, by Rev. 
P B Cahill, who has officiated for the church ever since. About 
200 families attend the church services. There are five Catholic 
churches in the county, located as follows : Macon, Bevier, La Plata, 
New Cambria and in Richland township. 

First Congregational Church at Macon — W^s organized June lb, 
1866, by Rev. S. R. Rasborro, John Smith, Jr., Ruth Smith, 
Thomas Proctor, Lydia Proctor, S. R. Rosborro, M. C. Rosborro, 
Viola Rosborro, Sarah Vrooman, Arminda Moore, Maria Fry. There 
have been no regular services in the church (a good brick building 
which cost $6,000) for seven years. Rev. Albert Bowers and A. b. 
McConnell have been the ministers in charge. 

[By Rev. G. W. Gaines]. 
The African Methodist Episcopal Church — Was organized in 
Macon, Mo., January 20, 1866, by the Rev. William A. Dove, mis- 
sionary The following named members composed the organization, 
viz • Reuben Barbour, Jordan House, Nancy Maxwell, Mary Jackson, 
An-eline Coleman, Milla Fullington, Jane Smith, Caroline Barbour, 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 905 

Lucinda Collier, Rachel Martin, Harriet Humphry, Lewis Martin, 
Richard Goodridge, Margaret Jones, Kitty Snell. The membership 
now numbers 150. Reuben Barbour was appointed leader and Lewis 
Martin was appointed steward. The church was organized in the 
house of Mr. Lewis Martin, in the town of Macon. The society 
erected a temporary board structure for a place of worship. In 1874 
th& society erected a brick house for worship on lots nine (9) and ten 
(10), block fifty-one (51), in that part of the city of Macon formerly 
called Hudson. The dimension of this house was 36x64, cost $3,000 
(three thousand dollars). This building was razed to the ground by 
a terrible cyclone on the 13th day of May, 1883. The congregation 
barely escaped dire destruction, having quit the house only about one 
hour before it fell. The building was insured against storms for $1,000 
(one thousand dollars). The willing workers at once resolved to clear 
away the debris and rebuild. The pastor called out the Sabbath- 
school help of all ages, from three years old up to 50 years old, and 
went to work with a will. The brick was cleaned and hacked, so that 
in August, 1883, the third house was erected. It exceeds by far the 
former house in strength, beauty and convenience ; its cost is $4,000 
(four thousand dollars). 

There is a prosperous Sunday-school, which has existed ever since the 
church was organized, with membership of 150. The present superin- 
tendent is J. C Brown, and he is assisted by Mrs. M. W. Coleman. 
The secretary is eT. O. McNutt ; treasurer, Miss M. A. Angell. The 
value of the property is $4,000.00. The present indebtedness is 
$400.00. The pastors who have served as such are : T. W. Hender- 
son, 1865-1868, three years ; I. N. Triplett, 1868-1870, two years ; 
Schuyler Washington, 1870-1871, one year; J. H. Hubbard, 1871- 
1873, two years; J. P. Alexander, 1873-1876, three years; W. B. 
Ousley, 1876, six months ; B. F. Watson, 1877, six months ; J. C. C. 
Owens, 1877-1879, two years; W. A. Dove, 1879-1881, two years; 
G. W. Gaines, 1881-1884, three years. 

Macon Association. — The constitution and articles of faith of the 
old Cumberland River Association of Kentucky, were adopted, and 
the association took the name of " Mt. Tabor Association of United 
Baptists." Michael Buster was elected moderator and Walker Aus- 
tin was chosen clerk. Correspondence was solicited from the Bethel 
and Mt. Pleasant Associations. 

In 1844 James Moody was added to the list of ministers as a licen- 
tiate. The session this year was cheered by the presence of William 



906 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

Duncan, Benjamin and Jesse Terrill from Mt. Pleasant Association, 
and P. N. Haycraft and James F. Smith from Bethel Association. 

In the fall of this year Euphrates Stringer, the leading minister of 
the association, moved to Texas. His loss was very much felt by the 
feeble churches of this new interest, among whom he was held in 
high estimation. Being a man of fine exhortational powers, he was 
regarded as a revivalist in that day. Not meeting with his expected 
success in Texas, he moved back to Pulaski county, Ky. (where he 
was born and grew up), and died not long afterwards. 

Messengers from only three churches, Big Spring, Ten Mile and 
Mt. Tabor, were present at the meeting in 1848. 

Joseph Oliver appears in the list of preachers. 

Licentiates: James N. GriflSn, Colby Miller and William May. 

William H. Vardeman, from Salt River, Jesse Terrill, of Mt. Pleas- 
ant, and William Barbee, of North Grand River Association, were 
present as corresponding messengers. 

Mt. Salem Church, from Mt. Pleasant Association, was received 
into the association this year. This, too, was the beginning of a new 
era in what is now the Macon Association. For the first time, per- 
suant to a resolution of the body, a public demonstration was made 
in behalf of missions, by making a collection therefor on the Lord's 
day, amounting to $12.50. On Monday following the work was con- 
tinued by the appointment of an executive board of missions, the 
raising by special pledges from individuals and from churches of $87, 
and the election of J. G. Swinney to itinerate in the destitute parts 
of the Association, at a salary of $12.50 per month. At this session 
also the name of the association was changed from Mt. Tabor to 
''Middle Fork," under which title it continued until the present 
name, " Macon," was adopted in 1866. 

In 1849 Elder William Ratliff preached the introductory sermon. 
Says Elder J. G. Swinney, " My recollection is that this is the last 
meetine: this eccentric minister ever attended. He died some few 
years after, very suddenly, from apoplexy, having become very fleshy 
and helpless. He was a man of a good mind and of some doctrinal 
ability, but somewhat speculative, which, doubtless, in a measure 
impaired his usefulness." 

Blanket Grove Church, now, La Plata, was admitted into the asso- 
ciation this year on a letter from North Union Association. 

The aggressive policy, which characterized the meeting in 1848, 
continued, and by 1852 the number of churches had grown to 10, 
with 327 members. 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 907 

J. G. Svvinney, James Moody and Joseph Oliver performed mis- 
sionary labor durins^ this period. 

Revivals were not unfrequent. From the close of session in 1849, 
at Mt. Salem, the meeting was continued by James Moody and J. G. 
Svvinney, resulting in a large accession to the church, doubling its 
membership. A case of open communion interrupted the harmony 
of the association at its meeting in 1855. James Moody, an elder 
and a member in Blanket Grove Church, avowed open communion sen- 
timents. The church considered his case and called in his creden- 
tials ; but he refusing to give them up went and united with the 
Bethlehem Church. In 1854 the association appointed a committee 
to visit and look into the action of said Bethlehem Church, but she 
refused to give them any satisfaction whatever. 

In 1855 the committee reported the facts in the case, and the Beth- 
lehem Church was excluded for "violating the principles on which the 
association was organized (Minutes, 1855). This action of the asso- 
ciation settled the communion question which had been agitating the 
churches and creating a division. During this discussion, however, 
brethren had said hard things of one another, and this session of the 
association closed with very considerable excitement, the minority 
claiming that the association had treated the church and Brother 
Moody badly. 

The Bethlehem Church never afterward enjoyed any prosperity, 
and in a few years became extinct. Elder Moody studied the com- 
munion question, saw his error, abandoned his position, and subse- 
quently became a landmark Baptist ; and the churches generally 
became more firmly settled on doctrines of the primitive churches than 
ever before. This restored quiet in the Macon Association. The 
business of this session (1855) was considerably increased by the ap- 
pointment of committees on periodicals, colleges, temperance, Bible 
societies and Sunday-schools. The entire strength of the association 
at this time was nine churches and 427 members. Seventy-seven 
baptisms during the year indicated a good degree of interest. In 
1860, at Mt. Tabor, letters and messengers were present from all the 
churches, now increased to 14 in number. 

Ministers — James Moody, Joseph Oliver, J. A. Clark, G. C. Spar- 
row, John Roan, John Estes, J. G. Swinney, S. K. Kellum — who 
afterwards became a wreck, and G. W. Simmons, five of whom only 
were in any measure active in the ministry. The missionary reported 
49 days' labor and $68.95 collected. At this session some discussion 
arose on the motion to strike out the sixth article in the constitution 



908 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

as follows : "Giving or refusing to give money for missionary pur- 
poses shall be no bar to fellowship." 

The motion was lost by a large majority. The association (it took 
the name of "Macon" this year) met in 1866 at Rock Creek Church, 
Knox county, September 8. It consisted of 13. 

Churches — Novelty, 15; Bethlehem, 19; Blanket Grove, 86; Mt. 
Tabor, 109 ; Rock Creek, — ; Chariton Grove, 51 ; North Fork, 75 ; 
New Salem, 41; Union Grove, 16; Macon, 26; Mt. Salem, 167; 
Charlton Valley, 25; Dover, — ; total membership, 630; baptisms, 
84. The following additions had been made to the ministerial force : 
J. B. Johnson, B. F. Powers, William Johnson and T. M. Colwell. 
The latter, an active and efficient preacher, was pastor at Macon City, 
a railroad junction and the principal town in the bounds of the asso- 
ciation. 

By way of promoting education, the association pledged its support 
to the Mt. Pleasant Baptist College at Huntsville. The year preced- 
ing the session at Mt. Tabor in 1867 was one of prosperity. Four 
churches — Pleasant Grove, Richland, Ebenezer and Bear Creek — 
formerly belonging to the North Union Association, were on applica- 
tion added to the list this year. The association was now somewhat 
in debt to its missionary, and had to appeal to the churches to con- 
tribute to pay off the old claim. This is an uncommon occurrence 
in the State, and is, we feel confident, a bad method of doing busi- 
ness. It very generally happens that while a church or an association 
is raising funds to pay off old debts, but little is accomplished for 
anything else. We have known church work clogged for years, 
simply with a debt of a few hundred dollars. This fact of itself in- 
dicates very clearly the evil of church debts. We have, however, 
known glorious exceptions to this rule. 

Ministers in 1870 — James Moody, Joseph Oliver, James Morris, 
G. C. Sparrow, J. A. Clark, A. R. T. Brown, T. M. Colwell, M. H. 
Abbott, J. Wood Sanders, G. D. Brock, J. W. Cook, W. Johnson, 
J. Roan, E. W. Wisdom, R. K. Basket and L. D. Lamkin. Whole 
number of churches, 26; total members, 1,602. 

The proposition of Mt. Pleasant Association to consolidate on Mt. 
Pleasant College — Macon to have half the trustees of said institu- 
tion — was discussed at this meeting, and finally referred to the 
churches. 

The following year (1871) the proposition was accepted, whereby 
Mt. Pleasant College became the school of Macon Association as 
well as of Mt. Pleasant. The following were nominated trustees 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 909 

to fill vacancies as they might occur : Stephen Connor, G. W. San- 
ders, E. H. Larkin, James Moody, Sr., John Vansickle, G. D. Brock, 
John A. Brown, Andrew Baker and G. C. Sparrow, and Eev. T. M. 
Colwell became financial agent of the coUeoje. The churches of 
Macon Association, 27 in all, are located in Macon, Adair and Shelby 
counties. Macon City, the county seat of Macon, and Kirksville, the 
county seat of Adair, and seat of one of the State Normal schools, 
are in this association, both of which are important centers. The 
largest church in the association, in 1879, was Friendship, with 226 
members ; the next was Mount Salem, with 215 ; then Union Grove, 
Shelby county, 178, and Macon City, 115. No others exceed 100. At 
that session nearly one-half (21) the churches reporting had enjoyed 
revivals, and 179 converts had been added to the churches by bap- 
tism. The numerical strength was 1,568. Ministers in 1879 — Allen 
Parks, J. C. Eckle, D. R. Evans, G. C. Sparrow, W. R. Skinner, J. 
F. McClellan, R. J. Mansfield, J. C. Shipp, William Johnson, John 
Roan, G. W. Jones, E. H. Sawyer, D. D., C. N. Ray and J. G. 
Swinney. 

In 1881 the association was held at Union Grove, Shelby county. 
John H. Thompson, pastor at Macon, had been added to the minis- 
terial corps. The 23 churches reported an aggregate membership of 
1,401, and a moderate degree of prosperity for the preceding year. 
L. P. Wooldridge was moderator and R. N. Lyde, clerk. 

Big Spring Church. — The first settlement in what is now Macon 
county was made in 1831, located 4 miles north of Macon City, and 
was called Moccasinville. The first Baptist Church organized in the 
county Avas Big Spring, in July, 1839, by Thomas Fristoe, aided by 
A. T. Hite, a licentiate. It was composed of 8 or 9 members, and 
located in a neighborheod near the northern limits of the county, 
westward from the present town of La Plata. A. T. Hite was the 
first minister, having been ordained at the church immediately after 
its foundation by Elder Friscoe. This church first joined the Mt. 
Pleasant Association, and afterwards (in 1843) became a constituent 
of the Northern Association. 

Blanket Grove Church. — The second church organized in Macon 
county was not far from the present town of La Plata, in December, 
1840, of 11 members, by A. T. Hite, called "Blanket Grove." In 
1868 this church built a new house of worship in La Plata, since 
which time it has been called by the name of the town. A. T. Hite 
was pastor for the first 10 months, and was succeeded by William T. 
Barnes, and he by O. P. Davis, for about two years, when he joined 



910 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

the ** Current Reformation." Davis was ordained by this church in 
1843. 

Mount Salem Church — Bears date from November 13, 1841. It 
has been a prolific vine. Elders William Duncan and Benjamin Terrill 
were present and aided in its organization with 11 members. For a 
number of years the church met from house to house and in groves, 
until in 1854 it built a frame structure 30x50 feet, which has been 
replaced by a very neat frame building, well proportioned, finished 
and comfortable, within the last 10 years. 

In all, from the beginning, there have been 394 names on the church 
roll. In 1882 the church numbered 210 members, with M. F. Will- 
iams as pastor. Benjamin Terrill was the first minister. This church 
has sent forth by ordination two ministers — Samuel Mays and G. 
D. Brock. 

Bethlehem (noio Sue City) Church. — This church was first organ- 
ized March 3, 1850, of 12 members, and located in the edge of Knox 
county, near the present town of Sue City. For two years it seemed 
to prosper. Then heresies crept in, much wrangling ensued, many 
left the church, and the rest went into open communion, first abolish- 
ing of the leading articles of Baptist faith, then restored it and finally 
dissolved. Some time after this a new organization was effected by 
the same name, which was dissolved in 1869 and organized as the Sue 
City Baptist Church, of 23 members, and in 1882 had 52 members on 
the list. 

Rock Greek Church — Once a member of Macon Association, is in 
Knox county, five miles west of Edina. It originated May, 1857, with 
24 members. J. W. Roe was their minister. 

Chariton Ridge Church. — On the fifth Saturday in January, 1864, 
16 persons covenanted together, formed this church and chose Will- 
iam Caldwell as their minister. Its present numerical strength is 75, 
worshiping in a house 25x40 feet, one-half only of which it owns, the 
other belonging to the Methodists. W. R. Skinner was pastor in 1882. 
The former name of this community was Chariton Valley, from the 
Chariton river, near which it was organized, and met for one or more 
years. 

Macon City Baptist Church — Though neither the oldest nor the 
largest in the association, is one of the most efficient. In 1882 J. H. 
Thompson was pastor, the church numbering 103 members. This 
church contributes statedly to home and foreign missions and to Bible 
and Sunday-school work. 

Kirksville Church — Situated in Adair county, numbering 65 mem- 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 9H 

bers in 1879, has struggled for many years and is in a decidedly im- 
proved condition. In 1881 J. C. Shipp was pastor, and it has been 
gradually gaining in numbers and efficiency. The time of organiza- 
tion of neither of these last named churches was furnished us. 

Second Baptist Church, Bevier. — This church was organized 
April 10, 1870, with five members. The same meeting continued 15 
days, resulting in 48 additions to the church. In 1882 it had 64 
members. 

Friendship Church — Once the largest in the association, was 
organized September 28, 1867, by T. M. Colwell and Joseph Oliver, 
with 55 members, and is located seven miles south-east from Macon. 
W. P. Elliot was pastor in 1879 ; Joseph Oliver was the first pastor. 

Joseph Oliver was born in Clark county, Ky., April 14, 1804. He 
professed religion and joined the Baptist Church called Cave Spring 
in May, 1823. ^William OHver, his father, and all the family moved 
to Missouri and settled in Howard county in 1825, and united (five 
members of the family) with Mount Moriah Church, some four miles 
from Fayette. In 1828 young Oliver moved to Randolph county and 
became a member of Dover Church, soon after which he was elected 
writing clerk and also singing clerk. When the trouble on missions 
was aofitatino; the churches of Mt. Pleasant Association Mr. Oliver 
found himself alone at Dover Church, it having declared non-fellowship 
for " missions and the institutions " of the day. He finally got a 
letter from and moved his membership to the Huntsville Church. 
Here, too, he was a church clerk, and was generally sent as a messen- 
ger to his association. On the third Saturday in September, 1843, 
upon the call of Huntsville Baptist Church, he was ordained to preach 
the gospel by Elders William Duncan and William Mansfield. The 
first meeting he held was one in his own neighborhood. A revival 
followed and 25 converts were baptized. He continued in the field of 
his early labors for five or six years. Elders W. Duncan, Jesse, Benja- 
min and J. W. Terrill and William Mansfield being his co-laborers. 
In 1849 he moved to Macon county, identified himself with the inter- 
ests of Macon Association, and continued in this field as long as he 
lived. Here he labored as pastor of churches, as missionary in pro- 
tracted meetings, etc. His gift was mainly exhortational, which 
classed him among what we sometimes call revivalists. During his 
ministry he baptized over 300 persons and married 90 couples. He 
died on the 4th of August, 1877, being 73 years 3 months and 20 
days old. His remains were interred in the graveyard at Mount 



912 HISTORY or MACON COUNTY. 

Tabor Church, near AUanta, Macon county, on Sunday, the 5th of the 
same month. 

Little Zion Baptist Church — Formed itself into an organization 
on the second Saturday in July, 1836. The following constituted 
the original membership : Elder William Sears and Jane Sears, his 
wife, Abraham Dale, Eveletta Dale, Philip Dale, Nancy Dale, John 
Smoot, Elizabeth Smoot, Charles Hatfield, Sarah Hatfield, William 
Sham, Catherine Sham, James Riley, Susan Riley, Thomas Williams, 
James Cauchhorn and Annie Cauchhorn. Among those who have 
served the church as pastors are Elders William Sears, James Rat- 
liff, William Skaggs, Maston Doty, J. E. Goodson, Silas W. Sears. 
The structure in which services are now held was erected at a cost 
of about $700. The land upon which it stands was originally pur- 
chased from James Meeks. It comprises five acres. During the 
war no services were held in the church. # 

Hopewell Baptist Church — Was organized with William Tate, 
John R. Graves, William T. Gilmore, Melvina Tate, George W. 
Gates, Mary A. Gates, McDonald Lyda, Syrene Trammel, Lora 
O. Gilmore, Nancy Halsted, Mary R. Tate and Sarah M. Tate as 
constituting the original membership. Revs. S. C. Davidson, R. H. 
Wills, James Dysart, David Walker, Jesse Wilson, W. H. Johnson, 
N. A. Langston, D. Armstrong and R. Whitehead have served the 
congregation as pastors. The present frame church building, which 
was erected in 1861 at a cost of $1,500, was dedicated in 1866. 
The ground upon which it is located was donated (one-half acre) 
by Phiietus May. 

Mt. Tabor Baptist Church — Located on section 26, township 59, 
range 14, was organized December 4, 1840, with J. L. Arthur and 
wife, Logan Thompson and wife and John Silvers and wife as the 
original members. The church was built of hewed logs in about 
1848, and the present church, built of brick, 35x55, cost about $1,700 
in 1867. The first preacher was Rev. James Oliver, followed by Rev. 
James J. M. Johnson, Rev. Colwell, John A. Clark, J. Wood Saund- 
ers, James Oliver, Rev. Baskett, John A. Clark and William R. Skin- 
ner. The membership at present is about 100. 

The First Baptist Church of Atlanta — Was organized in June, 
1876. The church house, a frame structure, was built the same year 
in Atlanta at the cost of about $2,000. It was dedicated by Rev. C. 
N. Ray. The first pastor was John A. Clark, he being succeeded by 
C. N. Ray, M. F. Williams, Robert J. M. Sansfield and J. L. Cole. 
The original members were Robert Myers, Woodward Saunders and 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 913 

wife, D. p. Doggett and wife, J. F. L. Branliam and wife and two 
daughters, George Goodding and wife, R. P. Goodding, J. Lyda and 
wife, E. L. Lyda, wife and two daughters, Perry Armstrong, William 
Clarkson and wife and Seman Atterberry. The present membership 
is 62. 

/Second Baptist Church of Macon City, Mo. — Was organized Oc- 
tober 27, 1866. The first deacons were Harry Higby and Jacob 
Baset, and the first trustees were Isaac Burton, Charles Tolson and 
James Smith. The present church (brick), 64x50 feet (the third 
structure built), cost $6,000, the first being valued at $800 and the 
second at $2,950. It was dedicated in the spring of 1872 by Eev. 
Amos Johnson, pastor, and Rev. W. W. Steward. The first pastor 
after organization was Rev. Thomas Clark, the second Rev. J. B. 
Hawkins, followed in succession by Rev, Amos Johnson, Rev. D. S. 
Sawyers, Rev. H. H. White and Rev. William Gray, the present pas- 
tor. The number of present membership is 253. The first building 
was not lara;e enouo;h and it was torn down and rebuilt with the ma- 
terial of the old building and with what was added cost $2,950, and 
that building was burned down, being all paid for except $25. The 
present church, which is the third one, cost $6,000. 

Second Missionary Baptist Church — Was organized April 10, 
1870. The names of the original members were John C. Skinner, 
Reuben Simpson, Ann Abbot, Sarah Abbot and Caroline D. Bnchan- 
non. This church was organized by Revs. Joseph Oliver and J. Roan, 
in Miner's hall, just west of the village of Bevier. The present 
church was built in 1879 (a frame building) at the cost of $800. It 
was dedicated in 1879 or 1880. The names of the pastors who have 
served the church are : Joseph Oliver, who served two years ; Will- 
iam R. Skinner, three years ; John Roan, three years ; Daniel R. 
Evans, one year; J. E. Eckel, nearly two and a half years, and 
Charles Dodson, who is now the pastor. The number of the present 
membership is 63. 

First Baptist Church. — The original members of this church 
(which was organized in 1872) were James Hier and wife, George 
Harris and wife, G. G. Watts and wife, D. J. Evans and wife, Lewis 
Williams and wife, William Lewis and wife, Levi James and wife, 
Caleb Edwards and wife, Roland Thomas and wife, John Thomas and 
wife, Mrs. Hannah Evans, Mrs. Hopkin Evans, J. C. Williams and 
wife. This church was built in 1872 (a frame structure) at a cost of 
$800, and was dedicated in the same year. 

Sue City Baptist Church. — The original members of this church 



914 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

were Burton Sailing, wife, two daughters and one son, Logan Thomp- 
son and wife, William Kelly, wife and daughter, John Thompson, Al- 
bert Norris and wife, Samuel Wares and wife, William Wares and 
wife. The present frame church building was erected in about 1870, 
and cost in the neighborhood of $800. Those who have served as 
pastors of the congregation have been Rev. William Johnson, John 
A. Clark, G. C. ijarron and W. R. Skinner, the present pastor. At 
this time the membership numbers 52. The names of the pastors 
who have been in charge are Shadrack James, Samuel C. Pierce, John 
W. Thomas and H. C. Parry. G. G. Watts presented the church 
with a baptistry at a cost of $25. 

First Baptist Church nt La Plata — Was organized on the first 
Saturday in December, 1840, Robert T. Ellis, Virgin M. Ellis, Ste- 
phen Attebery, Martha J. Attebery, James H. Morris, Elizabeth W. 
Morris, Oliver P. Davis, Eliza J. Morris, Jeremiah Davis and William 
L. Morris being its original members. The church was built in 1867-68, 
and is a brick structure, being erected at a cost of $2,782.72. 
The names of the pastors are A. T. Hite, William T. Barnes, O. P. 
Davis, James Moody, J. G. Sweney, Joseph Oliver, John A. Clark, 
John M. Johnston, J. A. Pool, William Johnston, John R. Terrill, J. 
Wood Saunders, G. C. Sparrow and Aura Smith. The present num- 
ber of membership is 93. The Sabbath-school was organized as a 
Union school in 1869 with an attendance of about 120. The present 
superintendent is W. N. Rutherford. 

New Harmony Gwnheiiand Presbyterian Church — Was first organ- 
ized in September, 1860, by Rev. R. H. Willis. Some of the origi- 
nal members are as follows : G. W. Daugherty and wife, Elijah Turner 
and wi-fe, Velinda J. Collins, Elizabeth Collins and M. G. Standeford 
and wife. The present membership is about 40. The house of wor- 
ship was built in the fall of 1867 on section 9, township 60, range 13, 
ut a cost of about $1,000, it being frame. The names of the different 
preachers who have had charge are Revs. R. H. Wills, at different 
periods about 15 years; Jesse Wilson, D. Walker, Jesse Wilson 
again, Lorance, George Burns, G. W. Sharp, John Neff and Clayton 
Kelso. 

Shiloh Cumberland Presbyterian Church. — This church was or- 
ganized in 1843 by Rev. S. B. Col well, the original members being 
Reuben Dunnington and Tabitha C, his wife ; Joseph Daugherty and 
wife ; Janjes Mills and wife, and Hendley Dunnington and wife. 
The church house was built in the summer of 1865, it being a frame 
structure, and its cost was $1,200, located on section 5, township 59, 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 915 

range 14. The names of the pastors who have had charge are Revs. 
S. F. Colwell, S. C. Davidson, R. H. Wills, Franklin Man- 
ning, Matthew Patton, David Walker, David Loranceand William H. 
Johnson, who is the present pastor. The church was dedicated by S. 
F. Colwell. The present membership is about 106. John M. 
Ketcham is superintendent of the Sunday-school, assisted by Jackson 
Trobridge, with about 60 pupils in attendance. 

Ewing Cumberland Presbyterian Church. — This church was oro-an- 
ized August 21, 1855, by Rev. S. C. Davidson. The original mem- 
bers were B. F. Graftord and wife, Alfred Ray, Thomas Winn and 
wife, S. S. Winn, William GrafFord, John Grafford and wife, Leah 
Richardson and Adeline Winn. The present frame church buildino- 
was erected in 1860, costing about $1,000. The present member- 
ship numbers about 30. The preachers who have presided since its 
organization are Revs. R. H. Wills, William C. Patton, Nicholas 
Langston, Jesse Wilson, W. H. Johnson, David Armstrong and R. 
Whitehead, the present pastor being Rev. John Winn. This church 
is located on section 8, township 57, range 13 (Round Grove town- 
ship). 

Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Macon. — The original mem- 
bers of this church were N. H. Patton and wife ; Rev. M. C. Patton 
and wife ; J. B. Melone, R. A. Melone, and Rev. J. S. A. Henderson 
and wife, it being organized in 1865. The original church was built 
in 1867-68, a frame, and the new structure was erected in 1875, at a 
cost of $4,000. The old church was dedicated soon after its comiDle- 
tion, and the new one in 1875, by Rev. J. B. Mitchell, D.D. Revs. 
M. C. Patton, J. S. A. Henderson, S. F. Colwell, W. H. Eagan, W. 
Benton Farr, D.D., Walker Schneck, D. H. Ouyett and H. R. Crock- 
ett are the names of the pastors who have presided in this church. 
The present membership numbers 90, and the church is entirely out 
of debt. 

Liberty Cumberland Presbyterian Church — Was organized July 19, 
1841, by Rev. Matthew Patton. The names of the original members 
are William R. Calfee, Athelie Calfee, Anderson Scrutchfield, Nancy 
Scrutchfield, William Scrutchfield, Barbara Scrutchfield, Nicholas 
Goodding, Nancy Goodding, William Brachen, Harriet Brachen, Eliza 
Belsher, Nathaniel Richardson and Lyda Richerson ; the Revs. Sam- 
uel B. F. Colwell, Samuel Davis, Nathan Patton and James Dysart 
being instrumental in its organization. The present church was 
erected in 1860, a frame structure, its cost being $1,200, and was 
dedicated in October, 1881, by Rev. James E. Sharp. Those who have 



916 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

served the congregation as pastors have been Eevs. Matthew Patton, 
James Dysart, S. C. Davidson, S. B. F. Colwell, E. H. Wills, Jesse 
Wilson, W. H. Eagen, Prof. Nason, J. B. Lawrence, T. G. Poole, W. 
H. eTohnson, David Armstrong and T. J. Pool. The present pastor 
of the church is G. H. Duty. At this time the membership numbers 36. 

Salem Presbyterian Church — Is a branch of the New Cambria 
Church, its original members being John T. Davis and wife, John P. 
Powells, William D. Williams and family, W. W. Lloyd and wife, 
John J. Williams and wife, William Howells and wife, Peter McKin- 
ney and wife, and Mrs. Hugh Lloyd. The present frame church 
building was erected in about 1878 and cost in the neighborhood of 
$320. Rev. Thomas H. Jones has served the congregation as pastor. 
There was a Sabbath-school organized in 1869, and prayer meeting 
and preaching were held once a month. 

La Plata Cumberland Presbyterian Church. — This congregation 
was organized by Rev. David Walker in about 1876. The names of the 
original members are Mrs. Dr. Gates, Dr. G. N. Sharp and wife, John 
Chapman and wife. Rev. S. C. Davidson and wife, Mrs. W. J. Sutt- 
marsh, R. T. Davidson and wife and William Patton and wife. The 
present house of worship was built in the summer of 1880, a frame 
structure, at a cost of $2,000, and was dedicated by Rev. Dr. J. B. 
Mitchell. Rev. W. H. Johnston is now serving the church as pastor. 
At this time the membership numbers 100. The Sunday-school is 
superintended by W. W. Rutherford, the number of scholars being 
125. 

Atlanta M. E. Church. — The original members of this church 
were J. D. Parks and wife, J. A. Croy and wife, Angeline Croy, Sarah 
McManamy, S. D. Ayers, Susana Craig, Rebecca R. Parks, Verina 
G. Parks, J. Buchanan, Emeline Dixon and Sarah Parks. It was 
organized in 1866. The present frame church building was erected 
in 1881, costing in the neighborhood of $1,500. The present mem- 
bership is 50. The pastors who have have had charge since its organ- 
ization are Rev. Chapman, who followed Rev. Martindale, Revs. J. 
C. Myers, H. White, S. Enyart, L. H. Shumate, A. H. Ketrow,Rev. 
Olp, William Stammer and Z. S. Weller. 

Fair View M. E. Church. — This church organized a class before 
the war, but was broken up, and reorganized in 1876. The house of 
worship was built in the fall of the same year, it being a frame struc- 
ture, located on section 2, township 59, range 14, Lyda township. 
Its cost was about $800. It was dedicated by Rev. Mumpower, of 
Macon City, in the fall of 1877. The first preacher was Rev. William 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 917 

Warren, the others being Revs. Cleveland, A. L. Brewer, L. Rush 
and J. N. B. Heplcr, who is the present pastor. The original mem- 
bers were G. A. Redraon and wife, Elijah Thompson and wife, Joseph 
Harrison and wife, Mrs. Mary E. Harrison, Jerusha Farmer, Susan 
Farmer, John R. Morrow and wife, Maria Anderson, John Hutchison 
and wife, John Martz and wife, and Charles Martz and others. 

Bethlehem M. E. Churchy South. — This church was built at a cost 
of $1,500, it being a frame structure, and was organized in an old log 
school-house in about 1843, bv Rev. Dr. Still. Some of the orioinal 
members were Mrs. Crane, C. H. Liston and wife, John D. Smith and 
wife, Amy Harris and John Lister and wife. Some of the preachers 
who have presided here are Revs. Aldbridge, Hawkins, Tool, Ellis, 
Saxton, Henry Turner, Dockery, Blackwell, Wood, Hatton, Shackel- 
ford, Jordan and Rev. Linn, he being the last pastor. The present 
church consists of about 125 members. There are no regular services 
held in this church. The first church building was built in 1853, and 
the present house of worship in about 1874. It is located on section 
28, township 57, range 13. 

Macon City M. E. Church, South. — This church was organized 
in the summer of 1866, with William Thompson, Sarah Thompson, 
C. G. Epperson, George Wells, Amanda Shortridge, T. W. Reed, 
Sarah A. Reed, A. Tinsley, Mrs. H. Tinsley, J. T. Reister, Dr. J. J. 
Lyle and wife, Mrs. D. C. Benedict, Miss Annie Lyle and others, as 
its original members. The house of worship was built in 1867, a 
brick structure, at a cost of $6,000 ; and was dedicated in September, 
of the same year, by Bishop E. M. Marvin, The names of the pastors 
who have served this congregation are Revs. John D. Vincil, E. R. 
Hendrix, G. W. Horn, W. A. Tarwater, J. R. A. Vaughn, H. D. 
Groves, J. A. Mumpower and M. M. Hawkins. At this time the 
membership numbers 108. The 'church has been recently repaired 
at an expense of nearly $700, and is now neat and comfortable, with 
an interesting and growing Sunday-school. 

Woodville M. E. Church, South — Was organized in 1870, by 
Rev. Walter Toole. The names of the original members are Maleeney 
Wood, Benjamin F. Wright, Elias Sanner, Elizabeth Sanner, J. W. 
Foster, Martha F. Foster, Albert M. Wedding, Rilda Wilds, Ellen 
Wilds, Angelina Albright, James M. Albright, Samuel R. Wilds, 
Perry Wilds, Martha Wilds, Sarah Albright, Mary Myers, Sarah 
Wilds, Lucy A. Sumpter, Samuel Wilds, Susan J. Lilley, Amanda 
Sumpter, Matilda Reynolds. The names of the pastors who have 
served are Revs. L. Rush, Shackelford, Baldwin, Carney, Brewer, 



918 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

Quinby and Rev. Todd, who is the present pastor. This congrega- 
tion now consists of 10 active members, many having become con- 
nected with the Holiness Association. 

Antioch Christian Church. — This church was organized on the 
third Lord's day in May, 1850, with the following as its original mem- 
bers : Jefferson Morrow, Mr. England and wife, Thomas B. Harris, 
D. H. Cornelius and wife, Huffman Tuttle, Evan C. Wright and wife. 
Pleasant Wright and wife, Miss Jane Tuttle, Mayton Burham, Clay- 
born Wright, E. H. Lawson and wife, Patience Lawson, Joseph Sum- 
mers, Martin Wright and wife, Martha Terrell, Marion Terrell and 
wife, Barbara Terrell and Johnson Summers and wife. The house 
for worship was built in 1858 and rebuilt in 1879, a frame building, 
the first at a cost of |800, it being dedicated by Elder J. C. McCune, 
now of Chariton county. The dedication of the second church was 
by Elder Joseph Penton, assisted by Theodore Franklin. The preach- 
ers who have served this congregation are Elder E. H. Lawson, Elder 
J. C. McCune, T. F. McHue and Joseph P. Penton, who is its present 
pastor. The present membership is 83. There is a burying ground 
in the church-yard, where there are many of the old settlers of Bevier 
township and Macon county buried. 

The Church of Chi-ist at La Plata — Was organized in the fsill of 
1868, the house of worship being built the same year, a frame build- 
ing, at a cost of |1,600; and was dedicated after its completion by 
Elder Perry Davis. The names of the ministers who have served this 
church are Elders Browning, J. N. Wright, C. P. Evans, Hartly, 
C. P. Hollis, H. A. Northcut, C. P. Evans and J. W. Davis. At this 
time the membership numbers 45. Since the formation of this church, 
142 persons have been connected with it. 

Ehenezer Welsh Congregational Church. — This church was or- 
ganized September 9, 1864, with David Humphreys, Thomas D. 
Evans, Daniel Rowland, John H. Jones, David Richards and Hopkin 
Evans as its original members. The present ' frame structure was 
built the same year of its organization, costing in the neighborhood of 
$1,500, and was dedicated in May, 1866, by George M. Jones. The 
preachers who have served this congregation are as follows : Revs. 
George M. Jones, Griffith Jones, R. Matthews, Hughes and J. O. 
Jones. Eighty-five persons form the membership of this church. 
Rev. George M. Jones preached the first sermon in this church June 
20, 1864. The present officers are David Humphreys, Thomas S. 
Jones and Robert J. Davis, deacons; Daniel Rowland, treasurer; 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 919 

David William, secretary; Hopkin Evans, Daniel Rowland and Rich- 
ard Davis, trustees. 

St. Jatnes Protestant Episcopal Church — Was organized in 1865, 
the 4th of September. The original members were Dr. and Mrs. A. 
L. Knight, Mrs. Giles Cooke, Mrs. Mary Hubbs, Mrs. G. C. San- 
vindt and Mrs. Gage. The present frame structure was built in 1871, 
costing $2,300, and was dedicated April 23, 1871. The names of the 
pastors who have served this congregation are Revs. Dr. George Worth- 
ington, L. H. Strycker, F. B. Schutz, William H. Charles and 
Ethelbert Talbot. The present membership consists of 77 com- 
municants. The parish has been frequently depleted by removals, 
but it is at present in a flourishing condition and with a fair promise 
of usefulness and growth. 
53 




CHAPTEK XYIII. 

MACON COUNTY OF 1884. 

FAUNA AND TLORA OF MACON COUNTY. 

The names and a carefully prepared list of the animals of a country, 
State or county are always of interest to the inhabitants, especially 
so to the scientist and student of natural history. After inquiring 
into the political and civil history of a country, we then turn with 
pleasure to the investigation of its natural history, and of the animals 
which inhabited it prior to the advent of man ; their habits and the 
means of their subsistence become a study. Some were animals of 
prey, others harmless, and subsisted upon vegetable matter. The 
early animals of this portion of the State ranged over a wide field, and 
those which inhabited the prairie and timbered regions of the Missouri 
river, and its tributaries, differ but little materially as to species. Of 
the ruminating animals that were indigenous in this territory, we had 
the American elk and deer of two kinds ; the more common, the well 
known American deer, and the white-tailed deer. And at a period not 
very remote, the American buffalo found pastures near the alluvial 
and shaded banks of the Missouri river, and the plains and prairies of 
this portion of the State. The heads, horns and bones of the slain 
animals were still numerous in 1820. The black bear was quite numer- 
ous, even in the memory of the older settlers. Bears have been seen 
in the country within the last 30 years. The gray wolf and prairie 
wolf are not unfrequently found, as is also the gray fox, which still 
exists by its superior cunning. The panther was occasionally met 
with in the earlier times, and still later and more common, the wild 
cat, the weasel, one or more species ; the mink, American otter, the 
skunk, the badger, the raccoon and the opossum. The two latter 
species of animals are met with in every portion of the United States 
and the greater part of North America. The coon skin among the 
early settlers was regarded as a legal tender. The bear and otter are 
extinct in the counties, and were valuable for their furs. Of the 
squirrel family, we have the fox, gray, flying, ground and prairie 
(920) 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 921 

squirrel. The woodchuck and the common muskrat were numerous 
here. The bats, shrews and moles are common. Of the muridac, we 
have the introductory species of rats and mice, as also the native 
meadow mouse, and the long-tailed jumping mouse, frequently met 
with in the clearings. Hares, commonly called rabbits, are very 
plentiful. Several species of the native animals have perished, being 
unable to endure the presence of civilization, or finding the food con^ 
genial to their tastes appropriated by stronger races. Many of the 
pleasures, dangers and excitements of the chase are only known and 
enjoyed by most of us of the present day through the talk and tradi- 
tions of the past. The bufialo and the elk have passed the Rocky 
mountains to the westward, never more to return. Of birds may be 
mentioned the following : Among the game birds most sought after 
are the wild turkey and prairie hen, which afi'ord excellent sport for 
the hunter, and have been quite plentiful ; primated grouse, ruffled 
grouse, quail, woodcock, English snipe, red breasted snipe, telltale 
snipe, yellow legs, marbled godwin, long-bitted curlew, short-bitted 
curlew, Virginia rail, American swan, trumpeter swan, snow goose, 
Canada goose, brant, mallard, black duck, pintail duck, green-winged 
teel, blue-winged teel, shoveler, American pigeon, summer or wood 
duck, red-headed duck, canvas back duck, butter ball, hooded mug- 
anser, rough billed pelican, the lorn, kildeer, plover, ball head, yel- 
low legged and upland plover, white heron, great blue heron, bittern,, 
sandhill crane, wild pigeon, common dove, American raven, common 
crow, blue jay, bobolink, red-winged blackbird, meadow lark, golden 
oriole, yellow bird, snow bird, chipping sparrow, field sparrow, 
gwamp sparrow, indigo bird, cardinal red bird, cheewink, white-billed 
nuthatch, mocking bird, cat bird, brown thrush, house wren, barn 
swallow, bank swallow, blue martin, cedar bird, scarlet tanager, sum- 
mer red bird (robin came less than 40 years ago), blue bird, king 
bird, perver, belted kingfisher, whippoorwill, night hawk, chimney 
swallow, ruby throated humming bird, hairy woodpecker, downy 
woodpecker, red headed woodpecker, golden winged woodpecker, 
Carolina parrot, great horned owl, barred owl, snowy owl, turkey 
buzzard, pigeon hawk, swallow-tailed hawk, Mississippi kite, red- 
tailed hawk, bald eagle and ring-tailed eagle. 

Many of the above-named animals and birds are no longer to be 
found within the limits of these counties, — we may say within the 
limits of the State. Some of them are now extinct, and some disap- 
peared|with the Indian, upon the advance of civilization. The bald 
eagle was often seen by the early settlers on the Chariton river, 



922 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

along the banks of which, in the tallest timber, it built its nest, and 
brooded its young for many years after the first settlements were 
made, and even of late years, eagles have been killed in the county. 

FLOEA. 

God might have bade the earth bring forth 

Enough for great and small, 
The oak tree and the cedar tree, ' 

Without a flower at all. 
He might have made enough, enough 

For every want ©f ours : 
For luxury, medicine and toil. 

And yet have made no flowers. 
Our outward life requires them not — 

Then whyfore have they birth? 
To minister delight to man. 

To beautify the earth; 
To comfort man — to whisper hope, 

Whene'er his faith is dim ; 
For whoso careth for the flower, 

Will much more care for Him. 

In speaking of the flora it is not our purpose to treat exhaustively 
on the plants of this county, but rather to give a list of the native trees 
and grasses found within its limits. "Mere catalogues of plants 
growing in any locality/' says a learned writer, " might, without a 
little reflection, be supposed to possess but little value," a supposition 
which would be far from the truth. The intelligent farmer looks at 
once to the native vegetation as a sure indication of the value of new 
lands. The kind of timber grown in a given locality will decide the 
qualities of the soil for agricultural purposes. The cabinet-maker 
and the wheelwright, and all other workmen in wood, will find what 
materials are at hand to answer their purpose. Upon the flora of 
these counties, civilization has produced its inevitable efiect. As the 
Indian and buflalo have disappeared before the white man, so have 
some of the native grasses been vanquislied by the white clover and 
the blue grass. 

We have treated particularly of the more valuable woods used in 
the mechanic arts, and the grasses, plants and vegetables and flowers 
most beneficial to man, and particularly those which are natives of 
this county. The plants are many and rare, some for beauty and 
some for medicine. The pink root, the columbo, the ginseng, bone- 
set, pennyroyal and others are used as herbs for medicine. Plants 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 923 

of beauty are phlox, the lily, the ascelpias, the mints, golden rod, 
the eyebright, gerardia and hundreds more that adorn the meadows 
and brooksides ; besides are climbing vines, the trumpet creeper, the 
bitter sweet, the woodbine, the clematis and the grape, which fill the 
woods with gay festoons and add grace to many a decaying monarch 
of the forest. Here are found the oak with at least its 20 varieties, 
the hickory with as many more species, the 30 kinds of elm, from the 
sort that bears leaves as large as a man's hands to the kinds which 
bear a leaf scarcely larger than a man's thumb nail ; the black oak, 
so tall and straight and beautiful, is here; the hackberry, gum tree 
(black and sweet), the tulip, the giant cottonwoods, and 100 more 
attest the fertility of the soil and mildness of the climate. The white 
oak is much used in making furniture and agricultural implements, 
as are also the panel oak, burr oak and pin oak. The blue ash is 
excellent for flooring. The honey locust is a very durable wood, and 
skrinks less than any other in seasoning. In the above list some 
plants may be omitted, but we think the list quite complete. 

GRASSES. 

In speaking of these we purposely exclude the grain plants, those 
grasses that furnish food for man, and confine ourselves to those val- 
uable grasses which are adapted to the subsistence of the inferior ani- 
mals. Timothy grass, or cat's tail, naturalized; red-top, or herbs 
grass, nimble will, blue joint (this is a native, and grew upon prairies 
to the height of a man's head on horseback), orchard grass, Ken- 
tucky blue grass, true blue grass, meadow fescue, cheat chess, the 
reed, the cane, perennial ray grass, sweet scented vernal grass, bud 
canary grass, canary grass, crab grass, smooth panicum, witch 
grass, barnyard grass, fox-tail, bottle-grass, millet and broom-beard 
grass. 

Macon county is one of the most favored localities in the State for 
the successful growing of forest trees, evergreen trees, apple trees of 
all varieties, together with peaches, plums, pears, apricots, grapes 
and small fruits. All kinds of ornamental and shade trees, flowers 
and hedges grow and flourish, with only reasonable care and with a 
certainty that is not known east or west, north or south. If we go 
much further south the apple will not flourish, if further north the 
peach is liable to blight ; but here, all are almost sure to do well 
although the peach crop does not hit more than once every two or 
three years. 



924 HISTOPY OF MACON COUNTY. 



HEALTH. 

As to health fulness, Macon county may claim to be highly favored. 
In the first place it has but a few of those great natural sources of 
disease, such as low lands, swamp, stagnant pools, etc. 

It has a number of streams of medium size, together with smaller 
branches, affording abundant drainage ; whilst its population is indus- 
trious, thrifty and intelligently watchful against local causes of dis- 
ease ; still, it is not free from those "ills which flesh is heir to." 
Ordinary diseases, such as fevers, pneumonia, bronchitis, diarrhea, 
flux, etc., prevail to some extent. 

At an early day the prevailing disease was chills and fever. The 
patient, after shaking for an hour or two with the chill, then blazing 
for an hour or two with the fever, could often get up and attend to 
business as usual, and perhaps repeat the process for days or even for 
weeks ; but with increasing population and advancing development 
of the country, the chill, or congestive feature of the disease, has 
nearly subsided, whilst the fever element has increased in intensity 
and duration. We now have chiefly intermittent, remittent and 
continued fevers, with an increasing tendency to the latter type. 
We are beginning to have frequent cases of what we call typho- 
malarial fever ; a fever having all the regular periodicity and other 
symptoms of malarial, or remitting and intermitting fevers, with the 
obstinate persistence of typhoid fever. This change is probably due 
to the fact that at an early date in the history of the county the 
grass, weeds and underbrush grew thick and undisturbed, and, fall- 
ing down, covered the ground with a thick matting which held the 
moisture and furnished an immense amount of decaying vegetation, 
which produced malaria. Now, a larger amount of land being cleared 
up and cultivated, and a larger amount of stock being grazed on 
the lands, this source of malarial poison is in a great degree re- 
moved, whilst those local and endemic influences, consequent upon 
increasing population, tend to the production of enteric or continued 
fevers. Even these, however, are not very prevalent. There has 
never been an epidemic of cholera or small-pox in the county. 

Occasionally, flux, dij)theria and scarlet fever prevail in some town 
or neighborhood, in an endemic form, an event common to any long- 
settled community ; and there is probably no county in the State, of 
anything like equal population, which can claim any advantage over 
it in the way of health. 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 925 



AGRICULTURAL. 

A magnificent country, with a great destiny, is this beautiful cen- 
tral Missouri, whose fortunate location, charming landscape, equable 
climate, versatile and generous soils, fruitful orchards and vineyards, 
matchless grasses, broad grain fields, rich coal measures, noble forests, 
abundant waters and cheap lands, present to the capitalist and immi- 
grant one of the most inviting fields for investment and settlement to 
be found between the two oceans. During the unexampled Westeril 
migratory movement of the last six years, which has peopled Kansas, 
Colorado, Nebraska and other regions with an intelligent and enter- 
prising population, this remarkably rich and productive country has, 
until recently, remained a terra incognita to the average immigrant, 
the new States above named getting accessions of brain, heart, muscle, 
experience and capital that have given them a commanding position 
in the Union. And yet it cannot be denied that Missouri offers to 
intelligent, enterprising and ambitious men of fair capital more of 
the elements of substantial and enjoyable living than any country now 
open to settlement. In one of the fairest and most fertile districts of 
this division of Missouri is Macon county. Macon county is admir- 
ably located within the productive middle belt of the continent, a strip 
of country not exceeding 450 miles wide, lying between the latitudes 
of Minneapolis and Richmond, reaching from ocean to ocean, and 
within which will be found every great commercial, financial and rail- 
way city, 90 per cent of the manufacturing industries, the great dairy 
and fruit interests, the strongest agriculture, the densest, strongest 
and most cosmopolitan population, all the great universities, the most 
advanced school systems, and the highest average of health known to 
the continent. Scarcely less significant is the location of the county 
in the more wealthy and productive portions of the great central 
State of the Union, which, by virtue of its position and splendid 
aggregation of resources, is bound to the commercial, political and 
material life of the country by the strongest ties, and must forever 
feel the quickening of its best energies from every throb of the 
national heart. 

Macon county is in the right latitude, which is a matter of primary 
interest to the immigrant. Lying squarely in the path of empire and 
transcontinental travel, in the latitude of Washington and Cincinnati, 
it has the climatic influence that has given to Northern Kentucky and 
North Virginia an enviable reputation for equable temperature. The 



926 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

climate is a benediction. A mean altitude of about 800 feet above the 
tides gives tone and rarity to the atmosphere and the equable mean of 
temperature. Most of the typical short winter is mild, dry and genial 
enough to pass for a Minnesota Indian summer. The snowfall is gen- 
erally light, infrequent and transient. The long, genial summer days 
are tempered by inspiriting breezes from the south-western plains, 
and followed generally by cool, restful nights. 

The annual rainfall is from 28 to 40 inches, and is generally so 
well distributed over the growing season that less than a fair crop of 
grains, vegetables and grasses is rarely known. 

The annual drainage of the county is excellent, the deep-set streams 
readily carrying off the surplus water from the generally undulating 
surface, only a limited area being too flat to quickly shed the surplus 
rains. 

The water supply of this county is alike ample and admirable. 
More than a score of deep-set streams traverse almost every portion 
of the county, and with numerous springs, hundreds of artificial 
ponds, and many living wells and cisterns, furnish pure water for all 
domestic uses. The markets are well supplied with hard and soft 
woods at $2 to $3.50 per cord, and there is a good supply of building 
and fencing timber. A good portion of the county is underlaid with 
coal, whose frequent outcroppings along the streams and ravines 
expose veins which are easily worked by "stripping" and "drift- 
ing." Explorations made by shafts disclose well-defined veins, and 
there is not a doubt of very extensive deposits of the best bitumi- 
nous coal. The supply of good building stone, too, is equal to all 
present and prospective needs, massive deposits of well-stratified 
limestone being found frequently outcropping along the streams and 
ravines. 

The cost of fencing is materially lower here than in most of the new 
or old prairie States. In the wooded districts the fences are cheaply 
made of common posts or stakes and rails. In the prairie districts 
the older and abler farmers do a large amount of fencing with the 
osage orange hedge, which is an unqualified success in this county. 
There are miles and miles of fine hedge in this country, and with 
proper care a farmer can grow a mile of stock-proof hedge in four 
years, at a cost of $1.25 in labor. The newer farms are being uni- 
versally fenced with barbed wire, which is esteemed the quickest, most 
reliable, durable and cheapest fencing now in use here. The stock 
farmers are especially friendly to barbed wire fencing, some of them 
having put up as many as five and six miles in the last three years. 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 927 

The soils of Macon county are developing elements of productive 
wealth as cultivation advances. The prairie soil is a dark, friable al- 
luvial, from one to three feet deep, rich in humus, very easily handled, 
and produces fine crops of corn, oats, flax, rye, broom corn, sorghum, 
vegetables and grasses. The oak and hickory soil of the principal 
woodlands is a shade lighter in color ; is rather more consistent ; holds 
a good per cent of lime and magnesia, carbonate of lime, phosphate, 
silica, alumnia, organic matter, etc., and produces fine crops of wheat, 
clover and fruits, and, with a deep rotative culture, gives splendid re- 
turns for the labor bestowed. 

The valleys are covered with a deposit of black, imperishable allu- 
vial, from three to eight feet in depth, and as loose and friable as a 
heap of compost, grow from 60 to 80 bushels of corn to the acre, 
and give an enormous yield to anything grown in this latitude. 
While these soils present a splendid array of productive forces, they 
are supplemented by sub-soils equal to any known to husbandry. The 
entire superficial soils of the county are underlaid by strong, consist- 
ent, silicious clays and marls, so rich in lime, magnesia, alumnia, or- 
ganic matter, and other valuable constituents, that centuries of deep 
cultivation will prove them like the kindred loess of the Rhine and 
Nile valleys, absolutely indestructible. Everywhere, about the railway 
cuts, ponds, cisterns, cellars and other excavations, where these clays 
and marls have had one or two years' exposure to frost and air, they 
have slacked to the consistency of an ash heap, and bear such a rank 
growth of weeds, grass, grain, vegetables and young trees, that in the 
older and less fertile States they might readily be taken for deposits 
of the richest compost. 

After three years' observation in Central and North-western Mis- 
souri, we are prepared to believe that a hundred years hence, when the 
older Eastern and Southern States shall have been hopelessly given over 
to the artificial fertilizers of man, and a new race of farmers are carry- 
ing systematic and deep cultivation down into this wonderful alien 
deposit of silicious matter, the whole of North and Central Missouri 
will have become the classic ground in American asfriculture, and 
these imperishable soils in the hands of small farmers will have become 
a very garden of beauty and bounty, and these Macon county lands 
will command splendid prices on a strong market. 

The lands of Macon county are nearly all available, because they 
are nearly all good. The lowest bottoms are free from swamps and 
lagoons, and the highest elevations are comparatively free of rocks 
and impediments to cultivation. It is safe to say that these soils, to- 



928 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

gether, give the broadest range of production known to American 
husbandry. It is the pride and boast of the Macon county farmer 
that he can grow in perfection every grain, vegetable, grass, plant and 
fruit that flourishes between the northern limits of the cotton fields 
and the Red river of the North. Both the surface indications of the 
soil and its native and domestic productions indicate its remarkable 
versatility and bounty. 

But a few years ago much of the outlying commons was covered 
with a luxuriant growth of wild prairie grass, of which there were 
more than 50 varieties, all of more or less value for pasturage and 
hay. Nearly all the natural ranges are now enclosed and under trib- 
ute to the herdsmen, and it is safe to say that their native herbage 
will put more flesh on cattle from the beginning of April to early 
autumn than any of the domestic grasses. With the progress of set- 
tlement and cultivation, however, they are steadily disappearing be- 
fore the tenacious and all-conquering blue grass, which is surely 
making the conquest of every rod of the county not under tribute to 
the plow. Blue grass is an indigenous growth here — many of the 
older and open woodland pastures rivaling the famous blue grass 
ranges of Kentucky, both in the luxuriance of their growth and the 
high quality of the herbage. Now and then one meets a Kentuckian 
so provincial in his attachments and conceits that he can see nothing 
quite equal to the blue grass of old Bourbon county ; but the mass of 
impartial Kentuckians, who constitute a large per centum of the pop- 
ulation here, admit that the same care bestowed upon the blue grass 
fields of Kentucky gives equally fine results in Macon county, whose 
blue grass ranges are certainly superior to any in Illinois. This 
splendid " king of grasses," which, in this mild climate, makes a 
luxuriant early spring and autumn growth, is appropriately supple- 
mented here by white clover, which is also "to the manor born;" 
and on this mixture of alluvial, with the underlying silicious marls 
and clays, makes a fine growth, especially in years of full moisture, 
and is a strong; factor in the sum of local o-razins; wealth. With these 
two grasses, followed by orchard grass for winter grazing (orchard 
grass makes a very heavy growth here), the herdsmen of fortunate 
Macon county have the most desirable of all stock-growing condi- 
tions — perennial grazing — which, with the fine grades of stock kept 
here, means wealth for all classes of stock-growers. There is another 
essential element of grazino; resource here, and it is found in the 
splendid timothy meadows, which are equal to any in the Western 
Reserve or the Canadas. These meadows give a heavy growth of hay 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 929 

and seed, both of which are largely and profitably grown for export. 
Red clover is quite as much at home here as timothy, and its cultiva- 
tion is being very successfully extended by all the better farmers for 
mixed meadow pasturage and seed. Here, too, is found a luxuriant 
growth of herds' grass (red top), which, during the past summer, has 
made fine showing, the low "swale" lands and ravines presenting 
grand, waving billows of herds' grass, almost as rich and rank of 
growth as the "blue stem" of the wild Western prairie bottoms. 
With this showing for the native and domestic grasses, it is almost 
needless to pronounce Macon county a superb stock country. 

With hundreds of thousands of bushels of corn grown at a cost of 
16 to 18 cents per bushel ; an abundance of pure stock water and 
these matchless grasses ; the fine natural shelter afibrded by tho 
wooded valleys and ravines ; the superior facilities for cheap trans- 
portation to the great stock markets ; the mildness and healthfulness 
of the climate, and the cheapness of the grazing lands, nothing pays 
so well or is so perfectly adapted to the country as stock husbandry. 
Cattle, sheep, swine, horse and mule raising and feeding are all pur- 
sued with profit in this county, the business, in good hands, paying 
net yearly returns of 20 to 40 per cent on the investment, many 
sheep-growers realizing a much greater net profit. 

Cattle growing and feeding, in connection with swine raising and 
feeding, is the leading industry of the county. High grade short 
horns of model types, bred from the best beef-getting stock, are kept 
by many of the growers and feeders, the steers being grazed during 
the warm months, after which they are " full-fed " and turned oS 
during the winter and spring, weighing from 1,200 to 1,700 pounds 
gross at 2 and 3 years old, the heavier animals going to European 
buyers. The steers are fed in conjunction with model Berkshire and 
Poland China pigs, which fatten perfectly on the droppings and litter 
of the feed yard, and go into market weighing from 250 to 400 
pounds at 10 to 14 months old. These steers and pigs are bred and 
grazed by the feeders of their grass and corn-growing neighbors, and 
will average in quality and weight with the best grades fed in any of 
the older States. 

Horse and mule raising is a favorite industry with many of the 
farmers, and has been pursued with profit for years, a large surplus 
of well-bred work horses and mules going mainly to Southern mar- 
kets each year. 

Sheep raising has for several years been a favorite and highly 
profitable branch of stock husbandry here, many growers realizing a 



930 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

net profit of 40 to 60 per cent on the money invested in the busi- 
ness. The wool produced in 1880 amouuted to 62,348 pounds. 
This county is remarkably well suited to sheep growing, the flocks 
increasing rapidly and being generally free from disease. There are 
many small flocks that give a higher per cent of profit than the figures 
above given, but even the larger herds make a splendid showing. 
Merinos are mainly kept by the larger flockmasters, but the hundreds 
of smaller flocks, ranging from 40 to 300 each, are mainly Cotswolds 
and Downs, the former predominating, and the wool clips running 
from 5 to 9 pounds per capita of unwashed wool. 

Sheep feeding is conducted with unusual profit here, the mild win- 
ters, cheap feed and the very cheap transportation to the great mutton 
markets especially favoring the business. 

The extent of the industry in this county is only measurably indi- 
cated by the table at the end of this chapter, which gives the number 
of cattle, sheep, hogs, horses, mules, and the value of each class. 
This statement, which is unquestionably 15 or 20 per cent below the 
real number of animals kept in the county, shows a large increase 
over the report of 1870. The live stock exports of the county last 
year exceeded 1,500 car loads of fat cattle, sheep, swine, horses and 
mules, worth in the home market at present prices considerably more 
than $2,000,000, and yet the business is comparatively in its infancy, 
not more than half the stock growing resources of the county being 
yet developed. 

Dairy farming might be very profitably pursued here, the grasses, 
water and near market for first-class dairy products all favoring the 
business in high degree. In 1880, there were 567,502 pounds of 
butter made. 

Macon county could be made a stock breeder's paradise, as the 
demand for all classes of well-bred stock is always in excess of the 
supply. In former years the local growers have mostly depended on 
the breeders of the older neighboring counties for their thoroughbred 
stock animals, but of late many fine short horns have been brought 
in, and superior stock horses have been introduced, and there are a 
dozen of good breeders of sheep and swine, whose stock will rank 
with the best in the country. 

Stock breeding, grazing, and feeding under the favoring local con- 
ditions, is the surest and most profitable business that can be pur- 
sued in the West, or, for that matter, anywhere in *' the wide, wide 
world." 

Not a single man of ordinary sense and business capacity in this 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 931 

county, that has followed the one work of raising and feeding his 
own stock, abjuring speculation, and sticking closely to the business, 
has (or ever will) failed to make money. It beats wheat growing 
two to one, though the latter calling be pursued under the most fav- 
orable conditions in the best wheat regions. It beats speculation of 
every sort, for it is as sure as the rains and sunshine. What are 
stocks, bonds, <« options," mining shares, merchandise, or traffic of 
any character besides those matchless and magnificent grasses that 
come of their own volition and are fed through all the ages by the 
eternal God, upon the rains and dews and imperishable soils of such 
a land as this? If the writer were questioned as to the noblest call- 
ing among men, outside of the ministry of " peace and good will," he 
would unhesitatingly point to the quiet and honorable pastoral life of 
these Western herdsmen. Stock growing in Macon county, as 
everywhere, develops a race of royal men, and is the one absorbing, 
entertaining occupation of the day and location. If it be eminently 
practical and profitable, so, too, it is invested Avith a poetic charm. 
To grow the green, succulent, luxuriant grass, develop the finest lines 
of grace and beauty in animal conformation, tend one's herds and 
flocks on the green, fragrant range, live in the atmosphere of delicate 
sympathy with the higher forms and impulses of the animal life in 
one's care, and to be inspired by the higher sentiments and traditions 
of honorable breeding, is a life to be coveted by the best men of all 
lands. By the side of the herds and grasses and herdsmen of such a 
country as this, the men of the grain fields are nowhere. These men 
of the herds are leading a far more satisfactory life than the Hebrew 
shepherds led on the Assyrian hills in the old, dead centuries ; they 
tend their flocks and raise honest children in the sweet atmosphere of 
content. They are in peace with their neighbors, and look out upon 
a pastoral landscape as fair as ever graced the canvas of Turner. The 
skies above them are as radiant as those above the Arno, and if the 
finer arts of the old land are little cultivated by the herdsmen of these 
peaceful valleys, they are yet devoted to the higher art of patient and 
honorable human living. 

The lands are cheap, the location exceptionally fine, and the other 
advantages over the older States so great that the question of compe- 
tition is all in favor of this country. This country is admirably suited 
to "mixed farming." The versatility and bounty of the soil, wide 
range of production, the competition between the railways and great 
rivers for the carrying trade, and the nearness of the great markets 
all favor the variety farmer. With a surplus of capital, sheep, pigs. 



932 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

mules, horses, wool, wheat, eggs, poultry, fruit, dairy products, etc., 
he is master of the situation. The farmers of Macon county live 
easier and cheaper than those of the older States. The labor bestowed 
upon 40 acres in Ohio, New York or New England, will thoroughly 
cultivate 100 acres of these richer, cleaner and more flexible soils. 
Animals require less care and feed and mature earlier ; the home re- 
quires less fuel ; the fields are finely suited to improved machinery, 
and it is safe to say that the average Macon county farmer gets 
through the real farm work of the year in 150 days. 

Nature is so prodigal in her gifts to man, that the tendency is to go 
slow and take the world easy. Nor is this at all wonderful in a 
country where generous Mother Nature does 70 per cent of the 
productive work, charitably leaving only 30 per cent for the brain 
and muscle of her sons. It is only natural that this condition of 
things tends to loose and unthrifty methods of farming, and that the 
consequent waste of a half section of land here, would give a comfort- 
able support to a Connecticut or Canadian farmer. It is in evidence, 
however, from the experience of all thorough and systematic farmers 
here, that no region in America gives grander sections to good farming 
than this county. There is not one of all the thorough, systematic, 
rotative and deep cultivators of the country who has not and does 
not make money. No soils give a better account of themselves in 
skilled and thrifty hands than these, and it is greatly to their honor 
that they have yielded so much wealth under such indifferent treat- 
ment. These Macon county lands will every time pay for themselves 
under anything like decent treatment. They are near the center of 
the great corn and blue grass area of the country, where agriculture 
has stood the test of half a century of unfailing production, where 
civilization is surely and firmly founded on intellectual and refined 
society, schools, churches and railways, markets, mills and elegant 
homes. The lands of the county will nearly double in value during 
the next decade. Nothing short of material desolation can prevent 
such a result. Everywhere in the older States there is more or less 
inquiry about Missouri lands, and all the indications point to a strong 
inflow of intelligent and well-to-do people from the older States. 
Does the reader ask why lands are so cheap under such favorable, 
material conditions? Well, the question is easily answered. Up to 
a recent date, little or nothing has been done by the people of the 
State to advertise to the world its manifold and magnificent resour- 
ces. Still worse, Missouri has, for two decades, been under the ban 
of public prejudice throughout the North and East, the people of 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 933 

those sections believing Missourians to be a race of ignorant, inhos- 
pitable, proscriptive and intolerant bulldozers, who were inimical to 
Northern immigration, enterprise and progress. Under this impress- 
ion, half a million immigrants have annually passed by this beautiful 
country, bound for the immigrants' Utopia, which is generally laid in 
Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado and Texas. This mighty army of reso- 
lute men and women, with their wealth of gold, experience and cour- 
age, have been lost to a State of which they unfortunately knew 
little and cared to know less. Under such conditions there has, of 
course, been a dearth of land buyers. Happily Macon county has 
been advertised by her local newspapers, her enterprising real estate 
men and other agencies, and has, perhaps, suffered less at the hands 
of ill-founded prejudice than many other sections. 

The people of Macon county — 28,000 strong — are as intelligent, 
refined and hospitable as those of Ohio or Michigan ; and a more 
tolerant, appreciative, chivalrous community never undertook the 
subjugation of a beautiful wilderness to noble human uses. We have 
passed a number of years in Northern and Central Missouri, visiting 
the towns, looking into the industrial life of the people, inspecting the 
farms and herds, reviewing the schools and carefully watching the 
drift of popular feeling, and are pleased to affirm that there is nowhere 
in the Union a more order-loving and law-respecting population than 
that of Macon county. 

" The life they live " here is quite as refined and rational as any 
phase of the social and political life at the North. Whatever they did 
in the exciting and perilous years of the war, they are to-day as frank, 
liberal and cordial in their treatment of Northern people, and as ready 
to appreciate and honor every good quality in them, as if they were 
" to the manor born." 

A strong Union sentiment is everywhere apparent. Many persons 
were strong Union Democrats during the war, never swerving in their 
fealty to the Union, and the old flag floats as proudly in Central and 
North Missouri as in the shadows of Indeijendence Hall. All parties 
are agreed that slavery is dead, and that its demise was a blessing to 
every prime interest of the country. There is not a man of character 
in the county who would restore the institution if he could. A good 
majority of the first settlers of this county hail from Kentucky and 
Virginia, or are descended from Kentucky or Virginia families, and 
have the deliberation, frankness, good sense, admiration of fair play, 
reverence for woman and home, boundless home hospitality and strong 
self-respect, for which the average Kentuckian and Virginian is pro- 



934 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

verbial. They have a habit of minding their own business that is 
refreshing to see. The new-comer is not catechised as to social ante- 
cedents or politics, but is estimated for what lie is and does. They 
don't care where a man hails from, if he be sensible and honest. 
They take care of their credit as if it were their only stock in trade. 
When a man's word ceases to be as good as his bond, his credit, busi- 
ness and standing are gone, and the loss of honorable prestige is not 
at all easy of recovery. About half of the present population of the 
county is from the Northern and Eastern States. 

Sterling character finds as high appreciation here as in any country 
of our knowledge. The visitor-is impressed with the number of strong 
men — men who would take rank in the social, professional and busi- 
ness relations of any community in civilization. Macon county has 
evidently drawn largely upon the best blood, brain and experience 
of the older States. In every department of life may be found men 
of fine culture and large experience in the best ways of the world, 
and the stranger who comes here expecting to place the good people 
of this county in his shadow, will get the conceit effectually taken out 
of him in about 90 days. They are not a race of barbarians, liv- 
ing a precarious sort of life in the bush, but a brave, magnanimous, 
intelligent people, who, if their average daily life be sternly realistic 
in the practical ways of home-building and bread-getting, have yet 
within and about them so much of the ideal that he is indeed a 
dull observer who sees not in their relations to the wealth of the 
grain-fields and herds, and the poetry of the sweet natural landscape, 
a union of the real and ideal that is yet to make for them the perfect 
human life. They find ample time for the founding and fostering of 
schools, the love of books and flowers and art, a cultivation of the 
social graces, and the building of temples to the spiritual and ideal. 
Macon county raises horses and mules and swine, fat steers, and the 
grain to feed the million, but is none the less a generous almoner of 
o-ood gifts for her children. She has 127 free schools for white and 
colored children. 

Public morals are guarded and fostered by the presence and influ- 
ence of churches, representing nearly all the denominations, and are 
nowhere displayed to better advantage than in the general observance 
of the Sabbath, and in the honest financial administration of county 
affairs. There are no repudiators of the public credit and obligation 
here. They have in a high measure that singular and inestimable vir- 
tue called popular conscience, and make it the inexorable rule of judg- 
ment and action in all public administration. It is as unchangeable 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 935 

as the law of the Medes and Persians, and though public enterprise 
has impelled the expenditure of a great deal of money, large sums 
have also been voted for the building of railways, for county build- 
ings and appointments, and for bridges, with a liberal expenditure for 
incidental uses, all within little more than a decade ; nobody has had 
the hardihood to even talk repudiation, and Macon will, we hope, 
soon be out of debt and the last do'llar of her bonded indebtedness be 
paid. 

It is clearly no injustice to other portions of Missouri to pronounce 
Macon one of the model counties. She has an untarnished and envi- 
able credit, excellent schools, light taxes, a brave, intelligent popula- 
tion, and presents a picture of material thrift which challenges the 
admiration of all. There are a score of men in the county worth from 
$30,000 to $50,000. Half a hundred more represent from $20,000 
to $50,000, and a large number from $15,000 to $20,000, while after 
these come a good-sized army whose lands and personal estate will 
range from $10,000 to $15,000. This wealth is not in any sense spec- 
ulative, for it has been mainly dug out of the soil, and, in a modest 
degree, represents the half-developed capacity of the grasses and grain 
fields. It is not in the hands of any speculative or privileged class, 
but is well distributed over the county in lands, homes and herds. 
It is one of the pleasures of a lifetime to ride for days over this 
charming region of fine old homes, thrifty orchards, green pastures 
and royal herds, and remember that the fortunate owners of these 
noble estates have liberal bank balances to their credit, and are 
well on the road to honorable opulence. 

Many of our readers will be inclined to wonder if it is an over- 
colored sketch of the country and people, and ask for the shady side 
of the picture. "Are there no poor lands, poor farmers, or poor 
farming in Macon county — nothing to criticise, grumble about or 
find fault with in the ways of the 28,000 people within the range of 
the latter?" Yes, there is a "shady side" to the picture, and it 
is easily and quickly sketched from life. The scarcity of farm labor 
is apparent to the most superficial observer. The negroes, who did 
most of the farm labor under the old compulsory system, have 
gone almost solidly to the towns, and are no longer a factor in the 
farm labor problem. The average farm hand has acquired the 
easy, slip-shod habits of the slave labor system, and is at best a 
poor substitute. Four-fifths of the farmers undertake too much, ex- 
pending in the most superficial way upon 200 or 400 acres the labor 
which would only well cultivate 100 acres, and the result is seen in 
54 



936 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

shallow ploughing, hurried seeding, slight cultivation, careless har- 
vesting, loose stacking, wasteful threshing and reckless waste in 
feeding. The equally reckless exposure of farm machinery in this 
county would bankrupt the entire farm population of half-a-dozen 
New England counties in three seasons. The visitor in the country 
is always in sight of splendid reapers, mowers, seeders, cultivators, 
wagons and smaller implements,* standing in the swarth, furrow, 
fence-corner or yard where last used, and exposed to the storms and 
sunshine until the improvident owner needs them for further use. 

The exposure of flocks and herds to the cold, wet storms of the 
winter, without a thought of shelter, in a country were Nature has 
bountifully provided the material for, and only trifling labor is re- 
quired to give ample protection, is a violation of the simplest rule of 
economy and that kindly human impulse that never fails to be moved 
by the sight of animal suffering. The astonishing waste of manures 
by the villainous habit of burning great stacks of straw and leaving 
rich half-century accumulations of manure to the caprice of the ele- 
ments, may be all right in bountiful old Missouri, but in the older 
Eastern country would be prima facie evidence of the insanity of the 
land -owner who permitted the waste. 

The waste of valuable timber is equally unaccountable, if not really 
appalling. While economists in the older lands are startled at the 
rapid approach of the timber famine, and are wondering where the 
timber supply is to come from a dozen years hence, the farmers of 
Macon county and all north Missouri have until recently been split- 
ting elegant young walnut and cherry trees into common rails to 
enclose lands worth $10 to $25 per acre ; cutting them into logs for 
cabins, pig troughs and sluiceways, and even putting them on the wood 
market in competition with cheap coals, complaining the while of the 
cost of walnut furniture brought from factories a thousand miles 
away. 

There are too many big farms here for the good of the overtasked 
owners or the country. No man can thoroughly cultivate 600, 1,000 
or 1,500 acres of land, any more than a country of homeless and 
landless tenants can be permanently prosperous ; and the sooner these 
broad, unwieldly estates are broken into small farms, and thoroughly 
cultivated by owners of the soil in fee simple, the better it will be 
for land values, schools, highways, society, agriculture, trade and 
every vital interest of the country. Such a consummation would vastly 
add to the wealth and attractions of this beautiful and fertile region, 
giving it the graces of art, manifold fruits of production, and univer- 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 937 

sal thrift that attend every country of proprietary small farmers. 
There is too much speculation and too little work for the benefit of 
farming or economic living. Everybody is trading with his neighbor 
in live stock, grain, lands, town lots, options, or anything that prom- 
ises money without work, forgetting that the country is not a dime the 
richer for the traffic. Nothing surprises the Eastern visitor as much 
as the want of appreciation for their country, expressed by so many 
of the old and substantial farmers of this region. They get the Texas, 
Kansas or Colorado fever, and talk about selling beautiful farms in 
this f\iir and fertile county for the chances of fortune in one of these 
regions of the immigrant's Utopia, as if they were unconscious of 
living in one of the most favored lands upon the green earth. A six 
weeks' tour of some of the older and less favored States, followed by 
a trip of critical observation into some of the newer ones, might give 
these uneasy and unsettled men a spirit of happy content with their 
present homes and surroundings. 

Macon county has productive capacity great enough to feed a 
fourth of the population of Missouri, but before its wonderful native 
resources are developed to the maximum, it must have 20,000 more 
men to aid in the work. Men for the thorough cultivation of 40, 80 
and 120 acre farms ; for the modern butter and cheese dairy ; skilled 
fruit growers to plant orchards and vineyards and wine presses ; 
hundreds of sterling young men from the Northern States, the 
Canadas and Europe to solve the farm labor problem in a country 
where reliable labor is scarce and wages high, and skilled artisans to 
found a hundred new mechanical industries. All these are wanted, 
nor can they come a day too soon for cordial greeting from the good 
people of Macon county, or the precious realization of a great destiny 
for one of the most inviting regions on the green earth. 

Horses, 10,644; mules, 2,505; cattle, 32,207; sheep, 24,123* 
hogs, 34,280 ; acres of land, 518,150,050, valued at $2,744,802 ; town 
lots, 5,249, valued at $638,394; personal, $2,147,058; real, 
$3,382,196. Total taxable wealth, $5,530,254. 

La Plata township leads off in the production of horses, the number 
being 770 ; Liberty being next, 668 ; Liberty produces more mules,. 
233; Lingo more cattle, 2,325; Drake following with 1,979; Lyda 
more sheep, 2,206; Narrows following with 1,772; Jackson more 
hogs, 2,010; Liberty next, 1,923. There are in the county 3,202 
dogs, Hudson township having 372, or 121 more dogs than any 
other township ; this of course includes the City of Macon. These 
dogs are taxed, male, $1 ; female, $2. 



938 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 



Macon county produced in 1880, 3,222,875 bushels of corn ; oats, 
272,902 bushels; wheat, 64,270 bushels ; Irish potatoes, 79,508 bush- 
els; buckwheat, 3,548 bushels; rye, 13,702 bushels; hay, 27,000 
tons ; tobacco crop, 1884, 728,584 pounds. Chariton is the only 
county that raised more tobacco than Macon. 

In 1884 there were in cultivation 3,465 farms in the county, or 
268,375 acres. 

There was a wool clip of 123,048 pounds ; butter produced, 567,502 
pounds ; cheese, 13,298 pounds. Only 14 counties in the State raise 
more corn than Macon. Six counties produce a greater number of 
sheep. 




BIOGRAPHICAL. 



LA PLATA T0W:N^SHIP. 



ZEPHEMIAH E. ATTEBERY 

(Retired Farmer aud Stock-raiser; Post-Office, La Plata) . 

No worthy history of La Plata township can ever be written which 
fails to include among the names of those of its citizens who 
have contributed a leading and honorable part to the improvement 
and development of the township and to the high character and 
personal worth of its people, the name that heads this sketch, a 
name borne by one of the best men of the township, a man who has 
lived within its borders for nearly 40 years, and one whose life 
has been an unbroken chain of usefulness to his family, his chnrch 
and the community, and who, b}^ industry and the sterling qualities 
of his own character, accumulated a comfortable fortune, which, 
with the liberality of his generous nature, he has distributed among 
his children. So far as unassumed and unassuming worth is con- 
cerned, that quality which prompts one to go plainly and modestly 
forward in the performance of his duty through life, turning neither 
to the right nor to the left, but living faithfully to family, society 
and to the laws of God — so far as this is concerned no name in 
the history of this township or of any community deserves a more 
respectful consideration than the name of Z. E. Attebery. Let us 
then present a brief sketch of this good and worthy man's life. He 
came down from two old and respected Virginia families, the Atte- 
berys and the demons. His father, Thomas Attebery, came out to 
Barren county, Ky., after his marriage to Susanna Clemons, where 
the parents made their permanent home. They were among the 
first settlers of Barren county. Zephemiah E. was born there 
June 14, 1817, and was reared on the farm. In 1840 he came to 
Missouri, and located in Monroe county, having prior to this made 
two trips from Kentucky to Illinois. After living in Monroe county 
two years he went again to Illinois and resided in Woodfoi'd county 
until 1847. While there, September 4, 1845, he was married to Miss 
Eliza J. Moore, a daughter of John and Prudence Moore, formerly of 
Virginia. Returning to Missouri, Mr. Attebery settled in Macon 
county, in which he has since resided. Here he bought a small tract 
of land and began making himself a home. He worked with untiring 

(939) 



> 



940 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

industry from that time forward and was quite successful. In time 
he became the owner of nearly 1,000 acres of land. This, however, 
he has divided up among his children, and now owns no real estate at 
all, except a residence and some lots in La Plata. Until recent 
years, however, he was regarded as one of the most thorough-going, 
energetic farmers of the township and was esteemed to a high de- 
gree by all who knew him, as he still is so far as the estimation of 
his neighbors aud acquaintances is concerned, but as to farming he 
has retired from that in order to spend the remaining years of his life 
in comparative ease and comfort. His good wife, after having stood 
by his side through sunshine and shadow for nearly 40 years, is still 
spared to accompany him on down the long and happy journey of life. 
They have reared a family of four children, namely: Susanna P., 
widow of John M. Plemons ; Benjamin F., of La Plata; Sarah F., 
wife of James Moody; and Josephine A., wife of George W. Brook. 
Mr. Attebery has long been an elder in the Christian Church, but has 
always avoided making himself officious or conspicuous either in 
church or politics, preferring to be considered what he really is, a 
plain, honest man, striving to do only his duty as he sees it as best he 
can and in a modest, unassuming way. 

AMBROSE M. BARNHARDT 

(Farmer and Breeder of Thoroughbred Horses, P. O. La Plata). 

Mr. Barnhardt, who is a representative of an old and respected 
family of Randolph county, and is a man of college education, and who 
prior to engaging in the breeding of fine horses had given his attention 
to teaching for several years and then to merchandising, was born and 
reared in Randolph county, and was a son of George W. Barnhardt, a 
well known citizen of that county. • Mr. Barnhardt's mother was a 
Miss Rebecca Phipps before her marriage, but is now deceased. Am- 
brose M. was born February 4, 1848, and after taking a course in the 
common schools concluded his education at Mount Pleasant College, 
in which he spent two years. He then taught school in Chariton, 
Randolph and Macon counties for about four years. Following this 
he eno^aged in merchandising. In 1873 he was in business at La Plata 
in partnership with T. J. Phipps, where he continued for about three 
years. In the spring of 1876 Mr. Barnhardt located on his present 
farm, about half a mile east of La Plata, a neat little place well im- 
proved, and engaged in farming, but more particularly in breeding fine 
horses. He has had excellent success in his business, and has some 
of the finest stock in his line to be seen in this section of the State. In 
1881 he bought a fine, pure-blood Clydesdale horse, and since that he 
has added two more fine horses to his stud. These are horses well 
worth a day's journey to see, and they have the name of being the best 
stock throughout the country. April 29, 1875, Mr. Barnhardt was 
married to Miss Ella Caldwell, a daughter of Hon. H. F. Caldwell, 
whose sketch appears on another page of this work. They have two 
children : Wilfred and Madire. Mr. Barnhardt is a member of the 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY, 941 

Cumberland Presbyterian Church and of the A. O. U. W. lodge at 
La Phita. Personall}'^ he is a gentleman of pleasant address and is 
highly esteemed by his neighbors and friends. 

WILLIAM J. BIGGS 

(Cashier of the Savings Banlt at La Plata) . 

Mr. Biggs, who has been connected with the above named bank since 
its first organization and whose business tact and personal popularity 
have contributed no inconsiderable part to its success, is a native of 
Ohio, born near Newark, in Licking county, January 23, 1846. His 
parents came originally from Maryland and New Hampshire respect- 
ively. They met for the first time in Ohio, where they were married. 
The father, John Biggs, died in the latter State in 1861, and the 
mother, whose maiden name was Louisa Atwood, in 1865. William 
J. was reared in his native county, or rather in Seneca county, to 
which his parents removed from Licking county in 1854. His youth 
was spent principally at school, and in 1860 he entered the Wesleyan 
University of Ohio, which he attended for three years, confining his 
studies principally to the higher English branches and advanced mathe- 
matics. Subsequently he took a commercial course at Cleveland, 
where he graduated in 1864. Two years after the war Mr. Bi^gs 
came West and located in the vicinity of La Plata, where he was en- 
gaged in farming for about four years. He then obtained a position 
as clerk in a store. He continued clerking for some five years, at 
which time the La Plata Savings Bank was organized and he was 
offered a position as clerk in the bank, which he accepted. It was at 
first a private bank, but later along was incorporated under the laws 
of the State. This was in the spring of 1882. The bank was organ- 
ized with a capital of $15,000. Since then a surplus has been accu- 
mulated of about $3,500. In the meantime, after a year's service 
as clerk, Mr. Biggs was appointed assistant cashier, and in 1880 he 
was made cashier of the bank, since which he has continued to hold 
that position. A thorough business man and well acquainted with the 
people with whom he has to do business in the territory tributary to 
La Plata, he is peculiarly well qualified to discharge the duties of 
cashier. Urbane of manners and polite to all, he is a gentleman with 
whom the community takes a pleasure in transacting business. 
February 28, 1878, Mr. Biggs was married to Miss Rosa Miller, a 
daughter of L. D. Miller, of this county. Mrs. Biggs was educated 
at Kirksville. They have two children : Anna L. and Bennie. Mr. 
Biggs is a member of La Plata Lodge No. 237, A. F. and A. M., and 
also of the Macon Chapter and Kirksville Commandery. 

EDWIN L. BROWN 

(Assistant Cashier of the Savings Bank of La Plata) . 

Mr. Brown, who has held the position of assistant cashier of the 
bank with which he is at present connected since it was incorporated 



942 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

under the laws of the State, in the spring of 1882, at which time he 
was elected to this position, is a native of Illinois, born in Mercer 
county, February 5, 1862. His father, Norman P. Brown, was orig- 
inally from Vermont, but his mother, whose maiden name was Mary 
P. Biggs, was from Ohio. The father was a prominent citizen of 
Mercer county and filled various local offices, including that of circuit 
clerk. However, in 1871, he removed to Missouri and located at 
Pleasant Hill, where he engaged in mercantile pursuits. There^ he 
resided for about four years and until his death. He was quite suc- 
cessful in business and accumulated a comfortable estate. After his 
death the mother with her three children, Edwin L., Louie D. and 
Walter J,, went to Kansas City, where they resided for two years. 
They then removed to Toledo, Ohio, where the mother still resides. 
Edwin L. remained at Toledo until the winter of 1880-81, when he 
returned to Missouri. He received a good education as he grew up 
and became well qualified for business pursuits. He makes a most 
efficient assistant bank cashier, and is highly popular with all who 
know him. He is a young man of sterling character, untiring indus- 
try and unquestioned personal worth, and according to all indications 
has a most promising future in the banking business. He is a mem- 
ber of the A. F. and A. M., at La Plata. 

GEORGE W. BRAMMER. 

(Of Brammer & Reed, Grocers, La Plata). 
Mr. Brammer, who was born and reared in Virginia, and has trav- 
eled over the country considerably, considering that he is still com- 
paratively a voung man, believes that when one leaves Macon county 
to look for a better country he is pursuing an ignis fatuus, and being 
a man of intelligence and close observation, his opinion is entitled te 
no inconsiderable weight. He thinks that we have here all the con- 
ditions for a thrifty and prosperous country, and that while our agri- 
cultural resources are unsurpassed, our business opportunities are not 
less favorable. His own experience seems to fully justify this opin- 
ion. He came to Macon county in 1868 and clerked at La Plata until 
1874. He then traveled in the far West, but came back in a few years 
afterwards and resumed clerking. He soon became able to engage 
in business for himself and is now one of the stirring, substantial 
business men of La Plata. He commenced in 1879 in the grocerj^ bus- 
iness in the firm of C. Owsley & Brammer, but finally bought out 
Mr. Owslev and afterwards Mr. Reed became his partner. They have 
a first-class stock of groceries and everything ordinarily found in a 
grocery store. Their trade already large is increasing with rapidity, 
and Mr. Brammer feels that he has every reason to look to the future 
with hope by no means unflattering. February 2, 1881, he was married 
to Miss Beatrice Sears, a daughter of Rev. William Sears, of this 
countv, whose sketch appears in this volume. Mr, Brammer was a 
son of Capt. Jonathan Brammer and wife (Maria Layman), both of 
Virginia, and was born in Patrick county of that State. He was reared 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 943 

and educated in West Virginia to which State the parents removed. 
Mr. and Mrs. Brammer have one child, Walter S. 

HON. HENRY F. CALDWELL 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Post-offlce, La Plata). 

Mr. Caldwell, who served four years in the State Senate from this 
district, his term expiring in 1882, and who was one of the prominent 
leaders and organizers of the Grange movement in North Missouri, 
has long been regarded as one of the most enterprising and business- 
like farmers and stock-raisers in this jDart of the county, and is a man 
who stands as high in general esteem as the best in his community. 
On his father's side he is of Irish parentage, but his mother, whose 
maiden name was Margaret 1. Fesler, was a native of Pennsylvania. 
His father, Alexander Caldwell, came to America with his parents 
when he was a mere boy, and was reared in Pennsylvania and Ohio. 
He was married in Ohio, and Henry F., the subject of this sketch, 
was born in Athens county, of that State, July 1, 1825. He received 
a good general English education, having a course in the common 
schools and one at Guysville Seminary. He remained on the farm 
with the family until about the time of his marriage, which was in the 
winter of 1846-47. He then engaged in farming in his native county 
and continued it there with success until his removal to Missouri in 
the spring of 1866. During all this time he was on the old family 
homestead and carried on the farm for his parents. On coming to 
Missouri Mr. Caldwell bought some 400 acres of land in Richland 
township, of Macon county, where he engaged in farming until 1868, 
when he sold out and removed to La Plata. In connection with Mr. 
Irving he built a warehouse here and enoao-ed in the grain and lumber 
business. He was identified with this business at La Plata for about 
five years. In the spring of 1873 he resumed farming, however, and 
has since followed it, combining with that handling stock, in which 
he has had good success. Mr. Caldwell early took an active interest 
in the Grange movement and became an active organizer of lodges in 
this part of the State. He organized nearly all the Granges in Macon 
county and a large number in other counties. He also helped to 
organize the State Grange and served for some time as Grange deputy. 
In 1878 Mr. Caldwell was nominated on the National-Greenback- 
Labor-Reform ticket for State Senator, from the district composed of 
the counties of Macon, Adair and Schuyler, and was triumphantly 
elected. He served his constituents with marked honor and ability 
in the upper branch of the State Legislature, and was recognized as 
one of the most influential members of that body, a body dis- 
tinguished for the ability of its members. Mr. Caldwell is a man of 
great public spirit, and takes an active interest in all movements de- 
signed for the general good, and particularly the agricultural classes 
with whom he is identified both by sympathy and interest. A man of 
wide general information and well posted in the political and economi(i 
afiairs of the times, he is able to form clear and just and well defined 



944 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

views of the policies and tendencies of parties, so that he naturally 
takes the position of a leader among those around him. Feeling that 
organized capital and monopolies were too influential in both the old 
parties for the people and the agricultural classes to obtain justice 
from either of them, he believed in meeting organization with counter- 
organization, and consolidating the votes of the farmers and all 
laboring elements in one solid body, so that the people could demand 
and extort such legislation and remedial measures as were necessarv, 
which, before, had only been petitioned for and treated as petitions 
usually are — with silent contempt. So believing, he went into the 
Grange movement with all earnestness and honesty, and with a 
noble zeal to do all in his power for the best interests of the people. 
And although prosperous times may stay for a time the day of 
reckoning with capitalists and monopolists by the people, it is bound 
to come sooner or later, and delay will only make it more thorough 
when it does come. The people's rights and interests are bound to 
triumph — no power in this free country can keep them down. The 
philosophy of modern civilization teaches that individuals will ulti- 
mately resume all power, of which they were for a long time deprived 
by despots and other oppressors, except such as is absolutely neces- 
sary to be possessed by Government for the common good. Mr. and 
Mrs. Caldwell have a family of two children : Amanda, wife of M. 
H. Howard, of La Plata, and Ella, wife of A. M. Earnhardt. They 
have lost two, Henry and Bertha E., both of whom died in childhood. 
Mrs. Caldwell, whose maiden name was Laviuna Pierce, was a 
daughter of Nathaniel Pierce, of Adams county. 111., but formerly of 
Athens county, Ohio. Mrs. C. is a member of the Christian Church, 
and Mr. C. is a member of the La Plata Masonic lodge and the I. O. 
G. T. — the latter since he was 19 years of age. Mr. Caldwell has 
filled several local oflSces. 

ANDREW M. CAEPENTER 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Post-ofRce, La Plata). 

Mr. Carpenter's father, Samuel Carpenter, was one of the pioneer 
settlers of Missouri. He came to Cooper county from Kentucky as 
early as 1819, and in the winter of 1821-23 was married there to Miss 
Sarah Langly, whose parents were from Tennessee and were among 
the first settlers of that county. They made their permanent home in 
Cooper county, and the father died there in 18H8, one of the respected 
citizens of the county. In 1849 he went to California, making the 
trip there overland and returning the following year by the Isthmus 
and New Orleans. Except during that absence and one year in Ben- 
ton county, he lived in Cooper continuously until his death. Andrew 
M. was born on the farm in Cooper count}^ December 20, 1822. He 
was reared to habits of industry on the farm Imd received a common 
school education. After reaching his majority he carried the mail 
between Jefferson City and Versailles for about 10 months. October 
28, 1847, he was married to Miss Mar}' A. Gilbreath, a daughter of 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 945 

Hugh Gilbreath, of Cooper county. He then moved to his present 
farm, the land of which he had previously bought. Here he went to 
work to make himself a home and establish himself in life. Industry 
and good management have prospered him. He bought and entered 
land from time to time until he now has nearly 400 acres, over half 
of which is under fence. His place is comfortably and substantially 
improved, and he is otherwise well situated in life. On the 26th of 
September, 1866, Mr. Carpenter had the misfortune to lose his wife. 
At her death she left him six children: Flora A., wife of Daniel 
Coates ; James C, Samuel C, George A., John H. and William L. 
To his present wife Mr. Carpenter was married February 28, 1867. 
Mrs. Carpenter, whose maiden name was Leah D. White, was a 
daughter of Jesse White, of this county, but formerly of Kentucky. 
They have six children: Jesse W., Oscar S., Mattie B., Hattie E., 
Gabriel B., Lucy C. Mr. and Mrs. C. are members of the Baptist 
Church at La Plata, and he is a member of the A. F. and A. M. at 
that place. Mr. Carpenter has served for nearly five years as justice 
of the peace. 

JAMES CHRISTIE 

(Farmer, Post-office, La Plata) . 

Mr. Christie, who has resided in Macon county since 1869, and is a 
neat and thrifty farmer of La Plata township, was born in North 
Carolina, May 14, 1837, and was a son of David D. and Rachel 
(Westville) Christie, both also natives of that State. James, who 
was reared a farmer, and received a good common school education as 
he grew up, came West when he was 16 years of age with his parents, 
who located in Lee county, 111. There the father bought a farm of 
300 acres, on which he lived until his death, and the mother still 
resides on the old homestead. July 3, 1860, James Christie was 
married to Miss Melvina Swarthout, a daughter of Joshua Swarthout, 
formerly of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Christie is a lady of excellent educa- 
tion and taught two terms of school in Illinois prior to her marriage. 
Mr. Christie continued farming in Illinois until 1869, when he came 
to Missouri, settling in Macon county. Here he has a neat farm of 
over 100 acres and a fine orchard of several hundred trees. His 
place is otherwise well improved. Mrs. C. is a member of the M. E. 
Church. Mr. and Mrs. C. have six children: Frank B., a popular 
teacher of the county; IraD., Eva May, David S., and Gertie and 
Bertie, twins. 

JESSE DAVIS 

(Public Weigher, La Plata.) 

Mr. Davis comes of an old Kentucky family. His grandfather, 
Col. Henry Davis, was a gallant officer under Gen. Jackson in the War 
of 1812, and took part in the battle of New Orleans. His (Jesse's) 
father, George W. Davis, was born and reared in Kentucky, and still 
resides in that State, a well-to-do and respected citizen of Owen 
county. Jesse Davis' mother, before her marriage, was a Miss Pris- 



946 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

cilia Caldwell, also a native of Owen county. Jesse, the subject of 
this sketch, was the second son in their family of seven children, and 
was born in Owen county, February 28, 1847. He received a good 
common-school education as he grew up, and having been reared on 
a farm, he naturally turned his attention to that as his regular occu- 
pation on reaching manhood. He came to Missouri in 1868, when 
21 years of age, and located in Adair county, where he followed fiirm- 
ing and shipping stock for some time. In March, 1879, Mr. Davis 
removed to La Plata and en2;a2red in the hotel business, buvins; the 
La Plata House, to which he made addition, and conducted that house 
with success until the fall of 1883, and is said to have carried on an 
excellent cosmopolitan hostlery. In 1881 he was elected city marshal,, 
and tilled the office one year, when he resigned the position. Mr. 
Davis now has two good public scales, and does the principal part of 
the weighing of La Plata and this vicinity. March 16, 1869, he was 
married to Miss Tempie Chadwell, a daughter of Daniel Chad well, of 
Adair county. Mr. and Mrs. Davis have two children : Allen A. and 
Frankie P. Mr. D. is a member of the Masonic lodge. 

DUDLEY W. DEMPSEY, M. D. 

(Physician and Surgeon, La Plata). 

Dr. Dempsey was born and reared in Ohio, and comes of a respected 
family of Athens county. His opportunities for the improvement of 
his mind being good as he grew up, he availed himself of them with 
commendable spirit, and secured an excellent education. It is an 
aphorism that what one thinks of himself has much to do in shaping 
the opinions of others concerning him. Without one has some self- 
appreciation and an ambition to accomplish something in life, he can 
never amount to much. Indeed, Mill says that the varying fortunes 
of men are not so much due to great ditferences in their natural pow- 
ers of mind, aside from ambition, as to their differences of ambition. 
The aspirations of one lead him to higher efforts, and, therefore, to 
higher achievements than to those to which another is led b}' his less 
exalted purposes. Young Dempsey to-day might have been a jour- 
neyman artisan, or a lease-holding tiller of the soil, if he had set his 
mark in life no higher. But, determined to accomplish something in 
the world at least above that of the common substratum of men, he 
has already risen to a position of consideration, and the path on which 
he has entered leads up higher and to a still more advanced place, if he 
but follow it faithfully, untiringly and resolutely — in the same spirit 
that he has pursued it thus far. 

He was born in Nelsonville, near Athens, Ohio, September 4, 1852, 
and was a son of Joseph and Eliza (Sampton) Dempsey, both natives 
of this State. Young Dempsey was reared on the farm in his native 
county, and, being of studious habits, by the age of 17 he had 
acquired a good, common English education in the schools of the 
county. He then began to teach school, and for the next six years 
alternated between teachino; and attending school. Durinsj this time 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 947 

he took a course in the High School of Atliens, and also in the Uni- 
versity of Ohio. Long previously decided to become a physician, he 
had educated himself with that object in view, and in 1874 began the 
study of medicine under Dr. A. B. Frame, a leading physician of 
Athens. Continuing his studies, he took a course of lectures at the 
Medical College of Ohio, in Cincinnati, during the session of 1878-79. 
Following his course at Cincinnati, he went to Kansas, and located at 
Bennington, where he practiced during the remainder of the year 
1879, and most of the year 1880. He then entered upon a second 
course of lectures in the Missouri Medical College of St. Louis, from 
which he graduated in 1881. Returning to Bennington, Kan., he 
continued there until the spring of 1882, when he came to La Plata, 
Mo., where he has since resided and pursued the practice of his pro- 
fession. A gentleman of fine intelh'gence, thorough general and med- 
ical training, and urbane and popular in manners, he has accumulated 
a practice with unusual rapidity, and has already taken a prominent 
position as a capable physician and useful citizen. In December, 
1881, he returned to Ohio, and was married at Guysville, to Miss 
Addie C. Pickett, daughter of Dr. John Pickett, a leading physician 
of Athens county. Mrs. Dempsey is a lady of superior culture and 
refinement, and was an accomplished teacher of Athens county before 
her marriage. She has taught one year at La Plata snice their mar- 
riage, and with great satisfaction to the public. Dr. and Mrs. Demp- 
sey have one son, Leroy. She is a member of the M. E. Church. 
Dr. Dempsey is a member of the Macon County Medical Society. 

JOHN M. DERR 

(Dealer in Furniture, Etc., and Undertaker, La Plata). 

Mr. Derr, who has made his way up in life by his own industry and 
good management, and is now one of the responsible business men 
and respectable citizens of La Plata, is of sterling old Pennsylvania 
German stock, a class of people who rarely ever fail to succeed in 
life. He was born in Lycoming county, March 15, 1826. His father 
was George Derr, also a native of the Keystone State, and his moth- 
er's maiden name was Jane, nee Sweeny, likewise born and reared in 
Pennsylvania. Her father was a gallant old soldier of the Revolution. 
John M. commenced labor in his father's saw mill, and at the age of 
14 took charge of the mill himself, which he ran with success 6 
years, until his father's death, after which he engaged in the mer- 
cantile business until a few months before his marriage. In 1850 
he was married to Miss Rachel, a daughter of Ben F. Atkinson, of 
Harrisburg, Pa., and the following year removed to Illinois, locating 
in Lee county, about 75 miles west of Chicago, where he followed 
the business of making and repairing wagons, etc., for about 7 years, 
and was justice of the peace 5 years. He also farmed and did 
carpentering work there for a number of years. In 1868, however, 
he removed to Missouri and located at La Plata, where he has since 
resided. Here he engaged in the furniture business, and has con- 



948 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

tinuecl it with increasing success. He carries a neat stock of furni- 
ture, carpets, window shades, oil cloths, etc., and also a complete 
line of undertaker's sfoods. He has a oood trade and is considered 
an upright business man and a valuable citizen in the community. 
Mr. and Mrs. Derr have two children, Hannah M., wife of J. P. 
Phipps, and Frank C, a jeweler at Harper, Kansas. Mr. Derr and 
wife are members of the Baptist Church, and he is member of the Ma- 
sonic order. He has served two terms as mayor of La Plata. 

CAPT. CHARLES S. EDWARDS 

(Post-ofHce, La Plata) . 

This retired farmer of La Plata township, who was one of the gal- 
lant soldiers in the ranks of the Union during the late war, and who is 
now commander of the local post of the Grand Army of the Re- 
public, whence he received his honorary pronomen, " Captain," for 
he was a brave private in the war — one of the million whose gleam- 
ing bayonets opened the way for the old flag to float in triumph from 
the Ohio to the Gulf, and from the Atlantic to the fountain-waters of 
the Rio Grande or wherever treason attempted to bar the way — is 
a native of the Blue Grass State, but was reared in loyal and ever 
brave and true Illinois. He was born in Jefierson county, Ky., 
January 25, 1880. His father was Capt. William Edwards, originally 
of Maryland, and his mother before her marriage was Miss Elizabeth 
Floyd, a native of Virginia. When Charles S. was in childhood the 
family removed to the Cumberland Valley of Tennessee, but a few 
years afterwards, in about 1831, came West to Illinois, where Capt. 
William Edwards, the father, entered the land now forming the site 
of the city of Plymouth, in Hancock county, on which he improved a 
farm, and where he lived until his death. He was a successful farmer 
and highly esteemed citizen, and was captain of militia in old muster 
days. Charles S. Edwards was reared in Schuyler county, and in 
1849 was married to Miss Serena A. Pendarvis. Like his father he 
became a farmer and followed farming in Schuyler county without 
interruption and with success until the second year of the war. By 
this time it had become manifest that the struggle for the preservation 
of the Union was bound to be one requiring all the strength of the 
government, and that therefore it was the duty of every patriotic 
citizen who could do so to put aside his private affiiirs and shoulder 
his gun for the cause for which Washington fought — the life of the 
Republic. Capt. Edwards, patriotic to the last degree, accordingly 
ofiered himself as a volunteer for the Union. Every consideration of 
duty and patriotism prompted him to this course. His grandfather, 
William Edwards, was a soldier in the Revolution under Washington, 
and the grandson came by his patriotism by inheritance. His grand- 
father was for a long time personally associated with Washington — 
was the old Pater Patrae's tailor, in fact. He traveled with him and 
made all of Gen. Washington's clothes, and Capt. Charles S. Edwards' 
sister, Mrs. P. L. Wingo, of Rushville, III., now has in her possession 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 91^ 

as an heiiiooni of the family, the " goose " that the grandfather used 
in pressing: Gen. Washington's clothes, which was exhibited at the 
Phihidelphia Centennial in 1876, and a suit that Grandfather Edwards 
made for the General may to this day be seen on exhibition in the 
patent office at Washington. Capt. Charles S. Edwards enlisted in 
Co. B, Ninety-first Illinois volunteer infantry as a private sol- 
dier and served until the close of the war, being honorably discharged 
in the summer of 1865. He was in the battle of Bacon's Creek, in 
Kentucky, December, 25, 1862, and was taken prisoner, but was 
paroled and exchanged 6 months after and resumed his place in the 
ranks. He served about 14 months in Texas, and afterwards served 
in Mississippi and Alabama. He participated in the battle of Mor- 
gancy, Mississippi, and in the siege of Spanish Fort, in Alabama, 
which lasted 13 days and in which many of his regiment were killed. 
He himself was slightl}'^ wounded. He was also in the battle of 
Whistler, near Mobile, in the spring of 1865, the last one in Avhich 
he participated. Besides these he was in numerous engagements we 
cannot take the space to mention. Discharged at the close of the 
war, at Mobile, Ala., Capt. Edwards returned to Illinois, and 
the following spring came to Missouri, locating at La Plata. Here 
he bought a farm adjacent to town and engaged in farming, which 
he continued up to a short time ago. He still owns his farm, a place 
of nearly 400 acres, one of the handsomest and best in the town- 
ship, and he also owns valuable town property, including a good two- 
story brick business house, two excellent dwellings, etc. His life as 
a farmer has been one of excellent success, and he is comfortably sit- 
uated. Having lost his first wife some years before, on the 24th of 
October, 1882, Capt. Edwards was married to Miss Lucinda Ross, a 
daughter of George Ross, Esq., of Carroll county, Ky. By 
his last marriage he has one child, Ethel L. Mrs. Edwards is a mem- 
ber of the Christian Church and he is a member of the Presbyterian 
denomination. By his first marriage Capt. Edwards reared two chil- 
dren, Elmas, wife of William Rynearson, of Abilene, Kan., and 
Serena A., widow of C. R. Tibbs, late of Denison, Texas. Capt. 
Edwards is a charter member of the I. O. G. T., and is commander 
of the La Plata Post of the G. A. R. He is a man highly esteemed 
in his community. 

JOHN FISHER 

(General Merchant, La Plata) . 
Mr. Fisher, who has been engaged in merchandising at this place 
since 1880, and who, prior to that time, had had a number of years' 
experience in merchandising, was born and reared in Missouri, but is 
of Scotch parentage, his parents, Andrew and Isabelle (Young) 
Fisher, having come from Edinburgh, Scotland, in about 1830. 
They first lived in Canada after landing on this side the Atlantic, but 
soon removed to Illinois, and then, in about 1835, to Knox county, 
Mo., where they were among the earliest settlers of that county. The 
father died there in 1842. John Fisher, his son, and the subject of 



950 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

this sketch, was in infancy at the time of his father's death, having 
been born in Knox county, near Sue City, on the 31st of May, 1841. 
He was reared in that county and at the age of 21, in the spring of 
18(53, went West, spending about three years in Colorado and on the 
Phiins, and engaged principally in mining. Returning in 1866, hav- 
ing married in Nebraska the fall before, he followed farming for 
about eight years, and in 1874 engaged in merchandising at Sue City, 
carrying a general stock of goods. He continued at Sue City with 
success until 1880 when he removed a part of his stock to La Plata, 
and has since been in business at this place. His business at La Plata 
has proved a complete success, and he now has one of the substantial 
business houses of La Plata-. He carries a full line of dry goods, 
clothing, boots, shoes, hats, caps, groceries, glass-ware, queen's-ware, 
etc., etc. November 15, 1865, he was married to Miss Martha E. 
Phipps, a daughter of Silas Phipps, formerly of Kentucky, and a 
sister to T. J. Phipps, whose sketch appears in this volume. Mr. and 
Mrs. Fisher have three children: Lee E. (now attending the Kirks- 
ville State Normal School), Robert E. and Mamie Ethel. Mr. and 
Mrs. Fisher are members of the Christian Church and he is a member 
of the A. F. and A. M. He is also a member of the school board 
and the city council, and Mr. Fisher owns the business house which 
he occupies, a good brick structure, 25x75 feet in dimension. Re- 
cently he has purchased the stock and business property of Mr. M. 
H. Howard, in the hardware business (which joined his store), and 
in this new house intends carrying a complete line of hardware, stoves, 
tin-Avare, groceries and glass-ware, pumps, barb and smooth wire, etc. 
The two establishments will be run in connection. Mr. Daugherty, 
Mr. F.'s former clerk, is a partner in the hardware department. 

ALEXANDER D. GALLOWAY 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Post-office, La Plata). 

Mr. Galloway's farm contains 200 acres, or rather his tract of land 
contains that many, over half of which is under fence and in a good 
state of cultivation. Mr. Galloway came to Missouri in 1873 and 
bought the farm where he now resides. He is an industrious, go- 
ahead farmer and well respected citizen, and is making steady progress 
in situating himself comfortably in life. He is a native of Pennsyl- 
vania, born January 3, 1833, and a son of Isaac and Elizabeth 
(Adams) Galloway, both born and reared in the Keystone State. 
When Alexander D. was five years of age, in 1838, the family removed 
to Illinois and settled in Cook county, near Chicago, where the 
j)arents lived until their death. Alexander D. was reared in Cook 
rounty and November 2, 1859, was married to Miss Affie Warren, a 
daughter of C. R. Warren of the adjoining county of Lake, who came 
fi-om Vermont. Mr. Galloway bought a farm in Lake county after 
his marriage and continued to reside there until he came to Missouri 
in 1873. His wife died September 14, 1876, leaving him three chil- 
dren : Cora, wife of Peter Wolf, of Adair county ; Jessie, wife of Ed. 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 951 

Biiiley and Edgar A. Mrs. G. was a member of the M. E. Church 
for ten years prior to her death, and is therefore especially mourned 
by her brethren and sisters in the church as well as by the loved ones 
of her own hearthstone. 

JOSIAH GATES, M. D. 

(Physician and Surgeon and Druggist, La Plata). 
Dr. Gates began the practice of medicine in Macon county 28 
years ago, and has since either been practicing his profession or en- 
gaged in the drug business, or both, continuously, but principally 
the former. He was born in Scott county, 111., May 1, 1832, and 
eight years afterwards his parents, George W. and Sallie (Stanfield) 
Gates, came to Missouri, locating in Macon county. The father was 
from North Carolina, but was reared in Kentucky. He went to 
Illinois when a young man, where he was married, and lived there 
until Josiah was seven years of age. Coming to Macon county in 
1839, he bought a claim here in the north part of the county and after- 
wards entered the land on which he resided until his death, in August, 
1879. Josiah Gates began the study of medicine under D. B. H. 
Weatherford, of Old Bloomington, in September, 1854. In the win- 
ter of 1855-56 he took a course of lectures at the Eclectic Medical 
Institute of Cincinnati, Ohio. Keturning home in March, 1856, in May 
of the same year he moved to New Boston, in the western part of the 
county of Macon, where he remained until March, 18.57. He re- 
moved back to Bloomington and engaged in the drug business and 
practice of medicine with Dr. B. H. Weatherford. They continued 
together until November, 1858, when by mutual consent they dis- 
solved, or, rather, sold their drug store to Mr. White. Then Dr. 
J. Gates moved to his father's 12 miles north of Bloomington, and 
there commenced the practice of medicine and continued up to Feb- 
ruary 1, 1859, when he went to Cincinnati and remained four months 
and graduated in the Eclectic Medical Institute, and returned back to 
his old vicinity and began business and remained in the practice of 
that neighborhood until May 6, 1874. He then moved to La Phata, 
Macon county. Mo., where he has since resided. In 1881 he estab- 
lished a drug store here and has conducted it with good success up to 
the present time. Dr. Gates has a large practice and is one of the 
most popular and skillful physicians in this part of the county. In 
1860 Dr. Gates was married at Belleville, 111., to Miss Ellen Taylor, 
daughter of J. M. Taylor of that place. She died, however, August 
6, 1861. To his present wife Dr. Gates was married on April 26, 
1863. She was a Miss Marietta C. Linzee, daughter of Jacob Linzee, 
formerly of Wisconsin. She came to Missouri with her parents when 
she was 15 years of age. The Doctor and his wife have three chil- 
dren: E. M., Sallie S. and William J. Mrs. G. is a member of the 
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and the Doctor is a member of the 
Masonic lodge, including the Blue lodge, the Chapter and the Com- 
mandery. 

55 



952 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 



JUDGE JOHN GILBREATH. 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Post-office, La Plata). 

Among the old and useful citizens of Macon county whose lives have 
been identified with its best interests from the pioneer days of the 
county, the subject of this sketch will always be prominently associa- 
ted, both in the memory of all who are familiar with the past of the 
county and in its history. Judge Gilbreath came to Missouri with his 
parents, Hugh Gilbreath and his second wife. Flora (nee) Macduffee, 
away back in 1826. His father was a native of North Carolina, but 
his mother was originally from Kentucky. Their home after their 
marriage, however, until her death, was in Tennessee, and there, in 
Maury county, where they resided, John Gilbreath, the subject of this 
sketch, was born on the 8th of December, 1817. His mother, Hannah 
(nee) Conover, died in Tennessee when he was only 12 years old. On 
coming to Missouri the family settled in Cooper county, where the 
father entered and bought large tracts of land, on a part of which he 
improved a farm where he resided until his death, which occurred in 
about 1851. He had been a gallant old soldier in the War of 1812, and 
was one of the highly esteemed and venerated citizens of Cooper county. 
John Gilbreath was nine years of age when his parents removed to 
Missouri. Growing up in Cooper county, he was married there to 
Miss Martha Clayton, a daughter of John Clayton, formerly of Mary- 
land, on the 18th of February, 1840. The following May after his 
marriage Mr. Gilbreath removed to Newton county, where he lived, 
however, less than a year, coming back as far as Cole county. In the 
spring of 1841 he came to Macon county and settled where he has 
been since residing. His farm is three miles south of La Plata. A 
man of strong natural intelligence, sufficiently educated for all the 
practical needs of farm life, industrious to the last degree, frugal and 
a good manager, he of course succeeded here as he would have sue- 
ceeded any where with any sort of fair opportunity. In his younger 
manhood he was a hard worker, and relied only on his own honest 
toil and economy for success. He entered and bought land as his 
labor and the seasons prospered him, until he became one of the large 
landholders of the county. At one time he had over 1,100 acres 
of as fine land as a crow would wish to see waving and ripe with corn ; 
but with that generosity which is characteristic of the honest-hearted, 
industrieus man, he has given of his possessions to his children, to 
whom he has also given an honored name and an honest bringing up, 
so that now he has only a comfortable homestead of 400 acres left for 
himself. But he is rich in the love and reverence of those whose 
affection is of more value and consolation to him than all the worldly 
possessions that cover the earth. Showing how time has approved, 
in the opinion of his neighbors and acquaintances, his long and useful 
life, it is worthy of mention that in 1872 he was elected to the office 
of county judge, a position he held with great credit and to the satis- 
faction of all until his term was cut short by a change in the law, which 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 953 

brought about a new order of things. For many years Judge Gil- 
breath was extensively engaged in raising and handling stock, at which 
he was abundantly successful ; but of late years, since the shadows of 
old age have begun to fall around him, he has quit the stock business 
to some extent, handling now only short-horn cattle, and is leading 
something of a life of ease and retirement. Having well improved 
the harvest time of the years of his activity, he has not been deprived 
of an abundance of the fruits of industry, and now he can contemplate 
the approach of the frosts of winter with that satisfaction v/hich the 
good farmer feels who has profited by the season of summer showers 
and fruitful soil, and whose granaries and whose larder are well filled. 
No citizen of La Plata township stands higher in the general esteem of 
those around him than Judge Gilbreath, and the good opinion held of 
him is only just, for no one has led a life more untarnished or less 
blameful than his has been. One of the men whose brawn and brain 
have built up the county and made it what it is, all that he has done 
has been for its good, and nothing for its hurt. The usefulness of 
his life will not cease for the good of the county when he shall have 
passed away, as his name will not be forgotten, for he will have left 
children whose characters he has made such that both will be per- 
petuated. Blanqui says that one of the greatest services a citizen can 
perform for the State is to give to it a family of worthy children, and 
this Judge Gilbreath has done. He. and his good wife, one of the best 
of women, whom all that know her love and respect, have reared 
several children : John H., Nancy C, wife of George Roan ; William 
T., now president of the La Plata Bank; James C., Charles C, Lo- 
renzo D., who died in 1878 at the age of 23, leaving a family. Three 
others are deceased. Judo;e G. is a member of the La Plata Lodg^e of 
A. F. and A. M., and has tilled several chairs in the order. 

WILLIAM T. GILBREATH 

(President of the La Plata Savings' Bank and Farmer and Stock-raiser). 

Mr. Gilbreath is a son of Judge John Gilbreath, one of the early 
settlers and highly esteemed citizens of the northern part of. the 
county, a sketch of whose life appears on a former page of this volume. 
William T. Gilbreath was born on the old family homestead in this 
county, March 26, 1849. He was reared to a farm life, and received 
a good common school education as he grew up. Success in life 
depends not so much on the circumstances in which one is placed as 
in the manner in which one improves his opportunities. In the 
individual there must be an ambition to succeed, to rise in life as the 
years come and go, with an intelligent appreciation of conditions, and 
a practical, clear understanding of how these conditions can be best 
utilized. Herein lies the secret of success, and it is this that forms 
the touchstone of men's career. One may be given a collegiate 
education and favored with ample capital or other means upon which 
to embark in life for himself, with, perhaps, a business training in 
addition and a business already established, yet fails to succeed — 



954 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

make a complete failure, in fact, and sink even below the common 
level of those who float through the world without accomplishing any- 
thing of vahie either to themselves or to society ; while another, with 
none of these advantages, but possessing the innate instinct of success, 
that quality of mind which enables one to perceive as by intuition 
what is necessary to be done in any circumstances and how to do it, will 
steadily improve in fortune and position in life until he rises, either 
above an}^ around him or to a place iunong the most prominent and 
successful of his community. These reflections are induced by 
glancing over the record that the subject of this sketch has made. 
He was reared as other sons of farmers are reared — with no special 
advantages or opportunities ; yet to-day, although still comparatively 
a young man, mainly by his own mental force and clearness, and by 
his own strength of character and by his industry, he is one of the 
prominent property holders and wealthy men, and one of the leading, 
influential citizens of the county. It is unnecessary to say that there 
are others and many in every community whose chances in life were 
no worse than his, but whose positions now are far from as enviable 
as is his. Mr. Gilbreath is one of those clear-headed, thorough-going 
men for whom nature has done more than all the schools and all that 
factitious circumstances could equal in not a few others. In a word, 
he is one of those men who would succeed anywhere — with some 
means to begin on, only the soon-er ; but with no start at all, not the 
less certain. Many are brought up on farms, but never make success- 
ful farmers ; many are brought up in l)anks, with every opportunity 
education and wealth can furnish to fit themselves for the business, 
but never make successful bankers. Nature must have laid the 
foundation stone, otherwise all that is built up is labor lost. Mr. 
Gilbreath was reared on a farm and has become a successful farmer, 
as he would have become if he had turned his attention to agriculture 
though previously he had never seen a farm, for he possesses to a 
marked degree those general qualities for success which rarely fail in 
any channel in which they are directed. As a banker he has been 
quite as successful as he has been as a farmer, yet previously he had 
had no bank experience. It is less than might with truth be said to say 
that he is generally regarded in banking circles where he is known, 
and by all acquainted with him as a banker, as one of the soundest, 
most clear-headed, intelligent bank presidents throughout this section 
of North Missouri. He is a man of broad and clear ideas, who sees 
and understands general principles at a glance, and who, looking to 
the reason of these things, comprehends their operation. Albert 
Gallatin and John Sherman doubtless had many nine-hundred-dollar 
clerks who understood the details of banking, the bird-headed 
minutioe of it, the figures up one column and down another, better than 
they did, but there were few men in their times who possessed that 
broad and comprehensive understanding of the philosophy of financier- 
ing that characterized their administration of the treasury department 
of the Government. So, to a measure, the same quality is required 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 955 

of the successful bank president. Clerks can do the detail work, but 
there must be a pilot to direct the general course of the institution, 
one who has a full view of the entire situation and who can see the 
shallows and danger points ahead. Such a banker Mr. Gilbreath is 
by all conceded to be, and it is to his wise and clear foresight in 
directing the aftairs of the La Plata Savings' Bank that is mainly due 
its unusally rapid success. This bank is one of the best institutions 
in the country, and possesses a high character for stability, good 
management and fair dealing. It has accumulated a large surplus 
of funds, besides paying a handsome dividend ©n its stocks, and is 
one of the prosperous banks of North Missouri. On the organiza- 
tion of the bank, in 1882, Mr. Gilbreath was elected its president and 
has since filled that position. Prior to this he had been actively 
engaged in farming and stock-raising and had achieved a gratifying 
degree of success. He is still engaged in these pursuits and has one 
of the neatest and best farms in the township. He is a man highly 
esteemed for his character and many estimable qualities as a neighbor 
and citizen, and his name stands as a synonym for honor and integrity. 
On the 14th of November, 1871, Mr. Gilbreath was married to Miss 
Sarah M. Gates, a daughter of George Gates, one of the pioneer 
settlers of Macon county, from North Carolina via Illinois. Mr. and 
Mrs. G. have one child, a daughter, Olive May. Mr. G. is a member 
of the La Plata Masonic lodge and of the Chapter and Commandery 
at Kirksville. He has filled most of the important stations in the 
Blue Lodge except Worshipful Master. 

JAMES C. GILBREATH 

(Farmer and Stockman, Post-offlee, La Plata). 

Mr. Gilbreath, one of the active and enterprising agriculturists of 
La Plata township, is a son of Judge John Gilbreath, whose sketch 
precedes this, and was born on the old parental hoiuestead, June 22, 
1853. He was reared on a farm and received a g-ood common school 
education. Under his father he was brought up to those habits of in- 
dustry and learned those lessons of economy, frugal habits and good 
management so important to success in any department of life. The 
father a successful farmer, the son naturally chose the same occupa- 
tion as his permanent calling, and inheriting many of the stronger 
qualities of his father's character, he has already given assurances by 
his experience thus far that he will follow in the footsteps of his father 
as a successful man in life, and a worthy, useful citizen. February 
24, 1874, he was married to Miss Fannie M. Gates, a daughter of 
George Gates of this county, but formerly of Illinois. After his mar- 
riage he settled on his present farm where he went to work to carve 
out his future as a farmer and citizen. He has 400 acres of good land, 
nearly all of which is under fence and most of it either in active culti- 
vation, pasturage or meadow. He has a new two-story frame resi- 
dence, good stables and other buildings, a fine orchard of over 70() 
trees with other fruits, large and small, and his place is otherwise well 



956 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

improved. He makes a business of handling stock and is quite suc- 
cessful. He ships from two to three car loads of cattle and about a 
car load of hogs annually, and mainly of his own feeding. Mr. and 
Mrs. G. have a family of two children, Minnie P. and Irvin W. Mr. 
Gilbreath is a member of the A. F. and A. M., and is one of the well 
respected citizens of the township. 

CHAELES C. GILBREATH 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Post-office, La Plata). 

By no means the least value which the life of that old and respected 
citizen, Judge John Gilbreath, has been to Macon county, valuable as 
it has been in other respects, is in the worthy family of children whom 
he has given to the county. His four sons and only daughter, as 
well as himself, are represented in this volume, all the heads of fami- 
lies deserving recognition in any worthy history of the county. 
Charles C, the subject of this sketch, is the youngest of the family 
living, and although still a young man, by his industry, business man- 
agement and energy has already shown that he is fully worthy of the 
name he bears and the lineage of which he comes. The Gilbreath 
family, as all know, is one of the best in the county, and Charles C. 
possesses to a marked degree the qualities that have given the mem- 
bers of this family so enviable a position in the community. He was 
born January 25, 1860, and was brought up to know that success in 
life is to be achieved, a success that is honorable to the one who wins 
it, only by personal industry and individual worth. He had good 
educational opportunities and did not fail to improve them to the best 
advantage. Besides passing through the common schools, he had the 
benefit of a course at the La Plata High School, where he obtained a 
valuable knowledge of advanced studies. He, like his brothers, be- 
came a farmer and he has since continued to follow that occupation. 
On the 22d of August, 1880, he was married to Miss Mandana Morris, 
a daughter of William M. Morris, an early settler of this county. 
After his marriage, Mr. Gilbreath settled on his present farm. He 
has 120 acres of good land, a farn\ neatly improved, and he has made 
it one of the comfortable homes of the township. Mr. and Mrs. Gil- 
breath have one child, Martha E., and have lost one, W. Irving, who 
died in infancy. Mrs. C. is a member of the La Plata Baptist Church. 

JOHN H. GILBREATH 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser). 

Mr. G. has a farm of 200 acres where he resides, all under fence and 
nearly all in cultivation, and has his place in a good state of improve- 
ment. It is one of the comfortable homesteads of the township. Mr. 
Gilbreath also has other lands, but not improved. He is a thorough- 
goinof farmer and raises some stock, and is reo;arded as one of the 
better class of farmers of the northern part of the county. That he 
is a son of Judg-e John Gilbreath is suflicient assurance that as a citi- 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 957 

zen and man his name and character are without reproach. Mr. 
Gilbreath is the oldest son of his father's four sons, and was born 
March 1, 1841. Eeared on the farm, on the 11th of August, 1860, 
when 19 years of age, he was married to Miss Nancy J. Tate, a 
daughter of William Tate, an old citizen of the county. Mr. Gil- 
breath eno;ao;ed in farmino; for himself about the time of his marriage 
and continued it without interruption up to the second year of the 
war. In the spring of 1862 he enlisted in the Missouri State Militia, 
mainly for home protection against marauders. Later along, in 1864, 
he enlisted in the regular service, Forty-second Missouri infantry, 
under Col. Forbes, and served until honorably discharged in 1865. 
After he was discharged he resumed farming and has since devoted his 
whole attention to that industry and stock-raising. Mr. and Mrs. 
Gilbreath have been blessed with 11 children : Lavara, John W., Mattie, 
wife of T. J. Dodson ; Lucy, Jesse T., James C, H. F., L. D., 
Lillie, Aura and Charles. Mrs. G. is a member of the Cumberland 
Presbyterian Church. 

JUDGE JACOB GILSTRAP 

(Mayor of La Plata). 

.Tuge Gilstrap has been identified with the history of this section of 
the State from the early days of the country. He has lived in this 
and neighboring counties from boyhood, and his father, Jesse Gil- 
strap, was one of the early settlers. Jesse Gilstrap was originally 
from Tennessee, and came to Kentucky, where he was married to Miss 
Isabella Lee, originally from Virginia, who was a descendant of the 
distinguished Lee family of the Old Dominion. After their marriage 
they removed to Indiana, settling in Lawrence county, when that 
section of the State was almost a trackless wilderness. There Jacob, 
Judge Gilstrap, was born April 20,1828. In 1835 they removed to 
Missouri locating in Randolph county, but the following spring set- 
tled near Old Bloomiiigton in Macon county. There he entered 
about 600 acres of land and improved a large farm. Some eight 
years, later, however, in 1844, he went to Putman county, where he 
entered more land and improved another place. He died there in 
1847. Jacob Gilstrap was seven years of age when his parents re- 
moved to Missouri, and 16 years old when they settled in Putman 
county. Coming up in pioneer times, he had but little opportunity 
to obtain an education, but improved his chances to the best advant- 
age. He was occupied with farming pursuits until after his marriage, 
which occurred October 12, 1851. He then engaged in merchandis- 
ing in Putman county, and sold goods for a short time, but soon 
resumed farming and continued it for about five years. In 1857 he 
established a store at Wilsontown and sold goods there until 1860, 
when he went into the grain and saw milling business. In 1861 Judge 
Gilstrap came to Macon county, but soon afterwards removed to 
White Cloud, Kansas. January 18, 1862, he enlisted in the Missouri 
State Militia, under Col. Lipscomb, who commanded a cavalry regi- 



958 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

ment. Later along this was consolidated with Col. John McNeal's 
regiment. Judge Gilstrap enlisted as a private, but was afterwards 
elected captain of his company. He participated in numerous fights 
during the war and was honorably discharged in 1863. After his 
discharge he located at Macon City, but in 18*34 returned to Adair 
county, and resumed milling. Selling out, however, soon after- 
wards, he came back to Macon City and in the fall of the same year 
was elected sheriff of the county on the Republican ticket. He dis- 
charged the duties of the office of sheriff and also engasfed in the 
implement business, but the latter, however, not until after his term 
of sheriff. In 1869 Judge Gilstrap removed to La Plata, where he has 
since resided. Here he sold goods for about a year, and then built 
the La Plata House, which he run for about 10 years. In the spring 
of 1883 he was elected justice of the peace, and is now discharging 
the duties of that office. He has also served as township trustee and 
assessor, as well as in other offices. While in Adair county he was 
judge of the county court, and wherever he has resided he has been 
regarded as a worthy and valuable citizen. In 1882 he was elected 
mayor of La Plata, the office he still holds. Judge Gilstrap's wife is 
still spared to him to comfort and brighten his home. Her maiden 
name was Miss Sarah J. Wilson, a daughter of Ellis E. Wilson, one 
of the pioneer settlers of Adair county. Mo., and came from Kentucky. 
The Judge and Mrs. Gilstrap have four children : Sarilda, the wife of 
Charles W. Thomas of Holt county; Louella, the wife of W. W\ 
Miller, and Nancy I. and Martha G. The Judge is a member of the 
A. F. and A. M., and he and wife are members of the Baptist 
Church. 

JOHN B. GOODDING 

(Of Goockling, Williams & Wait, General Merchants, La Plata). 
Mr. Gooddino; stanJs at the head of one of the largest and most 
popular business houses throughout the northern part of Macon and 
southern part of Adair and the south-eastern part of Knox counties. 
This firm occupies two large business rooms and carries a heavy and 
well selected stock of dr}^ goods, clothing, queen's-ware, groceries, 
glassware and other kindred lines of goods. Mr. Goodding came to 
La Plata in the summer of 1881 and engao-ed in business here as a 
member of the firm of T. J. Phipps & Co., since which he has con- 
tinued the same business, the firm having in the meantime undergone 
different changes of partners. He has continued at the old stand, 
however, and retains all his old customers. He is a business man of 
thorough qualifications, and is justly popular with all who know him. 
The Goodding family is one of the pioneer families of Missouri. 
Mr. Goodding's grandfather, Abram Goodding, came to this State 
from Kentucky as early as 1817. He settled with his familv in 
Howard count}' where he lived until his death. Mr. Goodding's 
father, Andrew L. Goodding, was quite , young when the fiimily 
came to Missouri, and he grew to manhood in Howard county. In 
1846 he was married to Miss Miiry J. Dameron, formerly of Ten- 



HISTORY OF MACON COUMTY. 951* 

nessee, of another family of early settlers. Her parents lived, how- 
ever, in Randolph county. The following year Andrew L. Gooddinoj 
removed to Macon county, settling near Atlanta, where he resided 
until his death, which occurred in 1859. John B. Goodding, the 
subject of this sketch, was born on the farm near Atlanta, August 
2, 1847. He completed his education at the high school and then 
engaged in farming, locating in Randolph county. Four years later, 
however, in 1868, he came back to the old family homestead in Ma- 
con county and farmed there with success for about 11 years. Born 
and reared in the county, and a man of good education and pleasant, 
popular address, he became widely acquainted and favorably known 
throughout the county, and his influence was sought after by those 
anxious for political preferment as well as by others. In 1879 he 
was appointed deputy collector and filled that office for two years 
and until he came to La Plata in the spring of 1881. Mr. Good- 
ding is a man of high standing and recognized influence. January 
22, 1874, Mr. Goodding was married to Miss Melissa Wills, a daugh- 
ter of Rev. R. H. AVills, an old citizen of this county and a highly 
esteemed Presbyterian minister, formerly of Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. 
Goodding have three children : Roscoe E., Alma M. and Ethel. Mr. 
and Mrs. Goodding are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian 
Church, and he is overseer of the A. O. U. W. Mr. Goodding has 
been clerk of Lyda township for two years. 

JOHN M. GRIFFIN 

(Proprietor of the La Plata Livery Stable) . 

Mr. Griffin possesses to a marked degree the four necessary qualifi- 
cations for a successful liveryman — a thorough knowledge of stock, 
business tact, good taste and popular manners ; and it is not surpris- 
ing, therefore, that his success in this line has been most satisfactory. 
He has a large brick stable, 160 feet deep by 40 feet wide, facing 
immediately on one of the best streets of La Plata, and he carries an 
exceptionally excellent stock of buggies, carriages, etc., and driving 
and riding horses. Letting his rigs out at reasonable prices, and only 
to responsible parties who will not only pay for their use but take good 
care of them, he always has them in good shape so that they can be 
depended upon by both the traveling and local public, with each of 
whom his stable is more than ordinarily popular. Nothing is better for 
digestion and longevity than a ride in one of his " fly " rigs, and the 
more rides one takes the better his digestion becomes "and the longer 
and happier he lives. The result is that, like Glagg's relief, everybody 
takes it — that is, in this case, the ride — maids pine for it and chil- 
dren cry for it, while Mr. Griffin's business registers a degree of 
success higher for ever}'' ride taken. In a word, he is a polite, affiible, 
popular liveryman, and is doing a thriving business. He was born in 
this county July 26, 1853, and is a son of J. M. and Telitha (Murley) 
Griffin, both originally from Kentucky. John M. was reared on a 
farm, and after he grew up continued farming until he came to La 



960 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

Plata and engaged in his present business in 1881. He had previously 
dealt in stock and had handled stock all his life. April 13, 1873, he 
was married to Miss Maggie, daughter of William Hatfield of this 
county. They have two children: Deloma and Carl. He and wife 
are members of the Missionary Baptist Church. 

ISRAEL W. HERMAN 

(Contractor and Builder, La Plata). 

Mr. Herman is one of the leading men in his line in the northern 
part of the county, and comes of that sturdy old Pennsylvania Ger- 
man stock whose representatives rarely ever fail to succeed in what- 
ever pursuit they engage, for they are industrious and economical, 
the qualities more important than all others to a prosperous life. 
Mr. Herman's parents were William and Elizabeth (Sheffer) Herman, 
both of Pennsylvania German lineage and nativity. Israel W. was 
born in Tioga county, of the Keystone State, July 2, 1835, and when 
he was 12 years of age his parents removed to Stephenson county, 
111., where they still reside, and where he grew to manhood. He 
was reared on the farm, but at the age of 17 commenced the 
carpenter's trade, which he learned thoroughly in three years. In 
the fall of 1856 he went to Washington county, Minn., and 
worked there two years, but returned to Illinois and continued his 
trade in Stephenson county, combined much of the time with farm- 
ing up to 1867, when he came to La Plata, Mo. Here he has 
followed carpentering and contracting and building exclusively for 
the last 17 years, and has long held a prominent position in 
that line. He has put up many and perhaps most of the better class 
of buildings at La Plata and throughout this entire vicinity. An 
honest and upright man, and understanding his business thoroughly, 
he has the confidence of all and commands a large patronage. July 
2, 1867, his twenty-second birthday, he was married to Miss Jane A., 
a daughter of Cornelius Ellis, of Washington county, Minn., but 
formerly of Stephenson county. 111. They have three children: 
Ida C, wife of S. M. Gibson, a^ent of the Wabash Railway, of 
Brunswick, Mo. ; Adda Asenath and Wesley S. Mr. H. is a member 
of the I. O. O. F. 

OLIVER HOWARD 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser; Post-offlce, La Plata). 
Mr. Howard, whose ancestry in the agnate line includes some of 
the most distinguished men in Kentucky and Virginia and in England, 
comes of the Kentucky branch of the family, but was himself born 
in the State of Indiana, his natal day being the 10th of March, 1829, 
and the county of his birth. Dearborn. His father, Hon. Samuel 
Howard, came to that State from Kentucky when a young man, hav- 
ing been reared and educated in the Blue Grass State. In Indiana 
he was married to Miss Louisa Livingston. He resided in Switzer- 
land county and became a leading man of that county, representing 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 961 

the people in the State legislation for a number of years. In 1844 
he returned with his, family to Kentucky, and afterwards served in 
the State Senate. He died in Kentucky in 1876. Oliver Howard, 
the subject of this sketch, was principally reared in Indiana and re- 
ceived a good common-school education. After he grew up, May 11, 
1854, he was married in Carroll county, Kentucky, to Miss Elizabeth 
Keene, a daughter of Charles Lake Keene. Two years after his mar- 
riage Mr. Howard removed to Missouri and located at La Plata, 
where at first he engaged in the furniture business, which he con- 
tinued until after the war. He then worked at the cabinet maker's 
trade and made a large percentage of the furniture sold at this place. 
In 1867 he settled on his farm, which he had bought on first coming 
to the State. This farm is a mile and a half from La Plata and con- 
tains 120 acres, all in a state of cultivation or otherwise improved. 
Mr. and Mrs. Howard have eight children : Lucian, now of Monroe 
county ; Nanette, wife of Arthur Runkel, of Cedar county ; Louisa, 
Roona, Charles, Alice, William and Lizzie. Mr. H. is a member of 
the I. O. O. F. and of the A. O. U. W. 

WILLIAM P. JOHNSON 

Proprietor of the La Plata Meat Market). 

Mr. Johnson engaged in his present business at La Plata in 1870, 
and has since continued it. He had been raised on a farm and had 
followed farming some eight years and handling stock before he came 
here, so that he was an excellent judge of cattle and other farm 
animals before he commenced the butcher business. He commenced 
this business with a determination to furnish his customers good meats 
if they could be had, and never to deceive them if he knew it. The 
result was that his shop soon obtained a deserved popularity, a popu- 
larity which it has ever since retained and which he has shown himself 
entirely worthy of. If good meats can be had in the country they can 
be had at his market, and at prices which cannot be justly complained 
of, a fact the public very well know. Mr. Johnson also carries on 
farming during the cropping seasons in addition to his butcher busi- 
ness. He was born on his father's farm near Old Bloomington, 
December 10, 1842, and was a son of Enoch and Elizabeth (Griffin) 
Johnson, the former from South Carolina and the latter from North 
Carolina. His parents met and married in Kentucky, and came to 
Missouri in 1838, settling near Old Bloomington ; both are now 
deceased. William P., after he grew up, followed farming in the 
county for about eight years, and then came to La Plata, when he 
engaged in his present business. January 29, 1863, he was married 
to Miss Martha Huckabay, a daughter of Thomas Huckabay, of this 
county. They have four children : Rosella, wife of William R. Park, 
of Bloomfield, Iowa ; William H., Enoch and James T. The mother of 
these died January 1, 1872, and on the 15th of October, 1874, Mr. 
Johnson was married to Miss Amanda Chadwick, a daughter of Abner 
Chadwick, of this county, but formerly of Kentucky. She died Jan- 



962 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

iiary 15, 1881, leaving three children : Emmett, Berry C. andJohn A. 
Two, besides, are deceased. To his present wife Mr. Johnson was 
married November 17, 1882. She was a sister to his second wife, and 
her maiden name was Miss Anna Chad wick. They have one child, an 
infant, a little boy, Frank B. Mr. and Mrs. J. are members of the 
Christian Church, and Mr. J. is one of the elders of the church. 

JAMES B. LEE 

(Post-office, La Plata). 

Mr. L. is a son of Oliver P. Lee, one of the early settlers and time-hon- 
ored citizens of Macon county, who was born June 5, 1807, and died on 
his farm in this county on the 7th of March, 1880. He was for a 
number of years a magistrate of Jackson township, and held other 
local offices. 'Squire Lee was a native of Kentucky, as was his wife^ 
whose maiden name was Polly Griffin, and they came from Pulaski 
county of that State, to Macon county. Mo., as early as 1834. He 
entered land here and improved a farm. He became a well-to-do farmer, 
and died leaving a comfortable estate of nearly 300 acres of land and 
considerable personal property. James B. was born on the farm April 
2, 1852, and was married December 28, 1876, to Miss Sarah, a 
daughter of Peter Mingus, a sketch of whom appears on a subsequent 
page of this work. They have one child, a boy baby, Charley Allen 
Lee, born January 22, 1884. After his marriage young Mr. Lee 
settled on a farm, where he has since resided. He has a neat place of 
120 acres, comfortably improved, and being a man of industry, enter- 
prise and sterling intelligence, he is steadily coming to the front as a 
farmer. 

W. SCOTT LITTLE 

(Brick Manufacturer, Nurseryman, and Coal Dealer, La Plata). 

Mr. Little is one of that class of stirring, enterprising men who are 
ready to engage in any honest business pursuit and qualified for almost 
any occupation of a business nature, to which he desires to turn his 
attention, which is calculated to prove successful or produce substan- 
tial results. He is, in the main, a self-made man, for he had no extra 
advantages in youth and started out for himself without anything to 
succeed on but his own brain and muscle. He is now less than 34 
years of age, yet he has long been regarded as one of the substantial 
citizens of La Plata. He owns and carries on a large brickyard here, 
running several kilns, and manufactures about 1,000,000 brick per 
season. He has made most of the brick, and, indeed, all that have 
gone into buildings at this place and vicinity since he began the busi- 
ness. He also has practically a monopoly of the coal business at La 
Plata, supplying from his mine the coal consumed at this point, and a 
few years ago he established a nursery here which proved an abundant 
success, and is one of the leading nurseries of the county. In a 
word, he is ready and qualified to engage in any business which can 
be made successful, and with these characteristics he can hardly fail 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 963 

of becoming a man of ample means in the course of not many years. 
Mr. Little is a native of Illinois, born in Hancock county, November 
16, 1850, but was reared in Adams county of that State, to which 
his parents removed. His father, Joseph Little, was originally 
from Washington county, Pa., but his mother, whose maiden name 
was Mary White, was from Tennessee. They were married in 
Illinois. W. Scott Little learned the brick-makino; business in Adams 
county, and afterwards worked at it until coming to La Plata in 1868, 
when he engaged in the business at this place. He was married 
December 21, 1868, to Miss Amelia Wright, a daughter of Benjamin 
Wright, formerly of New York. They have one child : Clarence A. 
Mr. Little went to Kirksville in the spring of 1869, but returned in 1871, 
working part of the time while he was absent at the brick business, 
and the rest of the time traveling for a nursery. His first wife died 
October 2, 1872, and he was married to his present wife May 3, 1876. 
She was Miss Carrie McKinstrey, a daughter of Sabert McKinstrey, 
of this county, but formerly of Ohio. They have two children: Carl 
L. and a girl baby, Stella May. Mr. and Mrs. L. are active members 
of the Good Templars lodge, and he is at present lodjje and district 
deputy G. W. C. T. 

CHAELES E. LEWELLIN 

(Of Moore & Lewellin, Lumber Dealers, La Plata). 

Mr. Lewellin, born in Lynchburg, Va., May 15, 1826, and reared 
in Fleming county, Ky., came to Missouri in 1849, after having trav- 
eled extensively and worked at various occupations, as well as having 
served in the Mexican War, and located at Woodville, in ^lacon 
county, where he engaged in teaching school. From that time up to 
1855 he continued to teach in Macon, Randolph and Monroe counties, 
except one year, during which he worked at the blacksmith's trade, at 
Woodville, when he located at Patton's mill, now Levick's mill, and 
engaged in merchandising, selling goods at that point for about four 
years. He then went to Petersburg, 111., where he was engaged in 
the grocery trade for about 18 months. Selling out in Illinois, he 
located at Cairo, in Randolph county. Mo., where he was engaged in 
merchandising until 1870. He then settled on a farm, and soon after- 
wards bought an interest in the lumber yard at Cairo, continuing only 
one year in the lumber interest, but farming until the fall of 1881, 
when he came to La Plata. Here, during the following winter, he 
engaged in his present business, and in the summer of 1882 he and 
his partner established a branch yard at Millard, which they still con- 
duct. They have an exceptionally fine stock of lumber and building 
material of all kinds, and are doing a thriving business. Low prices 
and cash payments is their motto, and, living up to this closely, they 
have succeeded even beyond their expectations. Accommodating and 
honorable in their dealings, they are more than ordinarily popular 
with the trade. December 4, 1851, Mr. Lewellin was married to 
Miss Mary E., daughter of Joseph Ridings, one of the pioneer settlers 



964 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

of Eandolph county and formerly of Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Lew- 
ellin have four children: James C, Charles, Joseph F. and Major. 
Mr. and Mrs. Lewellin are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian 
Church, and he is a member of the Masonic order. He served for 
eight years as justice of the peace, in Randolph county. Mr. Lew- 
ellin is a son of John A. and Lydia Hart Lewellin, who made 
their permanent home in Fleming county, Ky. Charles E. served 
two years' apprenticeship, from the age of 15, at the blacksmith's 
trade; he then went to Arkansas and worked on a cotton farm one 
year. Returning to Kentucky, he worked in a carriage factory, at 
Louisville, about 12 months. Following this, he worked in Arkansas 
another year at cotton planting, and then worked in a plow factory at 
Madison, Ind., then went to Bloomington, Ind., and worked in the 
foundry and clerked. In 1847, he enlisted in the Mexican War and 
served for 18 months, being honorably discharged at the expiration of 
that time. He then ran a restaurant about a year at Bloomington, 
Ind., and after that attended' high school at that place. Prior to 
enlisting in the Mexican War he worked in a foundry at Blooming- 
ton and clerked in a store. After quitting the restaurant business 
he learned the daguerreotype business and took pictures in Indiana 
for some three months. He then went to New Harmony and engaged 
in flatboating walnut logs down the Mississippi to New Orleans. 
After that he came to Missouri and began teaching school in Wood- 
ville, in Macon county, as stated above. 

LEWIS M. LYDA 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser). 

Mr. L., one of the enterprising, thorough-going citizens of La Plata 
township, besides being a successful farmer, takes an intelligent and 
active interest in local political matters, being quite a leader among 
the Greenbackers in his township. He is a man of solid intelligence, 
good general education, and possessed of pleasant, agreeable man- 
ners, so that he is well calculated to become a leader in his party. 
Mr. Lyda is a brother to J. S. Lyda, a sketch of whom appears on an- 
other page of this volume, in which an outline of the family history 
is given. Lewis M. was born on the old family homestead, in the 
county, December 2, 1844, and remained at home until he was 19 
years of age. He then crossed the Plains to Virginia City, M. T., 
where he was engaged in mining some six years. While working in the 
mines there, October 25, 1869, he met with an accident that came 
nearer than a hair's breath of being fiital, for it even got the hair : A 
blast went off prematurely, and by the explosion one of his eyes was 
destroyed, his left shoulder and eight ribs broken and his skull frac- 
tured in several places, burnt powder and stone particles being driven 
in through the crevices. By this he was laid up for two months, after 
which he returned home, but did not recover entirely for several 
years. Mr. Lyda immediately engaged in farming, which he has 
since followed. January 9, 1870, he was married to Miss Melissa C. 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 9G5 

Saunders, daughter of George W. Saunders, of this county, an early 
settler from Kentucky. On the 27th of January, 1874, Mr. Lyda met 
with an accident far more serious in its result than the first one and sad- 
der than any that could have befallen him. He and his wife and child 
were in a wagon, crossing the east fork of the Chariton river, and when 
in the middle of the stream, which was very swift, though not past ford- 
ing, the wagon became uncoupled and all three of its occupants were 
thrown into the water. Mr. Lyda caught their child from his wife's 
arms and told her to cling to him, so that all three might be able to 
get out alive. She lost her hold, however, and was quickly carried 
down the stream by the force of the current, and drowned, Mr. Lyda 
being barely able to escape with their child. Her body was recovered 
soon afterwards from the river. The child, a bright little boy. Wood- 
ward L., is still living with his father. To his present wife Mr. Lyda 
was married October 29, 1874. Mrs. Lyda's maiden name was Miss 
Zelpha A. Thompson, a daughter of Logan Thompson, a pioneer set- 
tler of the county from Virginia via Kentucky. By this union there 
are four children: James L., Mary R., Effie A. and Nora M. Mr. 
L3^da located on his present farm in the fall of 1875. His place con- 
tains 265 acres, all under fence and otherwise substantially improved. 
Mr. and Mrs. L. are members of the Missionary Baptist Church. 

DE. BASIL C. McDAVITT 

(Physician and Druggist, La Plata). 

Dr. McDavitt is a native Missourian, born in Randolph county, 
April 24, 1843, and was a son of Lee and Ira (Kerby) McDavitt, 
both natives of Kentucky. They were married in Randolph county 
and the father was one of the early settlers of that county. Dr. 
Basil C. was reared in Macon county, to which the family removed 
when he was quite young, and he was educated in the schools of this 
county. In 1867 he began the study of medicine under Dr. E. Keith, 
a leading physician at the time, of La Plata. His collegiate educa- 
tion in medicine was acquired in the Rush Medical College of Chi- 
cago, where he concluded his course in the spring of 1869. He then 
began the practice at La Plata with Dr. Keith, and has since contin- 
ued it, being alone in the practice, however, for a number of years. 
For the last year or two he has given the principal share of his atten- 
tion to his drug store at this place, which he has conducted since 
1869. He still docs considerable practice in the town of La Plata, 
however, and when required, goes to the country. He has an excel- 
lent druo; store, including a full line of drugs and medicines, paints 

Tx TV r 

and oils, school books and stationery, notions, etc., etc. Dr. Mc- 
Davitt's drug business has been quite successful, and his store is one 
of the leading establishments of this kind in the northern part of the 
county. March 12, 1871, he was married to Miss Mary A. William- 
son, a daughter of Arthur Williamson, of Macon county, but form- 
erly of Illinois. They have two children : William A. and Lee W. 
Mrs. McDavitt is a member of the M. E. Church South, and the Doc- 
tor is a prominent member of the Masonic lodge. 



9G6 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 



WILLIAM MILLEE 

(Of Miller & Penuell, Proprietors of the 0. K. La Plata Mills). 
Mr. Miller, a native Missourian and of Southern tamilv and sympa- 
thies, being a young man of military age when the war broke out, 
very naturally identified himself with the South, and promptly offered 
himself as a volunteer to uphold Southern rights and institutions. 
He was in Texas at the outbreak of the war, and early in 1861 en- 
listed in Co. A, Eleventh Texas cavalry, under Col. Young. After 
the battle of Pea Ridge, he went east of the Mississippi river 
and was under Kirby Smith at the time of his campaign in Ken- 
tucky, and under Gen. Wheeler most of the time after the battle of 
Stone river until surrendering at Charlotte, N. C, April 26, 1865. 
These few lines taken from Gen. Wheeler's farewell address to his 
command are worthy of a place here : " You are the sole victors of 
more than two hundred sternly contested fields. You have partici- 
pated in more than a thousand conflicts of arms." In one of them he 
was severely wounded and Avas confined to the hospital for about a 
month. Amono; the great battles of the war in which he took i)art 
were those of Chickamauga, Stone river and Pea Ridge. He returned 
to Macon county after the war and soon after went into the milling 
business in Chariton county. In 1869 this mill was moved to 
Richland township, Macon county. In 1879 he traded mills with A. 
Weakly, who erected and named their present mill O. K. La Plata 
mill, and he has since been identified with this mill. They have an 
excellent grain mill (he and his partner) and are doing a good busi- 
ness. On the 14th of Februar3s 1869, Mr. Miller was married to 
Miss Mary E, Pennell, a daughter of William D. and Delilah A. 
Pennell, formerly of Pennsylvania, but old and respected residents 
of Chariton county, Mo. Mr. and Mrs. M. are members of the Cum- 
berland Presbyterian Church. Mr. Miller's father, Maxey Miller, 
is a native of Kentucky, as was also the mother, whose maiden 
name was Susannah Tate. They removed to Missouri in about 1830 
and settled in Howard county. In about 1845 the father removed to 
Macon county and settled in Independence township. The mother 
died in 1873, and Mr. Miller, Sr., subsequently broke up house- 
keeping and died in 1879. William Miller, the subject of this sketch, 
was principally reared in Macon county, but was born in Howard 
county, October 24, 1836. He received a good common-school edu- 
cation and taught school for a time after growing up. In 1858 he 
went to Texas, and was there when the war began in 1861, as stated 
above. 

PETER MINGUS 

(Farmer) . 

Mr. M. was born in Union county, Penn., February 26, 1819, and 
was a son of Peter Mingus, pere, and wife, Barbara Carnes, both 
born and reared in that State. When Peter, fils, was seven years of 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 967 

age the family moved to Venango county, of the same State, where 
he grew to manhood. In 1842, then 23 years of age, he went to 
Adams county, Ohio, where he entered land in the wilderness and im- 
proved a farm. Two years later, August 27, 1844, he was married 
to Miss Elizabeth Bars, a daughter of -William Bars of that county, 
but formerly of Pennsylvania. Eight children are the fruits of this 
union: Mary J., wife of Martin Hizer ; William A., Samuel C, 
Martha A., wife of William H. Lee; Sarah E., wife of A. B. Lee; 
George W., Charles and Carrie E., now a young lady. In 1855 Mr. 
Mingus removed to Iowa, Avhere he was engaged in farming for 15 
years. In the spring of 1870 he came to Missouri and bought land 
where he now resides. He has a farm of 200 acres, comfortably and 
substantially improved, and besides this he has another tract not far 
distant, also improved. Mrs. Mingus is a member of the Cumberland 
Presliyterian Church at La Plata. Mr. Mingus is a hard-working, 
honest man, a man who has made all he has by the sweat of his own 
brow and a man of solid intelligence, generous heart and good im- 
pulses. 

J. LOUIS NORFOLK 

(Fai'mer and Fine Sheep-raiser). 

Mr. Norfolk, who up to six years ago knew nothing of farming, so 
far as practical experience is concerned, having been brought up to 
and always previously followed other pursuits, but who, nevertheless, 
has shown himself to be one of the most clear-headed, enterprising 
and successful farmers in the township, is a native of Pennsylvania, 
born in Washington county, June 5, 1850. In youth he took a 
thorough course in the Monongahela public schools, and possessed of 
a bright, active mind, and given to habits of close and attentive 
studiousness, he completed his course at the early age of 13, gradu- 
ating in the common and higher English branches and in mathematics, 
including geometry, surveying, etc. He then went on the river and 
was steamboating up to the age of 20. Tiring of the unsettled life 
of a riverman he quit the water and learned the paper-making trade, 
which he followed in Elk Horn, in Alleghany county, of his native 
State, for about seven years. But this was too confining and was 
gradually making inroads on his health, so, having by industry and 
economy saved up some means, he decided to try the life of a farmer. 
But of course he hadn't gotten alono; all this time without a wife. He 
was married January 29, 1871. His wife was previously a Miss Barbara 
Cowan, a daughter of George Cowan, of Washington county, Penn. 
Therefore, in quitting the paper business in 1878, he brought his 
family and what means he had out West, locating in Macon county. 
Here he bought a farm and went to work, not with gloves either, but 
in dead earnest, as a regular old-fashioned to the manor born granger. 
In fact, he worked with a good deal more energy than a great many 
farmers do. Working hard and managing well he has of course be- 
come successful. He has a handsome farm of 200 acres, and has it 
improved with all modern conveniences, including an ice house, a fine 
56 



968 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

orchard and everything that is calculated to make home comfortable 
and pleasant. Believing there was money in the sheep business he 
embarked in that as a' specialty, but not the raising of scrubby, 
distempered stock. He got the best Spanish Merino sheep he could 
find and now has 200 head of as fine bovines as one would wish to 
see of a summer's day, — in fact as fine sheep as there are in the 
county. Most of his stock are thoroughbred and can't be beat on 
this side of the Mississippi. He breeds for healthy constitution and 
heavy shearing of fine wool. Mr. Norfolk fattens his sheep for the 
wholesale markets and has found it a profitable business. Mr. and 
Mrs. N. have three children: Harry A., Kachie and Franklin. He 
and his wife are members of the M. E. Church, and he of the I. O. 
G. T. Their residence is a commodious two-story brick and is one of 
the better houses of the township. 

CHRISTOPHER OWSLEY 

(Dealer in Groceries, La Plata). 

Mr. Owsley's father. Noble Owsley, was a native of East Tennessee 
and there married Neoma Cook. They subsequently removed to In- 
diana, then in about 1844 to Henderson county, III., where they 
made their permanent home. Christopher Owsley was born in In- 
diana, February 9, 1837, and was reared in Henderson county. III. 
He was reared a farmer and had only limited school advantages. 
After he grew up he went to Pike county, III., where he followed 
farming and the saw-mill business until about 1859. From Pike 
county. 111., he came to Macon county. Mo., but returned to Illinois, 
locating in Henderson county. In 1864 he went to Idaho City, and 
was out there two years. Returning to Illinois, he was in Pike 
county, of that State, until he came to La Plata in 1868. Here he 
worked at carpentering for about six months, and was then elected 
marshal and constable of the township in which he served until 1871. 
In February, 1870, he was married to Miss Elizabeth M. Reed. She 
died three years afterwards, however. After his marriage he engaged 
in farming near La Plata, but in 1874 came to this place and opened a 
grocery store. He has been in this line of business almost constantly 
ever since, although he has sold out at two different times, remaining 
out of business, however, only a short time (when he made one trip 
to Carson City, Nev., and San Francisco, Cal.). He carries a neat, 
well selected stock of groceries and has a profitable custom. His busi- 
ness is one of the solid houses of the place and he is making some money 
besides a good living. He takes quite an interest in local political 
matters and has served as alderman several terms. He is now a rep- 
resentative of La Plata township on the Democratic County Central 
Committee. May 1, 1878, he was married to Mrs. Mary C, the 
widow of Charles Evans, and a daughter of Walker Paul, formerly 
of Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. O. have three children : Effie B., Elsie 
D. and Myron P. Mrs. O. is a member of the Christian Church. 
Mr. O. is a member of the Masonic lodge and of the I. O. O. F. 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 969 



THOMAS J. PHIPPS 

(Dealer in General Merchandise, La Plata). 
Last January Mr. Phipps had been engaged in general merchandis- 
ing at LaPhita for 18 years continuously, and he is still in business 
here with every prospect of adding 18 years more to his honorable 
and successful record as a merchant of this place. If it is true that 
*' Time tries all things," then Mr. Phipps may be said to have been 
tried, fully and well tried in that unerring crucible — to have been 
weighed in the balance, in fact, and not found wanting. No one could 
have continued business here as long as he has without business capa- 
city and personal honesty, for both are absolutely necessary to endur- 
ing success ; the one to carry on affairs properly, and the other to 
win and retain the confidence of the public. These qualities Mr. 
Phipps has proved himself to possess, qualities the possession of which 
is alone the highest eulogy that can be spoken of one's character. Mr. 
Phipps was born in Randolph county May 3, 1836, and was a son of 
Silas Phipps. The maiden name of his mother was Miss Jane 
Burk, formerly of Kentucky. Silas Phipps came out to Kentucky 
when a young man, where he was married to Miss Burk. The 
two then came to Missouri, and located in Randolph county as early 
as 1820. They lived there for nearly 25 years, finally settling in 
Macon county, near McGee College, in 1844, where the father lived 
38 years, dying in the fall of 1882, in his eighty-ninth year. He had 
seen service in one of the Indian wars and helped drive the Indians 
from this then wilderness. 

Thomas J. Phipps was principally reared in Macon county, and 
received a limited education in the common schools. In 1855 he went 
into a store in Shelby county, where he clerked for two years. He 
then went to Wilsontown, in Adair county, and engaged in business 
for himself, which he continued for about four years. The war hav- 
ing come on in the meantime, he closed out business and went on the 
mountains, where he engaged in the hotel business for two years. He 
then returned to the plains and engaged in the freighting business. 
He continued that business with excellent success durmg the entire 
war. In 1865 he came back to Missouri, and the following year 
opened out a store at La Plata, beginning in January, and enlarging 
his business until two large store-rooms were required for his exten- 
sive business, and finally reaching nearly the enormous figures of 
$100,000 per year, in the retail business. Closing out this business 
in 1882, with an invoice of $15,000, he again opened in La Plata, in Oc- 
tober, 1883, with a fine and complete stock of dry goods, clothing, hats, 
caps, boots, shoes and furnishing goods, with a good patronage, and 
a steadily increasing trade. March 6, 1862, he was married to Miss 
Nancy Wilson, a daughter of Judge Ellis Wilson, of Adair county. 
They have three children: Edgar L., now at Oak Lawn College, in 
Knox county ; Claude A. and Floy T. Mr. Phipps is a member of 
the A. F. and A. M., including the Knight Templar Chapter and 
Commandery lodges. 



970 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 



JOHN p. PHIPPS 

(Jewelry Merchant, La Plata) . 

Mr. Phipps, one of the enterprising j^oung business men of this 
phice, has been identified with trade at La Phita on his own account, 
either in one line or another, since 1878, having clerked, however, 
for awhile during this period ; and he was also engaged in farming 
and stock trading for a short time. He engaged in his present busi- 
ness in November, 1883, having bought out the jewelry store of Ber- 
ton Derr. Mr. Phipps carries a superior assortment of clocks, watches 
and jewelry of all descriptions. His progress in his present line has 
been steady and substantial, and he is rapidly coming to the front as 
a business man. On the 14th of June, 1879, he was married to Miss 
Emma, a daughter of J. M. Derr, a sketch of whom appears in this 
volume. Mr. and Mrs. Phipps have two children : L. Alma and M. 
Alta. Mr. Phipps is a member of the Farmers' and Merchants' As- 
sociation. He was born in Eandolph county, September 21, 1851. 
His father was Joshua R. Phipps, and his mother's maiden name, Jane 
Phipps. The father came to Missouri with his family when but a 
child, and the ftimily were among the pioneers of Randolph county. 
After he grew up he helped to lay out the county-seat of Randolph 
county, and still resides in that county, being one of its leading farm- 
ers and highly respected citizens. John P. was reared in Randolph 
county and was educated at Mt. Pleasant and McGee colleges. He 
then came to La Plata in the spring of 1875, and clerked for T. J. 
Phipps & Bro. for about two years. After this he engaged in the 
grocery trade with C. Owsley, but sold out after two years. Follow- 
ing this he clerked again, and finally farmed and dealt in stock before 
<!ommencing his present business. 

JOHN M. POWELL 

(Superintendent of the La Plata Creamery). 

Among the citizens of enterprise and public spirit in the northern 
part of the county, the subject of the present sketch occupies a de- 
servedly .enviable position. He is at the head of a business enterprise 
that has been of great value to the farming community around him, 
and more or less directly to all other interests ; an enterprise which 
he took the leading part in establishing, and which is proving a busi- 
ness success, as well as a public benefit. At the time he embarked 
in this business, putting his time and means into it, it was regarded 
as an experiment, and many were afraid to invest in it. But a clear- 
headed man, he looked into it closely and intelligently, and convinced 
himself that, although a new line of business, it was destined to be- 
come in the not far distant future, one of great magnitude and im- 
portance. He, therefore, went into it without hesitation, and although 
but a short time has elapsed, his judgment is already vindicated by 
experience. Creameries have been established all over the State, and 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 971 

the day is rapidly coming when they will be as common as the old- 
fashioned saw and grist mill. Last year Mr. Powell made 10,000 pounds 
of butter, and would have made much more, but had to shut down 
for want of cream. The present year, however, he expects that the 
cream supply will" be sufficient to keep him running constantly. The 
butter, as every one knows who has used it to any extent, is far su- 
perior to the ordinary country butter, and needs only to be introduced 
into a community to entirely supersede the latter. Mr. Powell's 
building is a substantial structure, is 36x44 feet in dimensions, with a 
good ice-honse 36x44 attached, and is supplied with a handsome en- 
gine and other machinery and appliances, all of the latest and best 
make. Mr. Powell is a man of energy and enterprise, understands 
his business thoroughly, and has made the La Plata creamery one of 
the successful business and industrial enterprises of the place. Mr. 
Powell is a native of Illinois, but was principally reared in Missouri, 
and came of an old and respected Virginia family. His father, Jack- 
son T. Powell, and mother, whose maiden name was Mandana 
Yowell, came from the Old Dominion and settled in Cass county. 111., 
among the pioneer settlers of that county. John M. was born there 
August 12, 1839. In 1848 the family removed to Missouri, locating 
in Randolph county, where the father entered land and improved a 
good farm. He died there in 1863. John M. received a good com- 
mon-school education in Randolph county, and followed farming for 
a short time after he grew up. He came to Macon county in 1865, 
and was engaged in merchandising most of the time up to 1879, when 
he became identified with the walnut lumber trade, and furnishing 
ties to the railroads. He was in these lines until 1883, when he and 
J. B. Thompson and others, formed a creamery company, and estab- 
lished the present creamery. September 8, 1859, he was married to 
Miss Mary E. Deskin, a daughter of C. H. Deskin, of Randolph 
county. The}^ have one child, Lillie May, the wife of Theodore 
Pierce, now of Grenola, Kas.,- where he is engaged in the mercantile 
trade. Mrs. Powell is a member of the Baptist Church. For four 
3'-ears Mr. Powell was Master of the La Plata Lodge A. F. and A. M., 
and is still a prominent member of that order. 

J. DAMON REED 

(Of Brammer & Eeed, Grocers, La Plata). 
Mr. Reed of the above-named firm is a native of Illinois, born in 
Bureau countv, January 23, 1848, and a son of Freeman C. and Caro- 
line (Dorr) Reed, bothVrom New York. Freeman C. Reed, however, 
came to the Prairie State when a young man, and was married in Bu- 
reau county. In the spring of 1868 the family removed to Missouri, 
locating in Macon county near Callao, where the parents still reside. 
J. Damon Reed came to this State with his parents and continued farm- 
ing and handling stock, to which he had been brought up, until 1883, 
when he came to La Plata and bought a partnership interest in the 
present firm. He is a young man of industry, good education and 



972 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

excellent business qualifications, and contributes very materially by his 
enero-y and personal popularity to the success of the firm, for he is 
urbane, polite and closely attentive to business. The business of the 
firm has already been spoken of in the sketch of the senior partner, 
Mr. Brammer. September 26, 1876, Mr. Eeed was married to Miss 
Idressa A. Sears, a daughter of Rev. William Sears, one of the pioneer 
settlers of this county^ Mr. and Mrs. R. have one child, a bright 
little girl four years of age, Jennie L. 

JOHN REYNER 

(Proprietor of Reyner's Wagon and Buggy Factory, La Plata). 

Mr. Reyner is a native of the city of Brotherly Love and was born 
March 4, 1819. His father was Henry Reyner also a native of Penn- 
sylvania, and his mother was Maria Broadhead, a representative of 
the same family by descent from which Hon. James O. Broadhead of 
St. Louis, the leading lawyer of the Mississippi Valley, and at present 
a member of Congress from that city, sprang. She died, however, 
when John Reyner, the subject of this sketch, was quite small. John 
Reyner was educated in the com'mon schools of Philadelphia and after- 
wards learned the blacksmith's trade. In 1838 he removed to Bel- 
mont county, Ohio, and was one of the pioneers of that county. He 
worked at his trade at Pleasant Grove for about 11 years, and then 
went to Martin's Ferry, on the Ohio, a short distance above Wheel- 
ing, West Va., where he worked until the fall of 1870. Coming to La 
Phita, Mr. Reyner engaged in the hardware business here, which he 
carried on for some two years. In 1872 Mr. Reyner bought out a 
blacksmith shop at this phice and continued it until 1877, when he 
built an addition and added wagon making to his shop, since which 
he has not only run his blacksmith shop, but has made a specialty of 
wagon making. He manufactures annually about thirty-five wagons, 
about one-half of which are spring wagons. He also makes plain bug- 
gies. He has had excellent success in his wagon factory business, and 
his wagons have obtained a wide and enviable reputation. He con- 
siders it a matter of personal honor to put none but the best material 
in his wagons, for he regards it that a man who would palm off a 
fraudulent wagon on the market must be a fraud himself. The people 
have come to find this out and they therefore know that when they 
get a Reyner wagon they get the full worth of their money and a 
wagon that can be depended on, durable, light-running and substan- 
tial. On the 17th of June, 1840, Mr. Reyner was married to Miss 
Mary A. Guest, a daughter of Abraham Guest of Belmont, Ohio, but 
formerly of Wilmington, Del., and of Quaker parentage. His father 
I'ell in the defense of the Colonies at the battle of Brandywine. Mr. 
and Mrs. Revner have four children : Edwin D., in business at Wheel- 
ing, W. Va. ; Henry G., a merchant at La Plata ; Lewis C, agent of 
the Chicago and Alton Railroad at Washington, III. ; and William H., 
now with his father. Mr. and Mrs. R. are members of the Baptist 
Church, and Mr. R. is a member of the A. F. and A. M., the I. O. 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 973 

O. F. and the I. O. G. T., in which hitter lodge he has held all the 
positions from P. G. W. C. T. down. 

HENRY G. REYNER 

(Of Saul & Reyner, Hardware Merchants, La Plata). 

Mr. Reyner did not reach military eligibility until 1863, when he 
attained his eighteenth year. Of northern antecedents and himself 
born and reared in Ohio, he naturally sympathized with the North in 
the struggle between the two sections. Accordingly, he promptly en- 
listed in the Union service, becoming a member of Battery H, first West 
Virginia Light Artillery, in which he served for a term of 12 months. 
He then enlisted in Co. K, One Hundred and Seventy-fifth Ohio in- 
fantry, under Col. Daniel McKay, and served until the close of the war. 
He participated in the last battle of Harper's Ferry and in the battles 
of Franklin and Nashville, and in numerous less engagements. After 
the war he returned home to Belmont, Ohio, and was eniraofed in a 
foundry and blacksmith shop there at moulding for about three years. 
In 1869 became to Missouri, locating at La Plata, where he has since 
been in the hardware business. During part of this time he has been in 
business alone. The present firm was formed in 1882. They carry a 
good general stock of hardware, including tin, glass and queen's-ware, 
as well as other classes of goods in their line. They have a large 
trade and steadily increasing business. Both are good business men 
and are personally popular so that their house commands a good run 
of custom. September 17, 1868, Mr. Reyner was married at Macon 
City to Miss Louisa D. Jacobs, a daughter of D. A. and Elizabeth 
Jacobs of that place, but formerly of Mahoning county, Ohio. Mr. and 
Mrs. Reyner have three children : Fred K., Edward V. and Anna I. 
Mrs. R. is a member of the Christian Church. Mr. Reyner's father, 
John Reyner, was born and reared in Philadelphia and came out to 
Ohio when a young man where he married Miss Mary A. Guest, for- 
merly of New Jersey, and settled in Belmont county. Henry G. was 
born in that county January 19, 1845, and was there reared up to the 
time he entered the army. 

JUSTIN ROAN 

(Farmer, Post-offlce, LaPlata) . 

Mr. Roan, who has lived in Missouri for nearly half a century, and 
on the place where he now resides for the last 30 years, one of the 
worthy farmers and highly respected citizens of the county, is a 
native of the old North State, born in Caswell county, March 11, 
1812. Farming has been his principal occupation from boyhood. In 
the fall of 1836 he was married in his native county to Miss Elizabeth 
Long, and the following year removed to Haynes county. Miss., 
where he lived for two years. From Mississippi he came to Missouri 
in 1832, locating in Randolph county, where he lived for 13 years 
engaofed in farming. During that time, however, in 1850, he went 



974 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

overland to California in company with Capt. Joseph Barton, but 
after spending about 18 months on the Pacific coast returned by way 
of the Isthmus and New Orleans to Randolph county, reaching home 
in July, 1852. A couple of months later he removed to Macon county, 
and in the spring of 1854 settled on the place where he has since re- 
sided. He has an excellent farm, comfortably and substantially 
improved, and is otherwise pleasantly situated. Mr. Roan is now 
living with his second wife. His first wife died in August, 1872, after 
a happy married life of 36 years, which was one of unbroken comfort 
to him to the end: To his present wife he was married November 6, 
1873. She is a lady of many estimable qualities and is greatly prized 
by her neighbors and loved in her own family. Her maiden name was 
Vicenia Bernard, a daughter of Andrew Bernard, formerly of Ken- 
tucky, but at the time of her marriage to Mr. Roan she was the widow 
of Thomas Pugh. Mr. and Mrs. Roan have three children: Ara- 
minta, James B. and Gertrude. Mrs. Roan has two by her former 
marriage, Thomas O. and Laura. By his first marriage Mr. Roan had 
five children : Sallie A., the wife of William Hutchinson; Frances, 
wife of Mitchell Burch ; Mary, wife of E. Kelso ; Barbara, wife of 
John McQuey, and Burch. Mr. and Mrs. Roan are members of the 
Missionary Baptist Church, at Lover's Lake, and Mr. Roan is a mem- 
ber of the A. F. and A. M. 

JOHN T. ROMJUE 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Post-office, La Plata). 

Mr. Romjue's father, Judge John H. Romjue, was one of the pioneer 
settlers of Scotland county, this State. He came from Oldham county, 
Ky., the year that John T. was born, in 1836, and settled in Scotland 
county. He entered 900 acres of fine land there and improved a large 
farm. He also entered about 1,100 acres of land in Bates county. 
He lived in Scotland county for nearly 25 years and became one of the 
leading citizens of that county. He served on the county court bench 
for a number of years, and held other positions of local prominence. 
In 1860, however, he removed to Macon county and settled on the 
place where John T. resides He died here 17 years afterwards, highly 
respected and esteemed by all who knew him. John T. Romjue was 
reared in Scotland county, and when in his twenty-first year, February 
22, 1857, he was married to Miss Anna, a daughter of Willis Hicks, 
an early settler of that county. Mrs. Romjue's father came to the 
county among its very first families, his being one of the only five in 
the county at that time. He was also from Kentucky. Three years 
after his marriage Mr. Romjue came with his family to Macon county, 
but bought land here near Old Bloomington, where he improved a 
farm. He afterwards sold that farm and bought land near his father's 
place. Two years before his father's death he moved to the latter's 
place, where he now lives. After his father's death he bought the 
place and has since continued to reside upon it. This farm contains 
180 acres, all fenced and otherwise well improved. Mr. and Mrs. 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 975 

Rorajue have reared a family of eight children: James L., marrie<i 
Miss Susie Shacklett, formerly from Kentucky, in the year 1882 ; 
Nancy E., wife of Frank Alspach ; Lizzie A., wife ofN. J. Steiner, a 
merchant of Canton; Willis A., Addie J., Thomas C, Cora L. and 
Hattie Belle. One is deceased, Lottie F., who died January 9, 1881, 
at the age of nine years. Mr. and Mrs. Romjue are members of the 
M. E. Church South. 

ERASTUS M. ROSS 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser). 

Mr. Ross has resided in Macon county since 1871, and has a good 
farm of 280 acres with other land in fence, his place being m an 
excellent state of cultivation and otherwise comfortably improved. 
He is engaged in farming in a general way and raises considerable 
stock for the markets, which he fattens on his own place. Mr. Ross 
was born in Boone count3^ Ky., September 16, 1828. His father, 
John W. Ross, a native of Virginia, was a pioneer settler of Boone 
county, Ky., and became one of the leading and wealthy farmers and 
stock-raisers of that county. Mr. Ross' mother was a Miss Nancy 
Graves before her marriao;e and was also a native of Viro'inia. Eras- 
tus M. Ross was reared and educated in Boone county, Ky., and 
when 20 years of age went to Gallatin county, of the same State, 
where he farmed for a year and then removed to Carroll county, 
of that State. While in Carroll county he was married to Miss 
Julia R., a daughter of John Blessing of that county. This was 
July 4, 1851. Two years later he removed to Illinois, settling in 
Hancock county. There he bought raw land and improved a farm. 
He farmed in Hancock co'unty. 111., for 18 years, and also raised 
and handled stock to some extent. He then sold out and came 
to Missouri in 1871, as stated above. Here he bought raw laud 
in Macon county and improved another farm, which he sold to 
advantage in 1876, buying after that the place where he now resides. 
Mr. Ross feeds and ships about two car loads of cattle and one of 
hogs annually. Mr. and Mrs. Ross have reared 11 children: Leslie 
C, Jolin F., Anna L., wife of D. P. Reyner ; Hooker B., Frank, 
John H., Erastus B., Albert T., Lou May, Charley and Maude. 
They lost one in infancv. Mrs. R. is a member of the Christian 
Church and Mr. R. of the I. O. O. F. in Illinois. 

HON. WALTER S. SEARS 

(Member of the Legislature and Merchant, La Plata). 

Mr. Sears, one of the leading business men of Macon county and one 
of its most influential, prominent citizens, is a representative of one of" 
the pioneer and highly respected families of this section of the State. 
His grandfather, Ivison Sears, immigrated to Missouri from Ken- 
tucky as early as 1818, and settled in the southern part of Randolph 
county, near the present town of Huntsville. He reared his family 
in that county and lived there until his death, which occurred in 



976 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

1854. He was one of the sturdy pioneers of the county, a man 
eminently fitted both by courage and enterprise for the great work 
to be done — laying broad and deep the foundations of civilized 
society in the then wilderness. As a farmer he was quite successful, 
and was one of the most highly esteemed citizens of the county. He 
had a family of 15 children, of whom seven sons and six daughters 
lived to reach maturity, and themselves became the heads of families. 
The first one of his sons was Theophilus Sears, who became the father 
of Walter S., the subject of this sketch, and a short biography of 
whom appears in the History of Randolph county, published in this 
volume. 

Theophilus Sears was born in Missouri in 1824. He also became 
a successful farmer of Randolph county. He held numerous local 
offices and occupied a position of influence in his community. He 
died there in September, 1875, widely and profoundly mourned, for 
he was a citizen whose life reflected only honor on the county in 
which it was spent. His first wife was Miss Mary J. Gavins before 
her marriage, a lady of many estimable qualities of head and heart. 
She died in 1856. Walter S. Sears was the only child. 

He was born on the farm in Randolph county, October 20, 1850, 
and was reared in his native county. His early youth was spent on 
the farm and at school. At the age of 18 he entered Mt. Pleasant 
College, at Huntsville, under the presidency of James W. Terrill, in 
which he took a thorouo-h course, o;raduatino: with distinction in the 
class of 1873. Such were his qualifications and his personal qualities 
that immediately after his graduation he was employed as a teacher 
in the college where he had completed his education, and he con- 
tinued to teach with success in that institution for two years. By 
this time his reputation as an educator had become so well established 
and so generally recognized, that he was solicited to open a private 
school in Paris, Monroe county, which he did, afterwards accepting a 
position in the public schools of that place with great success. 

But for some time it had been his desire to engage in business pur- 
suits, and he now felt that he was in a position to gratify this inclina- 
tion. He therefore came to La Plata in the spring of 1877 and 
engaged in the drug business, becoming associated in business with 
liis present partner, Mr. James I. Sears. Later along he and his 
partner also put in a stock of groceries, and their business in both 
lines has been one of uninterrupted success. Their trade has con- 
tinued to increase and they have from time to time enlarged their 
stocks until they now have one of the leading houses in the drug 
and grocery line in Macon county. They occupy three large rooms, 
two of which belong to them and all are filled with goods. They 
buy for cash in large quantities, so that they get important reduc- 
tions, and, selling mainly for cash, they are enabled to mark their 
goods at prices which insure them a large custom and protect them 
from loss by competing houses, for they can not be undersold with- 
out injury to those attempting it. Both Mr. Sears and his partner 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 977 

are men of superior business tact and capacity, and are personally 
popular with the public, a fact by no means the least important to 
their success in business. 

Mr. Sears, a man of ability and culture, and public spirited to 
a marked degree, has always taken a more or less active interest in 
public affiiirs. He is, of course, a Democrat, as every good citizen of 
sound mind and body in this State ought to be, and naturally feels a 
warm interest in the success of his party and its principles. Ever 
ready to contribute his own time and energies for the good of the 
party, believing that in doing this he is serving the best interests of 
the country, his zeal and services have been of great value to the 
party in Macon county and in the State, and he has long been recog- 
nized as one of its safest and soundest leaders in his own county, and 
throughout his section of the State. In 1880 he was nominated by 
the Democracy of his district for Representative in the State Legisla- 
ture and was elected by a majority highly complimentary to his per- 
sonal popularity. Serving his district and the State in the House 
with ability for one term and with satisfaction to his constituents, he 
was renominated by the party of the entire county for the same office 
and was again elected. His second term has not yet expired. In the 
House he took a prominent position as a man of intelligence and 
character, and wielded a marked influence on State legislation. He 
was the author of the bill re-districting the State into Congres- 
sional districts which passed at the special session of 1882, by all 
odds the most important bill, in a political sense, passed by the 
Legislature during his four years' service. 

On the I5th day of December, 1880, Mr. Sears was married to 
Miss Mattie W. Craddock, a refined and accomplished daughter of 
Hon. Samuel A. Craddock, of Mexico, Mo., a leading lawyer of the 
Mexico bar. Mrs. Sears was reared and educated at Mexico, gradu- 
ating among the fii'st of her class at Hardin College in 1876. She 
had previously taken a course at Stephens' College, of Columbia. 
She is a lady of rare endowments and culture, and is highly esteemed 
in the best society of La Plata. She is a member of the Baptist 
Church. They have one child, a boy, born April 11, 1884. 

Mr. Sears is^ a member of the La Plata Lodge No. 237 A. F. and 
A. M. and of the Chapter at Macon City. He is also a member of 
the Commandery at Kirksville. He has filled all the stations in the 
Blue Lodge and was Master for a number of years. He is Senior 
Deacon at this time. 

ELLISON L. SHEPHERD 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Post-offlce, Love Lake), 
It was a favorite maxim of Sully, the great French economist of the 
sixteenth century, that Labourage et pasturage sent les doux Mamelles de 
V Etat, — '« Tillage and pasturage are the breasts of the state." He 
held, as all the world holds, that agriculture is the foundation of all 
prosperity. So, in every country, and in this country particularly, 



978 HISy'ORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

farmers, industrious, energetic, progressive agriculturists, are looked 
to as the pillars of the State. The men who develop the wealth of the 
soil, who till it and cause it to bring forth its ample products for the 
sustenance' of man and beast, are the men who contribute the life- 
blood of prosperity to every community. Hence, in preparing the 
history of Macon county, one of its chief features should be sketches 
of the lives of those sterling men who, by tending their fields and 
herds, produce the commodities necessary to the prosperity of the 
county, and Avho have thus built it up and made it what it is. Prom- 
inent among this class of citizens is the subject of the present sketch. 
Mr. Shepherd is one of the leading farmers of La Plata township and 
one of its most progressive and enterprising citizens. Like manv of 
our best citizens, he came from the North, and came here after the 
war. He was born in Putman county. 111,, April 1, 1835. His par- 
ents were Johnson and Malinda (Livingston) Shepherd, both born 
and reared in Ohio. The family came to Illinois in 1833 and were 
among the pioneer settlers of Putman county. The father was in a 
number of Indian fights in that early day. He died, however, when 
Ellison L. was in infancy, and thereupon the mother returned to Ohio. 
The son was reared in Adams county, Ohio, and remained there until 
21 years of age when he returned to Putman county, 111., and engaged 
in farming. He lived there and in La Salle county for about nine 
years, and was married in La Salle county, December 25, 1865, to 
Miss Priscilla A. Robinson, a daughter of James Robinson of that 
county. After his marriage Mr. Shepherd located in Livingston 
county. 111., where he followed farming until 1882. Li the fall of 
1881, selling his farm in Livingston county, he came to Missouri the 
following spring and bought the farm where he has since resided, two 
miles east of La Plata. He has 400 acres of fine land here, 280 acres 
in the home place, all in excellent cultivation. Besides other fencing, 
he has 1,200 rods of excellent hedge fencing. He is now engaged in 
fencing 80 acres more for pasturage. Mr. and Mrs. Shepherd have 
two children, Robert Lincoln and James William. Their niece is also 
a member of their family, Miss Estella May Robinson, a young lady 
of charming presence. Mr. and Mrs. Shepherd are members of the 
M. E. Church, and he is an elder in the church. 

GEORGE W. SHROPSHIRE 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser). 

Among the first, if not at the head of the farmers and stockmen of 
Macon county, by the recognition of all, stands the subject of the 
present sketch. Mr. Shropshire has been engaged in farming and 
handling stock, but principally in the latter, from boyhood, and," hav- 
ing the qualities that make successful men, enterprise, business intelli- 
gence and energy, he has been eminently successful. All that he 
has he has made in his present lines of industry. His landed estate, 
practically all under fence and more than ordinarily well improved, 
aggregates 2,000 acres, on which there are 20 miles of good fencing 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 



979 



and about 60 gates, including two fine iron gates, and one mile of 
his fencing is set with iron posts and made of the best quality of wire. 
Besides the homestead residence, there are seven tenement houses, 
with their accompanying improvements. Mr. Shropshire's dwelhng 
is a substantial, tastily constructed two-story brick building, and his 
barn is a well built, roomy structure, peculiarly well arranged and 
well adapted for storing grain and caring for stock. His other build- 
in o-s and improvements compare favorably with those that have been 
mentioned. His fields, pastures and meadows are so arranged with 
reoard to fences and gates, and to their locations, that stock and 
o-rain can be moved from one to another with the least possible injury 
to lands or crops, and with the greatest convenience. His farm is 
laid out and planned with the judgment that would be expected of an 
architect in planning a house or of an engineer in laying off some im- 
portant system of public works. In a word, Mr. Shropshire has one 
of the largest, if not the largest, and one of the best arranged and 
most valuable stock farms in the State. Besides the large number 
of stock which he handles asVi dealer, he feeds on his own place about 
100 head of cattle and from two to three car loads of hogs annually. 
Still in the meridian of life, with many years of activity before him, 
and occupied as he is with his farming and stock interests, there can 
be but little doubt that if he is spared to an average old age he will 
take a far more advanced position than he now occupies as an agricul- 
turist, prominent as he already is. Mr. Shropshire has made, virtu- 
ally, every dollar he is worth by his own industry, enterprise and good 
manao-ement, and he is therefore entitled to the more credit for the 
position he holds in agricultural affairs. He is a native of the Blue 
Grass State, that State distinguished for the ability and eminent suc- 
cess of its farmers and stock-raisers, a State that has led all the rest m 
the production of fine stock and to whose stables and pastures the 
whole continent resorts for the the best blood. He was born in Har- 
rison county, Ky., February 14, 1834. His father was Capt. xM. P. 
Shropshire, a successful agriculturist of that State, and a captain of 
militia in the old muster days. His mother, before her marriage, 
was a Miss Agatha Pemberton, and of that old and prominent family 
well known in Kentucky and several of the other States. When 
George W. was in boyhood his parents removed to Bourbon county, 
where they made their permanent home. At the age of 17 he went 
to Covino-ton and engaged in the horse and mule trade, buying for 
and shipping to the Southern markets. In this business he laid the 
foundation of his fortune. He also established a large livery and sales 
stable at Covington, which he carried on with success for about five 
years. His hoi^ses and mules were bought for the Southern trade 
principally in Kentucky and the adjacent territory of Indiana and Ohio. 
In 1855 Mr. Shropshire came to Missouri and located in Macon county, 
buying land in Johnston township adjacent to his present property. 
Here he opened a large stock farm and continued the horse and mule 
business, taking his stock principally to Arkansas and Mississippi. 



980 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY, 

His success continued unbroken. During the war, times became so 
critical in this State that in order to avoid becoming mixed up with 
either side or imperilling his own life and property, Mr. Shropshire 
left the State, staying in Kentucky a part of the time and a part at 
Montreal, Canada. He came back, however, every year on a short 
visit to look after his property. After the war he settled perma- 
nently on his place again, and turned his attention more particularly to 
cattle, raising and fattening them and dealing in them. This he has 
followed mainly since the war, and has been as successful as he was 
before in the horse and mule trade. Mr. Shropshire is recognized as 
one of the finest judges of stock in North Missouri and one of the best 
stock business men. It is believed that when he can't make money 
out of stock, profits for others are by no means hopeful. He is a man 
of public spirit and a useful citizen to the county, being ever ready ta 
help along any movement for the material and general interests of the 
public and particularly for the stock and agricultural interests of the 
county. A man of sterling intelligence, high character and generous 
impulses, he is held in great respect and esteem by all who know him. 
In the fall of 1875 Mr. Shropshire was married to Mrs. Nancy Arthur, 
the widow of Paschal Arthur, Esq., late of this county, and a daughter 
of Mr. Hiram Stone, one of the esteemed pioneer settlers of the 
county. Mrs. Shropshire has five children by her first marriage : 
James H., now in Texas; Lena, Luther, Flora and Amy. The last 
four are with her. She is a most esteemed lady, and is an exemplary 
member of the Baptist Church. 

CHARLES W. SINNOCK 

(Farmer). 

Mr. S., a well-to-do and respected farmer of La Plata township, was 
born in Adams county, III., August 15, 1849, and was brought up to the 
boot and shoe-maker's trade, which he followed in that county, con- 
nected with the boot and shoe business, until the spring of 1876, when, 
needing the open air and outdoor exercise incident to farming, he 
quit his trade and business and removed to Missouri, locating near 
La Plata, across in Adair county, where he bought and improved a 
farm. He followed farming there for about six years, and then re- 
turned to Adams county. 111., where he re-engaged in the boot 
and shoe business. But having tried farming he came to the conclu- 
sion that, after all, it is about the best business one can follow, health 
and independence of life considered. So he returned to Missouri in 
1883, and bought the farm where he now resides in Macon county. 
Mr. Sinnock has a neat place of 120 acres, two miles south-east of 
La Plata, all in active cultivation and neatly improved. May 6, 
1872, he was married in Payson, Adams county. 111., to Miss 
Lydia K. Wharton, a daughter of Benjamin and Amy S. Wharton, 
of Adams county, but formerly of Pennsylvania, by way of Indiana. 
Mrs. Sinnock was reared and educated in Adams county. Mr. Sin- 
nock's parents were George Sinnock, a native of England, and Sarah 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 981 

Ann Kay, formerly of Kentucky. They were married in Illinois and 
afterwards settled at Payson, where the father engaged in the boot 
and shoe business, which he still carries on at that place. Charles 
W. became his partner after he grew up and was his father's partner 
prior to coming to Missouri the hist time. Charles W. Sinnock and 
wife have six children : Nellie M., Harry, Delia, Amy M., Charles and 
Clem. 

JOSEPH SODDREL 

(Contractor and Builder, La Plata). 

To show what industry, perseverance and good management can do 
in one of the ordinary branches of industry — carpentering, and con- 
tracting and building, it is only necessary to record the facts of Mr. 
Soddrel's career at La Plata. He came to this State from England, 
in 1869, and had not only nothing but his own energy and intelli- 
gence to rely upon, but was some $300 worse off than nothing, and, 
besides, had his family to care and provide for, a duty that is one of 
the happiest which a worthy man has to perform. But he went to 
work at his trade, and has worked hard and managed well, living at 
the same time an upright life and such a one that has won him the 
confidence and esteem of the community, so that he has become one 
of the substantial property holders and successful men and one of the 
respected citizens of La Plata. It is a fact that, during the years 
1874-75-76, Mr. Soddrel lost not a single day from work. He is 
one of the leading contractors and builders throughout the vicinity 
of La Plata, and has built many of the better class of houses in and 
around this place. He has managed well and saved what he has 
made, so that now he is one of the leading property holders in this 
place. He works a number of hands all the time, and fills his con- 
tracts with energy and to their very spirit and letter. He was born 
June 10, 1838, and was a son of William and Sarah (Martin) Soddrel, 
both of whose ancestors had been settled in the Empress Isle of the 
Seas for generations and as far back as they can be traced. Mr. Sod- 
drel was reared in England and served an apprenticeship at the car- 
penter's trade for seven j^ears and worked at it there until he came to 
America, as stated above. He was married in England to Miss Jane, 
a daughter of William Bell. Mr. and Mrs. Soddrel have four chil- 
dren : Sarah E., wife of Enoch Dabney, a jeweler at Council Grove, 
Kansas ; Mary, wife of William O. Wait, of La Plata, and Belle and 
Lorton. Three are deceased, Janie, William and an infant. Mr. S. 
is a member of the La Plata lodge of United Workmen. 

BARNABAS SWARTHOUT. 

(Postmaster, and Former Merchant, La Plata) . 

Mr. Swarthout, now four years past the age of three-score, has led 

a life of continued industry, and one without reproach ; and now ho 

finds himself in the full possession of that confidence and esteem from 

those around him which never fail to reward the worthy and upright. 



982 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

He had to make his own way up in life, and the years of his early 
manhood were spent at hard work. In the course of time, however, 
he became able to engage in business pursuits, and showed the quali- 
ties and qualifications necessary for a good business man. During 
the war Mr. Swarthout went to the front as a volunteer for the Union, 
and did his full duty as a soldier until he was honorably discharged in 
1866. He was born in Lodi, Seneca county. New York, January 18, 
1820, and was a son of Benjamin and Margaret ( StuU) Swarthout, 
his father of Pennsylvania and his mother of New Jersey. They 
made their permanent home in New York, however, and there Barna- 
bas was reared to manhood. After attaining his majority he engaged 
in farming on his own account, and trading in stock, and so continued 
in New York until 1858, when he came west to Rockford, 111. He 
there continued stock trading, and also opened a meat market. In 
the winter of 1864-65 he enlisted in Co. A, One Hundred and Forty- 
seventh Illinois volunteer infantry, and served until alter the close of 
the war. On his return he stopped in Illinois for a short time, and 
then came to Missouri, locating first at Macon City, where he carried 
on the farm implement business. In the fall of 1868 he removed to 
La Plata and opened a dry goods store here, selling on commission, 
in which he continued for about seven years. At the expiration of 
this time Mr. Swarthout engaged in business for himself, and carried 
on his business for thrse years. In May, 1869, he was appointed 
postmaster, since which he has devoted his entire time to the oflSce, 
having held it almost continuously, or with the exception of about two 
months. Mr. Swarthout has made an upright and efficient post- 
master, and has the confidence of the department and the public. 
August 27, 1873, he was married to Miss Hannah A., daughter of 
Thomas Tibbs, formerly of Kentucky. Mrs. Swarthout was reared 
in Iowa, and educated at Mt. Pleasant College. She is a member of 
the Episcopal Church, and he is a member of the Masonic order, and 
of the G. A. R. 

JAMES J. SWARTHOUT 

(Proprietor of Swarthout's Blacksmith and Wagon Shop, La Plata). 

Mr. Swarthout is one of those intelligent, industrious and frugal 
Pennsylvania Germans who are noted wherever they reside for their 
thrift and personal wealth. He was born in Wyoming county, Feb- 
ruary 23, 1835. His father, Joshua Swarthout, and his mother, 
whose maiden name was Elizabeth Van Lone, were both natives of 
the Keystone State. James J. was reared in Pennsylvania and came 
west in 1858, locating in West Paw Paw, Lee county, Illinois, where 
he commenced to learn the blacksmith's trade, at which he served an 
apprenticeship of three years. However, after the first year he be- 
<'ame a partner with his brother-in-law in the shop. He continued at 
West Paw Paw for about seven years, when he removed to Missouri 
and located at La Plata. Here he opened a blacksmith's shop, and 
the following year he added wagon making and repairing, which he 
has since conducted. Since that time he has continued the business 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 983 

and has built up a good trade. Mr. Swarthout has beeu quite suc- 
cessful and has a nice property at La Plata and stands well as neighbor 
and citizen. He is considered one of the best workmen in the 
northern part of the county, and his shop is justly popular through- 
out this entire vicinity. February 19, 1858, he was married to Miss 
Sarah J., a daughter of Daniel and Susanna Simras. Mrs. Swarthout 
born and reared in Luzerne county, Pa. They have seven was 
children: Harry, Frederick R., Susan B., Albert, Clarence and Wil- 
ber. Mr. Swarthout is a member of the A. O. U. W. and is at 
present the Master Workman of the lodge. 

JAMES B. THOMPSON 

(Editor and Proprietor of tlie La Plata Home Press, Real Estate and Insurance Agent, 
and President of the La Plata Creamery Company) . 

Without early advantages Mr. Thompson, by his own exertions and 
personal worth, his indomitable energy and perseverance, has achieved 
a degree of success in life, although still comparatively a young man, 
that many whose opportunities were all that could be desired would 
be glad to claim. His parents, although not extremely poor, were 
by no means in easy circumstances and had a large family to rear, so 
that from boyhood he had to rely largely upon himself to make his 
way in the world. Reared at Paris, in Monroe county, he early 
learned the printer's trade and was principally educated in the 
printer's office. However, he had attended the schools of Paris in 
early youth and had there laid the foundation of a good general En- 
glish education. A taste for study, a love of books, one of his 
marked characteristics, he doubtless inherited from his parents, for 
both were people remarked for their general intelligence and were 
particularly fond of reading. James B., while in the printing office, 
improved all his leisure by'study, and in the course of time became a 
young man of excellent general education and information. He also, 
while a printer in the office, began to write for the local department 
of the paper, and afterwards contributed occasional articles for the 
editorial department, thus acquiring a knowledge of the work of 
editing a paper, and ease and readiness as a writer. He continued to 
reside at Paris until after his marriage. Soon -after this he went to 
Glasgow, where he was publisher of the Glasgow Times ^ for a short 
time. On quitting the 2Vwes he engaged in merchandising at Mt. 
Airy, for by this time, by industry and economy, he had accumulated 
some little means. He remained at Mt. Airy for about two years. 
But, becoming impatient to get back into newspaper life, he disposed 
ot his mercantile interests there and accepted the position of editor 
of the Randolph Citizen, being also interested in the paper. At 
Huntsville, as editor of the Citizen, he first began to attract atten- 
tion as a writer, particularly on political and business subjects, and 
many of his articles were widely copied in the papers of the State. 
He had been a hard worker and a close student, and he now began to 
reap some of the fruits of his industry and application, both in repu- 
57 



984 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

tation and in substantial return. The Citizen, under his editorial 
charge, took a prominent position among the country journals of 
North Missouri and obtained marked influence in public affairs. 
After conducting the Citizen for about two years, and, receiving a 
flatterini; offer for an interest in, and editorial control of the Monitor 
at Moberly, he accepted the offer and took charge of that paper, with 
which he was connected for about five years. The standing which the 
Monitor then obtained it has never lost, and is recognized to-day as 
one of the ablest papers in the interior of the State. While con- 
nected with the Monitor Mr, Thompson's reputation as a writer 
became thoroughly established and his name familiar to all newspaper 
men throughout the State, and to the public generally in North Mis- 
souri, as that of one of the most terse, vigorous and conscientious writers 
connected with the country press. After a period of five years spent 
in the ofl5ce of the Monitor, he came to La Plata and established his 
present paper, the Home Press. This he has of course made a suc- 
cess, not only in a business point of view, but in standing and 
inffuence, as a journal. Anyone at all acquainted with the 
newspapers of Missouri knows that the ITotne Press occupies a posi- 
tion among the country journals of the State second to none in point 
of character and ability. Mr. Thompson is a man of sober personal 
worth, honorable and dignified in all he says and does, and cares 
nothing for display or parade. So of his paper ; conducted on sound 
business principles, it is edited with that dignity and ability which, 
while excluding all sensationalism, personal feuds and factional fights, 
command for it universal respect and consideration, and make it an 
important factor not only in shaping the affairs of the county where 
it is published, but the public opinion of this part of the State gen- 
erally. It is conceded to be one of the leading country journals of 
North Missouri. In recognition of this, and of Mr. Thompson's 
ability and high standing in the newspaper profession, he was hon- 
ored, in 1883, with the presidency of the Press Association of the 
State, an honor of no ordinary significance. While Mr. Thompson 
has attained to enviable prominence in journalism, he at the same 
time has not neglected business interests. Indeed, he has succeeded 
l)y his tact and ability in making himself one of the substantial citi- 
zens of this county. Besides his newspaper office and considerable 
other property, he is largely interested in the creamery at this place, 
being president of the creamery company and one of its prominent 
stockholders. This is one of the most valuable pieces of property of 
the kind in the State, and is now manufacturing about 1,000 pounds 
of the best article of creamery butter per day. He also has a valu- 
able real estate business at La Plata and is doing much for this place 
and the surrounding country in inducing others to settle here by ad- 
vertising the large number of valual)le tracts of land, improved and 
unimproved, he has for sale, and selling them at prices which make 
it an object for purchasers to buy. He also is a partner in one of 
the leading insurance agencies of the county, an agency which repre- 



HISTOEY OF MACON COUNTY. 96b 

sents nine large companies, and which is doing an extensive and 
profitable business in the insurance line. Mr. Thompson, being a 
prominent newspaper man, has of course always taken an active in- 
terest in politics. Indeed, he has not confined himself, politically, 
entirely to the field of journalism, but has taken a personal interest 
in the public afiiiirs for years past. Always identified with the Dem- 
ocratic party, he is a Democrat of the better and, we may say, more 
liberal school, although he is always steadfast in his allegiance to his 
party. He is a Democrat simply and alone from an honest belief in 
the fundamental principles of the Democratic party, regarding the 
doctrines and policies of that party most conducive to a just and 
patriotic administration of the afi^airs of Government, National, State 
and local. While he has always worked earnestly :ind zealously far 
the best interests of the party, believing them identical with the best 
interests of the country, he has ever shown himself entirely free from 
all considerations of personal advancement, and, radically unlike only 
too many, has never allowed personal ambition to influence his con- 
duct. In fact, he is a Democrat from principle and not from any de- 
sire or hope for office. He also takes an earnest interest in all general 
movements calculated to benefit the community, whether material or 
otherwise. He is a warm friend to the public schools and is president 
of the school board at La Phita. Appreciating the importance of a 
sound and economical administration of the affairs of the local town 
government, he consented to serve as alderman of La Plata, and is 
now president of the board of aldermen and is also resident deputy 
circuit clerk for this part of the county. Mr. Thompson has been a 
member of the Christian Church for a number of years, and occupies 
the position of elder in the church. He is also warmly enlisted in 
the cause of benevolence and morality, and is a prominent and active 
member of the Odd Fellows order and of the local temperance or- 
ganization. In a word, he is one of the useful and valued citizens of 
La Plata, a man who is respected and esteemed throughout the county, 
and wherever he is known. He and his excellent lady are highly 
prized in the best society of La Plata. She is a lady of culture and 
refinement, and warmly seconds him in his efforts in behalf of tem- 
perance and in all other reformatory and benevolent works. They 
were married December 26, 1866. She was a Miss Rebecca Mathis, 
of Randolph county, before her marriage, and was the daughter of 
George A. Mathis, deceased. She was educated at Mt. Pleasant Col- 
lege. She, too, is a member of the Christian Church. They have 
six children: Gertrude, Carrie E., Mary E., Anna L., Ivaile and 
George W. During the war Mr. Thompson served nine months in 
the Confederate army and took part in the battle at Pea Ridge, but at 
the end of that time was taken prisoner and subsequently took no 
further part in the war. Mr. Thompson is of Scotch-Irish ancestry, 
his father, R. L. Thompson, having been of Irish parentage and his 
mother, whose maiden name was Miss Eliza J. Blue, of Scotch de- 
scent. The father was born and reared in Kentucky, but the mother 



986 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

was originally from North Carolina. Her parents came directly from 
Scotland to that State. His father was a saddler by trade, and early 
in life came to Missouri. He lived for a time in Bowling Green, in 
Pike county, and that was the birthplace of James B., the date being 
the 18th of August, 1838. The family subsequently resided at other 
points, but principally at Paris, in Monroe county, where James B. 
was reared. There were six other children in the family, namely : 
AVilliam A., Dr. John W., Richard W., R. P., Mrs. M. L. Phipps 
and Mrs, Mary Muir. The father was reasonably successful at his 
trade, and did business for himself which enabled him to rear his 
family in comfort, though of course not in affluence or luxury. He 
was a man of strong, conservative character, naturally intelligent 
above the average of men, and, as has been said, particularly fond of 
books. The accumulation of a fortune was not his controlling aim in 
life, but he rather seemed to live to improve his mind to make him- 
self useful to those around him, and for the comfort and happiness 
of his family. One of his chief characteristics was his marked do- 
mesticity. No man was more fond of his family or found greater 
satisfaction and happiness in his home. With him home stood before 
everything else in the world, and all his leisure was spent around his 
own fireside with his loved ones or in the society of his friends. He 
was a man much esteemed by those who knew him, and ever retained 
their confidence and friendship. He had no taste for public life and never 
manifested any desire for ofiicial position. Outside of his family and 
friends, his chief interest centered in the suffering and unfortunate. 
Kind-heartedness and benevolence were qualities for which he was re- 
marked by all. He was an active member of the Odd Fellows lodge 
and of the Masonic fraternity. Besides doing more than his share as 
a member of these fraternities, his private charities far exceeded his 
ability to give, in justice to himself. He was a man who looked 
upon life as a mission which is best fulfilled by making the best of 
the condition in which we are placed, and by doing as little harm in 
the world and as much good as circumstances make possible. At 
heart a great humanitarian, he cared little for the forms of religion, 
but believed more in the practice than the profession of good works, 
confident that, — 

*' He can't be wrong whose life is in the right." 

At last, at a good old age, he died at Huntsville in 1872, sincerely 
and profoundly mourned by all who knew him. Of his worthy and 
blameless life it can with truth be said : — 

" His youth was innocent; his riper age 

Marked with some act of goodness every day 

And watched by eyes that loved him, calm and sage, 
Faded his late declining years away, 

Cheerful he gave his being up, and went 
To share the holy rest that waits a life well spent. " 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 987 



JAMES J. WILSON 

(Of J. J. Wilson & Bro., General Merchants, La Plata). 

Mr. Wilsf)n's father, James H. Wilson, was a lad but eight years of 
age when he was brought to Missouri by his parents from Kentucky. 
The family settled in Adair county among the first settlers of Wilson 
township, in that county, and the township took its name from the 
family. That was in 1837. James H. Wilson, now well advanced in 
years, still resides in Wilson township, where he has been for nearly 
half a century. He is an active farmer and stock raiser, and one of 
the prominent men of the county. He is also identified with business 
interests and is a member of the firm of J. H, Wilson & Co., of Adair 
county. His wife, whose maiden name was Mary Lee, formerly of 
Kentucky, is also still living, and they have a numerous family of 
children. James J., their fifth son, was born on the farm in Adair 
county, November 26, 1856. He completed his education at the 
Kirksville Normal School, and then followed clerking in a store at 
Kirksville for about two years. In 1880 he came to the town of La 
Plata, and, in partnership with his brother established their present 
store, which they have since conducted. They carry a full line of 
dry goods, clothitig, boots, shoes, hats, caps, groceries, glassware, 
queen's-ware, etc., etc., and have built up a large trade. "Quick 
sales and small profits," and " Spot cash for every thing in both buy- 
ing and selling," are their mottoes, and by living up to these, they 
have succeeded. Mr. Wilson is a man of agreeable, pleasant address, 
perfectly upright in his dealings, and readily wins the confidence of 
all with whom he is associated, which he never fails to retain. His 
accommodating disposition and pleasant manners contril^ute very 
materially to his success in business. November 16, 1879, he was 
married to Miss CoraC. Connor, a daughter of Cupt. William P. Con- 
nor, of Louisville, Ky., an old and popular steamboat captain. Mrs. 
Wilson was educated at Cedarville Academy, near Louisville. Mr. 
and Mrs. Wilson have two children, Herbert and Edith May. He and 
his wife are both members of the Catholic Church. 

CYRUS C. WOOD. 

(Farmer, Stock-raiser, and Dealer in Saddles, Harness, etc.. La Plata). 

Mr. Wood, one of the substantial property holders of the northern 
part of the county, and a citizen of La Plata, though born in the 
East — Ogdensburg, N. Y., September 3, 1839 — was reared in the 
W^est, and while inheriting the business tact and acumen of the people 
of the East, has all the characteristic enterprise and energy of the 
West. Combining these qualities, his career in business affairs has, 
of course, been one of success, and it is worthy of remark that he has 
made all he has by his own industry and good management. When 
he was but two years of age his parents, Hiram Wood, originally of 
New Hampshire, and Sarah M., nee Cole, removed to Missouri from 



988 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

St. Lawrence county, N. Y., and located in Macon county in 1841, 
settling near La Plata ; but the following year they went to Illinois, 
and made their home in Lee county, about 75 miles west o^ Chicago, 
where the father bought land and improved a farm. They resided 
there for about 17 years, and the father was postmaster, during most of 
that time, of the office at Paw Paw. However, the mother died April 

19, 1855, and four years afterwards the father removed to Missouri, 
re-settling in Macon county. He lived here until his death, July 18, 
1875, but died while on a visit to his brother, John G. Wood, atMon- 
ticello, la. Cyrus C. was reared in Illinois, and received a common 
school education. Although coming back to Missouri with his 
father in 1859, he remained here only two years. Returning to Lee 
county. 111., he worked on a farm there for about 18 months, when 
he went to work at the harness-maker's trade at Paw Paw, and con- 
tinued that up to 1864. In the fall of that year he enlisted in Co, 
G, Fifteenth Illinois inftintry, and served until the close of the war, 
being honorably discharged in the fall of 1865. Most of the time 
while in the service he held the office of sej-geant. Returning to Lee 
county after his discharge, he engaged in the harness business at Paw 
Paw on his own account, but eight months afterwards sold out, and 
went to Warren county. Pa., where he engaged in merchandising at 
Tidioute. Mr. Wood was at Tidioute for about 14 months, after 
which he came to Missouri, locating in Macon county, where he has 
since resided, engaged in the saddle and harness business at La Plata. 
His business here has been one of uninterrupted success. He has one 
of the best houses in the line in the county. Mr. Wood also owns a 
fine farm of 200 acres, adjoining town, all in cultivation, meadow or 
pasturage, and which has two sets of improvements — houses, barns, 
etc. He has his farm well stocked with good graded cattle, and is 
meetino; with excellent success as a farmer. He also has considerable 
town property, including residence, business property, etc. June 14, 
1863, he was married in Lee county, 111., to Miss Adelaide A. Haines, 
a daughter of Laroy Haines and Ruth Ann Haines (who died October 

20, 1883), the former now of La Plata. Laroy Haines was born in 
Herkimer county, N. Y., and Ruth Ann, nee Cass, was born in 
Steuben county (now Schuyler), N."Y. Mrs. Wood was born in 
Watkins, N. Y., March 5, 1844, but reared in Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. 
W. have five children: Carrie R., now in her junior year at Hardin 
College; Lewis S., Clayton C, Icie O. and Uonomas (the hitter's 
name being a Greek word that means no name), a boy now two years 
of age, that has never received any other name. Mr. W. is a member 
of the G. A. R. 

SIDNEY R. WOOD 

(Of C. C. Wood & Bro., Dealers in Saddles, Harness, etc., La Plata). 

This firm, in addition to a full line of saddles, harness, etc., carry 
a complete stock of sewing machines, the handling of which Sidney 
R. Wood makes a specialty, having previously been engaged in that 
business exclusively for some years. In both branches of their busi- 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 989 

ness, they liiive an extensive and lucrative custom, and their estab- 
lishment ranks among the solid business houses of La Plata. But 
their busiiv^ss has been already spoken of in the sketch of Mr Wood's 
brother, Cyrus C, as has also their family antecedents. Sidney R. 
was born in Lee county. III., April 22, 1851, and was therefore 
eight years of age when his parents located in Adair county, Mo. 
At 16 years of age he came to La Plata, and the following year 
began to learn the harness-maker's trade under his brother, C. C. 
Wood. He worked three years as an apprentice and then one year as 
a master workman, when in 1874 he became a partner in the busi- 
ness. He continued in the firm for three years, at the expiration of 
which he established a shop of his own at Carrollton. In the fall of 
1879, however, he came back and bought into the business at La Plata, 
continuing in it two years. He and his brother then both sold out 
and he engaged in the sewing machine business, which he followed 
exclusively until the fall of 1883, when the two re-engaged in the har- 
ness business at this place, which they have since continued. Sidney 
R. has also continued the sewing-machine business. November 22, 
1874, he was married to Miss Alice McCaw, a daughter of John 
McCaw, of Macon City, but formerly of New York. They have two 
children, Eldie P. and Anna B. Mr. and Mrs. W. are both church 
members, and he is a member of the I. O. O. F. 



Lii^Go tow:n^ship. 



N. F. ARBUCKLE 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 19, Township 57, Range 17). 

M '. Arbuckle is a man whom misfortune seemed to have claimed 
for Lis own, so many have been his reverses in life, but the manner 
in wnich he has conquered fate, and come forth as pure gold from the 
furnace testifies as to the material of which he is made. His parents, 
Drinkard and Lucretia (Maxey) Arbuckle, were natives of Kentucky, 
and on the f^ither's side of Scotch-Irish extraction. They lived on 
the line of Garrard and Madison counties, and here, September 13, 
1829, N. F. was born, being one of eight children. When scarcely 
beginning to lisp his earliest Avords, his parents moved to Butler 
county where he was reared on a farm, receiving a good education. 
Upon reaching manhood he first with sturdy independence hired him- 
self out by the year, but in 1852 commenced to run on the river with 
produce boats to New Orleans and the coast. For five years he con- 
tinued to run between Louisville and New Orleans. At the end of 
that time he went to Cromwell, Ohio county, Ky., taking a sit- 
uation as clerk in a grocerv store, but after the first year went into 



990 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

the general merchandise business for himself. The world began to 
look bright for him, and September 4, 1858, Mr. Arbuckle chose him 
a wife, Miss Sallie Ann James, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth 
(Reno) James, originally from Virginia. The newly married couple 
settled at Point Pleasant, Kentucky. Mr. A. engaged in the grocery 
business, and here their lives were spent peacefully and profitably 
until 1862 when, the unsettled condition of the country bringing to a 
merchant nothing but losses, Mr. A. moved to a farm, remained four 
years, returned to Point Pleasant for two years, then in 1869 came 
West and locating where he now resides, commenced improving his 
property. He owns 184 acres of well improved land, which he owes 
to his own inexhaustible courage and indomitable perseverance. Mr. 
and Mrs. Arbuckle are members of the Ouml)erland Presbyterian 
Church. They have six children : Samuel D., Florence H., now Mrs. 
Henry Perkins ; William T., Sarah E., Edmond R. and Georgia R. 
T. Mr. A. belongs to the Masonic order and also to the Independ- 
ent Order of Good Templars. 

W. W. BAILEY 

(Dealer in General Merchandise). 

Mr. Bailey was born in Oneida county, N. Y., July 2, 1838, and 
his parents, John and Emily (Simmons) Bailey, are still living in that 
county. W. W. Bailey was reared on a farm and went first to the 
common schools, finishing his education at Sanquait Academy. At 
the age of 19 he went into his uncle's sash and blind factory where 
he remained until the breaking out of the war. In August, 1862, he 
enlisted in Co. G, One Hundred and Seventeenth New York infantry, 
and fought nobly till the close of hostilities between the sections. 
He went in as a private (in the Tenth corps), but was rapidly pro- 
moted. His most serious experiences were at the siege of Charles- 
ton and at Ft. Fisher. He was with Grant on the Potomac and 
through to Petersburg and then went to Ft. Fisher and joined Sher- 
man as he came throuo;h. When the ao'onizino; terrors of war were 
over and the bleeding land began to bind up her wounds, one war- 
broken soldier returned to his home and found employment with the 
American Whip Company, of Westfield, Mass. He was commercial 
tourist for the house for about five years, traveling through New 
York and the adjoining States. Having a brother engaged in farming 
at New Cambria, in March, 1870, he came on and for the first year 
helped his brother about the place, then for a year and a half clerked 
for the house of James Brothers, which, in the fall of 1872, he bought, 
containing one of the largest and finest assortments of general mer- 
chandise in the town. He has also a nice house and lot and is 
steadily going up hill. Though Mr. B. has met with some reverses, 
he has not been discouraged and his present success is the more 
gratifying since he can feel it is the hard-earned reward of diligent 
merit. He occupies a prominent place in the estimation of his fellow 
citizens and is at present chairman of the town board. Mr. Bailey is 



HISTORY or MACON COUNTY. 991 

a member of the Masonic order, Blue lodge, Chapter and Com- 
mandery. 

L. F. BOONE 

(Dealer in General Merchandise, New Cambria, Mo.). 

Mr. Boone, whose grandfather, 'Squire Boone, Avas a brother to the 
far-famed Daniel Boone, was born in Harrison county, Ind., October 
30, 1814, and is the son of Isaiah Boone, of Philadelphia, Penn., and 
Elizabeth Green, of Virginia. They were married in Kentucky and 
afterwards removed to Indiana, where L. F. was reared on a farm 
with such education as the common schools of the county afforded. 
"When he grew up he began tradiug with a produce boat on the Ohio 
river, fitting it up at Louisville and selling out on the way down, 
dealing at all times on both sides of the river from Louisville to New 
Orleans. The life suited him, his health was always good and his 
jovial temperament made him popular everywhere, and he continued 
the business for nearly 25 years, making his home a part of the time 
with his brother near Canton, Mo. In 1855 Mr. Boone opened a 
store at Kirksville in partnership with William P. Linder, but during 
the war which soon after broke out, they lost so heavily that in 1866 
Mr. B. came to New Cambria, at thaf time a very small place, and 
established a general merchandise store under the firm name of Boone 
& Carroll. This partnership remained intact for eight or nine years 
and was then dissolved by mutual consent, each continuing in busi- 
ness on his own account and Mr. Boone keeping the old stand. In 
1879 he was burned out, losing about $8,000, but in no wise daunted, 
he started again and now has one of the most solid houses in the 
place. He has been in the business so long that he understands it 
thoroughly, is a first-class salesman and his never failing courtesy and 
cheerful countenance make it a pleasure to deal with him. Mr. B.'s 
motto is, " do all the good you can and as little harm." He is a 
liberal-hearted and generous man, the first to respond to the demands 
of every public enterprise and uever deaf to the cry of the poor and 
needy. He is assisted in his business by his nephew, L. E. Carroll, 
who came to New Cambria from Indiana, having taken an active part 
in the early settlement of the town and being himself well known. 

BRALEY & JOBSON 

(Merchants). 
This firm, composed of J. W. Braley and F. V. Jobson, both 
enterprising business men in the prime of life, is located in Lingo 
township, Macon county, Mo. They carry a large and Avell assorted 
stock of dry goods, groceries, boots and shoes, and do an extensive 
cash business with the miners. J. W. Braley was born February 1, 
1850, in Meigs county, Ohio, and is the son of James and Sarah Braley, 
both natives of the same State. Mr. B. is a man who can turn his 
hand to any thing and make it a success ; he has been successively, 
carpenter, engineer and miner, and has now become a merchant. His 



992 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

energy is untiring, his capacity boundless. He was married Septem- 
ber 22, 1872, to Miss Eachel A. Lunday, daughter of Gabriel and 
Elinor Lunday. They have two charming children, George E. and 
James W, Mr. B. is a member of the Masonic order in Bucklin, 
and I. O. O. F. in New Cambria. F. V. Jobson, the other member 
of this firm, was born December 5, 1856, in Canada. His parents, 
Robert and Julia Jobson, are English. Mr. F. V. Jobson is a 
carefully trained business man. He is a graduate of the Gem City 
Business College. The firm owe a large part of their success to the 
clear head and accurate mind of this partner. Mr. J. is a married 
man also, having taken to wife in 1878 Miss Pollie A., daughter of 
J. C. and Catharine Austin, of Illinois. A couplet of attractive 
children, Maggie and J. C, brighten their home. Mr. Jobson is a 
member of the Masonic order, and also of the Good Templars 
lodge at Buckner. 

JAMES R. DAVIS 

(Farmer, Section 11). 

Mr, D.was born in Breconshire, Wales, May 14, 1846. His 
parents, Reese and Jane (Janes) Davis, were of Welsh birth, the 
father a farmer by occupation. There was a family of four children, 
of whom J. R. was the second. He grew up on the farm and ob- 
tained a good common-school education. In 1869 he accompanied 
his parents to America. They landed at New York and came at 
once to Macon county, where the father settled in Lingo township. 
James roamed around quite extensively, traveling through Missouri, 
etc., and was for two years at work in the gold and silver mines of 
Colorado. In March, 1880, he returned and settled down in his 
present home, occupying himself in farming and stock-raising. He 
owns 120 acres of land and gives his attention principally to raising 
stock. Mr. D. is a self-made man, and is always seeking to put a 
wedge where it will do the most good. He was married in Novem- 
ber, 1873, to Miss Julia, daughter of Charles E. and Sarah (Hardy) 
Morse. Mrs. Davis was born and educated in Cincinnati, her father 
and mother being, respectively, from Maine and Kentucky. There 
are three children in this household, Charles R., Jennie and Sarah 
Bell. 

JAMES M. DREW 

(Dealer ia General Merchandise and Proprietor of the Boone Hotel, New Cambria). 

Mr. Drew is from the land of the shamrock. He was born in 
County South, one of the best counties in Ireland, on the 3d of May, 
1832, and is the son of Patrick and Mary ( Bennett) Drew, of the same 
county. He was principally reared in Dublin and was educated there 
at the Model school. When he reached man's estate he learned the 
smelter's trade, at which he worked for about 12 years in Durham 
county, England. It was during this time that les doux yeux of Miss 
Rose Murphy, daughter of Terrence Murphy, of Ireland, made such 
sad havoc with his affections, and so beguiling was his tongue that 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY, 993 

on the 26th of May, 1859, she left father and mother to cleave only 
unto him so Ions; as thev both should live : — 

"There's a bliss beyond all that the minstrel has told, 
When two that are linked in one heavenly tie, 
With heart never changing and brow never cold, 
Love on through all ills and love on till they die." 

Mr. and Mrs. Drew have "lent to the Lord" three of their little 
ones. They have four children living: Patrick, Kate, Mary and 
Annie. All of the family are members of the Roman Catholic Church. 
Mr. Drew came to America in 1866, locating at Pittsburg, Pa., but 
after being for two years in the smelting works at that place he 
came to Missouri and settled on a farm near New Cambria. He 
devoted 14 years to the pursuit of agriculture, then sold his farm and 
started a creamery at New Cambria. Of this he made a great suc- 
cess, but on finding the work too hard for him sold out at the end 
of the year and embarked in the mercantile business. He has a 
full line of general merchandise, and is a hard-working, deserving 
citizen. In 1883 Mr. Drew took charge of the Boone House, where 
he makes every man feel as in his own home, so whole-souled is his 
welcome and so unremitting his attention. He is a genuine son of 
Erin in those qualities which chiefest constitute the charm of her 
people. 

E. A. EDWARDS 

(Proprietor of the Eagle Mills, New Cambria.) 
Mr. Edwards' parents, Evan and Elizabeth (Loyd) Edwards, were 
natives of South Wales, where he was born in June of the year 1827. 
He grew up in that country and received a common-school education. 
When 14 years of age he came with his family to this country 
and settled on a farm in Gallia, afterward Jackson county, Ohio, 
where he lived until he came of age. He then commenced working 
for himself, traveling about a good deal. He spent some years in St. 
Louis and running on the river, and during the war was teamster for 
the government in West Virginia, at one time having charge of a 
train. After the surrender he continued to move about, visiting most 
of the Western cities and returning for a while to the river. In 1869 
Mr. Edwards came to New Cambria and built the Eagle Mills, at that 
time one of the most complete in this part of the State. It is a large 
building and is run by steam power. He still conducts the business, 
his wide experience giving him a goodly share of public patronage. 

Realizing that 

" At the flaming forge of life 

Our fortunes must be wrought," 

he looks neither to the right nor the left, but with undivided attention 
devotes himself to his work. In 1880 Mr. Edwards succumbed to the 
fascinations of that most irresistible of beings, a widow, and in the 
month of September Mrs. Margaret Williams, daughter of John Rich- 
ards, of Ohio, became his wife. Mrs. Edwards has one child, John 



994 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

Williams, by her first marriage. She is a member of the Presbyteriaui 
Church. 

LUKE ELLIS 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 20) . 

Mr. E. was born in Washington county, Ky., November 1, 1826. 
His parents, Thomas and Mildred (Jenkins) Ellis, were natives 
of that State. Mr. Ellis being a farmer and carpenter by trade, Luke 
grew up on the farm and had some education and partially learned 
his father's trade. The family moved to Missouri in 1836, but 
lived for many years in Chariton county, then after a short resi- 
dence in South-west Missouri, they came in the spring of 1857 
to Macon county. The land upon which they located was wild 
land, but Mr. Ellis now owns 130 acres well improved and with every 
comfort. He is very successful in raising stock and grain, and being 
one of the early settlers, is favorably known throughout the township. 
Mr. Ellis was very fond of hunting, and was a splendid shot ; but on 
one occasion his musket burst in his left hand, crippling it for life. 
Mr. E. is a married man. His wife, to whom he was married in Sep- 
tember, 1849, was Miss Nancy, daughter of Zachariah and Lucinda 
(Morgan) McDonald, of Tennessee. Mrs. Ellis is, through her 
mother, of Welsh ancestry, but was herself born and reared in 
Chariton county. Mo. Nine children have been the fruits of 
this marriage, viz. : Augustine, Amana, now Mrs. Charles Cutter ; 
Amanda, now Mrs. Charles F. Davis; Anderson, John R., Eliza J., 
O. v., David S. and Stacy. Mr. and Mrs. Ellis and three of their 
children are members of the Baptist Church, two other children hav- 
ing connected themselves with the Presbyterian Church. Mr. E. is a 
Mason of good standino-. 

GRAN GOODSON 

(Dealer in Drugs and Medicines, New Cambria) . 
Mr. Goodson is the grandson of Samuel Goodson, of Kentucky, 
who came to Macon county in 1832, and remained until his death. 
His son, and the father of Gran, John E. Goodson, came to Missouri 
with his father, married in Macon and then moved to Buchanan. Until 
1863 he continued to move about, living sucessively in Carroll county, 
Lynn county, Kas., Cass county. Mo., and Jackson, finally settling in 
Macon county, where he still lives. The subject of our sketch was born 
in Carroll county, May 27, 1848 ; he was raised on a farm and given 
a good common-school education, and his father being a doctor and 
dealer in drugs, he became familiar with the use of the latter. In 
1869 he entered the emi)loyment of Dr. T. F. Owen, of Callao, 
and clerked for him one year, after which he came to New Cambria 
and went into business with his father under the firm name of J. E. 
Goodson & Co. In 1876, the son bought out his father's interest, 
and has since carried on the business alone. Mr. G. owns a fine cor- 
ner brick, and has a well selected stock of drugs, books, wall paper, 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 995 

etc. He has two farms, one in Macon and one in Chariton county, 
and is hirgely interested in the raising of short horn cattle. He has 
a small herd of thoroughbreds, and is striving to arouse some inter- 
est in the business amons; the neis-hborino- farmers. Mr. Goodson is 
a married man, his wife nee Miss Missouri Hammack, daughter of 
Anthony and Khody (Smith) Hammack, being a native of the county. 
There are two children, Walter C. and William H. Mr. Goodson is 
a man of public note, and has been a candidate for representative. 
He belongs to the Masonic order. 

J. P. GRANTGES 

(Merchant at New Cambria) . 

A native of Prussia, Mr. Grantges had his birth in the village of 
Olzheim, on the romantic river Rhine. His parents, William and 
Catherine (Thomas) Grantges, were also natives of Germany, his 
father a farmer by occupation. J. P. was born September 11, 1844, 
and obtained his earlier education in the fatherland. In the spring of 
1856 the family came to America, settling first in Brooklyn and thence 
after a few months' residence, to Lake county, Ind., where J. P. 
grew up. In 1865 he commenced learning wagon-making, by which 
means he supported himself for several years. He then moved to 
Missouri, and locating in New Cambria, set up a wagon-making shop. 
After a few years, in 1873, he formed a partnership with A. J. Bar- 
ton, which still exists. The firm have a well selected and probably 
the largest stock of goods in the town, where they have an enviable 
reputation. Mr. Grantges is a self-made man, having begun at the 
bottom of the ladder and gradually worked his way to the top, stick- 
ing closely to business and making honesty his rule of life. In 1873 
Mr. G. married Miss Lizzie Fulton, daughter of David Fnlton, an old 
resident of the county, of Welsh descent. Mrs. G. was a native of 
Ohio. There are five children : William D., Lizzie, John J., Frank- 
lin and Arthur J. Mr. and Mrs. Granto-es are devout members of 
the Roman Catholic Church. 

WILLIAM HAMMACK 

(Section 29). 

Prominent among the earliest settlers of Macon county is the sub- 
ject of this sketch. He was born in Hampshire county, W. Va., 
February 7, 1824, his parents, Jacob and Elizabeth (Wise) Hammack, 
being natives of the same State. Mr. Hammack, Sr., was a farmer, 
and was also brought up to a practical knowledge of both branches of 
business. He had, besides, a good education. In the fall of 1851 he 
came to Missouri, his mother accompanying him overland in a buggy, 
and settled where he now resides. At that time the citizens were like 
angels' visits — few and far between. Iii 1850 Mr. Hammack and his 
brothers purchased the mill he now runs. It was an old-fashioned 
saw and grist mill, but he rebuilt it and it is now one of the best mills 



996 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

in the county. It is run by water power and is situated on the Char- 
iton river. Mr. H. owns upwards of 2,000 acres of hind in Macon 
and Chariton counties nearly all improved. He is also largely inter- 
ested in stock-raising, his cattle being principally graded, though he 
has some thoroughbreds. Mr. Hammack is one of the solid men of 
Macon county, and, being one of the oldest inhabitants, is widely 
known. He came to the county when it was almost a wilderness, and 
has taken an active interest in its improvement. He is a practical 
miller, and his patronage extends for miles around. He has filled 
once each the offices of justice of the peace and treasurer of the town- 
ship. His wife, to whom he was married in February, was Miss M. 
Maria Saville, of West Virginia. This good lady died December 19, 
1883, leaving six daughters: Emma E., Mary E., Mattie A., Sarah 
M., Virginia Lee and Fannie M. 

ROBERT JOBSON 

(Post-ofRce, New Cambria). 

The subject of this sketch was born across the seas in Northumber- 
land county, England, January 15, 1813. His father, John Jobson, 
was a contractor on public works and kept stores. He married Cath- 
erine Johnston, and reared a family of 11 children, of whom two only 
are now living. Robert was the fourth child and second son, and 
grew up in the parish of Ilderton, where he attended preparatory 
schools, his education being completed in Wooler. His training was 
of a practical nature, studying, surveying, etc., and from the time he 
was 18 he assisted his father in his bridge buildinofs and macadamized 
roads and the like. In 1834 Mr. Jobson was joined in the bonds of 
holy matrimony to Miss Judith Pigdon, a native of England and 
daughter of Thomas and Margaret (Turnbull) Pigdon. He continued 
to live in his native land until 1837, and then he and his family, with 
one last look at the shores of their beloved country, embarked on the 
brig Symmetry for the Elysian fields of America. They were 60 days 
making the voyage from South Sunderland to Quebec. Mr. J. first 
traveled through Canada to Buffalo, and from there around the lakes 
to Chicago, which at that time was a mere village, indeed, little more 
than a mud-hole. He took a position on the Illinois and Michigan 
canal, where he worked four years and then went back to Canada, and 
was engaged for 15 years on the Welland canal. In 1857 he came to 
Missouri and obtained a contract on the Hannibal and St. Joe Rail- 
road, and after that was completed he set up his du penates on the 
farm, section 9, Lingo township, where he has ever since devoted his 
attention to ftirming. At one time Mr. Jobson owned a large quantity 
of land, but for the last 20 years he has been afflicted with rheumatism, 
and has gradually sold all his possessions except 80 acres. He raises 
stock, principally, and has some fine grades. He has held for 15 
years the office of justice of the peace, and, being one of the oldest 
settlers, is widely known and highly regarded. Mr. Jobson is a 
widower with seven children, his wife having died in 1880, and three 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 907 

treasures being already laid where "neither moth nor rust doth cor- 
rupt, and where thieves do not break in and steal." One son, John, 
of the Sixty-third Illinois volunteers, Co. D, died for the land of his 
adoption. He fell at the hill-crowned city of Vicksburg. Dulae et 
decorum eat pro patria mori. Mr. Jobson and all of his family belong 
to the Episcopal Church. 

G. D. KITCHEN 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 20). 

Mr. K. was born about 1833 in Caswell county, N. C. He belongs 
to a very old family, his parents, Joseph and Elizabeth (Vaughn) 
Kitchen, of North Carolina, being descendants of the first settlers of 
Jamestown, Va. G. D. came with his father to Missouri when about 
six years of age and settled near College Mound in Macon countv. 
He was brought up to farming from earliest chiUlhood and has princi- 
pally followed that occupation through life. His first round on the lad 
der of fortune consisted of a job at which he was hired by the month, 
cutting 10-foot rails at 25 cents a hundred Thus he plodded along 
until he had saved money enough to buy a piece of land. Here he 
lived raising tobacco and stock until 1873, when he settled on his 
present farm of 80 acres. He is a hard-working man and raises some 
fine stock. During the war Mr. Kitchen took no part but remained 
quietly at home, attending to his own business which he has ever 
made it a rule of his life to do. During his struggles Mr. K. has not 
been without a gentle companion to smooth his pathway. In 1848 
he married an orphan girl, Miss Percilla Hull, from Tennessee, by 
whom he has five children: William A., Harriet W., now Mrs, David 
Knight; Sarah E., now Mrs. John St. Clair; George T. and Fannie 
D. Mr. and Mrs. Kitchen and three of their children belong to the 
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and he is a member of the Sons of 
Temperance. Mr. K. has been very fond of hunting and has had 
some exciting experiences in the chase. 

ANDREW J. LINGO 

(■farmer, Section 27.) 

Mr. Lingo was born in Macon county. Mo., June 12, 1846. 
His parents, Samuel S. and Sarah (Smith) Lingo, were from Ten- 
nessee, and were among the pioneers of the county. They came to 
Missouri in 1830, first locating in Randolph county, and thence, in 
1845, to Macon county. Andrew J. was one of a family of 13 chil- 
dren, and the youngest of nine brothers, there being two sisters older 
and two younger than himself. Samuel S. Lingo was inarried twice, 
and by his second wife had seven children, four sons and three 
daughters, thus making in the two families 20 children. Young An- 
drew was raised on a farm in this township and educated at the neigh- 
boring schools, in which his father taught for several terms. While 
still a boy he served for some time during the war in the militia. 
When he was 21 years of age, he settled where he now lives, and has 



998 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

been engaged in farniino- since that time. He has 240 acres and 
raises grain and stock. He is painstaking and industrious and at- 
tends ck)sely to his business. Jordan post-office, consisting of a 
store, a bhicksmith shop and the post-office, is situated upon his land. 
Mr. Lingo has never been beyond the boundaries of the State in 
which he was born. He belongs to a good old family, his father com- 
ing to the county in its early days. It was for the last named. Judge 
S. S. Lingo, that the township was named. In 1867 Mr. Lingo won 
the tender heart of Miss Sarah E. Baker, daughter of Douglass, and 
Penelope (Lingo) Baker, formerly of Ohio, and in December of that 
year they were wed. Mrs. Lingo has been a resident of the county 
since her tenth year. Born to them were seven children, five of whom 
are living: Curtis McCuin, William Turner, John Samuel, Robert 
Lee and Ira Douglass. Mr. and Mrs. Lingo are members of the 
Cumberland Presbyterian Church. 

JUDGE LEE LINGO 

(Section 28). 

Judge Lingo, a brother to Andrew J., whose sketch precedes this, 
was born in Randolph county, Mo,, on the 16th of December, 1843. 
When his father, Samuel S., first came to Missouri, he settled for a 
few years in Randolph county, but moving in 1845 to Macon county 
he entered land in section '63, Lingo township, the township being 
organized just at the time and was named for him. He was a prom- 
inent man and served for 16 years as county judge. He was 
twice married, his children numbering 20. He ended his days full of 
3'^ears and of honors on the 25th of June, 1877. Lee Lingo, the 
tenth child by the first wife, grew up on the farm and was given a 
good education, being partly taught by his father and walking 6 miles 
every day to school. During the war he was on duty- for some time 
both in the Provincial and State Militia, and it is worthy of mention 
that 7 of the brothers were in the same company at once. When 20 
years old Lee Lingo commenced farming on his own account, and in 
connection with stock raising continued this occupation until 1880. 
He then turned his attention to the tobacco business and has also 
commercial interests at New Cambria. In May, 1883, he and Mr. 
Drew started a large creamery at that place. Mr. Drew selling out 
soon after, Mr. Lingo took in Mr. H. R. Southwick as a partner. 
They have a well arranged creamery, one of the best in the State, and 
their butter sells for the highest cash prices. Mr. Lingo owns 200 
acres of rich land, but will withdraw entirely from the stock business 
so as to have more leisure for his creamery enterprise which has 
•issumed immense proportions. In 1876 and again in 1882 Mr. Lingo 
was elected to the county judgeship, and he has been conspicuous as 
well for the grace with which he has presided in his eminent station 
MS for the profundity of legal knowledge evidenced by his decisions. 
The Judge, though now arrayed in all his state, yet mirahile 
diclu, was once an humble suppliant at the bar of the most exact- 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 999 

ing court in Christendom, and so eloquently did he plead his cause 
that the judge in the case, Miss Mary E. Baker, unhesitatingly 
reversing all other decisions, granted him a new trial for life. On the 
17th of December, 1863, they took each other " for better, 
for worse." Judge and Mrs. Lingo have had 7 children, of whom 5 
are living; Nancy D., Samuel J., Hillery J., Leonard Lee and Sarah 
Edith. They lost in rapid succession, in 1883-84, two grown 
daughters, Luetta May and Frances Ides, whose untimely demise, in 
all the fresh and blossoming beauty of girlhood, was a stunning blow 
to their fond parents and many friends. They were young ladies of 
remarkable talent and culture, fitted both by nature and education 
to shine in any society. 

" But angels say, and through the word 
I think their happy smile is heard — 
He giveth his beloved sleep." 

Judge and Mrs. Lingo belong to the Cumberland Presbyterian 
Church, of which the sainted dead were also members. Judge Lingo 
is a Mason, and was one of the charter members of Grand Lodge 
No. 402 of New Cambria. There are few men in the township of 
equal weight and consequence. 

HUGH G. LLOYD 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser). 
Mr. L. is one of those men who, emigrating to this country from 
Wales, have gathered together at New Cambria, and made a second 
home in a land of strangers. His parents, William and Ann (Roberts ) 
Lloyd, were of W^l^h ^^i^'tl^* and Mr. Lloyd was a farmer by occupa- 
tion. Hugh G. was born in North Wales, August 9, 1836, and was 
raised on the farm and received a good common-school education. 
When he was 21 he went to Australia, where he spent 10 years, prin- 
cipally engaged in mining. He also visited New Zealand, Otago and 
the Western coast. In 1867 he returned to Wales, and the followino^ 
spring set sail for American shores. He first landed in Quebec, 
Canada, but soon turned his steps towards New Cambria. Finding a 
Welsh settlement here,. Mr. Lloyd purchased land, spending the 
summer, however, in the stone quarries near Nauvoo,Ill. In the fall 
of 1868 he returned, built a house and commenced improving his land, 
which was all wild, but he has continued to live on it, adding from time 
to time such improvements as he was able, and from beginning life as 
a poor boy, he has risen by his own industry and integritj^ to his 
present position. He owns about 400 acres, all enclosed and in good 
condition, and is largely interested in stock-raising. Mr. L. married, 
in 1871, Miss Elizabeth Davis, daughter of Reese and Jane Davis, who 
were all natives of Wales. They have had six children, four of whom 
are now living: Jane Ann, John G., Edith and Lizzie M. Mrs. 
Lloyd is a member of the Presbyterian Church. 
58 



1000 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 



ROBISON PERRIN 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 33). 

Mr. P. was born in Madison connty, Ky., in 1821. When he was 
about four years of age his parents, James and Milkey (Paget) 
Perrin, both natives of North Carolina and early settlers of Kentucky, 
moved to Breckinridge county, and here Robison Perrin was reared on 
a farm. He obtained a fair education at the district schools. He 
married, in 1848, Miss Mary E. Perrin, a third cousin. They rented 
a farm for a year, and then came west and located in Macon county, 
Mo., on the east side of the Chariton river, and after a residence there 
of six years, entered the land upon which he now lives. It comprises 
193 acres, of- which 100 acres are under cultivation. He was formerly 
a large tobacco grower, but now raises grain and stock. He 
is noted everywhere for his upright, honest dealings, and though 
in the "sere and yellow leaf," he does a good day's work with 
the best of them. Mr. Perrin' s first wife dying in 1858, without 
issue, he married, in 1864, Miss Susan Ann Halbert, of Howard 
county, who survived her marriage but four years. She left two 
children: John C. and Barthulu Ann, now Mrs. L. J. Slaughter. 
Left once more a lonely widower, Mr. Perrin found solace in the 
affection of Mrs. Martha Stebbins, a widow with one child (Mary F. 
Stebbins), to whom he was married in 1870. There are three children 
by this marriage, viz: Van Buren, Stella E. and Oliver. Mr. Perrin 
has the cordial good will and respect of those among whom his lot is 
cast, and reaping the harvest of a life well spent, he 

" Pursues the even tenor of his way." 

Mr. and Mrs. Perrin are members of the Baptist Church. 

ROBERT POWELL 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 13). 

Mr. Powell was born in Mirionathshire, North Wales, January 17, 
1815. His father, Rowland T. Powell, was a farmer and quarryman, 
and his mother, Elizabeth (Humphries) Powell, was also a native of 
the country. Robert was raised on the farm and given a good educa- 
tion at the common schools. From the age of 18, as long as he 
remained in the country he worked in the copper and lead mines. In 
1842, being of an adventurous turn of mind, he left his home and 
came to America. He landed at New York, and for the first year or 
two traveled over the Eastern States, finally settling at Plymouth, 
Luzerne county. Pa. He remained in this section about 28 years, 
occupying the position of superintendent of different coal mines. In 
the spring of 1868 Mr. Powell came West and located where he now 
resides. The land was all wild and open prairie, but he purchased 
his first farm and commenced improving it. He now owns 320 acres, 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1001 

which is nearly all under cultivation, and raises grain, hay and stock. 
He is a most energetic and industrious citizen, and though time creeps 
on apace he is full of ruddy health and vigor. He has the hearty 
respect and esteem of a large circle of friends. Mr. Powell was 
married in New York City in Januar}-, 1855, to Miss Laura Griffith, 
daughter of Samuel and Ellen Griffith, originally from Wales. Mrs. 
Powell proved a sensible and loving wife, and August 3, 1883, serene 
in the consciousness of a life well spent and trusting in the mercy of 
Him who died for us on Calvary, she lay down to her last sleep, with 
the sunshine of long years of womanly devotion resting calmly on 
her slumber. She left live children: Samuel R., Humphrey, Robert 
and Elizabeth, twins, and Griffith M. Mr. Powell, his daughter and 
youngest son are members of the Congregational Church at New 
Cambria, in which he holds the office of deacon. Miss Powell, who 
is a young lady of rare loveliness of character, keeps house for her 
father and brother, and has won the respect and admiration of the en- 
tire community by her noble devotion to her family. 

H. R. SOUTHWICK 

(Agent of the Hannibal and St. Joe Railroad, Dealer in Lumber and Partner in the 
Creamery at New Cambria) . 

Mr. S. is one of the most influential and important citizens of Lingo 
township. He is a man of tireless enterprise, and seems to be a ver- 
itable descendant of King Midas. He was born August 16, 1849, in 
Shallsburg, Lafoyette county. Wis., of David S., of Pennsylvania, 
and Angeline E. (Kneeland) South wick, a widow from New York. 
Mr. Southwick, Sr., was a Major in the Black Hawk War, and settled 
in Wisconsin at an early day. H. R. grew up in the village where he 
was born, and was educated there. When he was 18 3^ears of age he 
went to Warren, 111., and began to learn telegraphing, and after 
spending a year at that place and a few months at New Boston, 111., 
in 1869 he came on the Hannibal road with which he has since been 
connected. He also has held the position of operator at Clarence, 
Callao and Bevier. Mr. Southwick came to New Cambria on the 1st 
of March, 1871, and has been agent for the road since that date, the 
length of time being ample proof of his ability and integrity. Mr. S. 
deals extensively in lumber, has the only yard in the place, keeps a well 
assorted stock, and does from $8,000 to $10,000 worth of business a 
year. He has conducted this lumber yard since 1873. In 1883, in 
partnership with Mr. William Bucksott, he started a brick-yard, and 
made 200,000 brick the first season. Last fall Mr. Southwick pur- 
chased the interest of Mr. J. M. Drew in the creamery at New Cam- 
bria, and this year they expect to make about 1,000 pounds of butter 
per day. Mr. S. also owns some town property. He holds the office 
of township collector, and is a member of the Knight Templars Com-^ 
raandery of Macon City. It is remarkable to see so young a man as 
Mr. Southwick occupy so prominent a position. He is emphatically 
one of the leading men in his section of the county, and is honored 



1002 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

and respected to a degree that would be gratifying to one of twice 
his years. He is noted for his business capacity, and his genial good 
nature and cordial affinity of manner make him friends at ever}^ hand. 
Mr. S. has not yet been struck by " love's resistless lightning," or, 
at any rate, no angel in woman's form as yet makes of his home a 
heaven on earth. 

DE. N. D. STEPHENSON 

(Physician and Surgeon). 

Among the most prominent citizens of Lingo township, and an 
unusually successful man is Dr. N. D. Stephenson, farmer, stock- 
raiser and physician, section 33. His father, Thomas D., and mother, 
Mary J. (Pittman) Stephenson, came from Kentucky at an early day 
and were married in St. Charles county. Mo., in 1811. N. D. was 
the youngest of a family of 12 children, 10 of whom lived to be 
grown. He was born in St. Charles county on the 22d of April, 
1835. The days of his boyhood were passed on a farm and he picked 
up such education as could be obtained at the log cabin schools of the 
neighborhood. He afterwards, however, attended the Dardeme Acad- 
emy of the county. In the fall of 1853 he commenced reading 
medicine with Dr. M. M. Maughs, of Callaway county, and during 
the winter of 1854-55 he attended a course of lectures at the Mis- 
souri Medical College. In May of the latter year the Doctor came to 
Macon county, and taking up his residence in the family of Judge 
Lingo, he began the practice of his profession. After a few years he 
moved first to Lynn, then to St. Charles county, but in 1867 returned 
to Lingo township to rove no more. He carries on his farms in addi- 
tion to his medical duties, and oAvns 1,000 acres of splendid land, 
nearly all improved. His two farms Avould compare favorably with 
any in the county. Dr. Stephenson has alwaj^s enjoyed an excellent 
practice; indeed, has been kept so busy that he never had time to 
complete his studies until 1882, when, being on a visit to the Missouri 
Medical College at the time of his son's graduation, he took what is 
known as the course of a post graduate. The Doctor is one of the 
landmarks of the county, having settled here when it was in its in- 
fancy and riding over the prairies when but few voices beside his own 
stirred " the listening air." He assisted in building the first school- 
house and church in the township. At that time the Hannibal and 
St. Joe Railroad was a thing of the future. The farm on which the 
Doctor resides is one of the oldest in the county. He is immensely 
popular and deservedly so. His handsome face carries sunshine 
wherever it goes, and he has a smile and pleasant word for ever}' one. 
Dr. Stephenson has been twice married ; his first wife, nee Matilda J. 
Windsor, daughter of John R. and Mary Windsor, of Montgomery 
county, Mo., died June 20, 1870, leaving two children : John T. and 
Mary Lee. He married again May 24, 1871, his bride being Miss 
Emma, daughter of Nathan and Lina (Hayes) Withers, of Chariton 
county. Mo. By this marriage there are four children: Paulina M., 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1003 

Emma J., Nathan D. and Dorothy W. The eldest son of the house, 
John T., has taken some of his father's practice off his hands, and 
besides has a large practice of his own in Chariton county. Dr. 
Stephenson, Sr., is a man of genial temperament and has been in his 
day a good hunter. He was one of the best rifle shots in the county. 
Mrs. S. belongs to the M. E. Church South, and the Doctor is a 
member of the Masonic fraternity : is a charter member of Grand 
Lodge No. 402 of New Cambria. 

R. P. THOMPSON 

(Editor and Proprietor of the New Cambria Herald) . 

Mr. Thompson was born in Paris, Monroe county. Mo., on the 23d 
of December, 1851. Mr. Thompson received his education principally 
at Mt. Pleasant College at Huntsville, Mo., but learned the printer's 
trade in St. Joseph. Afterwards going to St. Louis, he made the latter 
city his home for about 10 years, working on the Times and the Dis- 
patch, first at the case and afterwards as reporter. He took a lively 
interest in sporting affairs and helped to raise that feature of journal- 
ism to its present prominent position. Mr. Thompson is quite an 
ardent sportsman. His first newspaper venture for himself was the 
Sportsmcm, of St. Louis, which he started in 1877. He came to New 
Cambria in March, 1881, and the first issue of the Hei^ald appeared in 
April following. It is a bright, newsy paper ; in politics fearlessly 
independent, and seeking the favor of no man, but devoting all its 
energies to the interests of the community. Mr. Thompson is a mar- 
ried man, his wife having been Miss Virginia Stone, daughter of Albert 
and Josephine (Smith) Stone, of St. Louis, where Mrs. Thompson 
was born and reared, her father being a prominent river man of that 
place. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson have four children : Albert, Inez, 
Myrtle and Lucile. Mr. Thompson is a wide awake, enterprising 
young man. 

WILLIAM D. WILLIAMS 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 23). 

Mr. Williams was born in Wales, January 19, 1823, and was one of 
a family of seven children, the worthy offspring of an honest farmer, 
David Williams by name, and of Margaret, his wife. William D. grew 
up on the paternal acres and attended school regularly. Upon the 
death of his father. May 17, 1844, he and his brothers conducted the 
business of the farm for several years — until his marriage, December 
8, 1849, to Miss Margaret Jones, daughter of John and Elizabeth 
Jones, all natives and residents of Wales. After Mr. Williams was 
married he rented a farm which he worked for 21 years. On the 1st 
of June, 1870, he and his family engaged passage on the steamer 
Pennsylvania for New York, and thence came to New Cambria, Macon 
county. Here they arrived Dei gratia after being 15 days at sea on a 
crowded vessel (the passengers numbered 1,550). When Mr. Will- 
iams purchased the land upon which he resides it was nearly all a 



1004 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

wilderness. He now owns 160 acres, and has made it *' blossom like 
the rose." He raises corn and stock, and is an honest, hard-working, 
deserving citizen. Mr. Williams has nine children : John, David, 
Margaret, now Mrs. William Howells ; William, Elizabeth, Mary, 
Evan, Timothy and Annie C He was so unfortnnate as to lose his 
good wife in the November after his arrival in this country, but his 
daughters, choosing for their pattern the gentle and dutiful Cordelia, 
soothe his declining years with a filial tenderness beautiful to see. 
Mr. Williams and his family are all members of the Presbyterian 
Church at New Cambria. 

EICHAED WILLIAMS 

(Farmer and Blacksmith, New Cambria). 

Mr. Williams, a man of brain as well as decided executive ability, 
was born February 23, 1837, in Wales. His parents, Thomas and 
Hannah (Ellis) Williams, were both Welsh by birth, his father being 
a merchant. Richard W. was given a good common-school educa- 
tion, and at 14 commenced to learn blacksmithing. At this he 
was apprenticed for five years in the city of Cardifl", Wales. In 1856 
he came over the sea in search of a fortune, but for nine years wan- 
dered from one place to another. He lived first at Utica, N. Y., then 
at Morris, Grundy county, 111., then for two years worked at his trade 
on the Rocky mountains. He claims to have been the first black- 
smith in Denver. In 1860 he went to Peru, III., where he worked 
for four years, next; he was 15 months in the government employ 
at Nashville, Tenn., then spent the summer of 1864 at Rochester, 
Minn., and finally in 1865 came to Macon and settled on a farm, 
opening also the next year a blacksmith's shop, in both of which em- 
ployments he has since been engaged. Mr. Williams owns 230 acres 
of well improved land about three miles south of New Cambria where 
he raises stock. In connection with his smithy he has a wagon shop 
and deals in agricultural implements, as well as all kinds of farm ma- 
chinery. Mr. W. is also interested with Mr. James H. Houghton. 
They deal in evaporated fruits of all kinds, and worked up an im- 
mense number of bushels last year. Mr. Williams has a clear head, 
and possesses the rare faculty of being able to carry on several differ- 
ent kinds of business at once, and makes a success of all of them. 
Amidst the occupations of his life, he has found time to pour love's 
witching tale into the listening ear of blushing maid. He formed an 
alliance in January, 1860, with Miss Sarah Dean, daughter of John and 
Rachel Dean, now residents of the county. They have two children, 
Thomas E. and John W. Mr. Williams is both a Mason and an Odd- 
lellow. 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1005 



i:n'depexdei^ce tow:n^ship. 



HENRY CLAY GATES 

(Post-office, La Plata) . 

Mr. G. is a native of Macon county, Mo. His father was born in 
1806 in North Carolina, and moved to Kentuclvy when a small boy. 
He afterwards lived f«r a while in Morgan county. III., coming to 
Missouri in 1839 and settling on a farm in the north-western part of 
section 4, this township. There he remained until his death August 9, 
1878. He was in the Black Hawk War. He was a member of the 
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and belonged to the A. F. and A. 
M. He was married tvvice ; the first time in 1829 in Morgan county, 
111., to Mrs. Sallie Miller, nee Stanfield. By this marriage there were 
three children : Josiah, Ellenor, wife of Jesse Gross, of Oregon, and 
Mary H., the deceased wife of John R. Graves, now also passed away. 
Mr. Gates' second wife to whom he was united September 23, 1845, 
was Mrs. Ellenor Irving, nee Broyles. She was the widow of Lee 
Irving, of Washington county, Tenn., of which State she was a native. 
She has one son by Mr. Irving, James M., now at La Plata, engaged 
in the lumber and grain trade. Mr. and Mrs. Gates have four child- 
ren : Sarah M., wife of W. T. Gilbreath, of Macon ; Henry Clay, the 
subject of this sketch ; Fannie, wife of J. C. Gilbreath, and Laura J., 
who married the first time L. D. Gilbreath, of Macon, and is now the 
wife of H. H. Abbott. Henry Clay was born and raised on the old 
homestead which eonsists of 960 acres of splendid land, one-half in 
Richland and one-half in Independence township ; also about 800 acres 
in Easley township, which belongs jointly to Henry Clay and his 
father, G. W. Gates. The son is well educated, having taken a full 
course in Iron City Commercial College, Pittsburg, Pa. With youth, 
talent and wealth, there is nothing that this gifted young man can not 
make of life. It is all before him, a placid sea, a rosy sky, and the 
star of hope beckoning him on. 

JAMES VALINDON RICHARDSON 

(Post-ofRce, Maple). 

Mr. Richardson is a native of Shelby county, Ky., whither his 
father had emigrated when 18 years of age from Pennsylvania county, 
Va. Mr. Richardson, Sr., was a soldier in the War of 1812, sta- 
tioned in Ohio and on the Northern border. He was one of the 
earliest settlers of Howard county, and later his name was on the 
committee of organization of Macon county. He was a fine historian 
and his mind was in addition well stored with oeneral information. 



1006 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

James V. was born in 1820, came to Howard county when he was a 
year old and remained until he was 15, receiving his early education 
partly in the county. He has been principally a farmer by occupa- 
tion. He owns 160 acres of land all under fence and in fine state of 
cultivation, and is. in comfortable circumstances. He is a married 
man, his wife having been Miss Cynthia Griffin, daughter of Jesse 
and Catherine Griffin, of Macon county, where she was educated. 
They have lost four children and have seven living, viz. : Frances J., 
wife of Christopher Walton, of Waverly, Lafayette county; William 
H., farmer; Annie, wife of William Jenkins, of Cass county, Mo. ; 
James A., farmer in Kansas; John M., farmer in Macon county; 
Valindon Price, farmer in Kansas ; Commodoi:e P., at home. Those 
deceased are: Catherine, Mary Ellen, Jesse B. and Budd. The 
'Squire has been justice of the peace several different times, and is 
well fitted to grace any position in life. He is a fine scholar and a 
strictly moral man in his habits, neither he nor any of his sons ever 
having touched a drop of liquor in their lives. Mr. Richardson was 
in the Mormon war in the Grand river country. When he first came 
to this county the Indians were still using it as their hunting grounds. 
The 'Squire is a Good Templar and consistent member of the Chris- 
tian Church. His wife belongs to the Missionary Baptist Church. 
In politics Mr. R,. advocated the Whig principles until 1856, when 
that party becoming disorganized, he supported the Democratic plat- 
form — the only National party — to which he has since strongly and 
faithfully adhered. He is a man of purest, firmest principle, and 
every action will bear the strong light of day. It might have been 
stated above that both of Mr. Richardson's paternal grandparents 
were in the Revolutionary War. 



ROUND GROYE TOWNSHIP. 



JOHN F. GRAFFORD 

(Post-offlce, Macon City). 

This honest and hard-working farmer and stock-raiser is a young 
man with all the vigor and glowing anticipations of youth. He has 
a fine farm of 160 acres, 140 of which are in cultivation and the bal- 
ance in timber. His place is well-improved with good buildings, etc., 
and he toils early and late to win a foothold on the unsteady ladder 
of Fortune. Mr. Grafford was born October 22, 1860, and is the 
son of William V. and Mary J. (Bell) Grafford. His father was also 
a farmer. He was born in Missouri September 28, 1824, and was one 
of six sons, John, Elsworth, Samuel, Benjamin and Henry, of whom 
but two, Henry and Elsworth, are now living. They, also, are 
farmers. John F. was left an orphan at an early age, his father dy- 
ing February 26, 1869, and his mother December 12, 1871. Left 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1007 

alone in the world (he was an only child), it was natural that Mr. 
(jr. should seek where, on the threshold of his career, to make 
for himself that which is the most cherished dream of every 
good man's heart, a home of his own. Therefore, at the age 
of 22, he married, October 19, 1882, Miss Minnie Ruhrup, daugh- 
ter of Henry Ruhrup, of whose life a brief sketch is given in 
this volume. Heaven has blessed this young couple with a lovely 
babe, a daughter, born December 28, 1883. Thus, with his heart at 
rest in the haven of his home, Mr. Graiford can bestow his whole 
time and attention upon his business, in which his energy and un- 
usually capable management cannot fail to insure success. 

LEMUEL A. ROGERS. 

(Section 20). 

Mr. R. is a prominent agriculturist of this township, and a native 
of Green county, Ky., where his parents were also born. David 
Rogers and Nancy Cofey, his wife, moved to Illinois in the fall of 
1883, and vibrated between Morgan and Mason counties for several 
years, in the fall of 1842 moving to Missouri. Mr. Rogers entered 
land and improved a farm in Macon county, where he lived until his 
death, in April, 1866. L. A. was born June 10, 1833, and spent 
his youth on the farm in the county, being given, for those early days, 
a good education. After Mr. Rogers became a married man, he lived 
for a few years on a farm near Macon City, and in 1858 bought the place 
he now owns. It was already a little improved, but it is now a fair 
picture of prosperity and substantial comfort. It comprises 120 
acres, all fenced and in a good state of cultivation. Mr. R. was mar- 
ried October 13, 1854, to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Jonathan Rat- 
liff, from Kentucky. Mrs. Rogers was herself born in Monroe county, 
but raised in Macon. They have eight children : Ben F., married and 
with a family; Charles B., Mary D., wife of Acy Judy; Susan 
C, wife of George T. Clark; George W., Sallie J., Louisa Ann, 
Nancy E. and Lina T. One little innocent, folded safe in the bosom 
of the Heavenly Father, has escaped life's woes. Mr. Rogers was in 
the Confederate service for a time durins^ the war, thousfh in no en- 
gagement. He afterwards served in the militia for home protection, 
and held himself ready at a moment's call. Mr. and Mrs. R. are 
members of the M. E. Church South, and Mr. Rogers belongs to the 
Macon lodge of Masons. 

BENJAMIN R. THRASHER 

• (Farmer and Stock-raiser) . 

Mr. Thrasher was born August 13, 1818, near Jefferson, Frede- 
rick county, Md. His parents, Thomas and Martha (Johnson) 
Thrasher, were natives of the same coimty and State. Benjamin R. 
grew up on his father's farm in his native county, and did not come to 
Missouri until 1846. He then settled first in Marion county, but re- 



1008 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

mained there only a hrief twelve months, and yet dnring that time he 
captured the heart and hand of Miss Louisa Jane Moss, a native of the 
county and daughter of Luke Moss, formerly from Kentucky. Sub- 
sequent to his marriage Mr. Thrasher moved to Audrain county, lived 
there about three years, and in 1850 came to Macon and entered land 
and improved his present farm. He now owns 460 acres all fenced, 
some in timber and pasture and the rest in cultivation He has a good 
residence and other buildings and two nice orchards upon the place. 
The original landed possessions of Mr. Thrasher amounted to about 
1,000 acres, but he has given each of his children a farm near him. 
These children are Martha Ann, wife of D. Huntsberry , and Hannah J. , 
now Mrs. G. W. Withers. During the war Mr. Thrasher took no active 
part, but sympathized with the South, on which account he suflered 
some hardships. He was taken prisoner in 1862 by the State militia 
and held for some months at St. Louis, and Alton, 111. He and his 
wife belong to the Presbj^terian Church. They are worthy people and 
occupy a good position in the community. 

WILLIAM. H. WHITCOMB 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Post-office, Beverly). 

Mr. Wliitcomb was born October 10, 1840, and was the sdn of 
David and Anna (Painter) Whitcomb, natives of Vermont. Mr. 
Whitcomb, Sr., was a farmer, and William worked on the farm and 
went to school until he was of age. He then moved to Missouri and 
for eight years was carpenter and section foreman on the Hannibal 
and St. Joe Railroad. His next step was to buy the farm he now 
lives on. Itconsists of 210 acres of good prairie land. He is nicely 
situated and has a handsome residence, whose attractiveness is en- 
hanced ten-fold by the care of his tidy and industrious wife and 
daughters. Mrs. Whitcomb, to whom he was married February 9, 
1865, was Miss Mary J. Winn, a native of Missouri and daughter of 
Thomas Winn, one of the first settlers of Macon county. Mr. and 
Mrs. Whitcomb have had five children : Mary E., born September 11, 
1866; Thomas D., born September 2, 1867; Nancy A., born April 
23, 1869 ; Bertha B., born September 17, 1871, and Myrtle C, born 
July 13, 1880. The last named died May 17, 1883. Mr. Whitcomb 
makes his money out of stock, cattle and hogs and a few sheep. He 
is one of the influential men of the township and a skilled farmer. 
He is a member of the Masonic order at Macon City. Mr. Whit- 
comb has two brothers, who are manufacturers of boots and shoes 
in Worcester, Mass. 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1009 



]N^AKROWS TOWN^SHIP 



MADISON F. BROCK 

(Of Section 28, Near Excello, Mo.). 
Mr. B. is of distinguished ancestry. His graudfatiier was from 
North Carolina, while his father came to Missouri from Lincoln 
county, Ky. On his mother's side he traced his lineage to one of the 
first families of Virginia. He himself is a native of Lincoln county, 
Ky., where he was ushered into existence on the 15th of November, 
1835. He was educated in the district schools of Macon county, 
Mo., and spent his early life on the farm. When 21 years of age he 
accepted a position as salesman in the store of Mr. James W. Lamb, 
in McLeansville, a little village in Narrows township, this county. 
This business he followed both in Macon and Randolph counties, 
teaching school alternately, for a number of years ; in this way he 
secured a small capital, and, in 1864, invested it in the tobacco busi- 
ness, amassing quite a little fortune within a few months ; but owing 
to a freak of reckless intemperance of one of the company, a crash 
came upon the firm, by which he lost all he had made, in conse- 
quence of which Mr. Brock became greatly involved. But being 
endowed with an iron-like will and steely nerve, he determined, if 
blessed with health and strength, to extricate himself from this 
dilemma, regardless of what was then called the bankrupt law. 
Through the kindness of friends and lienency of creditors, he secured 
the tobacco factory and appurtenances, and again resumed business 
alone, with nothing save his staunch integrity for capital ; never- 
theless, he could get all the tobacco he wanted. About this time 
his father died, leaving an aged companion, an aged maiden 
sister (crippled by a fall), and a widowed daughter-in-law with one 
child, who were making their home with the old people. All the 
brothers and sisters being married except Mr. Brock, it was naturally 
agreed upon that he should take the care and responsibility of the 
family and make what he could on the farm during the lifetime of the 
stepmother. He agreed to accept things as they stood, and obtained, 
for two or three years, the assistance of one of his brothers-in-law who 
lived near by. He worked tobacco in the early spring, then tended 
a crop, making a little money each year, but finally determined to 
close out the tobacco business and turn his attention exclusivel}'' to 
the farm. On the 3d of February, 1870, he was married to Mrs. 
Samantha Tedford Brock, and with the encouragement and economy 
of his domestic wife, together with his own industry and perseverance, 
he was enabled, in a few years, to square himself with the world and 
secure the homestead, a tract of 200 acres of land, some of the best 
in the county. Mr. Brock has no children of his own, but has had the 



1010 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

care of orphan children ever since he kept house. Mrs. Brock is a 
daughter of Samuel Henry Tedford. Mr. Tedford was a native of 
Bedford county, Tenn., emigrated to Missouri about 1832, and on 
December 9, 1834, married Rachael E. Graham, after which he settled 
in Randolph county. He was one of the constituent members of the 
Cumberland Presbyterian Church at Sugar Creek, where he served as 
elder until his death, August 4, 1843. He was buried in the Sugar 
Creek cemetery, near Huntsville. Mrs. Brock was born in Randolph 
county, Mo., December 15, 1835, and was educated in the district 
schools of that county. At the age of 21 she was married to John 
Greene Brock, aged 26, a brother of Madison F. Brock, who was 
shortly afterwards killed by a stroke of lightning. Mrs. Brock had 
one child by her first marriage, Fannie Isabella Brock, who was born 
in Randolph county October 28, 1857, and reared in Macon county. 
At the age of 17 she entered Mt. Pleasant College, where she 
remained two terms, takins; a short course in Eno-lish, Latin and mu- 
sic. At the age of 20 she was married to William Selman' Coulter, 
a worthy young man (son of G. A. Coulter, a resident of Macon 
county), who was educated in the same school as herself. Mrs. 
Brock was once a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 
but since her second marriage has joined the Mt. Salem Missionary 
Baptist Church, of which her husband has l)een for 30 years a promi- 
nent member, occupying the position of clerk of the church presby- 
tery. Mr. Brock has been for three years township assessor, for nine 
years school director, and is now also justice of the peace. In his 
early life he taught school in Randolph and Macon counties. Appre- 
ciating the political wisdom of the adage " In time of peace prepare 
for war,'' he became a member of the enrolled militia and familiar- 
ized himself with military science. HivS whole life has been most ex- 
emplary : No spot blurs his escutcheon, "none know him but to love 
him, none name him but to praise," and, come the summons when it 
may, he will be found fully prepared to end his earthly probation and 
enter into the joy of his Lord. 

WILLIAM RICHARD BROCK 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser). 

Mr. B. is now 57 years of age. His father, Chesley Brock, was 
born in Kentucky, and his grandfather, in North Carolina. His 
mother, Ann Brock, was a daughter of Robert King and was born in 
Lincoln county, Ky. Her father and her mother, whose maiden 
name was Hannah, were natives of Ireland. W. R. Brock moved to 
Missouri at the age of 11 years and settled near Emerson, Macon 
county. In April, 1849, he married Miss Elizabeth C. Tuggle, of 
Macon, and of this marriage were born three daughters : Susan 
Jane, Lucy Benda and Elizabeth Ann. Of these Susan Jane mar- 
ried J. C. Butler, and died leaving three children ; Lucy Benda 
married John Quincy Jacobs, and was left a widow with two children. 
In 1878 she married John King. In 1854, having lost his first wife. 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1011 

Mr. Brock again launched his ship upon the matrimonial sea. Mrs. 
Martha Martin becoming the vice commodore. A few years later a 
little ensign was added to the ship's crew in the person of Miss 
Minerva D. Brock, who in December, 1872, married John W. Coul- 
ter and has one child. Elizabeth Ann died sin2;le. Mr. W. R. 
Brock's parents were Baptists, and he has been a deacon in the Mis- 
sionary Baptist Church for 20 years. His wife is a Cumberland Pres- 
byterian. For many years he was a school director, but lately he has 
declined re-election. Formerly and up to 1876 he was a Democrat. 
During the war he was a Conservative and now he is a National or 
Anti-Monopolist. Mr. B. has devoted his life to farming and owns 
95 acres of as fine land as the sun ever shone on. He has given his 
children 90 acres and sold 40 acres to them. As the declining sun 
of life casts lengthening shadows over his earthly pathway, many 
noble deeds become hidden from the present, but his friends love to 
recall his uniform kindness and speak in highest terms of him and 
those of his household, both living and dead. Many years of useful- 
ness are still before him, and if a retrospect of his past may be taken 
as a horoscope of his future, this cheerful testimonial of his worth will 
be but faint praise when his epitaph shall be written. 

WILLIAM RILEY BROWN 

(Section 29, Post-office, Excello). 

This gentleman was born in 1825 in Virginia. He moved to Ran- 
dolph county, Mo., at the age of two or three years, settling near 
Huntsville and remaining at this place for several years, engaged in 
farming. Mr. Brown has always devoted himself to agricultural pur- 
suits, and though having many obstacles to contend with, has bravely 
struggled on and by persevering industry risen to the enviable position 
he now occupies as a well-to-do ftirmer and respected citizen of Nar- 
rows township, Macon county. Mr. Brown was married January 4, 
1849, to Miss Elizabeth Thompson Lucas, daughter of John Lucas, 
of Macon county. Thirteen children have blessed this union, of 
whom nine are still living : Susan Mary, wife of John G. Brock, of 
Excello ; Sarah Jane, wife of Josiah Harrington ; John Thomas, who 
married Miss Mary Sonimers ; Amy Elizabeth, wife of Andrew Jack- 
son Sommers ; William Green, married to Miss Rosa Luntsford ; 
George McKinney, who married Miss Florida Robinson ; Samantha 
Bell, single ; Isaac Sherman and Etna McCann, who is single. Mr. 
Brown owns 80 acres of fine land on which he has a splendid orchard. 
In 1859 Mr. B. went to Texas, and for a year lived near Sherman, 
at the end of that time returning to Missouri where he has since been 
engaged in raising cattle, horses, hogs and sheep. Valuable coal 
fields are found on his land ; the main vein being 4 feet and the 
branch veins 18 inches. In ante-bellum days Mr. Brown was a Whig, 
but of later years has acknowledged allegiance to no political party, 
voting with the Conservatives of the county for the good of the nation. 
He is now a Nationalist. Mr. B. is very proud, and with reason, of 



1012 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

his military career. During the " hite unpleasantness" he enlisted 
at Macon City in Co. G, Twentj^-seventh regiment Missouri volunteers, 
and participated in many a fiercely contested battle, among them 
were Vicksburg, Jackson, Grand Gulf, Champion's Hill, Lookout 
Mountain, Missionary Ridge, Chiclvamauga, Resaca, Atlanta, Colum- 
bus, Savannah and Raleigh, and only when the Southern star had 
gone down into a sea of her best blood, did he cease from his heroic 
labors. He was mustered out at Washington, D. C. Mr. Brown 
and his wife are strict members of Mount Salem Missionary Baptist 
Church, near Excello. 

HUGH JAMES LAMB 

(Section 22). 

Mr. Lamb first saw the light in Macon county. Mo., on the 6th of 
February, 1849. His father came from Kentucky, and his mother 
started life in the same State as Miss Elizabeth Ann Brock. The 
ancestors of both were from England, and reached Kentucky by the 
usual Virginia route. Mr. Lamb was educated at the district school, 
and to-day is a living proof of the benefits of such schools. In 1879 
he took unto himself a helpmeet in the person of Miss R. J. Stokes, 
daughter of B. F. Stokes, of Macon. Her mother's maiden name was 
Mary Zela Parker, of Illinois, and her ancestors on both sides were 
from Enffland, of Scotch-Irish descent. Two children brio^hten their 
parents' lives : Lona Lee, aged five, and Benjamin Thomas, one year. 
Mr. Lamb owns 170 acres of valuable land, under which a fine strata of 
red clay is found and on which is a splendid well, 90 feet deep.. His 
business is that of farmer, and in addition to always keeping "the 
wolf from the door," he has laid aside a snug competency for a rainy 
day, and is continually adding to his store of worldly possessions, the 
while straightening his accounts for final inspection by the Great 
Shepherd of all flocks. 

/ 
ROBERT OWEN McCANNE 

(Section 22). 

Mr. McC. was born in the year 1841, on the 22d of November, near 
Jackson, in Randolph county. His parents were Hugh and Maria 
McCanne. Mr. R. O. McCanne is a farmer, and has beeu very 
fortunate in stock-raising, in which he deals almost exclusively. He 
also has an interest in a store in Jacksonville, and was collector under the 
township organization during the year 1877. At the age of 24 he 
celebrated his birthday (the 22cl of November, 1865) by marrying 
Miss Edna Jane Jones, of Middleburg, Ky. This lady was born on 
the 10th of February, 1841, near Middleburg, Casey county. Her 
childhood was watched over by Christian parents, members of the 
Baptist Church. On October 22, 1866, their first child, Ahce Cary, 
was born, and five children in all have blessed their union : Edward 
Bismark, born April 21, 1868; Jessie Dean, born April 20, 1872; 



HISTORY OF MACON COUMTY. lOio 

Julia Maria, born March 9, 1874, and Stella May, the younorest, born 
on the 28th of the " merrie month " of May, 1876. Mr. McC. has 
discovered that he possesses coal on his land, lying west of the rail- 
road. The general character of the sub-soil is sandy and yellow clay. 
During the war Mr. McC. was first lieutenant of Co. I, Fortj^-sixth 
regiment of the enrolled militia of Missouri. His parents deserve 
some special mention. They were from Lincoln county, Ky., his 
father, Hugh McCanne, Sr., having been l)orn January 5, 1805. He 
came to Missouri in 1835, settling first in the Western part of 
Randolph county. There he made purchases from time to time as he 
had the means to invest until he owned 800 acres of land. In 1849 
he was seized with a desire to go to California and did so, being 
engaged while there in the gold mines near Sacramento City. After 
an absence of 20 months he returned by way of New Orleans, and 
embarked more extensively than ever in farming and dealing in stock 
until 1858, when he, with his oldest son, David (now deceased), went 
into the mercantile business in Jacksonville, in which he continued up 
to the time of his death. For many years he was school trustee. 
Until 1860, when the South began to struggle for her rights, Mr. 
McC, Sr., was a strict Democrat, but then he became an uncom- 
promising Unionist, and gave all his influence to that side. He was 
decidedly skeptical as to the divine origin of the Bible, but lived up 
to the religion of his heart, which had for its foundation charily. He 
was ever ready to hearken to the cry of the suffering poor and to help 
the widow and orphan. His life was marked by charitable deeds, and 
his greatest wish was to aid in the elevation of mankind to self-support 
and freedom. July 11, 1865, he breathed his last. His wife, nee Miss 
Maud King, was always noted for her piety. She became very early 
in life a member of the Baptist Church, but afterwards, 1856, joined 
the Christian Church to which she now belono;s. Althouo^h in her 
seventy-fifth year, she has until very recently, when her health has 
begun to succumb to that inevitable visitor, old age, been an active 
member of society and much beloved b}'^ all who know her. 

GREEN MOORE 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser). 

Mr. M. was born in Kentucky, December 23, 1833. His father 
moved to Macon county in October, 1836, and settled in section 34, 
Narrows township. He was educated partly in a subscription school, 
and afterwards attended the first public school in Macon county. In 
1853 he married Miss Sarah Frances Lucas, daughter of John Lucas. 
Of 10 children born to them, only six are now living, viz. : Colin McKin- 
ney, married to Miss Melcena Gibson, and living in Chariton town- 
ship ; Mary Elizabeth, wife of Benjamin Theodora Morris ; George J. 
Bailey, aged 20 ; Armilda Jane, aged 17 ; Ira Green, aged 10, and 
Benjamin Franklin, aged seven. Mrs. Moore's father is a native of 
Casey county, Ky. ; her mother from Tennessee. They first moved 
to Randolph county, Mo., then to Macon county, then to Grundy 



1014 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

county, then to Sherman, Tex., and finally back to Macon county. 
Mr. Moore's father was from Tennessee; his mother from Kentucky. 
After vibrating between the two States for some years, they com- 
promised by settling in Missouri. Mr. Moore owns 165 acres of land, 
and raises grain, timothy and clover, cattle and sheep. On the 
branches and bluffs of his farm, veins of coal ranging from 24 inches 
to four feet in thickness are found. From 1861 to 1863 Mr. M. was 
justice of the peace, and for 12 years he held the position of school and 
township clerk and treasurer. He was twice elected township clerk 
and treasurer, and was constable of his township for 12 years. He was 
twice elected township collector, and in 1874 was elected assessor. 
In 1880 he again acted as assessor, and for many years has been school 
trustee. Before the war Mr. Moore was a Whig, afterward a Con- 
servative and now he is a Nationalist. In 1864 he served in the Enrolled 
State militia. Mr. M. and wife have been for 30 years devout mem- 
bers of Mt. Salem Missionary Baptist Church, nearExcello, Mo. 

HUGH J. POWELL 

(Section 18, Post-office, Jaclisonville) . 

Mr. P. was born April 3, 1856, in Macon county. Mo. His parents 
were born in Lincoln county, Ky., of Scotch-Irish descent. He was 
cue of a family of 11 children. Three died during childhood, four are 
married, and four as yet remain unmarried. Hugh was educated at 
Kirksville Normal School, and after finishing school he taught for two 
years. On the death of his father, April 22, 1880, he assumed control 
of the old homestead of 560 acres, and commenced dealing in live 
stock, which business he still conducts with success. On October 18, 
1882, he was united in marriage to MissLydia A. McGary, of Fulton, 
Callaway county. Mo. He is liberal in his religious views, and 
Democratic in politics. Mr. P. is a member of Jacksonville Lodge 
No. 44, A. F. and A. M., Macon Chapter No. 22, and Emanuel Com- 
mandery No. 7, and is Secretary in Blue Lodge, Principal Sojourner 
in the Chapter, and Junior Warden in the the Commandery. Mr. 
Powell has, by square dealing and upright conduct, drawn around 
him many friends, and it may be confidently predicted that he will, in 
the future, be found occupying such positions in public and private 
life as will do credit to himself and family. 

PETER REA POWELL 

(Section 33). 

Mr. P. was born November 11, 1831, in North Carolina. His 
father, Bazilia Powell, was a native of Caswell county, N. C. His 
mother also was born and reared in that State, and his paternal grand- 
j)arents were from the north of Ireland. His father died in December, 
1876, having always lived an upright and conscientious member of 
the Presbyterian Church. The subject of this sketch moved to Mis- 
souri in 1837, and settled near Salisbury, in Chariton county. After 
two years he changed his residence to Macon, near College Mound. 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1015 

He was educated at College Mound School, that being the first school 
ever taught there. His inquiring mind looked beyond the present, and 
he sought, and has ever since found, spiritual light and comfort among 
the folds of the Christian Church. Of warm heart and domestic pro- 
clivities, he, at the age of 23, married Miss Susan Mary McCanne. 
Two children were born to them, " But the Lord gave and the Lord 
hath taken away." They now mourn their double loss with a grief 
that will not be comforted. The oldest died while an infant, and 
Lucie K., born December 1, 1861, died August 8, 1873, aged 11 
years, 7 months and 20 days. Mr. Powell has always been a farmer, 
owns 120 acres of fine, well timbered land, under which an excellent 
quality of stone coal is found. His timothy, clover and blue grass 
bring him a nice annuity. He ife a member of the Bkie Lodge, A. F. 
and A. M., at Jacksonville, and has held every office in it. Mr. P. has 
been a life-long Democrat, and is a staunch believer in the doctrine of 
his forefathers, that the voice of the people is the supreme law. 
Courteous, refined, well-to-do, and a perfect gentlemen, the stranger 
in his gates is made to feel as if to the " manor born." 

PHILIP ROWLAND SMITH 

(Section 25.) 

Mr. Smith is the son of Capt. William C. and Elizabeth (Rowland) 
Smith. He was born in Macon county January 9, 1847. His father 
is a native of Clark county, Ky., and his mother of Macon county, 
Mo., the latter being a daughter of Judge Frederick Rowland, of 
Macon. Mr. S. is engaged in buying and raising stock for the St. 
Louis market. He owns 160 acres of fine land, four acres being cov- 
ered by a splendid orchard, and the balance with grass. Success follows 
his every efibrt, and he is now counted among the most substantial 
citizens of Macon. In 1870 he married Miss Amanda Walker, daughter 
of 'Squire Daniel Walker, of Macon. Two sons, Melville and Wil- 
bur, were born of this union. The shadow crossed his pathway in 
1879, and he was left a widower. His present wife, Effie, is a 
daughter of Judge Solomon C. Powell, of Macon. One child, Hugh 
Linn, has been given to them. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are devout 
members of the Christian Church. Mr. Smith is also a member of 
the A. F. and A. M. Blue Lodge, in Jacksonville ; likewise of the 
Masonic Chapter and Commandery. He has been honored by his 
fellow members with election, successively, to every office in the Blue 
Lodge. In 1864 he lived in Adams county, 111., but the next year 
returned to the scenes of his childhood. On his land valuable coal 
fields are found. The first strata is hard-pan clay ; the second, light 
blue clay, and the third, a sandy substance. Only time can demon- 
strate the extent of the wealth which these fields contain for Mr. 
Smith. At present he reaps a golden harvest from his cattle and 
orchard business, and it is confidently expected that in a few years he 
will be numbered among the richest and most influential men in Macon 
county. 
' 59 



1016 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 



jackso:n^ towjs^ship. 



CHARLES O. BROWNSON 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser). 

Mr. B. is a descendant of a very old and honorable family, his great 
grandfather on his mother's side, Mr. Joseph Page, having come over 
from England on the same vessel that brought William Penn. He 
was afterwards a soldier of the Revolution, and received a wound at 
the battle of Bunker Hill, from the eifects of which he never recov- 
ered. He had been quite helpless for many years preceding his 
death, October 7, 1789. The ancestors of Oscar F., father of Charles 
O., had dwelt from time immemorial in Richmond, Vt. Here he was 
born and reared, accompanying his parents to Michigan when a young 
man. He wooed and won Miss Deborah A. Steele, from Alleghany 
county, N. Y., and continued to live happily in Michigan surrounded 
by his children until his death, August 13, 1859. Mrs. Brownson 
was the daughter of David and Eliza Steele, from Pennsylvania, who 
emigrated to Michigan and died there. After the death of her hus- 
band Mrs. B. moved, in 1864, to Macon county, Mo., and here she 
still lives in Jackson township with her son, Charles O., the subject 
of this sketch. The latter was born in Barry county, Mich., Novem- 
ber 9, 1856, and was seven years of age Avhen he came with his mother 
to Missouri. Mr. Brownson is now a young man of more than usual 
promise. He is possessed of fine mental capacity, unfaltering prin- 
ciple, and, besides a distingue face and figure, has a charming bon 
homme that would make his fortune anywhere. He has a cosy little 
farm of 95 acres which is nicely improved. This family feel a very 
natural pride of race, and preserve as a precious heirloom, a Bible 
which was purchased in the year 1770 at a cost of $75, and from which 
was taken part of the data for this memoir. Mrs. Brownson is an 
adherent of the Episcopal Church. 

WILLIAM B. COLLINS 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser) . 

Mr. Collins was born June 1,1828, in Washfngton county, Ohio. 
His parents, of whom his father, Elijah Collins, was from Virginia, and 
his mother, Elizabeth Grandstaff, of Ohio, moved to Jefierson county, 
Iowa, soon after the birth of William B., and there they ended their 
days, living to a green old age. William B., after marrying in Jeffer- 
son, removed to Macon in the spring of 1857, and settled on the farm 
he still holds. This comprises 320 acres, finely improved, with good 
buildings and handsome residence, erected in 1875. He raises trom 
eight to ten acres of wheat, 60 acres of corn, cuts 60 acres of meadow 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1017 

and handles from 30 to 60 head of cattle, also from 60 to 100 hogs. 
Mr. Collins has an interesting family. His wife, to whom he was 
married April 24, 1852, was a Miss Ellen Loughery, daughter of David 
and Susan Loughery, of Iowa. They have seven children : James 
B., Josephine, Zary C, David A., Franz Sigel, Hiram B. and Will- 
iam. Theodore died August 12, 1862. Mr. C. is possessed of sound, 
good sense, is of sterling worth, and he and his family being earnest 
and consistent members of the M. E. Church South, he strives to show 
in his life the faith by which he lives. 

JOHN C. FLINCHPAUGH 

(Post-office, Nickellton). 

Mr. Flinchpaugh is of German parentage, his father, Caleb Flinch- 
paugh, being a native of Wurtemburg, his mother. Miss Mary M. 
Evil, of Baden. When they came to this country they established 
themselves in Cincinnati, Ohio, where John C. was born July 22, 
1831. The first event of importance in his career was his marriage. 
This took place November 30, 1854, the bride being Miss Nancy C., 
daughter of Ulysses and Elizabeth Borel of Indiana. Here our hero 
lived until 1857 when he moved to Missouri. He remained a year or 
so in Shelby county, five years in Knox, and in 1866 took up his per- 
manent abode in Macon. He is a prosperous farmer, of quiet, thrifty 
ways and reliable character. His farm consists of 135 acres nicely 
improved. He raises 30 acres of corn, cuts 40 acres of meadow, 
handles about 30 sheep and about 20 hogs. Mr. and Mrs. Flinch- 
paugh have five children ; Mary, Susan, Belle, David and Thomas. 
Emeline died January 22, 1876. Mr. and Mrs. F. and three of their 
children are members of the M. E. Trinity Church. 

JOSEPH H. GRADY 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser). 

Mr. G. was born November 15, 1829, in Adair county, Ky. Lince- 
field Grady, his father, was a native of the same county, while his 
mother, nee Miss Louisa Simpson, was born in Louisiana. They were 
married in Kentucky and moved soon after to Illinois ; thence, after 
remaining four years to Iowa, where they lived until 1855. They then 
moved to Macon county where Mr. Grady died December 7, 1861. 
Mrs. G. now resides with her son, Joseph H,, who came to Missouri in 
1855 with his parents. Mr. Grady's youth was spent chiefly in Iowa, 
and on moving to Missouri he at once bought land and began improv- 
ing it. He still lives on this place which he now has in fine condition. 
He owns 280 acres in section 18, in Jackson township, besides 10 
acres of timbered land in the township of Lyda, He raises from 75 to 
100 acres of corn, cuts from 40 to 80 acres of meadow, and with the 
exception of 10 acres for the production of oats, devotes the remain- 
der to pasturage. Mr. G. was married May 27, 1856, to Miss Eliza- 
beth Tilford, daughter of James and Mary Tilford, of Jefferson 



1018 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

county, Iowa. This gentle lady has borne him nine children, but the 
relentless reaper, death, has been busy in this fair garden, and four 
tender buds have fallen before his merciless sickle. Eugene, John 
B., James L., and Ella G. bloomed but to die. Those living are 
Mary L., Anna, Hattie, Ida M. and Lizzie D. Mr. Grady is highly 
regarded by his fellow-citizens, and was elected by them to the office 
of magistrate, a position he has filled most satisfactorily for the past 
12 years, Mrs. Grady is a devout member of Mt. Tabor Missionary 
Baptist Church. 

JAMES M. HOLLYMAN 

(Section 22) . 

This man, a son of John Hollyman and Grace Neal, of Fairfax 
county, Va., was born in Marion county. Mo., April 7, 1829, His 
father and mother first met in Kentucky whither their parents had 
emigrated at an early day. They loved at first sight and were wed, 
remaining in the same State until after the birth of 12 children. They 
then, in 1828, came to Marion county, where James H., their youngest 
child, was born. Mr. Hollyman was an extensive farmer in Marion 
county until his death, November 10, 1861. He and his wife were 
Christian people and worshiped according to the faith of the Mis- 
sionary Baptist Church. It was not until 1856 that James M. left 
Marion county and settled in Macon on his present farm, and also 
during this year he was married to Miss Susan M. Martin, of Monroe 
county, Mo. By this union there were two children : Mary Agnes, 
now the wife of Burnes B. Hosey, of Macon county, and JohnW. In 
1864 Mr. Hollyman was left a widower, and for many years was faith- 
ful to the memory of the dear departed, but in 1877 falling a victim 
to the charms of Mrs. Sarah C, widow of Benjamin R. Waller, and a 
daughter of Oliver P. and Polly Lee, all of Macon county, he made 
her mistress of his home. Mrs. H. has one son by her first marriage, 
Robert Edwin Waller, and also one by the second, Alphonso. Mr. 
Hollyman has a fine prairie farm of 193 acres, upon which he raises 
35 acres of corn and cuts 40 acres of meadow, also dealing to some 
extent in cattle as well as hogs. Mr. H. has the hearty good will of his 
neighbors, and has held for five years past the office of assessor. His 
eldest son, John W. Hollyman, born July 29, 1862, is himself a 
landed proprietor and a prosperous farmer. He owns 80 acres and 
raises corn and hay besides dealing in cattle and hogs like other 
farmers. He is a married man ; his wife's maiden name was Craw- 
ford, daughter of Jonathan C. Crawford, of Macon county. Mrs. 
Hollyman, a most attractive lady, is a member of the Cumberland 
Presbyterian Church. 

ELLIOTT H. MONTGOMERY 

(Post-office, Ten Mile) . 

Jonathan Montgomery, father of Elliott H., was a native of Mary- 
land, and married Miss Mary Eagle, of Ashland county, Ohio, by 
whom he had 11 children. He left Ohio for Missouri in the spring 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1019 

of 1863, and settled in Jackson township, Macon county, where he 
has lived since, a resident of Macon City. He and his wite belong to 
the M. E. Church. Elliott, born October 9, 1846, in Wayne county, 
Ohio, was almost grown when his parents came to Missouri, and has 
since his father's retirement from business taken charge of his farm, 
located in section 32, of Jackson township. This is a nice littje place 
of 160 acres, mostly prairie land. It averages about 40 acres of corn, 
30 of meadow, and Mr. Montgomery handles as much stock as is usual 
to a farm of this size. Mr. M. is a man of many mental and personal 
attractions, and therefore found no difficulty in persuading to share 
his fate Miss Mary E. McBride, one of the fairest daughters of Macon 
county, and the child of John and Mahala McBride, formerly of Ohio. 
They were married November 12, 1871, and the only drawback to 
their happiness is the fact that their union has been childless. This, 
however, has given them more time to devote to the outside world 
which repays them by a very flattering popularity. 

THOMAS MOODY 

(Farmer and Stock -raiser). 

Mr. M. is a son of James Moody, of North Carolina, and Jane Mercer, 
of Kentucky. Mr. Moody with his family, all of his children with the 
exception of the youngest having been born in Kentucky, moved to 
Macon county, Mo., in the year 1844. Here he entered 120 acres of 
land upon which he lived for eight years and then sold and bought 
adjoining property. This he held until 1870. He was ordained a 
minister of the gospel on the second Sunday in November, 1844, in 
Mt. Tabor Missionary Baptist Church in Macon county, Kev. D. P. 
Davis and Euphrates Stringer officiating, and for nearly 40 years the 
people of Macon, Randolph, Chariton, Linn, Shelby, Knox, Schuyler 
and Monroe counties have sat under his ministrations. He still 
preaches occasionally. Mrs. Moody died November 15, 1869, after a 
residence in Macon county of over 25 years. But though Mr. Moody 
is nearly 82 years of age, his health seems still unimpaired. Of such 
good parents was born, in Wayne county, Ky., December 23, 1823, 
Thomas Moody, the subject of this sketch. His childhood and youth 
were passed in Kentucky and his education was received there. June 
12, 1845, Mr. Moody married Miss Eliza Wright, whose parents, 
Summers Wright of Kentucky and Naomi Coffee of North Carolina, 
it may be remarked en passant, are the oldest married couple now 
living in the county of Macon. Mr. and Mrs. Moody have five chil- 
dren living : James, Stephen A. D., William A., Mary J., wife of 
Frank Chapman of Macon county, and Nicholas M. They have lost 
four : Summers W., John P., Marcus A. and Thomas P. Mr. Moody 
is a large landed proprietor and while he pays but little attention to 
smaller grains, raises from 300 to 500 acres of corn. He cuts 200 or 
300 acres of meadow and has handled as many as 500 head of cattle. 
He intends embarking extensively in this business in future, and his 
clear head and keen sagacity argue immense success therein. Mr. M. 



1020 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

has large influence in the public affiiirs and was instrumental in chang- 
ing the county-seat from Old Bloomington to its present locality, 
Macon City. In 1862 he was elected representative from the county, 
servino^ one term. He is indeed one whom the people are proud to 
honor in every way at their command. Mrs. M. is a member of the 
Bethel Christian Church. 

DAVIDSON NICKELL 

(Farmer, Section 2). 

Mr. N. was born in Monroe county, W. Va., November 19, 1829, 
his father, Andrew Nickell, and mother, Catharine Humphreys, 
both being natives of the Old Dominion. Mr. Nickell, Sr., moved 
to Macon county, Mo., in the year 1838, and located in Jackson 
township, where he remained until his death in 1865. On the 
17th of April, 1856, Mrs. Nickell died and Mr. N. then married 
Mrs. Elizabeth W., widow of James Saling, of Macon county. By 
her he had three daughters, who are all residents of the county. 
Davidson, who was one of a family of 12 children, of whom 11 
are living, and all in Missouri, with the exception of one son in Mon- 
tana, grew up on the farm and was given a good education. In 1855 
he bought by pre-emption 160 acres of land, which he commenced the 
same year to improve. He has since added to his property until he 
is now one of the wealthiest farmers in the county, owning 960 acres 
in Jackson and Ten Mile townships. His farm is splendidly im- 
proved, containing one of the handsomest houses and finest barns in 
the township. He pays no attention to the production of wheat, but 
raises from 70 to 100 acres of corn and cuts 100 acres of meadow, 
handling from 50 to 100 head of cattle ; also, from 40 to 50 hogs. 
Mr. Nickell married July 23, 1857, Miss Amanda F. Snell, daughter 
of Robert M. and Hannah Snell, of Macon county. There are six 
living children : Mary Virginia, wife of George Crawford ; John 
A., David A., Viola, Joseph and Gertrude. Three died in infancy. 
Mr. N., his wife and one daughter are connected with the M. E. 
Church. This is one of the most charming families in the township. 

JOHN C RICHARDSON 

(Post-office, Economy). 

Among the substantial farmers of Jackson township, none deserve 
*' the goods the gods have given " more than him who is now spoken 
of. Jonathan F. Richardson, the father of John C, was born Octo- 
ber 12, 1809, and came from Kentucky (his native state) with his 
first wife — who died in 1840 — to Missouri, in the fall of 1838. 
On the 14th of April, 1842, Mr. R.'s second marriage occurred, 
Charlotte Dunnington, who had come from Tennessee in 1840, 
then becoming his wife. They settled in section 31 of what was then 
Ten Mile, but is now Jackson township, and until his death, Novem- 
ber 3, 1875, Mr. Richardson was one of the leading farmers of the 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1021 

township. His end was the result of an accident. While attempting 
to get out of a wagon in his own field he fell, striking his head. The 
injury proved fatal. He was borne senseless to his home and never 
spoke again. Fortunately his wife was spared this terrible shock, 
her death having occurred May 23, 1874. There were two children 
by this union, John C. and Elizabeth, who married Thomas Sumpter 
June 14, 1874. John C>, who was born March 4, 1843, had grown 
to manhood on his father's farm, and in 1876 purchased 220 acres of 
the homestead. To this he has since added, and now owns 294 acres 
of fine land. He devotes his attention to corn, hay and the handling 
of stock, as is customary among farmers, and while, perhaps, no 
" massive deeds or great " have been given him to do, yet, as the 
architect of his own fate, and remembering that 

"Our to-days and yesterdays 
Are the blocks with which we build," 

he has done his work well, and leaving no yawning gaps between, 

has 

" Wi'ought with greatest care 
Each minute and unseen part, 
For God sees everywhere." 

Thus, with a firm and ample base, the structure is a noble one, which, 
when complete, must tower from some lofty pinnacle to the very gates 
of the Golden City. Mr. Richardson's wife, to whom he was united 
November 3, 1867, was Miss Mary A. Newmyer, who was born 
October 16, 1845. She was of Macon county, and a daughter of J. 
S. Newmyer. They have five children : Marshal M., Henry H., Austin 
A., Lulu M. andHattie C. Cora B. died November 24, 1878, at the 
interesting age of four summers. Mr. and Mrs. R. are members of 
the Mt. Tabor Missionary Baptist Church. 



MIDDLE FORK T0W:N^SHIP. 



JOHN H. BROWNFIELD 

(Merchant, Woodville).. 
Mr. Brownfield, post-master at Woodville and part owner and pro- 
prietor of the establishment known by the firm name of Walker 
& Brownfield, was born in Fayette county. Pa., November 1, 1847. 
His father, Thomas Brownfield, and mother, Miss Eliza Johnson, 
were natives of Pennsylvania, where Mr. Brownfield occupied a po- 
sition of prominence. He served for several years each as sheriff, com- 
missioner and judge in his native county. He came to Missouri in 
1865, and locating near Madison, in Monroe county, he devoted him- 



1022 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

self exclusively to farming. He accumulated considerable property, 
leaving, when he died, September 14, 1881, a landed estate of 320 
acres. John H. grew up in Pennsylvania and was partly educated at 
the Allegheny College at Meadville, Pa. At the age of 17 he began 
to teach school and continued to do so for 10 years. In 1878 he left 
Monroe county and settled in Macon, where he has ever since been 
enoao-ed in business at Woodville. He is now one of the two mem- 
bers of the firm of Walker & Brownfield. They do a flourishing 
trade and their house is one of the most solid in the county. Sep- 
tember 28, 1871, Mr. Brownfield led to the altar Miss Virginia A., 
daughter of William and Sophia Walker, of Monroe county. By this 
marriage there are five children : Virgil M., Asa B., Emma C, Shirley 
and Beulah K. Mr. Brownfield belongs to no secret order and never P. 
will, but he and his wife are consistent members of the M. E. Church 
South. Mr. Brownfield is quite a young man, the greater part of 
whose life lies before him, but he is steadily toiling upward, and as 
the child shows the man, so his past foretells his future. 

ANDREW S. COX 

(Section 29). 

Lewis A. Cox, father or Andrew S., was a native of Kentucky, as 
was also Carolina P. Baird, his wife. They moved to Macon county, 
Mo., in the year 1842. Mr. Cox was a brick and stone mason and 
continued to follow his trade after his change of residence until 1850, 
when he went to California, remaining 15 years. In 1865 he returned 
to the county and made it is home until the year before his death, 
which took place in New Mexico in May, 1879. Mrs. Cox still lives 
in Macon county. Andrew S. was born in Barren county, Ky., Oc- 
tober 11, 1836, but has been for most of his life a resident of Macon 
county. He is one of the leading and reliable farmers of this section 
of the country. He is a man of the strictest integrity and has been 
since 1878 a magistrate of the township. Mr. Cox married March 9, 
1869, Mrs. Susan M., widow of Walton Durham, of Randolph county. 
They have 5 children: Anna Cora, Minnie C, Ernest E., Jimmie 
McCoy and Nora O. One child, Omar P., died November 25, 1874, 
in his third year. 

FRANCIS M. COX 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser). 

Mr. Cox was born June 22, 1816, in Barren county, Ky., whither 
his parents, Moses Cox and Hannah Baird, had emigrated from their 
native soil of North Carolina. Mr. Cox the elder died in Kentucky in 
1826, his wife surviving him by many years and finally breathing her 
last in 1852, in Macon county. Mo. Francis M. came to Macon with 
his mother in 1842, and settled in Middle Fork township, not far from 
where he now resides. He married Mrs. Sarah E., widow of Thomas 
Halliburton, of Randolph, and by her had seven children, of whom 
four are now living: Martha J., now the wife of James P. Robuck; 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1023 

Scarah E., wife of Jerome D. Albright; Moses L. and Mary Louisa. 
Tliose deceased are Francis M., Jr., John C. and an infant son. Mr. 
Cox is a man of weight and influence in the community and in 1872 
was elected one of the associate judges, an office which he filled for 
one term with much dignity and ability. He has also served as mag- 
istrate for a number of years. Mr. C. owns 440 acres of land, and is 
one of the wealthy and progressive farmers of the township. His 
place is well improved with substantial buildings, etc., and he is en- 
gaged in all kinds of stock-raising and dealing. 

GEORGE W. GRAVES 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser). 

This energetic and enterprising farmer and extensive stock-raiser of 
Middle Fork township, is indigenous to the county, having been born 
here April 27, 1846. His mother, nee Miss Permelia Reynolds, was 
a native also of Macon, while his father, William R. Graves, was 
cradled in the waving blue grass of Kentucky. Mr. Graves came to 
Macon in 1839, and settled first in Woodville, but after remaining a 
short time moved to a small fiirm in the vicinity, and finally bought 
land farther north upon which he still lives. He has accumulated a 
handsome portion of worldly goods, owning, all told, 785 acres. 
George W. grew to maturity on his father's farm, and adopted that 
pursuit as his own means of subsistence. He owns 240 acres of land 
and is a stable farmer. He is in the strictest sense of the word a self- 
made man. Of brisk, active habits of thought and deed, he is not 
like " dumb driven cattle," but a "hero in the strife," and his ex- 
ample of wide-awake go-ahead-ativeness is of incalculable benefit in 
the township. Mr. Graves handles all kinds of stock and of the best 
grades. This man of strong calibre has filled several offices within 
the gift of the people. He served as magistrate for two years, deal- 
ing out justice with an impartial hand, and in 1882 was appointed col- 
lector. To this position he was re-elected in 1883 for a term of two 
years. Ad interim, while money and worldly advancement certainly 
seem to be the end and object for which most men live, there are few 
who do not, at some time in the course of their toilsome journey, lin- 
ger for a moment by the wayside to pluck some of the sweet-smelling 
blossoms of love. Mr. Graves proved no exception to this rule, and 
has twice languished a captive in the silken chains of beauty. His 
first choice was Miss Mary W. Patton, of Macon. They were mar- 
ried April 15, 1866. The three children born of this union, Permelia 
E., Robert H. and an infant son, were early laid to " rest in the quiet 
earth's breast," while Mrs. G. herself, in 1879, filled an untimely 
grave. Mr. Graves married the second time Miss Mary H. Judy, of 
Macon. His home is blessed by five charming children: William A., 
Ida M., Oliver F., Pearly G. and George L. Mr. Graves is inclined 
to the Christian Church, while his wife is a member of the Missionary 
Baptist Church. 



1024 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 



ROBERT M. MENEFEE 

(Merchant) . 

Mr. Menefee is oAvner and sole proprietor of a mercantile house at 
Woodville, and was born in Culpeper county, Va., April 31, 1835. His 
father, John J. Menefee, was a native of the .same county, while his 
mother, Lousia B. Burch, was from Connecticut. They first moved to 
Missouri in 1837, remaining for five or six years in Marion, but finally 
located at Woodville, then called Centreville, where Mr. Menefee be- 
gan merchandising on quite an extensive scale. He continued in the 
business until his death, April 25, 1877. Robert M., breathing from 
his earliest childhood a commercial atmosphere, naturally inclined to 
the life when his destiny was committed to his own guidance, though 
he has also engaged to some extent in farminoj. He owns 80 acres of 
good farming land in the township, which brings him a nice income. 
In November, 1881, he embarked in business at Woodville, and having 
a full and carefully selected stock of general merchandise, as well as 
being of good commercial acumen and obliging disposition, he has 
built up a fine trade. His house is considered one of the staunchest 
in the town. Mr. Menefee is a married man, his wife having been 
Miss Iberah S. Shirley, of Livingston county, Mo. Of this union 
were born seven children, of whom five are now living, viz. : Albert 
S., Maurice B., John R., Orlena H. andMattie. Mary E. and Losia 
B. are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Menefee are both members of the 
M. E. Church South at Woodville. 

JOHN B. MERRILL 

(Saddler and Harness-maker, Woodville). 

Mr. Merrill was born in Louisville, Ky., June 21, 1851. His 
parents, Andrew and Julia A. (Davis) Merrill, originally from Vir- 
ginia, came to Macon county in 1854, and lived near Woodville until 
their demise. Mr. Merrill, Sr., was a farmer and left an estate of 220 
acres, now known as the J. M. Albright place, beside other lands ad- 
joining. John B. grew up on his father's farm and was given a good 
education. Upon attaining his majority he learned the trade of sad- 
dlery and harness-making, at which he now makes his living. He is 
hard working and deserving, and is excelled by none in his chosen 
vocation. He married September 15, 1875, Miss Drucilla Vansickle, 
of Macon county, who was to him amid the turmoils and vexations of 
this troublous world, ever a fresh flowing fountain of delight ; but such 
joy was not for this life, and this tender flower was transplanted to a 
fairer garden in Paradise. Mrs. Merrill died April 20, 1880, after a 
lingerino^ illness of four months' duration, and leavins: three little ones 
to mourn that which nothing earthly can replace, a mother's love. 
They are named respectively, Daisy D., John L. and Maretta. Mrs. 
Merrill was a devoted member of the Friendship Missionary Baptist 
Church, to which Mr. Merrill also now belongs. 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1025 



JOSEPH F. WALKER 

(Post-office, Woodville). 
William Walker, father of Joseph F., was a farmer and millwright 
of Botetourt county, Va., and married Miss Sophia C. Kirby, of 
Kentucky. He moved to Monroe county, Mo., in the year 1836, 
and assisted there in the building of one of the first water mills, 
known as the Kirby mill. He also biiilt several other mills in the 
early settlement of the adjoining counties. Later on in life he 
turned his attention to ftirming and raising stock, and is now one of 
the most prominent farmers in the county. Mrs. Walker, who died 
May 16, 1883, was connected with the M. E. Church South, and, al- 
though her husband is not a member of any church, he might put to the 
blush many of those who are. He is of the most upright character, and 
his boundless hospitality and Christian charity to the poor and needy 
are beyond praise. He owes " no man anything but love," and has 
never engaged in any lawsuit or contention of any description in his 
life. His son, Joseph F., of whom this sketch more particularly 
treats, was born in Monroe county, July 19, .1842. He was brought 
up on a farm, given a good education and became in time himself a 
tiller of the soil. He is now the owner of 160 acres of land on sec- 
tion 6, Woodlawn township, Monroe county. Mo., upon which he set- 
tled in the year 1876. His property is well improved and he has 
amassed considerable wealth. In November, 1883, he entered in 
partnership with the firm alluded to in a previous sketch, that of 
Walker & Brownfield, at Woodville. As before remarked, this firm 
is doing a thriving business. Mr. Walker married September 28, 
1871, Miss MattieE. Manpin, daughter of Lilbourn and Martha A. 
Manpin, of Monroe county. They have six children : Ida E., Enoch 
M., Lillie, Lavenia, Fannie M., Clara E. and Paul. Mr. and Mrs. 
Walker are members of the M. E. Church South, Monroe Chapel, 
Leesburg, Mo., and Mr. W. belongs to the A. F. and A. M., Wood- 
lawn Lodge, No. 223. 



RICHLAND T0W:N^SHIP. 



HIRAM B. FOSTER 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser). 

Mr. F., a native of Clark county, Ky., was born near Winchester, 
July 30, 1832. His father was a farmer, and served under Gen. Har- 
rison in the War of 1812, being one of the heroes of Lundy's Lane. 
Hiram B. lived in Illinois until he was 20 years old, was educated at 
Spring Creek Academy, and also attended a college at Jacksonville, 
where he studied principally mathematics. In 1852 he came to Mis- 



1026 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

souri, and until 1855 was engaged in mercantile enterprises at Kirks- 
ville and Newburg, then for three years was U. S. Deputy Surveyor 
in Kansas and Nebraska, and after that was elected county surveyor 
of Adair county, Mo. This office he retained until 1861, when he 
resigned and entered the U. S. army. He was adjutant of the 
Twenty-second regiment Missouri volunteers for a year, and was then 
mustered out at St. Louis. After remaining in private life until 
August 2, 1864, he once more took up arms, this time commanding 
Provisional Co., Eigthy-sixth regiment of enrolled militia, in which he 
served until December 14, 1864, and was again mustered out. He 
first began to farm in Adair county, but at the end of a year moved 
to his present home. He has 520 acres of land, 420 of which are 
under fence and about 350 in cultivation ; one-third of his farm is in 
grain and the rest in grasses. He also deals in graded cattle, horses, 
sheep and hogs. As will be seen Capt. Foster is a man of means. 
His place has every appearance of smiling plenty. He was at one 
time quite prominent in political affairs. Capt. Foster was married 
September 4, 1860, to Miss Martha J., daughter of John and Louisi- 
ana Ferguson, of Macon county. There are six children : James M., 
John P., Jeanette, William B., Emmet, Everett and Oscar. Capt. 
F. is a Universalist, while his wife belongs to the Christian Church. 
He is a member of the A. F. and A. M., and of the G. A. K. 

SAMUEL LOOS HERTZLER 

(Section 32). 

Mr. H. was born March 30, 1849, at Lebanon county. Pa., and is 
the son of Levi Hertzler and Lavinia Loos, daughter of Conrad and 
Elizabeth Loos, of Berks county. Pa. The mother grew up in Leb- 
anon county. Pa., and was nine years old when she left Berks county. 
Her parents read both English and German. Her mother's maiden 
name was Elizabeth Kalbach. Mr. Hertzler, pere, was in early life a 
farmer, then a merchant and a trader in cattle. He was a man of 
fine education, and could read and translate German and English, 
besides being of large general information. The family first moved 
to Illinois, but in 1865 came to Missouri and settled on section 33, 
Richland township, where the father of the family died December 24, 
1870. The mother is still living. Samuel L. lived in Pennsylvania 
until he was 15 and then came West. He has a splendid general 
education, obtained chiefly in the Myerstovvn Academy. When 
arrived at years of discretion, he began farming, and now has 160 
acres of land, 120 in cultivation and 40 in timber, grass and corn. 
April 5, 1870, Mr. H. led to the altar Miss Icyphenia, daughter of J. 
R. and Icyphenia Alderman. The former was once presiding judge of 
Macon county, but was originally from Ohio. Mrs. Alderman was born 
in Kentucky, but was reared in Howard county, Mo. The grandfather 
of Mrs. Hertzler emigrated from Virginia to Kentucky where he 
married. Mr. and Mrs. H. have four children : James L., aged 12 ; 
Samuel A., aged 10; William E., aged eight; and Charles H., a 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1027 

manly little fellow of three. Mr. H. belongs to the German Reformed 
Church. 

REV. JAMES HUBBARD 

(Farmer and local preacher in the M. E. Church South). 

Mr. Hubbard was born in Gurrett county, Ky., May 23, 1825. 
His parents came to Missouri the same fall and settled in Silver Creek 
township, Randolph county. They remained there until 1847, and 
then moved to Prairie township in the same county. James H. was 
reared and educated in Randolph county where he lived until 1861, at 
that time coming to his present place, section 16, township 60, range 
15, in Macon county. Mr. Hubbard has devoted most of his life to 
farming and at one time was engaged in feeding, buying and shipping 
stock. In 1869 he was ordained deacon at Chillicothe by Bishop Pierce, 
and has preached ever since. Mr. Hubbard is an earnest and forcible 
speaker and shows forth in his life the precepts which fall from his 
lips. Mrs. H. is also a member of the church. Mr. Hubbard has 
been thrice married. His first wife was Miss Margaret Goodding, 
daughter of Abraham Goodding of Randolph county, a man of some 
note. He was a soldier in the War of 1812, was at the battle of New 
Orleans and on the Southern frontier. He built the first cabin north 
of Huntsville in Randolph county. Of this marriage were born three 
children, two of whom are living, Alice C, married to Reuben Kirby, 
a carpenter in Deadwood, Dakota, and James Willard, a freighter in 
Arizona territory. He went to Texas for his health in 1878, engaged 
in herding stock and took a thousand head to the head waters of Col- 
orado, from there to New Mexico and then to Arizona prospecting 
gold. Richard L. died in 1858, aged two years old. His second 
marriage was to Mrs. Missouri Ann Gorham of Randolph county, a 
daughter of Hardy Sears, and by this marriage Mr. H. has five chil- 
dren all living, named respectively: Maggie A., wife of M. M. Self, 
a farmer at Atlanta ; John H., of Nodaway county, a preacher on the 
Oxford circuit; Mollie E., Edgar T. and Emma M. Mr. Hubbard 
was married the third time July 25, 1870, to Miss Martha S., widow 
of James H. Holderby and daughter of Jesse and Margaret White, of 
Macon county. They have one child, Walter, aged four years. Mrs. 
H. has one son by her first husband, James M. Holderby, a yoimg 
man of 19 who lives with his mother and goes to school. Mrs. 
Hubbard's people were from Kentucky, her father being a relative of 
Daniel Boone. His great-grandfather was in all the early I^idian wars. 
Mr. H. belongs to the A. F. and A. M. and was delegate to the Grand 
Lodge. 

ASA WOODFORD McDAVITT 

(Post-Office, La Plata). 

Mr. McD. is a representative of one of the best known families in 
Macon county. Dr. B. C. McDavitt, of La Plata, especially being 
prominently identified with its material interests, as is also Thomas 
Waller McDavitt and others. Sketches of the lives of several mem- 



1028 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

bers of this family will be found on other pages of this History. 
Asa first saw the light in Randolph county, Mo., and his natal day was 
August 13, 1845. While young he was brought to Macon county, 
where his youthful days were passed, remaining peacefully engaged in 
the pursuit of farming until roused to military action. He was mus- 
tered into the service of the United States at Macon City as a member 
of Co. H, Forty-second Missouri volunteers, and was in the Eastern 
Department, principally in Tennessee. After a gallant service, he was 
mustered out during the first days of March, 1865. After having re- 
covered from the efiects and ravages of war, Mr. McDavitt was united 
in marriage July 19, 1868, to Miss Mary M. Murray, daughter of 
Fielding and Katie Murray, whose maiden name was Dale. The com- 
plement of their family circle consists of four children, as follows: 
Nora K., aged 11 years; Fred, Araminta and Arthur W. One is 
deceased, Evan L., who died while in infancy in this county. Mrs. 
McDavitt was born on the 20th of August, 1849, in Macon county, 
and here her entire life has been spent. She is quite well educated 
in the English language. In their religious preferences they are both 
Universalists. Mr. McDavitt moved to Nebraska in the spring of 1873, 
and was there occupied in farming and stock-raising, but he became 
satisfied with Macon county as a satisfactory place to follow agricul- 
tural pursuits, and accordingly returned here on the 28th of Feb- 
ruary, 1883. He is now one of the most respected citizens of the 
township. 

THOMAS WALLER McDAVITT 

(Farmer, Section 29). 

Mr. McDavitt was born in Randolph county. Mo., January 6, 1840. 
His father was a native of Woodford county, Ky., and was a man of 
broad intellect and careful cultivation. Among other branches of 
knowledge, he read theology extensively, being himself a Universalist. 
His regular occupation was farming, but he also wielded the ferule in 
Macon and Randolph counties. He married the first time Miss Ara- 
minta Kirby, of Kentucky, and his second wife was Miss Parthenia 
Broyles, of Easley township, Macon county, Mo. He had nine chil- 
dren : Sarah Margaret, Nancy, Ellen Elizabeth, Mary Jane, B. C. Mc- 
Davitt, M. D. ; Asa Woodford, William Harrison, Thomas W. and 
Daniel Alsley, deceased. Thomas W., the subject of this sketch, came 
to Macon county at the age of four. He has always been a farmer and 
now resides in Richland township. He owns 131 acres of land, 95 un- 
der cultivation and the rest in timber ; has three acres of orchard and 
every improvement and convenience for carrying on his farm. He is 
one of the best informed men in the township ; is blessed with an abun- 
dance of worldly goods, and not taking credit to himself, his *' soul 
liangeth upon Him whose right hand hath upholden him." "As for 
him and his household, they serve the Lord." Mr. McD. and his wife 
have been for six years, Universalists. He married, August 26, 1860, 
Miss Ellen S., daughter of James and Parthenia Broyles, of Macon. 
She was born in the county June 12, 1844, and was raised in Easley 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1029 

township. Her father was from Tennessee, and her mother from 
Virginia. Of this union were born three children, of whom two are 
living: Emma Frances, wife of William Gash, a farmer of Easley 
township, and mother of two children : Freddie, aged three, and 
Waller, a little cherub of one year; and Mary Lozetti, wife of Em- 
mett Ellis, also a farmer of Easley township. Mr. McDavitt was for- 
merly a Whig and is now a Republican in politics. He served during 
the war in the Enrolled State Militia. 

CHARLES R. PERRY 

(Judge of County Coui't). 

Judge Perry was born November 23, 1828, in Fairfield county, 
Conn., the birthplace also of his father and mother, nee Mary A. 
Judson, and, indeed, of his ancestors on both sides of the house, for 
several generations back. They were all slaveholders. His father 
was a man of learning and his grandfather was in the Revolutionary 
War, at the battle of Long Island. Charles R. Perry was educated 
in the public and high schools at Birmingham, New Haven county, 
completing the course in the English branches. At 16 he left 
home and went into a shoe establishment at Hilford, New Haven 
county, where he remained four years, afterwards going to New York, 
to Ohio, to Indiana and finally in 1851 back to his old home in Fair- 
field county. Conn. During his wandering, at Columbus, Ohio, he 
was married to Miss Alvira E. Heaston, daughter of John and Alice 
Heaston, of Franklin county, Ohio, but originally from Virginia. 
She accompanied her husband to Connecticut where they lived for 18 
months and then returned to Ohio. Mr. Perry came to Macon 
county in 1858, moving on his present place February 28, 1859. He 
has been a good deal in politics. He has filled several offices of pub- 
lic trust with notable ability and infinite satisfaction to the commu- 
nity. He was constable for eight years, trustee of the township for 
four years, and has now worn with conspicuous grace for five years the 
judicial ermine. During the war the Judge served in the Enrolled 
State Militia. He was always a Democrat. There are seven children : 
Andrew J., married to Miss Elvira McClum, of Macon county ; Mary 
A., wife of Marshal Markey of Adair county; Emeline H., George 
W., Martha J., Elizabeth E. and Charles M. "^Two children, Franklin 
and Cora A., died in infancy. Mrs. Perry belongs to the M. E. 
Church. 

JAMES SEARS 

(Farmer and Stock-Raiser). 
Mr. Sears was born in Warren county, Ky., near Bowling Green. 
His father and mother came to Missouri in 1819, when he was over a 
year old, and settled on Silver Creek in Randolph county, where they 
peacefully ended their days, the father in 1861 and the mother in 
1867. His grandfather was in the Revolutionary War. His parents 
built the first house that far north then known, and has since made 



1030 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

farming his occupation in life. He is in comfortable circumstances, own- 
ing 80 acres of land, 45 of which are in cultivation. He is a Demo- 
crat from principle and has for 7 years been justice of the peace. He 
was in the Mormon war at Far West and Diamond. Amid the graver 
cares of this world Mr. Sears has found comfort and repose in the 
love of such a wife as but few men are blessed with. She was 
Miss Mary Gross, daughter of Abraham and Sarah Gross. Mrs. 
Sears was born and reared in Randolph county, and with unheard of 
perseverance and thirst for knowledge taught herself. By the light 
of the scale-bark hickory gathered by her own hands from the woods, 
this rara avis would literally devour the contents of her books. She 
is a devoted Bible reader. There are three living children : Sarah 
D., wife of Nathan Baker of Kentucky, now living near Huntsville 
and the mother of three children; Martha E., widow of Daniel H. 
Bunch; Martha E. has two children, and Mary I., wife of Virgil 
Goodson of Mono county, Cal. ; George W. was under Sterling 
Price and was killed October 4, 1863, at Corinth, Miss. 

" Like the day-star in the wave 
Sinks the hero to his grave, 
Midst the dew-fall of a nation's tears ! " 

Mr. and Mrs. Sears are both devoted members of the Little Zion 
Primitive Baptist Church, and mid the " manifold changes and chances 
of this mortal life, their hope and trust are surely fixed where true 
joys are to be found." Mrs. Sears joined the church in her fifteenth 
year. 

JACOB NORRIS STANLEY 

(Section 9). 

On the 8th of September, 1837, there was born in the State of 
Ohio, Athens county, Jacob N. Stanley, the subject of this sketch, 
his parents being Isaac Stanley and Sarah Norris. The former was a 
native of Virginia, and the latter came originally from Vermont. 
His youthful days were spent like that of most boys of the vicinity, 
part of his time being occupied in attending the common schools, 
while he was engaged in working about the home place at other times. 
In 1865, leaving the place of his birth, he went to Ross county, Ohio, 
and three years later, in 1868, took up his location in Macon county, 
Mo., his first choice of residence being in Richland township. Having 
been brought up to the life of an agriculturist, it was but natural that 
he should choose this same calling when it became necessary for him 
to start out in life for himself, and to this occupation he has strictly 
adhered. His farm now contains 400 acres of land, — one of the 
most desirable places in this part of the county. It was not to be 
supposed that a man of. Mr. Stanley's intelligence and worth would 
go through this world without a partner, one who would be willing to 
be a help meet in all his transactions, and accordingly, on the 4th of 
August, 1860, Miss Millie Gudgeon, of Athens county, Ohio, became 
his wife. Her parents were A. M. Gudgen and Mary Gudgen. She 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1031 

was fiiirly educated in the schools of her native county, and by close 
observation and study since has become a lady of more than ordinary 
ability. To this family have been born four children, viz. : James 
Elmer, aged 20 ; Angle Annetta, 18 years old ; Augustus Dickey, aged 
16, and Viola Daisy, aged seven. Mr. Stanley has never been an aspir- 
ant for political honor, preferring the peace and quiet of home life to the 
strife and turmoil of public position. Nevertheless he has served as 
road overseer for several years and has many times been school 
director. During the late war he was on the side of the Union, fight- 
ing for the maintenance of the principles for which Washington so 
long and desperately fought. He is now a member of the g! A. R. 
Post at La Plata. 



JOH:NrsTON^ TOw:^rsHip. 



GEORGE W. BILLINGS. 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Post-offlce, La Plata). 
Mr. Billings is a native of Illinois, born in Pike county, November 
16, 1838. His father was George Billings, originally froim Kentucky, 
and his mother's maiden name was Jane'Carr, formerly of Tennessee.' 
They were married in Kentucky, and removed to Illinois in about 
1828. They settled in Pike county of that State among the first set- 
tlers, and lived there for 25 years. In 1853 they came to Missouri 
and located on Bear Creek, in the northern part of Macon county. 
The father bought and entered land here, on which he improved a 
farm, and lived here for 12 years. In 1865 he returned to Illinois, 
making his home at Alton, where he died soon afterwards. Georo-e' 
W. Billings attained his majority while the family lived in Macon 
county, and did not return with them to Illinois. In Adair county, 
in March, 1857, he was married to Miss Martha A., a daughter of 
Jefi'erson Easley, and afterwards located on a farm on the west side of 
Bear Creek, where he followed farming for about five years. During 
the war he bought land contiguous to "his present farm, which he im- 
proved and still owns. He moved on that in 1864, and resided there 
for 10 years, when he bought his present place, on \fhich he settled 
and has since resided. His two farms contain 240 acres of land, all 
under fence, and either in cultivation or pasturage. Mr. Billings has 
a comfortable home, and is one of the stirring, energetic formers of 
the township. His first wife died July 27, 1871, leaving four chil- 
dren : William H., Thomas J., Sarah L. and James. To his present 
wife Mr. Billings was married February 28, 1873. Before her mar- 
riage she was a Miss Mary E. Hall, a 'daughter of Presley Hall, of 
this county, but formerly of Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Billings have 
two children : Joseph and George S. They have lost three, all in 
tender years. Three of Mr. Billings' children by his first marriacre 
60 



1032 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

lire also deceased — two in infancy, and one at the age of 11. Mr. 
and Mrs. B. are members of tlie New Harmony Presbyterian Cliurcb, 
ill whicli be is an elder. He is also a member of the A. O. U. W. at 
La Plata. 

JOHN M. COLLINS 

(Farmer and Stockman). 

Mr. Collins came to Missouri from Tennessee, where he had been 
born and reared, in 1853, when a young man, and settled in Macon 
county, and in the township where he now resides. He had been 
brouglit up to a farm life, and that naturally became his permanent 
calling. He commenced here with but little to start on, and by his 
industry and intelligent ^nanagement has come to be one of the suc- 
cessful farmers of the township, and has been quite as successful in 
winning and retaining the confidence and esteem of those around him 
as he has been in agricultural life. He is looked upon by all who 
know him as a man of character and worth, and exercises a whole- 
some influence upon those among whom he lives. Mr. Collins has an 
excellent tract of 240 acres of land, most of which is improved and 
either in cultivation or otherwise used in connection with his farm and 
stock operations. His improvements are of a good class, and he has 
an excellent orchard on his place. February 14, 1861, he was mar- 
ried to Miss Virginia Stowe, a daughter of James Stowe, one of the 
early settlers of Macon county. They have four children : Virlinda 
M., James K., Augusta B. and Creola V. They have lost four, 
George W., Bertha J., Fannie B. and Louisa E. Mr. Collins makes 
a business of feeding cattle and hogs for the wholesale markets, and 
feeds annually about two car loads of the former and one of the lat- 
ter. He was born in Giles county, Tenn., June 29, 1830, and was a 
son of Roswell K. and Virlinda J. (Johnson) Collins, both natives of 
Virginia. His parents removed to Tennessee, where he was born and 
reared. In Tennessee, as has been stated, he was brought up to a 
farm life. There he learned those habits of industry and those les- 
sons of economy and good management so important to success in 
every honest employment. Profiting by this training, he has become 
a successful farmer and useful citizen. 

, JAMES M. COLLINS 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser and Dealer) . 
Mr. Collins is a brother to John M., a sketch of whom is published 
just above this one. Like his brother, he, too, was born in Giles 
county, Tenn. His natal day was the 3d of November, 1835. 
When 18 years of age, reared in Tennessee, he came to Missouri 
in company with his mother, his father having died in the mean- 
time, and located in Macon county, in the neighborhood where he now 
resides. Four years afterwards, January 22, 1857, he was married 
to Miss Amelia A. Daugherty, a daughter of Joseph Daugherty, an early 
settler of Macon, from Kentucky. Mrs, Collins was born and reared 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1033 

in Macon county. Mr. and Mrs. C. have eight children : V. J. Snell, 
William P., Mary A., James A., John J., Mattie L., Charles and 
Thomas C. After his marriage, Mr. Collins, who has followed farm- 
ing all his life, lived on the i^lace where he now resides, about a year. 
He then removed to another farm, but came back later along, and has 
continued to reside on this place. He has about a section of good 
land, nearly all of which is contiguous, which belongs to himself and 
brother. Most of it is under fence and is otherwise well improved. 
Since 1864 he has been engaged almost continuously in trading in 
stock, much of the time in connection with James Johnston, and 
ships annually about 100 car loads. He also has a neat herd of short 
horn cattle, with Gold Dust at the head, a fine three-year-old. Most 
of Mr. Collins' short horns are recorded and are all elligible. Mr. C. 
is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and he is also 
a member of the Masonic order. Mrs. Collins died January 20, 
1883. She had been the companion of his life for over 26 years, 
and was one of the truest and most devoted of wives. A kind and 
gentle mother and a good neighbor, her loss was deplored with a 
depth and sincerity, in both the family and neighborhood, rarely 
shown by loved ones and acquaintances, however profound and touch- 
ing their grief. 

SAMUEL F. COMBS 

(Dealer in General Merchandise, Sue City) . 
Mr. Combs is a representative of one of the pioneer families of 
Macon county. His father, Capt. Benjamin F. Combs, came here from 
Kentucky as early as 1830. He entered land and improved an excel- 
lent farm, on which he still resides. He was a captain of militia 
during the old muster days and has always been regarded as a man of 
high character and great personal worth. His wife's maiden name was 
Elizabeth Combs, a distant relative of his, also born and reared in 
Kentucky. ' Samuel F. was the second son in their family of children 
and was born January 18, 1848. After reaching his majoritv Samuel 
F., who had been reared to a farm life, engaged in that occupation for 
himself, and continued in it with success until 1872. In the sirring of 
that year he went to Clarence, in Shelby county, and eno-ao-ed in mer- 
chandising. While there, July 29, 1872, he was married to Miss 
Creola B. Stow, a daughter of Maj. J. H. Stow, of Macon county, 
another early settler of the county, who came here from Virginia. In 
the spring of 1873 Mr. Combs came to Sue City and engaged in the 
grocery business. In 1880 he also put in a general stock of merchan- 
dise and has had good success. He is upright, attentive to business 
and deals fairly, so that he has succeeded in building up a good trade. 
He commenced in a small way in the first place according to his limited 
means, and as his business increased he steadily increased his stock, 
so that now he has a fine stock of goods and is one of the leading mer- 
cliants of the place. He is doing business on his own capital and owns 
everything he has in his own name. Mrs. Combs, with true wifely 
spirit, helps him in the store to save at least that much extra expense. 



1034 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

She is a lady of superior intelligence and a most pleasant disposition, 
and is quite popular for her many estimable qualities with all who 
know her. Mr. and Mrs. Combs are members of the Missionary 
Baptist Church, and he is a member of the Odd Fellows' order. He 
has filled all the chairs in the lodge. 

GEORGE W. DAUGHERTY 

(Farmer and Fine Stock-raiser, Post-office, La Plata) . 

Among the self-made and successful farmers of Johnston township 
who are not only farmers in the common acceptation of the term, but 
are progressive agriculturists, men who take the lead in the improve- 
ment of stock and are active and progressive in all agricultural mat- 
ters, the subject of the present sketch holds an enviable position, and 
is justly entitled to more than a passing notice in any worthy history 
of Macon county. Mr. Daugherty commenced a poor man and after 
his marriage was able to buy only 40 acres of raw prairie land and 40 
of timber, which he obtained partly on time, and on which he went to 
work with industry and resolution. Continuing a hard worker and 
proving himself a good manager, he added to his place from time to 
time and kept improving it until he now has one of the choice farms 
of the township, haying over 200 acres in his home fiirm, which is 
neatly and comfortably improved, being provided with everything to 
make home desirable. Having the acumen to see that the stock busi- 
ness offers better profit than any other branch of agriculture, he turned 
his attention to that, and determined to be no laggard in the business 
as he is in nothing in Avhich he engages. He procured the best stock 
that could be had. His principal line of the stock business is in breeding 
and raising fine thoroughbred, short-horn cattle, of which he has a hand- 
some, small herd. Several of these are worthy of special mention. 
At the head of his herd stands Mayberry, a fine, red short-horn of 
registered stock, his record appearing in Herd Book No. It), in which 
also the record of the others appear. Among these is Zephyr, a fancy 
bred two-year-old heifer of the Rose of Sharon family. Mr. Daugh- 
erty also has some fine Berkshire and Poland-China hogs. He has 
had excellent success in the stock business and is steadily enlarging it. 
Mr. Daugherty is a native of Kentucky, born in Pulaski county, three 
miles north of Somerset, July 5, 1833. When he was six years of 
age, in 1839, his parents, Joseph and Elizabeth (Lee) Daugherty, 
came to Missouri and located in the north-east part of Lyda town- 
ship, Macon county, where the father entered land and improved a 
farm. He died there June 8, 1864, and his mother on the same place 
nine years before, November 7, 1843. There was a family of eight 
children, George W. being the fifth, and one of the only three sons, 
the other two beinoj deceased. Three of the five sisters are'livino:. 
George W., after he grew to manhood, was married July 2, 1855, to 
Miss Eliza Poage, a daughter of Thomas Poage, of La Plata, but 
formerly of Kentucky. He then bought the 80 acres of land referred 
to above and commenced work for himself. Mr. and Mrs. Daugherty 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1035 

have four children : J. Thomas, Mary E., wife of H. E. Needham, a 
public school teacher; William W. and Joseph W. Mr. D.'s first 
wife died September 29, 1863. His present wife was formerly Miss 
Jane Beatie, a daughter of Thomas Beatie, of Macon countj^ but pre- 
viously from Peoria county, 111. She received an advanced English 
education in Illinois, and taught both in that State and Missouri prior 
to her marriage. They were married July 27, 1864. By this union 
there are four children : Eliza M., Charles E., Parthenia B. and Oliver 
L. Mr. and Mrs. D. are members of the New Harmony Presbyterian 
Church. In July, 1864, Mr. Daugherty enlisted in Co. H, Forty-second 
Missouri infantry, and served until honorably discharged at the close 
of the war. He was in eight States during his service, and most of 
the time was on detail as hospital steward and nurse. He was re- 
marked by all for his kindness and attentive care of the sick and 
wounded. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic at La 
Plata. 

GEORGE W. HALLADAY 

(Dealer in General Merchandise, Sue City). 

Mr. Halladay, a business man of life-long experience, established 
his present store at Sue City in January, 1882, and, bringing on a 
good stock of goods in the first place, by understanding the business 
thoroughly and treating every one with fairness and accommodation, he 
has succeeded in little more than two years in building up a large and 
profitable trade and has made his store one of the leading houses in 
this line in this section of the county. His motto is, "once a custo- 
mer, always a customer," for he so deals with his customers as to make 
this as true as it is trite. Mr. Halladay is a native of Canada, as 
were also his parents, Samuel Halladay and Sarah, nee Judd. He 
was born in the Dominion, June 28, 1848, and at an early age entered 
a store as clerk. He received his education principally in the store, 
and by study during leisure hours. Brought up to a mercantile life, he 
thus learned those principles of business transactions and came to 
understand those ideas of frank, honorable, fair dealing without 
which enduring success in business life is impossible. In 1868, then 
20 years of age, young Halladay came to Missouri, locating at Kirks- 
ville, where he clerked for two years. He then engaged in com- 
mercial traveling for a Quincy boot and shoe house, for which he 
worked until 1871, when he accepted a similar position under a boot 
and shoe firm of St. Louis. After a year with the St. Louis house he 
went to Canada on a visit, but came back in the fall of 1873 and 
clerked at Kirksville for nearly two years. He then engaged in the 
boot and shoe business for himself in Kirksville, which he continued 
with excellent success for about four years. Selling out, however, 
in 1879, he traveled for a boot and shoe house of Chicago until he 
came to Sue City in January, 1882. On the 24th of December, 1874, 
Mr. Halladay was married to Miss Lyda Van Horn, a daughter of 
Isaac Van Horn, formerly of Zanesville, Ohio, where Mrs. Halladay 



1036 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

was born and reared. Mrs. H. is a lady of culture and refinement 
and highly prized in the society of this vicinity. Mr. and Mrs. Hal- 
laday have one child, Albert E., and have lost one, Jessie May, who 
died November 15, 1881. Mrs. H. is a member of the Presbyterian 
Church, and Mr. H. is a member of the Odd Fellows order. He 
has filled all the chairs in the Kirksville lodge. Mr. Halladay is com- 
monly called 'Squire Halladay, having been elected to the office of 
justice of the peace in 1883. 

CHAELES M. JOHNSTON 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, and Breeder and Dealer in Short-horn Cattle). 
Mr. Johnston, one of the prominent citizens in agricultural and 
business affairs in this section of the county, was born in "Smyth county» 
Va., August 6, 1837. His father was Richard P. Johnston, and his 
mother's maiden name, Mary A. Wares. When Charles M. was yet 
in infancy, in 1838, the family removed to Missouri and located in 
Boone county, but the following year came over into Macon county, 
settling on the land which now forms the site of Sue City. They lived 
in this county until 1865, when they removed to Howard county where 
the father died two years afterwards. However, in the meantime, 
Charles M. had grown to manhood, having been brought up to a farm 
life. He was educated in the common schools and at Central College 
in Fayette. After his college course he engaged in stock dealing and 
also clerked for a time at Bloomington. But stock dealing and farm- 
ino- he has followed continuously from early manhood. Mr. Johnston 
came to his present farm in 1859. This is the old family homestead 
on which he was reared. He has a fine tract of 320 acres, about 
three-fourths of which is fenced and either' in cultivation or meadow. 
His place is excellently improved and he is otherwise comfortably 
situated. He also has 160 acres of good land under fence in Jackson 
township, and a half-interest in 160 acres in Adair county. In 1871 
Mr. Johnston engaged in mercantile business at Sue City, in partner- 
ship with Mr. GooddingjUnderthe firm name of Johnston &GoGdding. 
They continued business with success for about 10 years, during which 
Mr. Johnston also carried on his farming operations and his stock 
business. In 1880 he began to make a specialty of raising short-horn 
cattle, of which he now has a neat herd of registered stock, each of 
which is recorded in the herd book. His herd is headed by Grace 
Duke, a fine two-year old red roan, weighing about 1,200. Septem- 
ber 15, 1859, Mr. Johnston was married to Miss Eliza A., a daughter 
of William and Martha Pennick. Mrs. Johnston was born and reared 
in Macon county, but her father was from Indiana, and her mother 
originally from Tennessee. Mr. and Mrs. J. have three children : 
Edward C, Emmett and Ernest. Mrs. J. is a member of the M. E. 
Church South, and Mr. J. is a member of the Masonic Order at At- 
lanta. 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. , 1037 



JAMES JOHNSTON 

(Farmer and fine Stock-raiser). 

Mr. J. is a younger brother to Charles M., whose sketch precedes 
this, and was born while his parents were in Boone county, Novem- 
ber 20, 1838, but was reared on the farm now the site of Sue City, 
where they settled soon afterwards. His father was a soldier in the 
War of 1812 and died in Macon county in 1867. James Johnston 
became a farmer after he grew up, the occupation to which he was 
reared, and in 1869 settled on the place where he now resides. Three 
years afterwards, June 20, 1872, he was married to Miss America, a 
daughter of Z. L. Sprinkle of this county, but formerly of Virginia. 
Mrs. Johnston was born and reared in Virginia. Mr. Johnston has 
followed farming continuously since 1869, and has also been engaged 
in the stock business during all this time. Indeed, he has been en- 
gaged in stock raising for over 25 years, or since he was 20 years of 
age, and has dealt in stock all this time. He now handles and ships 
about 100 car loads of stock, cattle and hogs annually, and himself 
feeds from three to four carloads. He also has a herd of short-horns, 
about 20 in number, all of which are recorded in the herd book. His 
herd is headed by Lord Marquis, a fine four-year-old of a deep red 
color. Mr. Johnston's mother is still living and finds a welcome and 
pleasant home in his household. He is one of the enterprising and 
successful stock-men of the county and has the reputation of being 
one of the best judges of stock throughout this section of the country. 
Mr. and Mrs. J. have four children : Thaddeus M., James M., Mary 
E. and Virgil. Mrs. Johnston is a member of the M. E. Church 
South, as is also Mr. Johnston's mother. After Mr. Johnston's 
father's death he lived with his mother in Howard county, carrying 
on the farm there for some years, until he came to this county. He 
is a member of the Masonic fraternfty. 

JOHN R. McQUAY 

(Farmer, Stock Dealer, and Proprietor of Harness Shop, Sue City^. 

Mr. McQuay's family, on his father's side, came originally from 
Maryland, his father, William McQuay, having been born and reared 
in that State, about 40 miles from Baltimore, in Talbot county. He 
came to Missouri in 1838, and located in Macon county. He was 
subsequently married here to Miss Emeline Swinney. He died, how- 
ever, a few years afterwards, in 1842, still in the prime of life. John 
E.. grew up in the county, and in 1860 went to California, crossing the 
plains with Capt. McFarland, Charles Collier and others. He assisted 
in taking stock to California, and was nearly six months on the trip. 
He remained in the Pacific Coast State for about six years, and was 
principally engaged in mining and freighting, having, upon the whole, 
substantial success. After returning in the fall of 1866, he located 
in Jackson township and went to farming, at which he continued for 



1038 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

about two years. He then removed to La Plata township and farmed 
there on his father-in- hi w's phice until 1870, when he returned to 
Jackson township, where he has since followed farming and stock 
dealing. In 1852 he opened a harness and saddle shop at Sue City, 
which he has conducted with good success. Mr. McQuay, while a 
goed business manager, is a man of more than ordinary mechanical 
aptitude. The trades come natural to him, almost, and but little 
jDractice or experience in them is necessary to render him quite skill- 
ful. He is an expert blacksmith, and also understands the harness- 
maker's trade, at which he is now working. He has been quite 
successful in his several occupations, and is one of the substantial 
citizens of Jackson township. January 1, 1867, he was married to 
Miss Barbara E. Roan, a daughter of Jester and Elizabeth Roan, 
formerly of North Carolina. Mr. and Mrs. McQuay have three 
children: Fannie, William B., and John M. They have lost two, 
Elizabeth, the eldest, dying at the age of eight, in 1875. Mr. and 
Mrs. McQuay are members of the M. E. Church South. Mr. McQuay 
is a member of the I. O. O. F. 

JAMES W. MARTIN, M. D. 

(Of Martin & Mitchell, Physicians and Surgeons, Sue City) . 

Mr. Martin, of the above-named firm, a physician of thorough and 
advanced professional education, and a popular and successful prac- 
titioner, is a native Missourian, born in Randolph county, November 
19, 1854. Like most of the people of Missouri, he is of Kentucky 
antecedents and originally of Virginia. His father, William B. Mar- 
tin, was brought to Missouri by his parents when a lad, away back in 
1836. They located south of the Missouri river, but 10 years after- 
wards his father came to Randolph county, and there was married to 
Miss Sarah M. Goodding, whose parents were among the early settlers 
of the county. He continued to reside in Randolph until 1860, when 
he removed to Macon county, locating at College Mound. James W., 
the subject of this sketch, grew up at College Mound and was educated 
in the common schools and at McGee College, taking a course in the 
hio;her English branches and such other studies as were thought to be 
of value to him in preparing himself for the medical profession. He 
had, at a comparatively early age, decided to devote himself to the 
practice of medicine, and took his course at college with that object 
in view. In 1876 he began the study of medicine under Dr. William 
V. Yates, a leading physician of Macon county, located at College 
Mound. During the winter of 1876-77 he took a course of lectures 
at the Missouri Medical College of St. Louis, and completed his 
second course at that institution in the spring of 1879, graduating 
with honor. Dr. Martin now at once entered upon the practice of 
his profession, locating at College Mound. He continued in the 
practice at that place until 1880, when he came to Sue City, where he 
has since been engaged in the practice. The Doctor has built up an 
excellent practice here, and is highly thought of, both professionally 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1039 

and personally. He is a prominent member of the I. O. O. F., and 
has filled all the chairs in that order. He is also a member of the 
county and district medical societies. In the latter part of the winter 
of 1883-84 he took a supplementary course of lectures at the above- 
mentioned institution (Missouri Medical College). 

ROBERT C. MITCHELL, M.D. 

(Of Martin & Mitchell, Physiciaus and Surgeons, Sue City). 

Dr. Mitchell's father, Robert C. Mitchell, is a native of Virginia, 
and came to Missouri when a young man in 1833. He first located at 
St. Louis, where he followed the milling business for a short time. 
While there he was married to Miss Elizabeth A. Wright, formerly of 
Kentucky. In 1834 he located on a farm in Randolph county, but 
six years afterwards returned to St. Louis, and continued there en- 
gaged in milling for many years. Finally, however, he sold out at 
that city and located on a farm in 1869 in Audrain county. Nine 
years later he removed to Macon county, where he still resides, and is 
engaged in farming. Dr. Mitchell was born while his parents resided 
in St. Louis, August 7, 1849. He was therefore principally reared 
on the farm. His education was received in the common and high 
schools, and he has had the benefit of a commercial course at McGee 
College. After completing his studies he engaged in teaching school, 
but at the same time commenced the study of medicine. He taught 
one term of school and soon afterwards entered on the regular study 
of medicine under Dr. William Yates. This was in 1875, and in the 
winter of 1876-77 he took a course of lectures at the Missouri Medical 
Colleo-e, o-raduatins: with distinction after his second course in the 
spring of 1878. Following his graduation, Dr. Mitchell entered upon 
the practice of his profession at New Cambria. He continued the 
practice there with success until the spring of 1882, when he bought 
out Dr. McCully, former partner of Dr. Martin at Sue City, and be- 
came a partner with the latter in the practice at this place, with whom 
he has since continued. Dr. Mitchell is a man with marked natural 
aptitude for the medical profession, sympathetic, humane and kind, 
with a keen sensitiveness to the sufiering of others and the clear 
insight into the causes and nature of diseases. A man thoroughly de- 
voted to his profession because he believes it the field of greatest use- 
fulness to humanity, he has studied it with that zeal and ambition to 
understand it thoroughly which have resulted in making him a 
physician of more than ordinary information and skill. An industrious 
practitioner, he is not less an assiduous student and is steadily ad- 
vancing in the knowledge of his chosen calling. Dr. Mitchell has been 
quite successful in the practice and is most popular as a physician 
with those who have known him longest. October 30, 1881, he was 
"married to Miss Cecil Briot, daughter of Francis Eugene Briot, for- 
merly of France. Mrs. M. was born and reared at Green Bay, Wis. 
They have three children : Allie, Theodore and Cecil A. Mrs. M. is 
a member of the Episcopal Church. The Doctor is a member of the 



1040 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

County Medical Association, and also a member of the Cumberland 
Presbyterian Church. He has recently taken the degrees in the Sue 
City Lodge No. 344, I. O. O. F. ; he also has his certificate from the 
Maryland State Board of Health, before whom he passed a creditable 
examination. 

JOHN P. POWELL 

(Farmer, Stock-raiser and Piscatorist, Post-office, Sue City). 

Mr. Powell, principally reared in Macon county, has made this 
county his home from boyhood and has lived to reach, by his own in- 
dustry and good management, an enviable position among it best agri- 
culturists and most respected citizens. He was born in Caswell 
county, near Yanceyville, in North Carolina, February 16, 1830. 
When he was seven years of age his father, Bazillia (his mother, Mary 
E. Poteate having died in North Carolina in 1833) Powell, came to 
Missouri, stopping for a year in Chariton county, and then settled 
permanently near College Mound, in Macon county. There the father 
bought and entered land and improved a farm on which he lived until 
his death, which occurred in January, 1875. He was a highly re- 
spected citizen of the county and %vas for years an elder in tlie Pres- 
byterian Church. John P. Powell, after he grew up, being brought 
up to a farm life and having received a good, common school educa- 
tion, married in the county, March 13, 1856, to Miss Virginia 
Johnston, a sister to C. M. and James Johnston, whose sketches appear 
elsewhere in this volume. After his marriage Mr. Powell settled on 
a farm near College Mound, where he remained until 1859. He then 
removed to the neighborhood where he now resides, and commenced 
the improvement of his present farm, or rather he commenced improv- 
ing it before removing to it, and settled on the place in 1860. He 
now has 440 acres of excellent land, including 360 which are well im- 
jDroved and in a good state of cultivation. His farm is one mile north 
of Sue City, and is one of the best improved in the vicinity. His 
residence is a commodious, tastily built two-story house, and he has a 
good barn with sheds and cribs, a good smoke-house, a substantial 
ice house and a fine orchard of 325 bearing apple trees, besides a 
large number of cherry and plum trees, and a choice selection of 
grapes and other small fruits. Mr. Powell has two fine ponds on his 
place, one that covers two acres of ground and is 14 feet deep, the 
other includes an area of an acre and is about eight feet deep. He 
has stocked both with German carp fish, and is having excellent suc- 
cess in pisciculture. He stocked his ponds about two years ago with 
minnows, and now they are about 24 inches long. Pisciculture will 
doubtless prove a profitable industry, and he has every advantage to 
carry it on with success. On the 23d of August, 1882, a heavy afflic- 
tion fell upon his home and heart. The wife of his bosom, who had 
brightened his home for over a quarter of a century and made his life, 
through all these years, one of singular domestic comfort and 
happiness, fell to sleep in the cold embrace of death. She was one of 
those good and true and noble women, loved in her family as wife and 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1041 

mother, and prized among all who knew her as friend and neighbor, 
who leave a void when they are taken away which no one else can fill, 
and from whose place, when they are gone, no echo comes, but all is 
silent, sad and sorrowful. A vvoman of gentle mind and tender heart, 
devoted to her family, and always careful of the feelings and sensibil- 
ities of others, she was at the same time an earnest and faithful mem- 
ber of the church, one who strove to do her duty, not only to her 
family, to society and to her church, but to her Maker, zealously and 
sincerely, as she saw her duty in the light of the noble teachings of 
the Scriptures ; and now that she is gone, although her absence here 
seems a misfortune to her loved ones too hard to bear, yet it is the 
consolation of consolations that she so lived, that she is not lost be- 
yond hope to those who knew her, but that she has only gone before to 
light their pathway to Heaven where she now abides, and where all will 
meet again in a home eternal, where partings are no more and happi- 
ness is unending. She left eight children to mourn her loss and 
cherish her memory. Their names are : Mary E. , Sophronia F. , James 
M., Susie L., Richard B., Martha I., Augusta M. and John P. Mr. 
Powell is a meml)er of the M. E. Church at Sue City, and is one of 
its leading and active members. He is a charter member of both the 
McGee and La Plata lodges of the A. F. and A. M. and has filled all 
the stations and places of the Blue Lodge. He became a member of 
the Masonic order in 1852, at Old Bioomington. 



EAGLE TOWNSHIP. 



JUDGE ADEN C. ATTEBERRY 

(Section 28). 

This old and respected citizen and substantial farmer of Eagle town- 
ship was born in Barren county, Ky., October 1, 1816. His parents 
were William Atteberry and wife, nee Mary Miller, both natives of 
that State, and the Judge was the eldest in their family of eleven 
children, seven sons and four daughters, of whom but three sons and 
one daughter are now living. The Judge was only a year old when 
his parents came to Missouri, locating in Howard county, but 10 years 
later they removed to Monroe county, 12 miles north-west of Paris, 
where the parents made their permanent home. The father was a 
man of strong character and sterling intelligence, and contributed his 
full share toward building up the community in which he lived. He 
died about 1839. His wife survived him until 1862. Judge Atte- 
berry grew to manhood in that county, and was there married 
November 24, 1842, to Miss Sarah Ann Combs, formerly of Bourbon 
county, Ky. Judge Atteberry lived in Monroe county until 1852, 
when he moved to Macon county. He is a farmer in the lat- 
ter county and has continued that occupation with good sue- 



1042 . HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

cess. The Judge has a fine farm of 220 acres, situated on section 28 
in Eagle township, and is otherwise comfortably situated. A man of 
character and intelligence, he has always exercised a wholesome and 
considerable influence on those around him, and has been regarded as 
one of the leaders' in his part of the county in public affairs. In 1863 
he was elected a judge of the county court in that office and served with 
ability and credit alike to the county and to himself until the expiration 
of his term. He was then solicited to accept the office again, but fol- 
lowing the example of the most illustrious men, preferred to retire to 
the quiet and comforts of private life, and thus free himself from all 
the perplexing duties and responsibilities of official station. The 
Judge and Mrs. Atteberry have had a family of four children : John 
J. Crittenden, born October 9, 1853, who died February 8, 1863, a 
young man of bright promise and whose loss was deeply mourned ; 
Samuel Caldwell, born Octolier 5, 1848, who died September 20, 
1862, a youth of many estimaljle qualities of head and heart, and 
much beloved in his own family and by those who knew him ; Mary 
T., now the wife of Rev. Eri Edmonds, a minister of the M. E. 
Church, of Gentry county, Mo., and Lou, born August 15, 1855 ; 
she is residing at home with her parents. The Judge and Mrs. Atte- 
berry are worthy and consistent members of the Cumberland Presby- 
terian Church. 

CHARLES ATTERBURY, M.D. 

(Physician and Surgeon, and Farmer and Fine Stock-raiser). 

Dr. Atterbury is a younger brother to Judge Aden C. Atteberry, 
whose sketch precedes this. Their father, William Atterbury, was 
born in South Carolina, December 11, 1785, and their mother in the 
same State, August 10, 1795. They early came to Kentucky and were 
married in Hardin county of that State, November 10, 1811. Their 
subsequent removals have been noted in the sketch of Judge Atte- 
berr3^ The father died September 28, 1839, and the mother August 
12, 1862. Of their family of 11 children, but four are living : the 
Judge, the Doctor, Thomas J. and a daughter, Mary, now Mrs. Bur- 
ton, of Randolph county. Dr. Atterbury was reared to a farm life, 
and on the 15th of June, 1856, was married to Miss Sarah C, a 
daughter of Rev. S. C. and Isabella Davidson, of this county. Her 
mother's maiden name was McClanahau , and both her parents were from 
Tennessee. They came to Cooi)er county. Mo., in 1835, and 10 years 
afterwards came to Macon county, where both lived until their death. 
Dr. Atterbury followed farming for some years after he attained his 
majority and then studied medicine. He commenced the practice at La 
Plata in 1856, and took a course in the Medical College at Keokuk, 
Iowa, from which he graduated in 1858. He continued practice at 
La Plata with a single year's absence while practicing in Putman 
county, until 1864, and then removed to Greenview, Meiiard county, 
111., where he continued the practice for eight years. In 1872 he 
returned to Macon county and located on his present farm. Here he 
has continued practicing medicine and farming up to the present time. 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 



1043 



He has a o-ood tarra of nearly 900 acres and makes a specialty of rais- 
ino- fine sfock. He has a small herd of fine short-horn cattle, a lot of 
Cotswold sheep and a stock of Poland-China hogs. He also has 
some fine English Park colts, and has commenced raismg Clydesdale 
colts. In a word, he is one of the progressive, enterprismg fine stock 
men of the county. Dr. Atterbury and wife have four chddren, but 
one of whom is now living, Alice, born February 22, 1857. Bernice 
and two infants are deceased. He and wife are both members of the 
Cumberland Presbyterian Church. 

. JULIUS M. BOURK 

(Farmer). 
This substantial citizen of Eagle township is a native of Maine, 
born in Lincoln (now Kennebec )''county April 8, 1818. His father, 
Cyrus Bourk, was born in Lisbon, of that State, in February, 1793, 
and his mother, whose maiden name was Nancy Ham, was born in 
Bath, of the same State, February 8, 1795. They were married in 
, 1815, and were blessed with a family of nine children, of whom eight 
are living: Martha A., the wife of Nathan Frost, of Stillwater, Me. ; 
Julius m"^, the subject of this sketch ; Asenath C, the wife of W. C. 
Whitmore, of Chicago ; Henrietta H., the wife of Peleg Hall, of this 
county; Charles T., of Wyoming; Hannah N., the wife of Albert 
Darable, of Chicago ; David F., of Carroll county. Mo., and Sarah R., 
the wife of James S. Mitchell, of Macon City. The father was a 
farmer in Maine, and durins: the War of 1812 was a soldier in the 
American army. He died March 11, 1848. The mother died Sep- 
tember 10, 1875, at Macon City. 

JEROME F. BRICKELL 

(Sections 33 and 84). 
Mr. B. is one of the neatest and most progressive tanners in Eagle 
township. He is a Northerner by family and bringing up, and illus- 
trates in his methods of farming, the characteristics which have made 
the farmers of the North famous throughout the Union as the best 
farmers in the country. Mr. Brickell came to his present place in 
the fall of 1869, and bought his land unimproved. He has improved 
it in first-class style, having an excellent class of buildings, good 
ponds, hedo-e fences both outside and cross, good fields, pastures, 
meadows, etc. It is called the " Model Farm," and is well entitled 
to the appellation. He makes a specialty of raising fine short-horn 
cattle and other good stock, including Cotswold sheep and PolandChina 
hoo-s etc. Mr. Brickell is a native of Michigan, born near Niles, in 
Ben-ien county, July 11, 1841. His father, Thomas J., has for many 
years been a successful business man of Niles, and still resides near 
that city. His mother was a Miss Elizabeth Brickell, originally of 
Viro-inia He, however, was from Ohio. Both are still living. Je- 
rome F. was reared at Niles, and educated at the Baptist College at 



1044 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

Kalamazoo. In 1858 he went to California, and remained there for 
six years. While there, April 12, 1861, he was married to Miss Mary 
A. Collier, of Sacramento. Returning to Michigan in 1864, he came 
to this State live years afterwards, as stated above. Mr. and Mrs. 
Brickell have had a family of three children: Edgar J., Gertrude S. 
and Fred L. They also have an adopted daughter, Cora V. Mr. 
and Mrs. Brickell and the three older children are members of the 
First Baptist Church of Macon, and he is a member of the A. F. and 
A. M. Mr. Brickell has been elected township treasurer for four 
terms in succession, and is one of the most highly-respected and 
prominent citizens of the county. His wife's family was originally 
from Boston, Mass. 

JOHN M. BUNCH 

(Farmer aucl Stock-raiser) . 

The Bunch family is one of the old and respected families of the 
county. Mr. Bunch's father, Col. »John Bunch, was a native of Ken- 
tucky, born November 26, 1800, and in 1823 he was married to Miss 
Mary Oliver, who was born in the same State in 1805. They came 
to Missouri in 1825 and located in Howard county, but some years 
afterwards they removed to Randolph county, and a little later along 
to Macon county, settling in Independence township, where they made 
their permanent home. Col. Bunch became one of the well-to-do and 
highly respected citizens of the county, a successful farmer and 
widely and well known as a man of high character and intelligence. 
He died on his farm, in Independence township. May 15, 1883, hav- 
ing been a resident of the county for nearly half a century. His 
widow, the mother of our subject, still survives, and is on the old 
homestead, one of the venerable old mothers of the county. Both 
were members of the Old School Baptist Church from an early period 
of their lives. They had a family of eight sons and five daughters, of 
Avhom ten are living : Sarah, widow of James Morris ; Lucy, the 
wife of John B. Epperson ; Joseph, Lucinda, the wife of John W. 
Bunch; Eliza, the widow of Eld. A. Balmear ; James, of Paris, 
Tex. ; Nancy, the wife of James C. Miles, of Adair county ; Thomas 
B., of Kirksville, and Benjamin F., of Sticklerville, Sullivan county, 
a practicing physician. John M. Bunch, the subject of this sketch, 
was born in Randolph county, June 11, 1838. He was reared on a 
farm in Macon county, and, of course, became a farmer. On the 
29th of January, 1863, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Ratliff. 
She survived her marriage 11 j^ears, dying October 16, 1874, leaving 
two sons and two daughters:, Mary H., Hardee, Annie L. and 
Elvin. Hardee died in infancy. March 16, 1875, Mr. Bunch was 
married to Mrs. Martha F., the widow of Benjamin W. Oliver and 
a daughter of William and Mary McGee, of this county. A sketch 
of William McGee, her father, appears in this volume. Mrs. Bunch 
was born December 3, 1835. By her former union there are three 
sons and two daughters: Edward E., Luther, Emma, Joseph and 
BeLtie. Mr. and Mrs. B. have one daughter, born June 4, 1877. 



HISTORY OF BIACON COUNTY. 1045 

Mr. Bunch settled on his present farm in 1875, and is eno-aofed in 
raising grain and stock with good success. He is a man of industry 
and an enterprising disposition, a wortliy representative of the old 
and respected family of which he is a member. 

THOMAS A. EAGLE, M.D. 

(Physician and Surgeon, Farmer and Stock-raiser, and Miller). 
Prominently among those whose names occupy a deservedly hon- 
orable place in the history of Macon county, stands that of the sub- 
ject of this sketch, a man who has been identified with the county for 
a generation, and who has ever taken a leading part in all movements, 
whether industrial or otherwise, calculated to promote its best inter- 
ests. For years he has been regarded as one of the ablest physicians 
in the county, and has been one of its most successful farmers and 
stock-raisers ; he was the first citizen to advocate the broad and en- 
lightened doctrine of free labor and human rights, regardless of race 
or color, which now prevails from one end of the Union to the other ; 
and he has served his county in the legislative branch of State gov- 
ernment, and has hold the ofllce of sheriff and other positions; the 
township in which he lives new bears his name, which was given to it 
by the county in honor of his long and useful life within its borders, 
and in appreciation of the value of his services as one of its best and 
foremost citizens. Thomas A. Eagle was born in Wayne (now Ash- 
land) county, Ohio, April 5, 1819. His parents were natives of Vir- 
ginia, and were representatives of old and respected families in that 
State. William Eagle and Rachel Anderson wer^^ married in 1805, 
and came to Ohio, locating in the southern part of that State in 1807. 
Two years afterwards they removed to Wayne county, and settled on 
the Mohegan river, where they lived for nearly half a century, and 
reiyed their family. Of their seven children, Thomas A. was the 
youngest. The others were : Isaiah, who died August 2, 1839 ; Ed- 
ward B., who died April 23, 1826; Mary, the wife of Jonathan 
Montgomery, of Macon City, Mo. ; Elizabeth, the widow of John 
Culbert^on, of Jefferson county, Iowa; Nancy, who died December, 
28, 1873, was the wife of Samuel Nayland, of Ohio, and Amelia M., 
who died January 20, 1875, whilst the wife of Adam Gwinner, of 
this county. The father was a substantial farmer of Wayne county, 
but in 1856, with his wife and daughter, Amelia, came West with his 
son, Dr. Eagle, the subject of this sketch. They came to Missouri, * 
and stopped for a while at Kirksville, until they could get possession 
of the land which he had previously Jt)ought. While at Kirksville the 
father died, February 24, 1857. Dr. Eagle soon afterwards settled 
on his present farm about the 1st of April, 1857, where he has since 
resided. Dr. Eagle received his primary education in Wayne 
county, Ohio, where he attended the common schools during the 
winter seasons, but during the summer months worked on the farm. 
He commenced the study of medicine under Dr. G. "W. Howe, of 
Ashland, Ohio, and in 1842, having, in the meantime, also studied at 



1046 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

Mansfield, he entered the medical college at Willoughbj, where he at- 
tended a course of lectures. In 1842 he emigrated to Fairfield, 
Iowa, and began the practice of his profession, where he practiced 
with succe&s for two j'^ears. Dr. Eagle then returned to Ohio and 
entered the Medical College of Cleveland, from which he graduated 
with honor in the spring of 1847. Immediately following this Dr. 
Eagle located at Mohegansville, Ohio, and followed his profession 
therefor about five years. Meanwhile, the California gold excitement 
broke out and he decided to try his fortunes in the distant Midas-land on 
the Pacific seas. Accordingly, in 1852, he shipped for the Golden 
coast, taking passage at New York on the steamship Brother Jonathan 
to the Isthmus, and from Panama on the sail vessel Clarissa 
Andrews, of which he was appointed surgeon. Landing at San Fran- 
cisco after a voyage of 65 days, he engaged in the practice of med- 
icine on the Pacific coast, but becoming dissatisfied, returned to 
Mohegansville, Ohio, the following year. He remained at that place 
engaged in his profession until 1856, when he came to Missouri, as 
stated above. On locating in this county, Dr. Eagle entered at once 
upon the practice of his profession, and also had the improvement of 
his present farm commenced. From that time to this he has contin- 
ued in the active practice of medicinle without interruption, except 
while occupied with public duties, and with success and increasing 
reputation. From the beginning he has commanded an extensive and 
lucrative practice, and still permits nothing to interfere with his pro- 
fessional duties. In farm and business affairs he has also been abund- 
antly successful. One of the best evidences of this is his large and 
handsome farm, which contains over 700 acres of fine land and is ex- 
ceptionally well improved. He has been quite successful in stock- 
raising, and has also, from time to time, been identified with the 
milling business. He and Mr. Gwinner will shortly put up a large 
grain and saw-mill, which will be the fourth one with which he has 
been connected. Dr. Eagle has also taken an intelligent and active 
interest in public affairs. From the beginning he was a free-soiler, 
believing that slave labor was not only an outrage on humanity itself, 
but was even injurious to the white race and the slave owner. He 
was therefore in favor of the abolition of slavery by peaceable means, 
and on the basis of just compensation to those who had come honestly 
by their slave property. If the advice of such men as Dr. Eagle had 
been followed by the Southern people, the war with all its attendant 
horrors would have been avoided, and the South would not have 
been reduced to poverty and misery as it was. Dr. Eagle thus be- 
lieving, advocated his principles in Macon county manfully and hon- 
estly, whenever occasion called for their expression. He made the 
first free-soil speech ever delivered in the county. This was at Rambo 
school-house, in Ten Mile township, in the fall of 1857. In 1860 he 
canvassed the counties of Macon, Sullivan and Adair for the Lincoln 
electoral ticket, and held joint political discussions with John Foster, 
of Kirksville, and Albert Gilstrap and Henry Beveir, of Bloomington, 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1047 

at clifFerent points. In 1868 Dr. Eagle was elected to the office of 
sheritf, and in 1864 he was elected to represent the county in the State 
Legislature, both of which offices he filled with honor alike to him- 
self and the county. Dr. Eagle has always been a strong temperance 
man, and, in fact, has been a teetotaler from boyhood, both as to the 
use of liquors and tobacco, as well as to profane language. He has 
long been a member of the M. E. Church. Dr. Eagle has been 
twice married. His first wife was previously Miss Pauline New- 
brough, a daughter of William Newbrough, a prominent citizen of 
Ashland county, Ohio. They were married September 21, 1858. 
She died July 1, 1866, wdiile on a visit to her parents in Ohio. She 
had borne him five children, but one of whom is now living, namely : 
Paulina Oddissa, the youngest, who is now a young lady and at 
home with her father. The others, Rachel, Rowenna, Jessie F. and 
William C, died at tender ages. To his present wife, previously 
Mrs. Hattie B. Morey, the widow of Robert C. Morey, who lost his 
life in the service of the Union, he was married May 12, 1868. She 
was a daughter of Jesse J. Hall, of Washington county, Ohio. 
Mrs. Eagle is a member of the M. E. Church. 

DAVID A. FOSTER 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser). 
Mr. Foster, a worthy citizen of Eagle township, was born in Nich- 
olas county, Ky., September 12, 1825. His father, David Foster, was 
also a native of Kentucky, but the family, by way of Tennessee, was 
originally from South Carolina. Mr. Foster's mother was a Miss 
Priscilla G. Piper, whose parents came from the Old Dominion. They 
had five children : James L., now of Illinois ; Asberry, of California ; 
David A., Tabitha, the wife of O. L. Edwards, of Illinois, and Alex- 
ander, of Kentucky. David A., the subject of this sketch, whose 
parents in the meantime had removed to Illinois, was married in that 
State to Miss Angeline Brown. This union was consummated on the 
4th of April, 1848. By this marriage there were four daughters and 
two sons, of whom but two are living: Docia E., the wife of Martin 
Muff, and Lewis R. The mother of these died March 30, 1860. Mr. 
Foster consummated his second marriage July 23, 1860. To this 
union were born three sons and two daughters, of whom there are 
three living : Lou W., now of Portland, Ore. ; Martha L. and Clara M. 
Mr. Foster came to Missouri from Macoupin county. 111., and settled 
on the farm where he now resides in the spring of 1866, where, in the 
language of the well known Baptist minister. Rev. Mr. Cox, " he has 
since constantly resided." Mr. Foster has a good farm of 80 acres 
and is comfortably situated on his place. During the war he served 
three years under the broad aegis of the Union. He enlisted under 
Capt. Ben Lee, of Girard, 111., in Co. H, One Hundred and Twenty- 
second infantry, August 10, 1862. He was in many engagements 
during the war, the last one being the battle at Mobile, after which 
he was honorably discharged July 15, 1865. Mr. Foster is a worthy, 
61 



1048 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

good farmer, and is well respected by the community at large and the 
generality of those who know him as Avell as all who have had dealings 
with him. 

CHRISTIAN FULMER 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser) . 

Mr. Fulmer is one of those sturdy German characters, honest, in- 
telligent and industrious, so many of whom are to he found in Missouri 
and throughout the country, men who have done their full share 
towards developing the resources of the country and making the com- 
munity of which they are members prosperous and progressive. Like 
most of our worthy German fellow-citizens, Mr. Fulmer has been 
successful in life and now has 350 acres of fine land, the fruit of his 
own toil and good management. He was born in Wurtemberg, Ger- 
many, September 13, 1806, and received a good German education as 
he grew up. He was one in a family of three sons and two daughters 
of John Fulmer and wife, Mary Mulbach, both now deceased. Chris- 
tian Fulmer, at the age of 26, in 1832, came to America, landing at 
Baltimore, and here he worked for three months at the butcher's 
trade. He then went to Marietta, Penn., where he remained for two 
years and then removed to High Spire, in the same State, going from 
there to Cumberland county two years later, and after a year at the 
latter place he went to Cambria county, making that his home until 
the fall of 1868. From Cambria county, Penn., Mr. Fulmer came to 
Macon county, Mo., where he has since resided. Here he has followed 
farming for a number of years and with the success indicated above. 
Mr. Fulmer has been twice married. Once before leaving his native 
country to a young lady who died some years afterwards. One 
son, Frederick, by this marriage is now living in Somerset county, 
Penn. April 18, 1833, he was married to Miss Rebecca Heister, of 
Lancaster county, Penn. There are five children living from this 
union : John G., of Colfax county. Neb. ; Elizabeth, the wife of Will- 
iam Day, of this county; Margaret, the widow of Elbridge Stiles, of 
Shelby comity; Jacob, of Oil City, Penn., and Isaac, of this county. 
Mr. Fulmer and his son Isaac are eno-ao-ed in farmino; together. He 
and wife are members of the Cumberland Presl)yterian Church. 
Isaac Fulmer is a member of the Brothers of Philanthrophy. 

JOHN S. GOODDING 

(Section 20). 

This substantial and industrious farmer of Eagle township is a 
brother to James R. Goodding, whose sketch is found elsewhere, and 
was born September 28, 1847. After he grew up, on the 11th of Feb- 
ruary, 1873, being then in his twenty-sixth year, he was married to Miss 
Martha E., a daughter of Solomon C. and Matilda S. Milam. A 
sketch of the Milam family appears in the biography of Dr. Milam 
on a previous page of this book. Mrs. Milam's father. Judge 
Baker, was for many years a prominent citizen of the county. For 



HISTORY. OF MACON COUNTY. 1049 

two terms he was judge of the county court and held other local 
offices. Mr. Gooddhig settled on his farm soon after his marriage and 
has since resided on this place. He has a good farm of 160 acres com- 
fortably and substantially improved. He also has 160 acres on the 
west side of the Chariton river. He handles stock to quite an extent 
and has been satisfactorily successful. In a word, he is one of the 
substantial citizens of the township and is well respected. Mr. and 
Mrs. Goodding have had a family of five children : James E., Isaac C, 
deceased; Samuel B., Nellie M. and Laura B. Mr. and Mrs. G. are 
members of the M. E. Church South at Belleview, and he is a member 
of the A. F. and A. M. 

SAMUEL A. GOODDING 

(Farmer aucl Stock-raiser). 

Mr. G., a brother to J. S. Goodding, whose sketch precedes this, 
was born on the old family homestead, in this township, on a part of 
which he now resides, March 7, 1850. He was reared on the farm 
and educated in the common schools. May 27, 1880, he was married 
to Miss Mary E. Meadows, a daughter of Lewis and Johanna Mead- 
ows, who resided near College Mound. She Avas born April 4, 1854. 
Ml', and Mrs. Goodding have two children : Mary J. and Julia M. 
Mrs. Goodding has a good farm of 213 acres and is one of the intelli- 
gent, go-ahead young farmers of the county. He and wife are mem- 
bers of the M. E. Church South and he is a member of the A. F. and 
A. M. The history of his father's family has been fully given in the 
preceding pages of this book. Young Mr. Goodding has shown him- 
self to be one of the coming farmers of the county. With the 
excellent start he has and with his industry and intelligent system of 
management, he can hardly ftiil to take a position among the lead- 
ing farmers in the course of a few years. His wife is a lady of 
many estimable qualities and is much esteemed among her neighbor 
friends. 

ADAM GWINNER 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser). 

Mr. Gwinner is a native of Germany, born in Bavaria, August 21, 
1824. He was reared in his native country and received the education 
common to the youths of Bavaria of his station in life. At the age of 
21 he entered the German army, in which he served a term of six 
years. In 1853 he came to America, and having friends at South 
Bend, Ind., proceeded directly to that place. He remained in South 
Bend about three years, but his health failing on account of the se- 
verity of the climate, he concluded to come to the South-west and locate 
in Kansas. Finally, however, he settled in Macon county, Mo., where 
he has since resided. Here he rented land and farmed for a year, but 
after that engaged in milling with Dr. Thomas A. Eagle, which he 
continued up to 1860. Resuming farming, he has since followed it 
almost continuously and has been quite successful. He has an excellent 



1050 HISTORY OF MACON. COUNTY 

farm of nearly 300 acres, which he has well improved. Mr. Gwinner is 
one of the industrious, enterprising farmers of the township. He and 
Dr. Eao-le are now making arrangements for the erection of a grain 
and saw mill, which they will soon put up. On the 15th of April, 
1855, Mr. Gwinner was married in Indiana to Miss Margaret Gottsman, 
formerly of Germany. She survived her marriage, however, less 
than a year, dying January 18, 1856, having been preceded to the 
ijrave by an infant daughter. Mr. Gwinner's second wife was previ- 
ously Miss Amelia M. Eagle, who died in 1875, without issue. To his 
present wife, formerly Miss Mary A. Roemer, he was married March 
16, 1876. They have one daughter, Resia A., born July 12, 1881. 
Mr. Gwinner's parents were Peter J. and Catherine (Human) Gwin- 
ner. They had six sons and two daughters, of whom four are living: 
Mary, the widow of Hoboken Feight, of Wisconsin ; John, of this 
county ; Adam, the subject of this sketch ; and George, of Eagle 
township. 

SAMUEL C. HAMILTON 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser). 

Mr. H. is a man who, though as Mr. Cox says, boasts no classical 
education, is yet a man of sound intelligence and a fair knowledge of 
books, and possesses that clear insight into affairs which never fails to 
make one successful and influential in whatever pursuit he engages. 
Born January 7, 1820, in Wayne county, Ky., he received a good 
common English education and became a farmer, a calling in which 
he has been satisfactorily successful, and he has also obtained some 
prominence in his part of the county, having served as township 
clerk, 'and is now township collector. He is a substantial, good citi- 
zen, respected b}^ all who know him. His farm contains 240 acres 
and his improvements are of a good class. His father, Joseph H. 
Hamilton, born March 13, 1799, is still living and makes his home 
with his son, Samuel C. His wife, Samuel C.'s mother, whose 
maiden name was Nancy Kiggin, born January 10, 1802, died March 
2, 1864. They were married December 31, 1818, and came to Macon 
county, Mo., in 1846, Samuel C. having preceded them to this county 
three years. He was married February 20, 1845, to Miss Sarah A.. 
Blackwell. They have had eight children : Nancy A., now the wife 
of J. S. Hogue ; William J., now of Macon county ; James H., now 
of East Portland, Ore. ; Sidney F., now of Jacksonville, Mo. ; Charles 
L., now of Washington Teri:itory ; Samuel C. R., now of Montana; 
Mary E. and Robert E., now of Macon county. Elizabeth Black- 
well, the mother of Mrs. S. C. Hamilton, born in Henrico county, 
Va., August 22, 1800, is now living with her daughter, Mrs. S. C. 
Hamilton. 

STEPHEN B. HANNA 

(Farmer). 

Alexander Hanna, Stephen B.'s tather, was a native of Harper 
county, Md. He married Mary Wilson, of Beaver county, Penu., 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1051 

and settled in the latter county, where he followed ftirming. They 
had six sons and six daughters, of whom but four are living : Stephen 
B., Lee R., of Pennsylvania; Elizabeth, of Ohio county, Ind., and 
Cynthia, of the same county. The mother died in Ohio county, 
Ind., in 1873, to which they had removed, and the father died there 
three years later. Stephen B. was born in Beaver county, Penn., 
March 1, 1826. He was reared to a farm life. August 5, 1862, he 
enlisted in Co. G, Thirty-fifth Ohio volunteer infantry for three years, 
or during the war. For 48 days he was in the siege of Vicksburg 
and was there at the time of the surrender of the place. He was also 
at the capture of Jackson, Miss., both times, being retaken by the 
Confederate and recaptured by the loyal soldiers of the Union. 
January 5, 1865, he was discharged on account of physical disability 
upon the surgeon's certificate to that effect, having, however, nearly 
served his time out. Since that time he has drawn a pension regu- 
larly from the Government ; up to 1883 at the rate $8 per month ; and 
since 1883 at the rate of $24. October 1, 1868, Mr. Hanna, was mar- 
ried to Miss Elizabeth Blackwell, of this county, he having previously 
removed to this county. Mr. and Mrs. Hanna have no children. Mrs. 
Hanna was a daughter of Charles Blackwell, of this county, who died 
July 20, 1882. Her mother still resides on the old Blackwell home- 
stead. Mr. and Mrs. H. are members of the M. E. Church South, 
and he of the G. A. R. His farm contains 60 acres. 

OLIVER HATLER 

(Post-offlce, Atlanta). 

Mr. H. is one of the old citizens and well-to-do, successful farmers 
of Eagle township. He is a native of Kentucky, born in Allen 
county, February 16, 1824. His father was Michael Hatler, origin- 
ally of South Carolina, but his mother, whose maiden name was Sarah 
E. Bracken, was a native of Kentucky. Of the family of four son* 
and three daughters, only Oliver, the subject of this sketch, is now 
living. Both parents are also deceased. Oliver Hatler came to Mis- 
souri in 1841 and located in Eagle (then Liberty) township. Here, 
six years afterwards, February 7, 1848, he was married to Miss Susan 
Z. Belmear. Mr. Hatler's first wife died April 18, 1867, leaving him 
two children : Harriet Z., the wife of Wilhelm VanTilberg, of Col- 
orado, and Martin L., of this county. September 22, 1857, Mr. 
Hatler was married to Miss Nancy D. Lyda, a daughter of Gideon 
Lyda, for whom Lyda township, in this county, was named. By his 
last marriage Mr. Hatler has four children: Celia A., the wife of 
Lewis R. Foster; Leonard P., Elvina C, resident of the town of 
Home Circle, and Isaac L. Mr. Hatler has followed farming in this 
township from the time he first settled here, away back in 1841, for a 
period now of 43 years. He has long lived on his present farm, 
which is known as the Hatler farm, containing 340 acres. His life 
has been such with regard both to industry and upright conduct that 
he is now comfortably situated and enjoys the esteem and confidence 



1052 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

of all who know him. Mr. and Mrs. H. are members of the Cumber- 
land Presbyterian Church at Shiloh ; he is also a member of the A. F. 
and A. M. 

WILLIAM J. HUGHES 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser). 

Mr. H. is the owner and proprietor of 100 acres of good prairie 
land and 10 acres of timber, all in Eagle township, on the former of 
which he has his farm and homestead, where he is successfully engaged 
in farming. Mr. Hughes has a good farm on which he raises annually 
about 30 acres of corn and cuts some 15 acres of meadow. He 
handles from 15 to 20 head of cattle and from 10 to 15 head of hogs, 
besides having a flock of about 60 head of fine sheep. He is identi- 
fied with the Belleview M. E. Church South. He is a brother to 
Jerome Hughes, whose sketch has already been written, and in that 
the genealogy of the family has been given, so that it is unnecessary 
to say anything on that score in this article. Mr. Hughes, the subject 
of this sketch, was born August 9, 1844, and was reared up a farmer, 
an occupation he has ever since followed. On the 24th of December, 
1865, he was married to Miss Rebecca Willis, a daughter of George 
and Sarah Willis, of Morrow county, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Hughes 
have a family of four daughters : Gertrude Maude, Mabel L., Clara 
M. and Kate M. Mrs. Hughes is also a member of the Belleview M. 
E. Church South. Mr. and Mrs. Hughes are well thought of by their 
neighbors and acquaintances and are earnest in the interest they take 
in the church. They are hospitable neighbors and kind to all with 
whom they come in contact. 

JEROME HUGHES 

(Section 22). 

One of those industrious, intelligent Northern farmers, so many of 
whom have settled in this county since the war, is Mr. Hughes. He 
was born in the Buckeye State, May 29, 1854, and came to Missouri 
with his parents in 1859. His father, Thomas L. Hughes, and his 
mother, Adeline Roberts, were both born and reared in Ohio, in which 
State they were married and lived until their removal to Macon 
county, Mo., in 1869. They settled in Eagle township, where the 
father died. May 5, 1878, and the mother December 31, 1882. Both 
were members of the M. E. Church South at Bellview. The father 
was an enterprising farmer and had a good farm in this county. They 
had a family of six children : Louisa J., William, Margaret, the wife 
of John Love; Jerome, Elmer, a teacher at Macon City, and Thomas 
H., the latter of whom died from being accidently shot. Jerome 
Hughes, the subject of this sketch, was 15 years of age when the 
family settled in Macon county, and completed his majority in the 
county. December 30, 1875, he was married to Miss Jeanette Stone, 
a daughter of Hiram S. and Lean Stone, of this county. Mr. Hughes, 
who had already engaged in farming on his own account, continued 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1053 

in that occupation, and has since followed it with good success. He 
has 120 acres of land, 20 of timber and the balance in prairie, which 
is mostly in cultivation. He raises grain and stock in a general way, 
and is makino- o-ood progress as a farmer. Mr. and Mrs, Huo:hes 
have two children living : Inez and Blair. Two are deceased : John 
N. and Leannie. Mrs. Hughes is a member of the Missionary Baptist 
Church. 

WILLIAM McGEE 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser). 

Mr. McGee, whose father was also named William, and whose 
mother's maiden name was Sarah Low, both originally of North 
Carolina, was born in Kentucky, December 14, 1813, and was the 
youngest in a family of four children, the others being Nancy, Andrew 
and Sarah, who are now deceased. The father died when our subject 
was in infancy, and the mother afterwards married Herman Reed, of 
Kentucky. She died there in 1828. William McGee grew up in 
Kentucky, and December 4, 1833, was married to Miss Mary J. 
Moore. He continued to reside in Kentucky for 16 years after his 
marriage, but in 1849 came to Missouri, locating in Eagle township of 
Macon county. He has since continued to reside in this township, 
and is highly respected. Some years ago he was elected magistrate, 
but declined to serve. He and wife are members of the Missionary 
Baptist Church at Macon City. They had a family of 10 children, 
six daughters and four sons, of whom but five are living, namely : 
Martha E., wife of John Bunch; Anna T., wife of A. J. Terrell; 
William J., public administrator of the county; Isaac M. and Ermine, 
wife of J. M. Day. The deceased were: Sarah S., who died while 
the wife of James Ashurst ; Caroline, who died whilst the wife of 
John Quinn ; Aden C, who died at the age of 24; Emma, Election 
P. and Mary S., who died in infancy. 

DANIEL MELVILLE 

(Section 21). 
Mr. M., one of the most intelligent citizens and industrious farmers 
of Eagle township, has been a resident of this township since 1870, 
prior to which time he had been engaged in the manufacture of cloth, 
being a master spinner by trade, one of the best of his craft in the 
country. He retired from work in the factory on account of failing 
health, which resulted from close confinement and impure air incident 
to his business. Mr. Melville is a native of Scotland, born in Glas- 
gow, April 23, 1826. His father, Alexander Melville, was a native of 
the same country, and his* mother, whose maiden name was Mary 
Clark, was from the Highlands of Scotland by descent. There were 
six sons and three daughters in their family, of whom five are living. 
Both parents died at Glasgow. Daniel Melville was reared in his 
native citv, and in 1845 came to Canada with his uncle by marriage, 



1054 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

John Wallace, He lived in the Dominion until 1848, when he located 
at Troy, N. Y., where he worked in the iron works of Peter Burton 
for nearly two years. He then entered the Ogden Cloth Mills, and for 
seven years had charge of what is termed a pair of " spinning mules " 
or ** jenneys," having previously learned the spinner's trade in his 
native country. While there such was the superiority of his skill that 
he was selected to spin the yarn which was to be exhibited at the 
World's Fair in New York. Mr. Melville worked at his trade almost 
continuously up to 1870, when he came to Macon county. He has 
been married three times. His first wife was Miss Mary A. Lackey, 
of Cohoes Falls, N. Y. She survived her marriage but a short time, 
leaving a son, Robert, now of this county. His second wife was Miss 
Davidson, of the same place. She died in 1875. The only child 
living of this union, a daugher, Julia, who is married, now resides 
in Iowa. Mr. Melville's present wife was formerly Miss Lizzie 
Dimick, of Macon county. They have no children. Mr. Mel- 
ville's farm contains nearly a quarter of a section of land and is 
substantially improved. He is a member of the Cumberland Presby- 
terian Church. 

JOSEPH GATES 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser) . 

This country was settled originally by the people of England 
mainly, and it was English blood and brain and English patriotism 
and love of liberty transplanted into the New World, that won Amer- 
ican Independence and established here the best government the 
world ever saw. It is therefore gratifying to see amid the flood-tides 
of foreign immigration that are crowding upon our shores. English- 
men have not ceased to come. They are the nationality that we most 
want. Mr. Gates is a worthy representative of the sterling English 
race who first colonized this country. He came to America in 1867, 
and settled in Macon county in 1869. Mr. Gates has since resided in 
this county, except for a period of four years, during which he was 
in Illinois. He purchased his present farm in 1881. Here he has 
320 acres of fine land. He raises grain principally, but also has con- 
siderable stock. Mr. Gates is one of the thorough-going farmers of 
the township, and is steadily advancing in the accumulation of prop- 
erty. He was born in Yorkshire, England, March 24, 1842, and was 
a son of Thomas and Ann (Torry) Gates, both of old English families. 
There were five daughters and three sons in their family, but four of 
whom, two sons and two daughters, are living; but none of them, 
except the subject of this sketch, left England. After coming to this 
county Mr. Gates was married Gctober 20, 1870, to Miss Mary C. 
McWilliams, of Macon county. She died of consumption, November 
8, 1880, leaving him a son, Thomas J., now seven years of age. Mr. 
Gates has not since remarried. 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1055 



J. BRADLEY THOMPSON 

(Section 28). 

Mr. T., who owns an excellent farm of 360 acres, and is one of the 
respected citizens of the township, was born in Christian county, Ky., 
July 31, 1807, and was a son of Samuel Thompson, born in North 
Carolina, February 24, 1784, and Matilda S. Thompson, whose 
maiden name was Bradley, born in Virginia, October 8, 1785. They 
were married October 2, 1806, and J. Bradley was the eldest of their 
ftimily of 11 children, six daughters and five sons, of whom five are 
living, the others besides the subject of this sketch being Richard D., 
now of Cass county, III. ; Samuel B., of the same county; Sarah J., 
the widow of William Boston, also of that county; Matilda J., the 
widow of Thomas Richardson, of Kansas. The father died April 26, 
1835, and the mother October 5, 1851. They removed to Cass 
county, 111., in an early day. J. Bradley continued to reside in that 
county until 1876, when he bought his present farm in Macon county, 
Mo., and removed to this place. He has been twice married; his 
first wife was Rosanna, the widow of Benjamin Canby, of Illinois. 
She died January 28, 1858. There were three sons and one daugh- 
ter by this union, of whom three are living : John L., now of South- 
ern Missouri; Lucy H., now the wife of John Baird, of Ohio, and 
Francis M., of Washington Territory. To his present wife Mr. 
Thompson was married May 14, 1858. She was Mrs. Mary Carper, 
the widow of John M. Carper. By this union there have been three 
sons and three daughters, of whom four are living: Samuel T., at 
home with his father ; Robert McC, of Dixon, III., now attending the 
University ; Emma D., at home, and Abraham L., also at home. Mr. 
Thompson, in his time, has been a farmer of extraordinary energy 
and industry, and quite successful. Though 77 years of age, he is 
still well preserved, and would hardly be taken to be more than 60. 
He is a man who is respected by all who know him, for in character 
he is upright, he is kind and accommodating, and his good name has 
ever been without a breath of reproach. 

RICHARD WHITEHEAD 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser). 

Mr. W., who owns a good farm of 140 acres in Eagle township, 
comes of an ancient and respected English family. His grandfather, 
John S. Whitehead, was, for many years, clerk of theDimm Church, 
in the shire of Kent, England, of the Established Church of that 
country. There were, in his family, five boys and five girls. He 
lived to the advanced age of 108. Mr. Whitehead's father was John 
S. Whitehead, born in l^ent, England, March 2, 1796. In 1819 he 
was married to Miss Charlotta Law, a relative of the- celebrated John 
Law, of French assignat fiime. By this union there were 10 children, 
four boys and six girls, of whom but five are living. The parents, 



1056 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

with their fiimily of chiUlren, caine to America in 1827, and settled in 
the State of New York. The father afterwards returned to England 
with his family, but became dissatisfied with his native country and 
came back to America, spending the remainder of his days on this side 
of the Atlantic. He died atUtica, N. Y., July 8, 1875. His five sur- 
viving children all live in this country, namely: John S., in Macon 
county, Mo.; Jeremiah at Albany, N. Y. ; Richard, the subject of 
this sketch ; Mary, the widow of Henry Barby, now in Chicago, and 
William, of this county. Richard Whitehead, the subject of this 
sketch, was married June 7, 1842, to Miss Stazzie Sears, of New York 
City. Her father was a native of Canada, and her mother of Penn- 
sylvania. Both died in Oneida county, N. Y. In 1855 Mr. Whitehead 
came to Missouri and located at Palmyra, and in 1858 removed to 
Macon county, where he has since resided. Here he first filled con- 
tracts with the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad Company, for 
supplying timber for bridges and telegraph poles. Afterwards he 
en^acjed in farmino;, which he has since followed. He has held the 
offices of magistrate, township treasurer and school director, and is 
highly respected. He and his good wife have had 13 children, 
namely : Mary E., who died in 1880, whilst the wife of S. S. Greer, 
leaving a family of five children ; Redman, now living with his father, 
was a student of McGee College, and is a minister of the Cumber- 
land Presbyterian Church of Kirksville Presbytery ; Charlotte, the 
wife of Samuel W. Allen ; Rachel S., the wife of Rev. John Wilson, 
of Oberlin, Kan., minister of the Old School Presbyterian Church ; 
John S., of Montgomery county, Ohio ; William, a farmer in Macon 
county; Charles H., studying for the ministry at Park College, of 
Platte county. Mo. ; Stazzie A., Ermine A. P., the wife of B. H. 
Wiggans ; Abram L., Sallie A. A., Richard L. and George W. Mr. 
Whitehead and wife and eight of their children are members of the 
Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Stazzie A., their fourth daughter, 
who was for fiv« years an invalid, and whose recovery was despaired 
of for nearly four years, was suddenly restored to health on the 3d 
of February, 1881, by the prayers of faith, as promised in James, v: 
14, 15, which say: "Is any sick among you? Let him call for the 
elders of the church ; and let them pray over him, annointing him 
with oil in the name of the Lord : and the prayer of faith shall save 
the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up ; and if he have committed 
sins, they shall be forgiven him." Whatever Mill and Tyndall and 
Darwin and Spencer, and all the rest, may say about miracles, this 
shows that the power of faith is still potent for good on the earth. 
The following is a true statement of the facts as they took place, stated 
in a letter to his children in Kansas : — 

Macon, Mo., Feb. 6, 1881. 

Dear Children: We are all well. We will seud you good news which will be to 
you ^reat joy. 

We are holdiag a protracted meeting at Liberty Church. It commenced the fourth 
Sabbath in January, conducted by Bros. Pool, Blosser and Redmou Whitehead. The 
Lord has been in our midst and is still with us. We can not And words to express 
our gratitude to him for what he has done for Adah. 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1057 

At our morning meeting on the 2d of this month, also at the evening meeting 
of the same day, I made a request that every child of God would, to-morrovF morn- 
ing at 8 o'clock, join with us in prayer to God with faith believing that he would 
restore Adah to health again. 

On February 3d we deferred family prayers till after breakfast. While at the table 
Uncle William came in; asked if we had said anything to Adah about the request I 
had made for prayer. I said no, you go and tell her. He did so while we were eating 
aud we soon left the table. T then took all the family with me in the middle room. 
I then stated to them the request that I had made for special prayer for Adah that she 
might be restored to health. I then called the attention of all to the reading of the 13th, 
14th, loth and 16th verses of the fifth chapter of James. We felt that God was with 
us. We all with one accord knelt in the presence of God, feeling that He would 
grant the request, Uncle William at the foot of the bed, mother at the head, I in the 
middle near the stove, the rest close at hand. Uncle William led in prayer, then my- 
self, then mother continued, and Adah was praying earnestly that God would help 
her to believe that he would heal her now. Here she bounded out of bed embracing 
me, saying, "Jesus has healed me right now." She ran from one t© the other, em- 
bracing and saying, " I am healed — Jesus has healed me." I then looked at the clock 
and it was 10 minutes past 8 o'clock. 

She took her place at the table for dinner the same day, and has ever since enjoyed her 
food and mingling with the family around the house. There is a large number already 
come to see her. She meets them at the door and says, " I am healed. The Great 
Physician Jesus has healed me. Give your heart to him; he will save you from all 
sins." 

Lo ! I have these many years prayed that she might mingle with us around the 
family altar. The next morning we realized that our prayer was answered. She led 
us in prayer. 

She received your letter yesterday. The two doctors who treated her last have seen 
her and say she is sound. For the last year she has kept her bed all the time. 

From your father and mother, who are thankful to God for this great blessing. 

Richard Whitehead. 



LYDA TOWJ^SHIP. 



ALBEET M. ATTEBERY 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser.) f 

Miv A. was born in Woodford county, III., November 9, 1841. His 
parents, William P. Attebery and Susanah A. Glazebrook, were na- 
tives of Kentucky, but removed to Woodford county. III., in about 
1828. In 1856 they moved again, settling in Macon county, near 
Vienna, where he owned a very fine farm of about 600 acres. In 
1868 Mr. A. bought a farm in Knox county, upon which he lived until 
his death, April 27, 1877. A. M. spent his youth on the farm, and 
received a good education, first at the common schools, and afterwards 
at the Eureka Academy and Eureka College, in Eureka, Woodford 
county. III., at which institution he remained about eight years. At 
the age of 19 he began to teach, but after two years studied photog- 
raphy, and in 1861 went into the business at Macon. The next year, 
the air being full of the alarms of war, Mr. Attebery went to Illinois, 
and enlisted in Co. E, One Hundred and Eighth Illinois infantry. He 
was detailed almost at once to the commissary department, and 
served for a few months as assistant regimental commissary, was then 



1058 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

promoted, and shortly afterward again promoted to the first lieuten- 
ancy of Co. K, same regiment, in which capacity he served until he 
was mustered out, July 27, 1865. He took part in the following 
fights: Chickasaw Bayou, Arkansas Post, Grand Gulf, Port Gibson, 
Champion's Hill, Black River, Siege of Vicksburg, Guntown Raid, 
Siege of Mobile, and many smaller engagements and skirmishes. 
After his discharge Mr. A. returned to Macon county and entered the 
arena of mercantile life. He Avas engaged in business both at Vienna 
and Atlanta for about 18 months, then sold out and went to farm- 
ing. He came on his present farm January 25, 1870, and owns 330 
acres of land one mile east of Atlanta, 280 fenced in meadow, pasture 
and cultivation. His farm is well improved, containing good buildings, 
including tenant house and a fine orchard. Mr. Attebery married, 
January 19, 1870, Miss Jennetta, daughter of Martin Attebery, for- 
merly from Kentucky, and one of the pioneers of Macon county. 
There are two children : Phradie and Claudie. Mr. A. is a Democrat, 
and has held several offices in the township. He was for eight 3^ears 
assessor, and has been, since 1881, township collector. He has been 
chosen many times as delegate to the county convention, and has 
been secretary of the Atlanta lodge A. F. and A. M. for about 15 
years. Mr. and Mrs. A. are members of tlie Christian Church, and 
have the cordial respect and good will of all who know them. 

L. J. ATTERBURY. 

(Post-offlce, Atlanta). 

Mr. Atterbury was born on the farm where the town of Atlanta, 
Macon county, Mo., is now situated, on the 12th of May, 1845. His 
father, Seaman Atterbury, a native of Kentucky, moved with his pa- 
rents when a child of eight years, to Illinois, and passed his early life 
near Galesburg. At the age of 18 the family removed to Monroe 
county. Mo., ^here he formed the acquaintance of a charming young 
lady by the name of Nancy G. Weatherford, of Kentucky, to yvhom 
he was married. After living there several years he moved to Iowa, 
settling in Davis county, near the present site of the town of Bloom- 
field, where he lived six years. Not satisfied, he returned with his 
family to Missouri in 1845, and bought land and improved a farm in 
Macon county, and there he still lives. He lost his first wife in 1852, 
and subsequently married Miss Mary C. Dabney, also from Kentucky. 
By the first mariage there were seven children : two girls and five boys ; 
of these L. J. was the fifth child, all now married. There were three 
boys by his deceased wife, there being 10 children. All are living ; 
the youngest is 25 years old. L. J. grew up in the county on a farm, 
and was educated partly at the common schools and partly by himself. 
When the war began he was but a boy of 16, but enlisted in the ser- 
vice of the stars and stripes in the Twenty-second Missouri infantry, 
afterwards consolidated with and known as the Tenth Missouri in- 
fantry, under the brave Col. Samuel A. Holmes, of St. Louis. He served 
until 1864, part of the time as musician. He was in many fights, 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. lOoi) 

the principal of wliich are luka and Corinth, Miss., Yazoo Pass Ex- 
pedition, Siege of Vicksburg, Raymond, Port Gibson, Jackson, 
Champion's Hill, Chattanooga, Mission Ridge and Stony Point, Tenn., 
this being his last general engagement of any consequence. At Cor- 
inth he received a slight gunshot wound in the hip, but served his 
country until his term of service expired, and then was discharged 
and went home. The war not being over, he remained home two 
months, and re-enlisted in an independent company for scouting 
purposes, in Avhich he was quartermaster sergeant. When the 
war was over he clerked for his father in a store in Atlanta, but 
in little more than a year went on a farm. His next step, farming 
being a lonely life for a bachelor, was to choose a wife, whom he 
found in the person of Miss Julia A., daughter of Judge M. G. Clem, 
of Adair county, but formerly from Ohio. After his marriage Mr. 
Atterbury continued to farm for 14 years, devoting some time, also, 
to the raising and feeding of stock for general markets. In Sep- 
tember, 1881, he moved to Atlanta, sold his farm, and engaged in 
the drug and grocery business. He has since sold out his business 
and is living at ease. Mr. and Mrs. A. have one child, M. Theron, 
one, Eddie, having died in infancy. Mr. A. is a member of Atlanta 
Lodge No. 411, I. O. O. F., and is vice-grand of the order. Mrs. 
A. belongs to tiie M. E. Church. 

BENJAMIN C. ATTERBERRY 

(Railroad Agent and Postmaster, Atlanta) . 

Mr. Atterberry, son of Seman Atterberry, was born in Macon 
county, near Atlanta, January 20, 1849. The greater part of his life 
has been spent in the county, and he was raised a farmer. He re- 
ceived a good education, partly at the common schools- and partly at 
the Kirksville Normal, Kirksville, Mo. During the last year of the 
war he fought for the Union in Co. H, Forty-second Missouri 
infantry, under Col. Forbes. Though his health compelled him to 
be much of his time in the hospital, yet he took part in several minor 
engagements, was in pursuit of William Stephens west of La Plata 
and Atlanta, and was an eye-witness of the scene on the day after 
the massacre at Centralia. After his discharge Mr. Atterberry re- 
turned to the farm for several years and continued his studies both at 
home and at select schools. He learned telegraphy under E S. Bed- 
ford, who was agent at the time, and after proficient knowledge was 
acquired worked on the road as extra, and subsequently was operator 
and agent at Millard, Glen wood Junction, Moulton, Queen City and 
Huntsville. He has been agent and operator at Atlanta since 1875. 
Two years after that time he was appointed postmaster, which office 
he still holds, to the entire satisfaction of the public. Mr. Atterberry 
married Miss Alva E., daughter of Mr. William Carroll and Mrs. M. 
J. Davies, formerly from Baltimore, Md., where their daughter re- 
turned for her schooling. Mrs. Atterberry was born at Carbondale, 
Pa. The marriage was solemnized September 16, 1880, by Rev.'R. 



1060 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

C. McKinney, at the residence of her mother at Norton, Kan. Two 
children, Archie C. and Bernice, are the fruits. Mrs. A. is a mem- 
ber of the Baptist Church. Around this family cluster much of the 
most refined society in Atlanta. 

WILLIAM W. BABCOCK 

(Farmer aucl Slock-raiser). 
Mr. BabcGck is one of those.enterprising-, thorough-going men who 
o-enerally succeed wherever they are and in whatever business they 
engage. Some men never succeed and are always complaining of 
their misfortunes, while others go to work and force success out of 
the most unfavorable surroundings. Mr. Babcock is one of this latter 
class. He had no means left him to begin on, but had to learn by 
his own industry and intelligence business affairs, and then get 
his own start to begin on. This he did most resolutely and with more 
than ordinary success. He is now one of the prominent business 
men of his section of the county, and has a most promising future 
before him. Mr. Babcock, though born in Toronto, Canada, July' 4, 
1847, was born of American parents and reared in the United States, 
so that he is by birthright and residence an American citizen. A 
sketch of the history of his father's family has been given in the 
biography of his brother, J. H. Babcock, on a subsequent page of this 
volume. After the birth of William W. his parents, in 1848, moved 
back to the United States, locating in Orleans county. New York, 
where he grew to manhood. His father was engaged in farming in 
Orleans county, and to that occupation William was brought up. 
Everyone knows that New York always had a fine system of com- 
mon schools, and young Babcock had access to these schools as he 
grew up, thus securing a good, practical English education. In 1866, 
then 19 years of age, he came to Missouri with his parents and fol- 
lowed farming with his father in this State for several years. In 
1870 he engaged in clerking with his brother, thus learning the prac- 
tical part of business life. He continued it for some 10 years. In 
1881 Mr. Babcock opened a lumber yard at Atlanta, the only estab- 
lishment of the kind in the place. There had previously been one 
here, but the business had been abandoned for the reason that the 
custom did not justify it. Mr. Babcock first started with a small 
stock of lumber, and as the trade increased he steadily increased his 
stock. Keeping a good stock of goods and selling at fair prices, as 
well as treating every one fairly, have proved the secret of his suc- 
cess. The result is that he now has a large and complete stock of 
lumber and other building material, and is doing a thriving business. 
In the summer of 1882 he also eno:ai>:ed in the o-rain trade, 
and has since handled the grain that ha^ been shipped from this 
place. In February, 1882, Mr. Babcock established a harness shop 
at Atlanta, which he is also conducting. He carries an excellent as- 
sortment of harness, saddles, etc., and is doing a good business. 
March 6, 1871, Mr. Babcock Avas married to Miss Drue Atterberrv, a 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1061 

daughter of Martin Atterljerry, one of the pioneer settlers of the 
county from Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Babcock have two children, 
George A. and Frank L. Mr. B. is an active member of the Good 
Templars lodge. 

JOHN H. BABCOCK 

(Atlanta) , 
Among the leading merchants of Atlanta is the gentleman whose 
name heads this sketch. He was born in Bristol, England, December 
10, 1843, and is the sou of John and Eliza (Anthony) Babcock, both 
English. His parents emigrated to this country in 1843 and settled 
in Orleans county, N. Y. Here John H. grew up on his father's ftirm. 
He was w^U educated in the common schools and at the Albion Acad- 
emy. His war experience was varied and thrilling. He enlisted in 
1863 in Co. L, Second New York mounted rifles as a private, but was 
soon promoted. He took part in the battles of the Wilderness, Cold 
Harbor, North End, Methesta Church, and siege of Petersburg, and 
from June 17, 1864, to July 30th was in a general engagement. In 
the latter part of the war Mr. Babcock was in the cavalry with the 
army of the Potomac ; was in several raids in Virginia, and had a 
horse shot at Farmville on Lee's retreat, April 8th. The next 
morning, just half an hour before Lee's surrender, he received a gun 
shot wound in the thigh at Appomattox station. After his recovery 
and discharge he went back to New York and s=[3ent several months 
recuperating. The next spring Mr. Babcock traveled awhile in Can- 
ada, Pennsylvania and Illinois, and in 1866 came to Missouri and 
worked on the survey of a railroad in the northern part of the State. 
His father's family followed him to Missouri in about a year, settling in 
Macon county, and in 1870 J. H. began merchandising for himself. 
He has a large and select stock of general merchandise and has built 
up an extensive trade. Mr. Babcock also makes a business of buying 
and shipping apples, and has handled in the last year about 5,000 
barrels. He owes his success to his fine business ability and strict 
attention to hisafiairs. He owns his store, which is a large building, 
well lighted and filled with goods. Mr. Babcock chose his companion 
for life from his old home, Orleans county, N. Y., in the person of 
Miss Mary Cochrane, daughter of William Cochrane, of Waterport, 
N. Y. By his marriage there were two children : Gracie K. and Daisy, 
the latter fading like a flower touched by the frost ere she reached 
her fifth year. Mr. Babcock is a member of Truth Lodge 268, at At- 
lanta, A. F. and A. M., also of Emmanuel Commandery, K. T., No. 7, 
and has been for three terms master of the lodge. 

ARTHUR BORRON, B.A.,M.B., TRIN. COLL. CANTAB. 

(Post-office, Economy). 
Some philosopher has said that the lightest circumstance often 
directs and controls the whole future of one's life. And illustrations 
of the truth of this we see dailv in the lives of those among us. Here 



1062 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

we may see a man who has come clown to us through a certain series 
of surroundings occupying a given position in life, but who, if his 
course had been directed through other conditions, would doubtless 
be in a far different station from the one he now holds. The direction 
that the waters of the fountain take on the heights of the Andes con- 
trols the course of the mighty Amazon. Here is a man, an Englishman 
by birth and bringing up, educated, both generally and professionally, 
in the finest schools of Great Britain — a man who had every hope 
and prospect of becoming eminent in his profession, the science of 
medicine, in his native country, but whose fortunes by a single circum- 
stance were cast in the then wilds of the Western States of America, 
and whose life, to old age, has accordingly been spent amid the 
scenes and duties and responsibilities of this new country-. He has 
not made the high-sounding name here that perhaps he would have 
realized in other surroundings, but he has led a useful and upright 
life, and has won and held the good will and esteem of the honest, 
worthy people among whom he has lived. What is there in this life 
higher and greater and better than to acquit one's self fully and faith- 
fully of his duties, according to the circumstances in whjch he is 
placed? Heaven asks no more — and is not all else vanity? On such 
a one the shroud will rest as lightly as on the greatest of earth, and the 
reward beyond the grave will be at least as great. Arthur Borron, 
the subject of this sketch, was born September 26, 1808, and was 
the eldest son of tJohu Arthur Borron, of Lancashire, England, and 
Mary Geddes, of Leith, Scotland. His parents were married in 1807. 
John Arthur Borron, the father, was a representative of an old and 
respected family of Lancashire, a family settled there for many gener- 
ations, and he himself made that county his permanent home. He was 
for over thirty years a magistrate of the county and stood high in the 
esteem of the public. Dr. Borron's mother was the third daughter of 
Archibald Geddes, of Leith, near Edinburgh, Scotland. Her father 
was a man of sterling character and superior intelligence, a represent- 
ative of one of the best families of the vicinity of Leith. Young 
Borron's parents being in easy circumstances, he had excellent oppor- 
tunities to fit himself for the higher activities of life, having access to 
the best institutions of learning in both England and Scotland. He 
was early intended for the medical profession, and was educated Avith 
that object in view, receiving such an education as was thought proper 
in that country. From early boyhood up to the age of 15 he was 
under the instruction of a private tutor. In 1823 he entered the Free 
Grammar School of Manchester, where he continued until he became 
well grounded in the studies usually taught in the best class of the 
higher schools in this country, taking also a course in the higher 
branches of classical literature. From the Manchester Grammar 
School, after commencing his eighteenth year, he matriculated at the 
University of Glasgow, Scotland, in which he also attended the medi- 
cal lectures delivered by the professors of that eminent institution. 
Li 1828 he entered the University of Cambridge, England, one of the 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1063 

most famous institutions of learning in Europe, in which he took a 
course of tliree and a half years, graduating with distinguished honor 
and receiviusr the deo-ree of Bachelor of Arts. After this he 
continued his medical course, and two years later was honored 
with the degree of M.B., or Bachelor of Medicine. In 1835 Dr. 
Borron was married to Miss Adriana Dewindt Mills, youngest 
daughter of William Maynard Mills, a lady of superior culture and 
refinement. Meanwhile reverses of fortune in pecuniary affairs had 
overtaken him, and he decided to come to America. Accordingly 
in 1836 he emigrated to this country Avith his wife and came directly 
to the interior, or the West, locating in the first instance in Cooper 
county. Mo. Four years afterwards, however, he removed to Bloom- 
ington, then the county seat of Macon county. Here he enteral at 
once actively upon the practice of his profession. On the then fron- 
tier of America, Dr. Borron found a far different state of afiairs from 
that to which he had been accustomed in his native country. Speak- 
ing of the condition of things at that time in this county in a recent 
letter, he says : "Macon county was then but sparsely settled. A few 
were in moderate circumstances, but the majority were young people 
whose wealth was in rapidly increasing families. But they had strong 
arms and willing hearts, and were not discouraged by the hardships 
they were compelled to endure. Many were embarrassed by having 
to borrow money at 25 per cent interest with which to enter their land. 
From these and other causes the practice of medicine for several years 
was not remunerative. Being myself the only physician, with one 
exception, in the county, continued riding was very arduous. Bridges 
were few, necessitating the swimming of horses over the streams when 
in flood, or ' cooning ' it on fallen trees. Often after a ride of 20 
miles through deep snow a puncheon floor has served for a bed and pill- 
bags for a pillow. Crossing the Chariton when in flood was usually 
eflected in a dug-out canoe, sometimes far in the night, the horses swim- 
ming across behind the canoe. ' ' Thus Dr. Borron continued the practice 
of his profession, visiting the sick and administering to the suffer- 
ing whenever and wherever called for years. In 1853, having a family 
growing up around him and desiring to rear his sons in the country, he 
removed from Bloomington, locating on a farm in the county, on which 
he has since resided. Here he has continued to practice medicine, and 
has also carried on farming. For nearly half a century Dr. Borron has 
gtood in the front rank of his profession in this county. His services 
as a physician have been of inestimable value to those among whom he 
has lived, and the influence of his high character and of his learning- 
has ever been exerted for the best interests of those around him. No 
one was ever more highly esteemed, and justly so, by his neighbors and 
acquaintances than he. In 1876 the heaviest misfortune that can befall 
one in this life Dr. Borron was called upon to bear. His good wife, 
who for 41 years had stood by his side "through sunshine and 
shadow " one of the truest and best of women, was taken from him by 
death. She left him five sons. To his present wife, a most estimable 
62 



1064 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTT. 

and worthy lady, Dr. Borron was married in 1877. She was the widow of 
Josiah M. James, of Laclede county. Mo., who died whilst in the Union 
service. Her maiden name was Nancy Ann Terrell. Of her affection- 
ate kindness and unremitting attentions as a faithful and devoted wife 
he is deeply sensible. Dr. Borron has been a member of the Masonic 
order for over 40, years, and for many years of the Chapter. For 
several years he served as Master of Atlanta Lodge No. 268. 
Speaking of his past in Macon county, Dr. Borron bears this noble 
testimony to the character of the people among whom he has lived ; 
" I do not regret the experiences through which I have passed, rough 
though they have been, for I have been of some service I trust to the 
community and have learned to appreciate the old settlers, though 
plaiij in manner and speech, among whom I have lived. In their 
hearts I have found a true and noble humanity — men capable of the 
warmest and best friendships ; men who would go 10 or 15 miles to 
help one another in their log-raisings without fee or reward ; who 
would go on each other's errands, and unite to put in, tend and gather 
the crops of a sick neighbor. And the women, ' gentle sisters of 
charity,' ever ready to wait on the sick, by night or by day, and to 
give the last delicacy they had to comfort and relieve the suffering. 
Few of these old settlers now remain, and the remark of the com- 
panion of my earlier life often occurs to me, as she said with tears in 
her eyes : ' God bless the old settlers of Missouri ; they have been 
kind, good friends to us.' " 

JOHN W. BEOCKMAN 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser) . 
Mr. B., one of the leading farmers and thoroughly good men of the 
township, was in Randolph county, near Renick, March 4, 1840. His 
father, Stephen H. Brockman, was born in Keutucky, came to Missouri 
at the age of 14, and lived near Renick until his death in 1883. He 
enlisted in the Black Hawk War, but was in no engagements. J. W. 
grew up in Randolph county on the farm with common-school educa- 
tion. In 1862 he was for a few months in the militia. On the 16th 
of January, 1863, Mr. Brockman was married to Miss Sarah ^., 
daughter of Bevel Hamilton, formerly of Randolph. Mr. B. lived 
on the home place until 1865, when he moved to Macon and bought 
the farm where he now resides. He first bought 220 acres with about 
90 in cultivation. As his means permitted he added to his land, and 
now owns 450 acres, 390 fenced and nearly all in cultivation, meadow 
and pasture. His residence is large and handsome, his buildings new 
and his orchard fine. Mr. Brockman makes a specialty of feeding 
stock for the wholesale market, and ships a large number annually. 
Mr. B. has raised a large family of children, eight in number, viz. : 
Alice, Mary F., Tabitha M., Wilber H., Stephen B., Ida May, Thomas 
and Nellie Pearl. Besides these he has had under his care and pro- 
tection no less than five orphan children. Mr. B. and his wife are 
members of the Missionary Baptist Church at Love Lake, and he is a 
deacon in the church. 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1065 



GEORGE W. DODSON 

(Of the Firm of LydacsSb Dobson) . 

Mr. Dodson is a native of Macon county, and was born near Atlanta, 
August 17, 1849. His father, Judge Andrew Dodson, Avas from Vir- 
ginia, and his mother, Sarah Ingram Mathis, from North Carolina. 
They came to Missouri at an early day and first settled in Eandol^Dh 
county, but after living there a few years they moved to Macon, where 
the jmfer famiUas heciime one of the most influential citizens. He 
was a farmer and also county judge for several terms. He died No- 
vember 2, 1880. G. W. grew up on the ftirm, and his early education 
was obtained at the public schools ; he had in addition the advantao-e 
of several years' tuition at McGee College. After completing his 
studies he returned to the farm, but his taste leanins; in another direc- 
tion, he, in 1874, embarked in mercantile life at Atlanta, in Lyda 
township, where he is still in business. On Christmas Day, 1873, 
Miss Mary E., daughter of J. S. and Arminta D. Lyda, became his 
beloved wife. They have two children : Zula M. and Jessie R. Mr. 
Dodson was elected during the same year constable of his township, 
which office he held for a year. In 1880 he was elected justice of the 
township ; in 1882 was re-elected, and is still in office. Mr. and Mrs. 
D. are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and Mr. 
Dodson belongs to the I. O. 0. F., Atlanta Lodge 411 and is secre- 
tary of the order. 

ROBERT H. DUNNINGTON, M.D. 

(Physician and Surgeon). 

This young physician is one of the eminent and successful practi- 
tioners in the county. He was born in Macon county, February 25, 
1847. His father, Reuben Dunnington, moved from Virginia to Ten- 
nessee with his parents when a lad, growing up in Knox county. 
When he arrived at man's estate he moved to Cooper county, Mo., 
there married Miss Tabitha Davidson, from Tennessee, and in 1839 
settled in Macon county, at Love Lake. He entered land and improved 
a farm, upon which he still resides. .In this locality was spent the 
Doctor's boyhood. He attended the common schools, but also took a 
course at the Normal school at Kirksville, after completing which 
he began the study of medicine at Love Lake, under Dr. Gates, 
one of the leading physicians of the county. Dr. Dunnington 
took his first course at the Cincinnati Eclectic College in the 
winter of 1870-71, and in the spring commenced to practice his pro- 
fession with Dr. Gates at Love Lake. In 1872 he located at Atlanta, 
and has now a large, pleasant and ever-increasing practice. In 1873 
the Doctor took another course of lectures at Cincinnati, graduating 
in the spring. Two years later, never weary in the pursuit of knowl- 
edge, he took a course of lectures at St. Louis American Medical 
College, and received a diploma from that institution. In 1880, Dr. 



1066 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

D. engaged also in business, but sold out after one year, the demands 
of his profession being too exacting to admit of his attending to any- 
thing else. The Doctor was married at Monongahela City, Pa., March 
5, 1875, to Miss Sarah H., daughter of Joel Ketcham, of Pennsyl- 
vania, but only one and a half years of connubial bliss were vouch- 
safed to him. In July, 1876, Mrs. Dunnington departed this life. 
In 1880 the Doctor sought in the tender heart of a new bride to bury 
all thoughts of woe. He married Miss Sarah M., daughter of Dr. E. 
C. Still, a native of Macon county. This fair lady was richly endowed 
with every grace of mind, heart and person, and she made her home a 
paradise, but, December 24, 1883, her sainted soul fled to realms of 
celestial glory, and life is once more to her bereaved spouse a lone 
and loveless waste. Mrs. D. was a member of the M. E. Church. 
She left one child: Carl S., born April 1, 1882. Dr. Dunnington is 
a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and belongs to 
the Masonic fraternity at Atlanta, in which he has filled all the 
offices. 

EEUBEN DUNNINGTON 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser). 

Mr. Dunnington is a native of Virginia, born in Mecklenburgh 
county, January 26, 1810, and a son of Reuben Dunnington, Sr., and 
wife, whose maiden name was Mary Wright, both born and reared in 
the Old Dominion. In 1810 they removed to Anderson county, Tenn., 
where they lived for about 10 years. While there the second war 
with Great Britain occurred and the father joined the American army. 
He was with Gen. Taylor and was at Mobile at the time of the battle 
of New Orleans. Some years after his return from the war he 
removed to Morgan county of that State, where he settled permanently 
and lived until his death. Reuben, Jr., grew to manhood in Morgan 
county and came to Missouri in 1837 with John Davidson, locating in 
Cooper county, near Boonville. Two years later he came to Macon 
county and entered the land on which he now resides, where he im- 
proved his present farm. He first entered 80 acres, but added to it 
afterwards. He now has about 160 acres, having sold off the rest or 
divided it among his children. About 100 acres of his land is in 
cultivation and Mr, Dunnington has a good homestead which is com- 
fortably and substantially improved. On the 18th of July, 1838, 
Mr. Dunnington was married to Miss Telitha C, a daughter of Rev. 
Samuel and Catherine (Hope) Davidson, formerly of Tennessee, 
where Mrs. Dunnington was born and reared. Mr. and Mrs. Dun- 
nington have six children : C. Ellen, wife of Thomas Lyda ; William 
T., whose sketch appears in this volume; Isabelle D., the wife of 
John Ketcham, whose sketch is also in this work ; John C, Emeline, 
wife of A. C. Goodding. They have lost two, Mary E., wife of Henry 
Williamson, and James C, who died at the age of four years. Mr. 
and Mrs. Dunnington are both members of the Cumberland Presby- 
terian Church, in which Mr. Dunnington is a ruling elder. He is also 
a member of the Masonic order. Mr. Dunnington took no part in the 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1067 

war and never locked his door during the entire time, answering all 
calls in person without fear whether day or night, for he had no 
enemy on earth that he knew of and therefore had no fear of any one 
doing him hurt. 

ALPHEUS B. FOSTER 

(Proprietor of the Atlanta Hotel and Contractor and Builder). 

The wonderful change wrought in the appearance and condition of 
North Missouri since the war is, without a doubt, more largely due to 
the spirit of enterprise which the people of the North and East settling 
here have infused into life in this section of the State than to any 
other cause, and perhaps to all other causes combined. They build 
up a country wherever they go. Farms are opened, railroads built, 
school-houses erected, churches established and villages spring up on 
every hand. When Mr. Foster came to Atlanta in 1865 it was noth- 
ing more than a mere stage station. Now it is one of the most 
thriving railroad trade centers in the county and is steadily advancing 
in population and wealth as well as in business importance. To the 
Northern and Eastern people who have Settled here and in this 
vicinity, is largely due the credit for this change. Mr. Foster is a 
native of New York, born in Orleans county December 17, 1829. 
His father, Alpheus Foster, was from Vermont to that county and 
was one of the pioneer settlers of Orleans county. He was there 
married to Miss Sarepta Langdon, born and reared in New York. 
They continued to live in Orleans and reared their family there. Al- 
pheus B. grew up on his father's farm and was educated at the 
common-schools and also had the benefit of a course at the Albion 
High School. Subsequently he learned the carpenter's trade and fol- 
lowed that business continuously until 1865. March 10, 1853, he 
was married to Miss Lydia Atwell, a daughter of Joseph Atwell, of 
Orleans county. This has proved a union of singular congeniality 
and happiness and remains unbroken up to the present time. On 
coming to Missouri Mr. Foster engaged in the hotel business at At- 
lanta, his principle custom at that time being from travelers on the 
stage line between Macon City^ and Bloomfield. Later along the 
North Missouri Railroad reached Atlanta and business steadily 
increased. Mr. Foster enlarg-ed his hotel buildino; and has from that 
time to this improved his house until he now has one of the best cos- 
mopolitan hotels in this section of the State. His house is especially 
popular with commercial travelers by whom it is largely patronized. 
Mrs. Foster does her full part in keeping up the popularity of their 
house. A lady of fine business qualifications and refinement, she is at 
the same time genial and unassuming and makes herself pleasant and 
agreeable to her boarders and the public generally. Indeed, she 
mainly manages and conducts the hotel herself. Mr. Foster is occu- 
pied during the building seasons especially with contracting and 
building. Mr. and Mrs. Foster have had a family of three children, 
two of whom died in infancy. The other, Anna S., is also deceased, 
having died January 14, 1875, at the age of 16. She was just enter- 



1068 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

ing young womanhood and was a young lady of rare grace and sweet- 
ness of disposition. Tlie only loved one of her parents, she was held by 
them in the tenderest affection. Great care had been taken in bring- 
ing her up both with regard to her health and education, and she fully 
appreciated all that was done for her. No daughter was ever more 
worthy of the atiection of her parents. Gentle in thought and word, 
she so always bore herself to those around her that she invariably won 
their respect and esteem ; and of quiet, studious disposition, she had 
stored her mind with knowledge, so that she was not only a young 
lady of more than ordinary amiability and personal charms, but was 
possessed of superior intelligence and culture, not the less attractive 
for her conversation, always entertaining and instructive, than for the 
modesty of her manner. It seemed too sad to bear that one so loved 
as she was by her fond parents and so much esteemed by all, one so 
well fitted for life and whose future seemed so fraught with happi- 
ness to herself and loved ones and so bright, should be thus ruth- 
lessly taken away by the messenger of death. But the ways of 
Providence are mysterious and past finding out ; yet we know that 
God is good and merciful and all-wise, and that all he does is for the 
best. So that if the happy home-circle is broken up here by the loss 
of one most loved, we can but feel assured that that sorrow is en- 
dured only that all may the more certainly meet in Heaven, there to 
be re-united in ties of happiness and bliss that can never be broken. 
Mrs. Foster is a member of the Good Templars lodge. 

FINLEY B. GARDNER 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Dealer and Feeder). 

Mr. Gardner was born in Allegheny, Penn., February 13, 1851. 
His father, Joseph S. Gardner, and mother, Mary J. Neal, were both 
natives of the same county and State, where the former served for six 
or more years as township collector. He came to Missouri in April, 
1865, and settled on a farm that is still owned and occupied by the 
family. He bought first 320 acres of land and afterwards more from 
time to time until the two brothers now own 320 acres in partnership, 
besides 120 each personally. The old people live with William, who 
owns the old homstead. F. B. received a careful education in the 
common schools and now lives on his farm of 120 acres, which he has 
carefully improved and cultivated. He married in Shiawassee county, 
Mich., February 4, 1874, Miss Florence E., daughter of Albert Rann, 
of that county. Mrs. Gardner was well educated at the Normal and high 
schools and was for several years a successful teacher in Michigan. In 
October, 1871, Mr. Gardner went to Pioche, Nev., where he spent 
about two years in mining and lumbering. He was quite fortunate in 
his speculations, and is now making a decided success in his present 
occupation. Mr. and Mrs. Gardner have four children : Albert Rann, 
Benjamin F., Clyde Finlev and Ellen Estell. Mr. G. is a member of 
the I. O. O. F. 



HISTOEY OF MACON COUNTY. 1069 



RICHARD p. GOODDING 

(Farmer aud Stock-raiser). 

Mr. G. was born in Randolph county, December 27, 1826. His 
father, Capt. Abraham Goodding, was born in East Tennessee, but 
was raised in Kentucky, where he married Miss Nancy Rogers, a na- 
tive of that State. Mr. Goodding came to Missouri in 1816, and 
lived for six years in Howard county. In 1823 he moved to Ran- 
dolph, entered land and built the first cabin on the east side of the 
East fork of the Chariton river, north of Huntsville. After the death 
of his wife he left the place and lived near Renick with his son-in-law 
until his death. May 26, 1877. Mr. G. served in the War of 1812, 
and was in the battle of New Orleans. He was also captain of a com- 
pany in the Black Hawk War. He filled several local offices with much 
credit. R. P. grew up in Randolph county on a farm and attended the 
common schools. He came to Macon county in the spring of 1860, 
and married, in June of that year. Miss Nancy J., daughter of Joseph 
and Charlotte (Shelton) Ayers, formerly from Tennessee, and among 
the earliest settlers of the county. Mrs. Goodding was born in Mor- 
gan county, Tenn., and came to Missouri with her parents at the age 
of 11. Mr. G. had previous to his marriage bought and made some 
improvements on the place upon which he has since resided. He owns 
260 acres fenced and well cultivated. His place is well improved and 
in first-class trim. Mr. and Mrs. Goodding have six children : John 
R., married and resident of the county ; Isaac Wilhird, Mary Belle, 
Lucinda Frances, Edward F. and Herschel M. Mrs. G. is a member 
of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and her three oldest children 
follow in her footsteps, while their father belongs to the Missionary 
Baptist Church. Mr. G. is a member of the Masonic fraternity. 

GEORGE R. GOODDING & SONS 

(Proprietors of Livery and Feed Stable, Atlanta, Mo.) 

Mr. Goodding is the son of Abraham Goodding and Nancy Rogers, 
his wife, both from Kentucky. Mr. Goodding, Sr., came to Missouri 
about the year 1818 and settled in Randolph county ; he was the first 
white settler north of Huntsville on the east side of the East fork of 
the Chariton river. It was here that George R. was born, December 
13, 1828. He grew up on the farm, and was trained to agricultural 
pursuits, which he followed for many years. After Mr. Goodding's 
marriage, October 10, 1850, to Miss Eliza, daughter of Maj. Drury 
Davis, formerly from Virginia, he moved to Macon county, where his 
wife had grown up; he farmed in the county until 1881, when he 
moved to Atlanta and built the stables where he and his sons carry 
on the livery business. His sons are four in number: Alexander D., 
Andrew W., Drury O. and Joseph A. One son, Abraham W., died 
in infancy, and a daughter, Nancy E., in her tenth year. Mr. and 
Mrs. G. belong to the Missionary Baptist Church, and Mr. G. is a 



1070 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

prominent member of Atlanta Lodge A. F. and A. M. ; he is a worthy 
and valuable citizen. 

JOHN W. HARDGROVE 

(Merchant and Stock Dealer, of the Firm of C. W. Hardgrove & Brother, Vienna). 

Mr. H. is the son of Henry Hardgrove, of Pulaski county, Ky., 
who came to Missouri in 1840 and settled in Macon county ; here he 
married Miss Polly Farmer, also of Kentucky, and here John W. first 
saw the light September 14, 1844. He grew to manhood on the farm, 
receiving a common-school education. December 26, 1876, he led to 
the altar Miss Frances Winn, daughter of Joseph Winn, of Sangamon 
county, 111., but who was reared in Ottumwa, Iowa. They have one 
child, Joseph Henry, born July 10, 1880. Since May, 1877, Mr. Hard- 
grove has been a dealer in general merchandise at Vienna ; he has a 
large, carefully selected stock of goods, and has a flourishing trade. 
He and his brother buy and ship stock, cattle and hogs, to the whole- 
sale markets. In the last year they have shipped 12 car loads. Mr. 
H. was appointed postmaster at Vienna, Economy post-office, in 
1877, and has held the office ever since, giving universal satisfac- 
tion. 

WILLIAM B. HOLBECK 

(Of the firm of Landree & Holbecls, Dealers in Hardware, at Atlanta). 

Mr. Holbeck was born near Canton, in Fulton county. 111., May 11, 
1851. His father, William Holbeck, emigrated to this country from 
Germany when a boy of 16, He first made his home in Chicago, but 
afterwards in Fulton county, where he married Miss Amanda John- 
son, from Kentucky. In 1853 he moved his fiimily to Henry county, 
Iowa. In 1869 they made another move to Macon county. Mo., and 
here they have remained, the old man dying in July, 1871. W. B. 
was siven a good common-school education, and then went into a 
blacksmith and repair shop and worked as apprentice for five years. 
Previous to his father's death they opened together a shop at Vienna, 
and the son continued the business at that point until 1883. He then 
sold out and moved to Atlanta, and engaged in his present enterprise. 
The firm built the house they occupy and opened it to the public 
August 1, 1883. They have a fine stock of hardware, glass and 
queen's-ware as well as wagons and agricultural implements. They 
are doins; a rushing trade, and no young men deserve it more. Mr. 
H. married in Macon, October 29, 1871, Miss Josette, daughter of 
James Landree, formerly of Virginia. They have one child, Anna 
MyVtle. Mrs. Holbeck is a member of the Baptist Church, and Mr. 
H. is an Odd Fellow, belonging to Atlanta Lodge No. 411, of which 
he is Secretary. 

THEOPHILUS JONES 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser). 

In about the year 1820, Thomas Jones, a young man from Wales, 
came to America and settled in Pennsylvania. He shortly after mar- 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1071 

ried Miss Eleanor Williams, also a native of Wales, and to them was 
born February 21, 1844, Theophilus Jones, the gentleman a rough 
outline of whose life is here given. He was well educated, partly at 
the public schools and partly at the Lewisburg University. When 
his studies Avere completed, Mr. Jones took a position as clerk in a 
dry goods house in Baltimore. In 1867 he came west and was for 
two years in partnership with his brother, a merchant at Belpre, 
Washington county. In 1869 he came to Macon county. Mo., and for 
a year or so was engaged in the same line of business at Vienna. He 
then became a farmer, and has since devoted his life to agricultural 
pursuits. He has a farm of 200 acres, with 160 fenced and 140 in 
meadow, pasture and cultivation. His surroundings indicate his 
prosperity and thrift. Mr. Jones is identified Avith the Republicans 
and was their candidate for re^jresentative at the last general election. 
In 1878 Mr. J. was elected justice of the peace, and still holds that 
ofSce. He is a man of fine business qualifications and possesses the 
entire esteem and confidence of the community. January 1, 1876, Mr. 
J. married Miss Edna E., daughter of Orson Snow, who is else- 
where spoken of in these pages. Mrs. Jones was born in Kalamazoo 
county, Mich., and came to Missouri with her parents at the age of 
14. Mr. and Mrs. J. have two children, Owen W. and Edith. 

JOHN M. KETCHAM 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser). 

Mr. K. was born in Allegheny county, Pa., December 28, 1833. 
His parents, Joel Ketcham and Elizabeth Menown, were both natives 
of Pennsylvania, and Mr. K. was a man of prominence. He owned 
a large quantity of land, and amassed quite a fortune. He died in 
his native State in 1867. In the spring of 1866.J. M., who until that 
year had lived in Pennsylvania, moved to Macon county, Mo., and 
bought an improved place of 262 acres, on which he lived until 1880, 
then moving to his present farm about three miles distant. In his 
home place Mr. Ketcham has 160 acres, all in a good state of cultiva- 
tion, a large and tasteful residence and all other necessary buildings, 
and also an unusually fine orchard. He still owns the old place, which 
occupies 80 acres of timber and the balance fenced and in cultivation. 
Mr. K. makes a business of raising and dealing in sheep. He owns 
some fine Spanish Merino and good graded Cotswold, and has a flock 
that averages about 325 head. Mr. K. was married October 6. 1869, 
in Macon county, to Miss Bell A., daughter of Reuben Dunnington, 
and sister of Dr. Dunnington, of Atlanta. There are four children 
in the family : Ula Franklin, Wilmer Harvey, Clarence Nason and 
Ora Belle. In 1882, Mr. Ketcham was the Republican candidate for 
county judge. He and his wife belong to the Cumberland Presbyte- 
rian Church, in which Mr. K. is a ruling elder. 



1072 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 



JOHN S. LYDA 

(Of the firm of Lyda & Dodson). 

Mr. Lyda is one of the leading mercliants of Atlanta. He was 
born in White county, Tenn., January 1, 1835, his father, Gideon 
Lyda, being from North Carolina, while his mother, Miranda Defrese, 
was a native of North Carolina also. The family moved to Missouri 
in 1836, and after two years in Cooper county, settled in Macon 
county, 10 miles north of Macon City. Mr. Lyda improved a farm 
there and made it his home until his death, January 4, 1870. He was 
one of the survivors of the War of 1812. J. S. grew up in the coun- 
try on the farm and attended the common schools, but principally ob- 
tained his education by the fireside at night. In his twentieth year, 
November 23, 1853, Mr. Lyda was married to Miss Aramantha, 
daughter of John Y. Huffman, a girl of 15. This youthful couple 
settled on a farm four miles west of Atlanta where they lived until 
1866. Mr. L. then moved to Atlanta and went into mercantile busi- 
ness, carrying on a farm at the same time. Li 1880 he was elected 
sheriff of Macon county and sold out his interest in the store. Mr. 
Lyda is identified with the Democratic party, and has since been 
elected constable of his town. In 1882 he returned to Atlanta and 
re-purchased his interest in the store, the firm having a good brick 
building and a full line of general merchandise, in which they^are do- 
ing a good business. Mr. L. owns besides a handsome town residence 
and the store, a. farm of 135 acres of good land near Atlanta. It is 
well fenced and nicely improved, and in general good shape. Mr. 
and Mrs. L. belong to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and Mr. 
Lyda is a member of Truth Lodge, No. 268, A. F. and A. M. There 
are seven children : Mary E. wife of George W. Dodson ; Miranda F. 
wife of James Lanigan ; George T., married ; Nancy, wife of William 
Alexander; Lou Alice, Laura and Homer. Though Mrs. Lyda is 
not yet 44, she has a grand-child, 10 years old. 

E. L. LYDA 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser). 

Mr. L. is a brother to J. S. Lyda, of Atlanta, this county, whose 
sketch precedes this, and in which an outline of the family history has 
been given. E. L. Lyda, the subject of this sketch, was born in 
White county, Tenn., July 24, 1832, and came to Missouri with his 
parents when a boy five years of age. As stated in the sketch of J. 
S. Lyda, they first located in Cooper county, but two years after- 
wards came to Macon county, where they made their permanent 
home. E. L. Lyda grew up on the farm in this county, and had but 
limited school advantages. Still, by improving his opportunities, 
he succeeded in acquiring a sufBcient knowledge of books for all 
ordinary purposes in farm life. June 27, 1854, he was married to 
Miss Frances J. Burton, daughter of Elijah Burton, of Kandolph 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 



lo: 



county, one of the pioneer settlers of that county from Kentucky. 
Mr and Mrs. Lycla have been blessed with four children : Merinda 
E., wife of James W. Surber ; Mollie E., wife of Andrew Craw- 
ford; Araminta T., wife of John H. Powell, and Gideon C, now 
taking a course at St. James' Academy, in Macon City. After his 
marriage, Mr. Lyda bought land and located on his present farm. 
His career as a farmer has been one of satisfactory success. He 
has 300 acres of good land, 160 acres of which are fenced and all 
but about 10 acres in cultivation. Mr. Lyda has good, substantial 
improvements, and is comfortably situated. Mr. and Mrs. Lyda are 
members of the Baptist Church, at Atlanta, and he is a member of 
the Masonic lodge, and has filled all the chairs in the lodge. 

WILLIAM A. MILES 

(Farmer and Breeder of Thoroughbred Stock) . 
Mr. Miles was born in Franklin county, Va., November 7, 1825. 
His father, Armstead J., served a few months in the War of 1812. 
He was born in Virginia, October 15, 1796, married Miss Elizabeth 
A. Arthur, and moved, iu 1830, to Pulaski county, Ky. In 1839, he 
changed his residence to Macon county. Mo., entering land and im- 
provfng a farm in the vicinity of the present residence of William A. 
Miles. ° He lived there until the death of his wife, in May, 1857, 
broke up his household, and then spent his time in visiting alternately 
with his' children until his death, which occurwed July 13, 1880, at the 
home of his son, James C. Miles, in Adair county. William A. Miles 
was 14 when his parents left Kentucky ; the remainder of his youth 
was passed on the farm in Macon county, where his educational advan- 
tages were but limited. A man in those days seemed scarcely to feel 
secure in his own " grown-upness " until the clinging dependence of 
a wife brought it home to him. Mr. Miles was no exception to this 
rule, and, August 5, 1847, he espoused Miss Nancy, daughter of Jos- 
eph Daugherty, of Macon county. Of this union were born 12 
children :°Fouutain A., now married and living in Oregon; Joseph 
D., also married, and a resident of the county; Madison L., Mar- 
garet L., William N., Charles H. and Arthur B. Five children 
have been taken from them — two in infancy and three grown 
ones. James C. died March 31, 1875, in his twenty-seventh year, 
Thomas A. died July 19, in his nineteenth year and Melissa F. 
died January 21, 1882, also in her nineteenth year. After his 
marriage, Mr. Miles bought land in the north-east part of the 
county'^and improved a farm. He made one or two changes before 
he finally (in September, 1853,) settled on the land upon which he 
now resides. He has in his home place 360 acres, fenced: 60 in 
timber, used for grass and pasture, 220 in meadow and grass and 80 
under the plow. He has a comfortable residence and all other neces- 
sary buildings, also a fine bearing orchard. Besides this farm, Mr. 
Miles has two other pieces of land, an 80 and a 40-acre tract, unim- 
proved . He makes a specialty of breeding and raising for the markets 



1074 ' HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

thoroughbred short-horn cattle. He has a herd of 24 females and five 
males with Pioneer Duke, No. 44,564, recorded in the American Herd 
Book. His farm is also completely stocked with thoroughbred Cots- 
wold sheep and thoroughbred Berkshire hogs. He has some fine 
Plymouth Kock chickens. Mr. Miles started in the short-horn busi- 
ness in February, 1877, with two cows. He owes his present pros- 
perity to his own unaided business ability and hard work. He has 
a nice pond covering an acre of ground and stocked with German 
carp. Mr. Miles is a member of the Atlanta lodge A. F. and A. M., 
in which he has filled many of the offices. Such men as this are the 
mainspring of the prosperity of the country. 

JOSEPH D. MILES 

CSection 14) . 

Mr. M. is a son of W. A. Miles, whose biography appears before 
this, and is a native of Macon county, born on the home place, 
January 9, 1854, He was educated at the common schools, and 
trained for a farm. March 24, 1881, Mr. Miles led to the hyme- 
neal altar a blushing bride in the person of Miss Anna, daughter of 
P. Dunnington, from Tennessee, and one of the pioneer settlers of 
Macon county. Mrs. Miles was born, reared and educated in the 
country, and is one of its fairest ornaments ; young, beautiful, charm- 
ing, and withal of a gentle, loveable nature, she reminds one of Long- 
fellow's happy expression, 

"A smile of God thou art." 

After his marriage Mr. M. settled on the place upon which he now 
lives. It comprises 200 acres of land, all fenced, all in meadow, 
13asture and cultivation. The farm is well improved, with good 
buildings and nice orchard. Mr. Miles is a young man of fine prom- 
ise in every way. He is a member of Atlanta Lodge, Truth No. 
268, A. F. and A. M., and is senior deacon of his lodge. 

JOSEPH S. NEWMYER 

(Farmer and Raiser and Feeder of Stock). 

This gentleman Avas born in Fayette county, Penn., June 8, 1821, 
and is the son of Mary Strickler and Jonathan Newmyer, of the 
same county. The latter lived in Fayette until the death of his wife 
in 1866, and then broke up housekeeping and went to live with a 
daughter in Westmoreland county, and there died in 1879. J. S. was 
raised on the home farm, and obtained such education as his limited 
opportunities afforded. In November, 1842, he took for better or for 
worse, Miss Margaret Lipincutt, a young lady of Westmoreland 
county, and daughter of Samuel Lipincutt. Two years after his 
marriage Mr. Newmeyer moved to Adams county, III., where he 
made his home for 10 years. In the s-ummer of 1856 he came to 
Missouri and settled on his present farm. He just bought 320 acres 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1075 

of laud, of which 100 was improved. To this he has added exten- 
sively, and now owns 1,100 acres, all fenced, and about 750 
in meadow pasture and cultivation. He has also bought 360 
acres in Drake township, and 40 in Walnut, all unimproved. Mr. 
N.'s property is in good shape, and shows the master-hand; he 
has a comfortable residence and all necessary buildings. He makes a 
business of stall feeding, and averages yearly from one to three car 
loads of cattle, three of sheep and about 100 hogs. He is considered 
one of the most reliable men in the township. Mr. and Mrs. Newmyer 
have nine children: John, a man of family, and living in Kirksville ; 
Mary Ann, wife of John Richardson ; Katie, now on t^he tapis; Henry 
C, George, Hattie, William Lincoln, Grant and Joseph. Mrs. N. is 
a member of the Baptist Church. 

LEANDER O. PL ATT 

(Post-office, Atlanta). » 

Mr. Piatt was born June 19, 1840, in Kalamazoo county, Mich. 
His father, B. R. Piatt, was a native of New York, and married in 
1835 Miss Fidelia Hammond, also of New York. He then moved to 
Michigan, being one of the first settlers of Kalamazoo. He was su- 
pervisor of his township for a number of years and lived there until 
his death, in 1849. L. O. grew to manhood in his native county, and 
attended the common school. He farmed on the old homestead until 
1866, when he moved to Macon county. Mo., and at once established 
himself on his present farm. He owns 280 acres of land, all fenced, 
and nearly all in meadow, pasture and cultivation. His farm is well 
improved, and bears every mark of careful management and success. 
His orchard is particularly fine. In Kent county, January 1, 1863, 
Mr. Piatt was united in marriage to Miss Helen, daughter of Thomas 
and Catherine Blain, formerly from Orleans county. Mrs. P. is a 
native of Kent. There are three children in the family: Oscar B., 
now of Grand Rapids, Mich. ; Ollie, wife of John R. Goodding, and 
Euofene Delano. Mr. and Mrs. Piatt belong to the Cumberland Pres- 
byterian Church. 

GEORGE A. REDMON 

(Farmer and Stock-feeder). 

Mr. Redmon, who has followed farming practically his whole life, 
has thus far been quite successful, and is comfortably situated. He 
has a good farm of 200 acres, besides other lands, and has his place 
more than ordinarily improved. His residence is a neat and com- 
fortable one, and his fences are substantial, while his stables and other 
buildings are of an excellent class. He has a good orchard on his 
place, and has most of his farm in meadow, which he finds a profitable 
product. He is now feeding about 50 head of cattle and 100 head of 
hogs for the wholesale markets. Mr. Redmon is a native of Iowa, born 
in Van Buren count}"-, November 27, 1837. His parents, Dr. Solomon 
Redmon and Rebecca, nee Williams, were both natives of Kentucky, 



1076 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

and removed to Morgan county, III., in an early day. They subse- 
quently removed to Van Baren county, la., as early as 1837, a few 
months before George A.'s birth. The father was the pioneer physi- 
cian of VanBuren county, as well as one of its first settlers. In 1849 
he went to California, going in a large train of Argonauts across the 
plains, and being the only physician in the train. He died in Cali- 
fornia soon after reaching his destination. George A. grew to man- 
hood in Van Buren county, and had but limited opportunities to obtain 
an education. He learned enough, however, to manage his own aflairs 
successfully, and has picked up much information by reading since. 
He first started, out as clerk in a store at Birmingham, la., where he 
clerked for 18 months. He then came to Missouri, and settled in 
Macon county in 1858. Here he bought raw land, and improved the 
farm where he now resides. January 18, 1859, Mr. Redmon was 
married to Miss Elizabeth Harrison, a daughter of William Harrison, 
one of the pioneer settlers of Macon county from North Carolina. 
Mrs. Redmon was born and reared in Jones county of that State. 
Mr. Redmon continued to reside on his farm in this county until 1866, 
when he sold it and went back to Van Buren county, la. ; but having 
to take his farm back for non-payment of the purchase money, he 
came back to his place in 1869, and has since resided on it. Mr. and 
Mrs. R. have been blessed with 13 children : Ella M., deceased at the 
age of 20; Solomon L., John G. V., Thomas E., Josiah H., Mary 
S., James H., Benjamin F. and Alger A. They have lost four be- 
sides Ella — William E., Winefred E., Alma R. and Nellie, all of 
whom died at tender ages. In 1861 Mr. Redmon enlisted in the M. 
E. M., and served two years under Col. Eberman. August 3, 1864, 
he enlisted in Co. H, of the United States Forty-second Missouri in- 
fantry, and served until honorably discharged in March, 1865. Mr. 
and Mrs. R. are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Fair- 
view, of which he is the steward and a trustee. He is also a member 
of the G. A. R. 

EDWIN O. SNOW 

(Of Snow & Co., Merchants, Atlanta). 
Mr. Snow has been engaged in his present business since the fall of 
1883. His firm carries an excellent stock of general merchandise and 
has a substantial and steadily increasing trade. They keep a good 
class of goods and sell them at prices which protect them from injury 
by competition, for they can not be undersold by any other house in the 
countv. Dealing fairly with their customers, they retain their confi- 
dence and make their house one of growing popularity. Mr. Snow 
is, himself, a man of good education and business experience, and be- 
ino- a man of popular manners and address, he could hardly fiiil of 
success in any ordinary circumstances. He is a native of Michigan, 
born in the county of Kalamazoo, December 26, 1853. A sketch of 
his father's family appears on a former page of this work. Edwin O. 
was 13 years of age when they came to Macon county, and the re- 
mainder of his youth was spent on the fiirm in this county. Besides 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1077 

a good common-school education which he acquired, he attended busi- 
ness college, after which he returned to the farm and remained there 
until 1878. He now removed to Kansas and was engao-ed in farmino; 
and stock-raising there for about four years. From Kansas, in the 
fall of 1882, he went to Nebraska and engaged in the grocery business 
at Hastings. The following year, however, he sold out at Hastings 
and came back to Macon county, and engaged in his present business 
at Atlanta. On the 29th of December, 1876, Mr. Snow was married 
to Miss Cora M. Davies, a daughter of William Davies, of this county, 
but formerly of Baltimore, Md. Mrs. Snow was reared and educated 
at Baltimore, where she received an advanced education. She made 
a specialty of the study of instrumental music, and became highly ac- 
complished in that department. She taught instrumental music for 
several years, and was regarded as one of the finest pianists in the 
city. Mrs. Snow is a lady of superior musical talent and culture, 
and is highly prized in the best society of Atlanta and this vicinity. 
Mr. and Sirs. Snow have two children : Milo Herbert and Gilbert E. 
Mrs. Snow is a member of the Baptist Church. 

ORLA SNOW 

(Of the Firm of Orla Snow & Co., Dealers in General Merchandise, Atlanta, Mo.). 

Mr. Snow is a native of Michigan, and was born in Kalamazoo 
county, September 27, 1841. His father, Ansel Snow, from Massa- 
chusetts, when starting out in life went first to New York. He there 
met, loved and married Miss Arbelia Wilmouth, and continuing his 
travels, finally landed in Kalamazoo county, Mich. Here Orla S. re- 
ceived his first lesson in farming, as well as other branches of educa- 
tion. He attended the public schools, and remained in the county 
of his birth until 1865, which year he began, on the first day, by 
marrying Miss Marilla, daughter of Arden Beckley, formerly from 
Ohio, though Mrs. S. was born and reared in Lenawee county, Mich. 
The year after his marriage Mr. Snow moved to Macon county, Mo., 
bought a farm and was engaged in farming and stock-raising. It was 
not until September, 1882, that he embarked in his present business. 
He dwns his building which is handsome, new, and of brick, and con- 
tains a full line of general merchandise; Mr. S. has the confidence 
of his fellow-citizens and has secured a flourishing trade. He has a 
lovely family, numbering six children: Clara E., Lora Effie, Carey 
E., Orson E., Arthur M. and Ruby. Mr. Snow is a member of At- 
lanta lodge. No. 411, I. 0.0. F., has filled all the offices of the 
lodge and is now the Noble Grand. He holds the position of trustee 
of his township. 

ORSON SNOW 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser). 

Mr. S. is the son of Ansel Snow and brother of Orla Snow, of At- 
lanta, whose sketch appears in this history. Mr. Snow was born in 
Oswego county, N. Y., January 19, 1827. In 1837 he went with his 



1078 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

parents to Michigan, Kalamazoo county, and here spent most of his 
youthful years. He was given a good education at the public schools. 
Mr. Snow lived in Kalamazoo county until after the war, making 
farmino- his profession. In 1866, after a previous prospecting trip 
to Missouri, he moved to the State and bought a partially improved 
farm in Lyda township. This he subsequently traded for the one he 
now owns which contains 480 acres of land, 400 fenced and in culti- 
vation and meadow pasture. He has also given each of his sons a 
farm, for, of course, Mr. Snow is a married man. His first wife, to 
whom he was united October 22, 1848, was Miss Kosella, daughter of 
Timothy Ward, formerly from Ohio. By this marriage there were 
six children: Edgar G., now married in the county; Edna, wife of 
Theophilus Jones ; Edwin O., married and in business at Atlanta with 
Orla Snow; Julia, wife of J. J. Butler; Estella Ettie, a teacher, and 
Charles T. Mrs. S., who for 31 years had been a true and faithful 
companion to her husband, departed this life June 29, 1879. She 
was a woman of manifold excellencies and was adored by her husband 
and family as well as beloved by all who enjoyed the pleasure of her 
acquaintance. Mr. Snijw's second marriage was celebrated in Wap- 
pello county, Iowa, on the 17th of May, 1883, the fair lady being 
Mrs. Jane, widow of Jesse Lane, and daughter of John P. Still well, 
of Ithica, N. Y. Mrs. Snow has by her former marriage three chil- 
dren : Ella E., in Watertown, N. Y. ; Burritt S., telegraph operator 
at Creston, Iowa, and Everett C, also aii operator in Wyoming and 
agent at Farrel Station. Mrs. S. is a member of the Presbyterian 
Church. This family is one of the most prominent in the township. 

ORANGE WARD 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser). 
Mr. W. was born in Akron, Summit county, Ohio, June 7, 1827, 
and was the son of Col. Timothy H. Ward, who was a native of 
Vermont, and married Miss Rosella Ross, from N. Y. After his mar- 
riao-e he removed to Ohio, where he took a position of much promi- 
nence among men, standing always at the head of the advance to 
civilization and education in his day. He served as magistrate fbr a 
p-ood many years, and also as colonel of militia. Orange W. grew 
up in Summit county, and received a good common-school education. 
At the ao-e of 14 he was apprenticed in a carriage factory at Talmage, 
and remained there four years. He then worked for several years at 
Middlebury and Akron, and in 1847 was married to 'Miss Ann, 
dauo-hter of John Spellman, of Ohio. Directly after taking this im- 
portant step in life, Mr. Ward moved to Michigan, and was, until 
1866, eno-aged in buying raw land, improving and selling it. He 
lived successively in Kalamazoo, Barry, Kalamazoo again, and Oceana 
counties, and in the year above mentioned he moved to Macon county, 
Mo., in company with about 30 families, nearly all from Kalama- 
zoo. He bought the place upon which he now lives. It contains 210 
acres of land, in which his son has an interest, a comfortable house, 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1079 

good buildings, and orchard, etc. Mr. W. has sold 160 acres, as he 
did not need so much. He has served as justice of the peace, and 
was for a time collector of Oceana county, and has been for more than 
20 years school director. He is one of the progressive men of the 
township. Mr. and Mrs. W. have two children : George C, now a 
man of family, at Vienna, Macon county, and Mar}', wife of George 
Parsons. 

BENJAMIN H. WEATHERFORD, M.D. 

(Physician and Surgeon). 

Dr. Weatherford was born in Howard county, Mo., December 16, 
1824. His father and mother, David and Elizabeth (Grogan) Weath- 
erford, were natives of Virginia, and after their marriage emigrated, 
first to Tennessee, then, in 1819, to Howard county. Mo., and in 
1829 to Monroe county, and there the Doctor grew up on his father's 
farm. He attended the common schools of the county, and at the 
age of 21 went to Shelby ville to study medicine under Dr. McCord, 
an eminent physician of that county. He took his first course of lec- 
tures in the winter of 1848-49, at the Eclectic Medical College, at 
Cincinnati, to which he returned to complete the course after prac- 
ticing for some years both at Shelby ville and Bloomington. He then 
practiced in various places ; Kinmundy, Marion county. 111., Moberly, 
Mo., Kirksville, La Plata, and finally, in 1881, settled in Atlanta, 
and there has since remained. Though his health has interfered 
to some extent with his medical duties, Dr. Weatherford has been 
very successful in his profession, and has been of incalculable benefit 
to suffering mankind. He has the entire confidence and affectionate 
regard of a boundless circle of friends. The Doctor married in Shel- 
byville, in April, 1848, Miss Lucy Marmaduke, daughter of J. B. 
Marmaduke, of Shelby county, but after a few years she faded away, 
having lost in infancy both of her children. In 1854 Dr. Weather- 
ford chose for her successor Mrs. Julia Ann, widow of George W. 
Sharp, by whom she had two sons : the Rev. James E. Sharp, a very 
talented speaker, now in charge of the Cumberland Presbyterian 
Church, at Moberly, and the Rev. George W. Sharp, also a minister 
of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and a preacher of more than 
ordinary ability. He has been working in the interest of the American 
Sunday School Union for three or four years past, but does a great 
deal of preaching while establishing Sunday Schools. He has the 
reputation of being one of the most active and efficient workers in the 
cause. Dr. W.'s wife died in July, 1880, and he is still a widower. 
He has been a life-long Democrat, and in 1860 represented the county 
with much brilliancy. In 1861 the Doctor went into the Confederate 
services as a surgeon, which experience has been invaluable to him 
in that branch of his profession. He is a member of the Masonic 
Order, Blue Lodge, and Royal Arch Chapter, and is also an Odd 
Fellow, in both of which orders he has filled all the offices. 

63 



1080 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

JAMES L. WOOD, M.D. 

(Physician and Merchant). 
Dr. Wood was born in Knox county, Ky., December 9, 1809. His 
father, Capt. John Wood, was the first settler of what was known as 
the wilderness of Kentucky, and built a block house at the Hazle- 
patch for protection against the Indians. He also had command of a 
company. He married Miss Margaret Mane, of Pennsylvania, and 
lived in Kentucky until his death. The Doctor grew up in his native 
county on a farm and received a good English education. He com- 
menced the study of medicine in 1844, under Dr. Bartlett, of Louis- 
iana. He took a course of lectures at the St. Louis Medical College 
in the winter of 1845-46, also in 1846-47, and graduated in the spring. 
On receiving his diploma Dr. Wood went into partnership with Dr. 
Bartlett and continued to practice at Louisiana until 1854. He then 
lived in various places, viz. : St. Charles county. Mo., Moro, 111., and 
in 1865 moved to St. Louis, Mo. He practiced there for a year, at- 
tending at the same time the Eye and Ear Infirmary, next lived for 
four years in Macon City, and finally in 1870 settled at Love Lake 
where he now lives. The Doctor has given up the practice of his pro- 
fession and become a merchant. He carries a good stock of general 
merchandise. He was for 12 years railroad agent at this station. 
Dr. Wood occupied several positions of trust while in Louisiana. " He 
was recorder and treasurer, was examiner of teachers, and filled several 
minor local offices. He was postmaster at Love Lake for 12 years, 
and was deprived of the position because he would not contribute to 
the election of Garfield. In 1880 the Doctor married in Knox county, 
Ky., Mrs. Susanna Logan, daughter of Luke Watkins, one of the old 
pioneers of Kentucky, from Virginia. Mrs. W. died in Louisiana in 
about 1847. There were three children, two of whom reached years 
of discretion. But one now survives, viz. : Henderson Wood, in the 
railroad business at St. Joe. In 1849, in Louisiana, the Doctor chose 
a second wife, Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Richard Fentum, an English- 
man by birth. Mrs. Wood was born in Lincoln county, Mo. Eleven 
children vi^ere born of this union, of whom on^ only is now living : 
Margaret Ann, wife of B. F. Atterberry, of La Plata. Dr. and Mrs. 
Wood are members of the M. E. Church South, and the Doctor has 
been for 35 years a Mason. 



VALLEY TOWISrSHIP. 



DANIEL C. JONES 

(Farmer, Section 19). 

This gentleman was the son of Thomas and Jane Jones, natives of 
Wales, where Daniel C. was born, August 9, 1835. He was raised 
on a farm, and received a common-school education. Upon coming 
to America, he adopted farming as his calling, and settled in Macon 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1081 

county. He owns 106 acres of land, and raises principally hay, 
though he has some good stock. Mr. Jones married, in 1866, Miss 
Jane Jones, of Chicago, daughter of Peter and Benedict Jones, from 
Wales. There are three children living and one deceased ; the first 
are Benedict D., Thomas T. and David Francis. Jane sleeps in the 
bosom of her God. Mr. and Mrs. J. are members of the Presbyterian 
Church at New Cambria. They are worthy and deserving people. 

EDWAED C. LLOYD 

(Farmer, Post-office, Callao) . 
The large number of the better class of citizens of Macon county 
who old Virginia has contributed to the county, is shown by a mere 
glance at the names and nativity of the subjects of the bioo-raphical 
department of this work. The Old Dominion has given to Macon 
county more of its residents than have been furnished by any other 
State except, perhaps, Kentucky, and nine out often Kentuckians are 
either themselves originally from Virginia or the representatives 
by descent of old Virginia families. In common with many of our 
best citizens, Mr. Lloyd also is a native of Virginia. He was born 
in Bedford county, of the Old Dominion, January 8, 1829. His 
father was Henry C. Lloyd, and his mother, before her marriao-e, was 
a Miss Temperence Meadow. The father was a former by occu°3ation, 
and Edward C. was brought up to understand all about farming. At 
the age of 21 he made his home in Kentucky, and as that State is 
famous for its fair women, he was not many years in the Blue Grass 
Commonwealth until he met one of whom he thought as Lorenzo de 
Medici thought of La Nencia da Barberino : — 

" Beyond all noble fortunes, fortunate 

He'll be who takes her to his happy bosom. 
Well might he call his stars glorious and great 

Whose lot it is to wear this heavenly blossom! 
Well may he take his peace thenceforth with Fate, 

And lightly bear whatever ills should cross him. 
Who clasps fair Nencia as his wedded wife, 

White as wild wax and with love's honey rifel" 

He devotedly paid his fair one court, and his suit resulted as they 
usually result where the suitor is worthy of a true woman's regard. 
Accordingly, on the 24th of March, 1853, he was married to the' one 
he loved more than all others on earth, and Miss Martha Wilson 
became his happy bride. She was a young lady of singular attractive- 
ness of person and manners, and rare sweetness of disposition. She 
was a daughter of M. K. Wilson, of Meade county, Ky., but 
afterwards of Macon county. Mo. This union proved a long and 
happy one, and was blessed with several children. Meanwhile, in'l855, 
Mr. Lloyd moved to Missouri, and located first in Lewis county, but 
two years later came to Macon county, where he has since resided. 
Here he has followed farming and stock-raising with great industry, 
and has not only brought up his family in comfort, but has aceumu- 



1062 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

latecl a comfortable property. He has a good farm of 160 acres, one 
of the desirable homesteads of this part of the county. August 26, 
1874, Mr. Lloyd had the misfortune to lose the wife of his early 
manhood days, the one who for over 20 years had been by his side, 
his solace and comfort through all the vicissitudes of life, and who, it 
mattered not how the storm of misfortune or adversity raged without, 
made the sacred confines of his home one of singular peace, and 
encouragement and happiness. She was a rare woman in many 
respects, and in every respect a true and loving wife and devoted 
mother. She died buoyed in the last hour and last moment of life by 
that supreme and happy faith in the promise of the Redeemer that 
the grave shall be but an entrance to a life eternal. Of their family 
of children eight are living. Mr. Lloyd has no children by his present 
wife. She was a Mrs. Martha M. Beers before her marriage to him, a 
daughter of Thomas and Lucinda Davis, formerly of New York. Mrs. 
Lloyd is a most excellent and amiable lady, and is highly thought of 
by all her neighbors and acquaintances. Her first husband, Daniel 
Beers, to whom she was married in 1840, died in the Union army at 
Columbus, Ga., in 1865. She has four sons by her first marriage: 
James B., of Colorado ; Lyman A. of Illinois ; Henry W. and Charles 
N., who died in January, 1884, at the age of 22. Mr. and Mrs. 
Lloyd are members of the Baptist Church, and he is a member of the 
A. F. and A. M. in Kentucky. 

DANIEL OWEN 

(Farmer, Section 31). 

Mr. Owen is of Welsh birth, and the son of Stephen and Sarah 
Owen, and first saw tiie liglit October 16, 1810 ; his parents were 
both born in Wales. Daniel was raised on a farm in his native coun- 
try and lived there until 1876, when he emigrated to America, coming 
directly to New Cambria, Macon county. He is here engaged in farm- 
ing and stock-raising; he owns a fine farm of 100 acres and is well-to- 
do in the world. Far from the scenes of his childhood he has made a 
new home as fair and almost as dear, and in this strange land his vir- 
tues find ready acknowledgment, his sturdy worth ungrudging admir- 
ation. In 1836 Mr. Owen married Miss Maria Morris, daughter of 
Thomas and Eleanor Morris, all of Wales. They have three children : 
Alexander, Margaret and Martha. Mr. and Mrs. Owen are members 
of the New Cambria Baptist Church. 

RICHARD C. PHIPPS 

(Post-office, Callao). 

Mr. Phipps, the son of J. W. and Anna (Crystal) Phipps, natives 
of Kentucky, was born in the Blue Grass State October 21, 1829. 
When he was but one year old his parents emigrated to Randolph 
county, Mo. He grew up on the farm and was educated at the com- 
mon schools of the county. When he reached the age of 24 he went 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1083 

by himself to Macon county and bought a farm in what was then 
Liberty but is now Valley township, and branched out into a full 
fledged farmer and stock-raiser. Of the latter he makes a specialty, 
and still resides in Valley townshi^D. His farm is very far above the 
average of those in the county and has all the newest and most mod- 
ern conveniences and improvements. Mr. Phipps is in every sense a 
progressive farmer, and believes in keeping up with the times. In 
the year 1855, on the 25th of October, Mr. P. led to the altar a blush- 
ing bride. Miss Catherine Humphreys, a daughter of Martin and Eliza- 
beth (Staufield) Humphreys, natives of Kentucky. They have six 
children : William Pay, born August 31, 1856, now married to Miss 
Mattie Goodson, daughter of John E. Goodson; Mady Morella, born 
October 12, 1858, wife of John M. Burton ; Lizzie Martin, born June 
27, 1861, now the Avife of Paul Burton ; Charlie Lee, born May 4, 
1864, married to Miss Mary Fletcher; Effie Ann, died in 1869, and 
interred in Callao cemetery; and Carlos Bual, born September 22, 
1873. Mr. and Mrs. Phipps are members of the Old School Baptist 
Church. Mr. P. was for two years assessor for the township. 

JOHN KEES 

(Farmer, Section 30). 

Mr. Rees was born March 1, 1818, in Wales. He was raised on 
the other side of the ocean and taught the carpenter's trade, at which 
he worked until 1854. He then determined to try his fortune in this 
" land of the free and home of the brave. " He landed in New York 
with a light purse, but a strong spirit. He followed his trade for a 
few years in Schuylkill county. Pa., and then in 1866 came to Macon 
county. Mo. His pluck brought him safely through, and he is 
now one of the most flourishing farmers in the township. He owns 
300 acres of land, all well improved and in a good state of cultivation. 
His name is the synonym for honesty iind integrity, and serene in the 
consciousness of a life well spent, he now basks in the sunshine of 
prosperity. Mr. Rees was married in Wales, in 1845, to Miss Mary 
Williams, daughter of Joseph and Sarah Williams, natives of this 
soil. Of this marriage were born 10 children, viz. : Joseph, Han- 
nah, now Mrs. Evans; Mary, now Mrs. Phillips; Jeanette, John, 
Thomas and Maggie. Ann, Sarah and Rees are deceased. Mr. and 
Mrs. Rees belono- to the Consiireo-ational Church at New Cambria. 

EVAN W. ROBERTS 

(Section 29). 

Among the oldest and best citizens of Valley township is the sub- 
ject of this sketch, the son jof William and Mary Roberts, of Wales. 
Evan W. was born in that country May 10, 1831. He came to Macon 
county in March of the year 1858, and has been here ever since. He 
owns 160 acres of pleasant lying land which he has in first-clnss 
order. He has some good graded stock. October 3, 1851, Mr. 
Roberts married Miss Jane Roberts, but after giving birth to several 



1084 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

children, two of whom, Kobert E. find Mary Jane, are living, this 
gentle ladj slipped quietly away to dwell forever in a heavenly man- 
sion, where no harp of gold makes sweeter music than hers. Decem- 
ber 11, 1867, Mr. R. was again married to Miss Hannah, daughter of 
Kev. Edward and Maria Meredith, natives of Wales. He and his family 
are Presbyterians. During the war Mr. Roberts belonged to the 
Forty-second Enrolled Missouri Militia, and served at intervals for 
three years. He has been for a number of years acting agent for the 
Hannibal and St. Joe Railroad. 

WILLIAM D. ROBERTS 

(Post-office, New Cambria) . 

Mr. R. was one of the first of the Welsh settlers in New Cambria. 
He was born December 31, 1826, in Wales, and came to this country 
with his parents, David W. and Miriam Roberts, when a child. They 
lived for a number of years in Oneida county, N. Y., then removed to 
Waukesha county, Wis., where the old people died, the father in 1857, 
the mother in 1881. In 1854, in Lewis county, N. Y., William D. 
was married to Miss Catherine Williams, daughter of Daniel and 
Eleanor Williams, of Wales. Mrs. Roberts herself was born in 
Oneida county, N. Y. Four children were born of this marriage, 
Miriam Ellen, now Mrs. Baldwin; David A., Minnie, now Mrs. Bun- 
dren ; and Margaret C. The movement in favor of a Welsh colony was 
first agitated in 1863 by a gentleman from New York, and during the two 
following years it was established in Macon county, Mo. The family of 
Mr. Roberts was the first t© arrive. They settled in what was then 
called Stockton, but is now New Cambria ; and Mr. R. built the first 
house in the place, which was a hotel for the accommodation of all who 
should come. He is therefore identified with all the best interests of 
the town, and none of the citizens have its welfare more at heart. 
Mr. Roberts is a farmer, owning 500 acres of land well cultivated, 
and with good buildings, etc. ; his stock is specially fine. Mr. and 
Mrs. Roberts are connected with the Congregational Church at New 
Cambria, and Mr. R. is a member of the I. O. O. F. at that place. 

JAMES M. SENEY 

(Farmer, Section 1, Post-office, Callao, Mo). 

Mr. S.'s father, Ira Seney, was born April 12, 1807, in Kentucky. 
He married Miss Susan Sluth, a native of Ohio, in the year 1827, in 
Shelby county, Ind., and continued to live in that locality until 1835 ; 
he then removed to Randolph county, Mo., but after a residence of a 
few months again moved to Macon county, and settled in Valley town- 
ship, then Liberty, on the same farm the son James now owns and 
lives on. He was one of the pioneers of the county, there being only 
two families in it at the time of his emigration. Mr. Ira Seney raised a 
family of 11 children, all living except two, who died in infancy. They 
were respectively : Nancy Ann died in 1832 at the age of two years ; 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1085 

Averrilla, wife of Alexander Steadraan, of Macon ; Mary Ann, at 
home ; Lucinda, wife of J. W. Cavender ; Albert G., who married a 
daughter of A. T. Steadman, of Iowa, and living in Macon county; 
Robert M., who fell on Red river under Price while bravely battling 
for the rights of the heroic but doomed South ; a nation not less no- 
ble though vanquished remembers with tears the fate of this one of 
her departed heroes; Wilbur J., who married Amanda, daughter of 
William Knight, now a widower ; Caroline, wife of John Bohers, of 
Macon county ; James M., at home, and John L., who married Laura 
Raines, daughter of Robert Raines, of Macon county. The father of 
this family met with his death in March, 1847, through an accident. 
He was killed by a fall while building a house. James M., the sub- 
ject of this sketch, was born February 20, 1844. He was educated in 
Missouri at the public schools and has lived always in Macon county ; 
indeed, has never left it except for a few months at a time in search of 
health. He is a farmer and has 60 acres of as good land as ever 
smiled beneath the sky; his improvements are first-class. Mr. Seney 
was a soldier in the late war under Gen. Price ; he enlisted in Sep- 
tember, 1861, in the Third regiment of Missouri State Guards, and was 
in the battles of Lexington, Mo., and Pea Ridge. At the latter he re- 
ceived a wound in his hand, of which he still bears the mark. Mr. S. 
belongs to the Good Templars of Liberty township, and took part in 
the Grange movement of 1873. He is an unmarried man, and 

Many an eye marks his coming 
Ami shines brighter when he comes. 

He is one of the finest young men in the township. 



MOKROW TOWlSrSHIP. 



I 



WILLIAM M. EPPERLY 

(Section 24), 

Mr. E., a native of Randolph county. Mo., was born February 5, 
1839. His father, David Epperly, was from Wayne county, Ky., as 
also his mother, who has since died in Randolph. William M. grew 
up on a farm and attended the county schools, finally taking a course 
in English, Latin and German at Mount Pleasant College. About the 
time he reached manhood war was declared between the North and 
South, and he enlisted in Sterling Price's army. He was under Van- 
dorn, Hindman and Holmes. When the soft voice of peace prevailed 
over the thunders of war, Mr. Epperly took up the ferule in place of 
the musket, and for 10 years his battles were waged with the ignor- 
ance, stupidity or obstinacy, as it chanced, of unruly urchins. He 
taught in Randolph and Chariton counties. Mr. E. is now a farmer. 
He owns 180 acres of land which is all in good order, and among other 



1086 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

improvements contains a line orchard of apple and peach trees. Mr. 
Epperly is a married man, having taken to wife on the 13th day of 
January, 1876, Miss Sarah E. Somers, daughter of Weimer Somers, 
now of Macon county, Morrow township, formerly from Kentucky. 
Mrs. E. is a native of Macon, and was educated at the public schools 
of the same. She has been for nine years a member of the Mission- 
ary Baptist Church. They have two children : Elmer and Mollie; one 
not of the earth, earthy, has soared to that heavenly realm "where 
all is peace and joy and love." Mr. Epperly is much respected by all, 
and occupies the responsible oflSce of justice of the peace. 

PEYTON Y. HURT 

(Post-office, Callao). 

Mr. Hurt was born in Howard county. Mo., March 28, 1838. His 
father was a Virginian by birth, moved to Kentucky and there mar- 
ried Miss Jemima Winn, daughter of John Winn and s-randdauirhter 
of Col. Winn, of South Carolina. He then came to Missouri and 
settled in Howard county, near Glasgow, and here Peyton Y. was 
reared. He attended the common schools first and finished his edu- 
cation at the Glasgow Academy. In his younger days he was a 
farmer. In 1845 he removed to Chariton county, and for five years 
was superintendent of a tobacco factory. There he met, loved and 
married November 28, 1848, Miss Eliza F. Harrelson, daughter of 
James M. Harrelson, of Caswell county, N. C. By this marriage 
there are seven living children, viz. : Olivia F., wife of John L. An- 
derson, of Macon county, formerly of Kentucky; Elizabeth J., wife 
of William J. Powell, of Morrow township, formerly of North Caro- 
lina; Grizzella A., wife of Dr. W. F. Morrow, of Kirksville, Mo. ; 
Leonidas Bascom, who married Miss Ella Lyles, of Macon county ; 
Luther A., Ida Alice, wife of Thomas C. Cravin, of Randolph 
county, and Martin Leftridge. Those deceased are Isabella, Eleanor, 
Monroe and Eliza J., all of whom died in infancy. In 1849 Mr. 
Hurt moved to Macon county, still engaging in farming. The fol- 
lowing year he was elected justice of the peace, which office he held 
for 13 years. In 1872 he was elected one of the judges of the county 
court, and was chosen to represent the Western district of Macon 
county in the Twenty-ninth General Assembly of the State. He has 
also been trustee of the township for a number of years. The Judge 
was left a widower July 9, 1878, and on the 15th of January, 1879, 
he led to the altar a second wife in the person of Mrs. Mary A. Ter- 
rill, widow of Keeling L. Terrill, formerly of Henry county, Ky., and 
daughter of James Perrin, of Breckinridge county, Ky. Mrs. H. has 
three children by her first marriage: Mattie C., wife of M. C. 
Burns, of Macon City; Luther L., just home from Central College, 
and Julia A. There is no family by the second union. Judge Hurt's 
family on the mother's side sprang from the Hampton fiimily. He 
is one of the wealthiest and most influential men in the township. 
He is a member of the M. E. Church South, in which he has been 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1087 

since his youth steward and class leader. He also belongs to the A. 
F. and A. M. Mrs. H. when she was 17 years of age, joined the 
Baptist Church, but after her second marriage became a member of 
the M. E. Church South. 

SINGLETON LYLE KASEY 

(Post-office, Kaseyville). 

Mr. Kasey is the son of Singleton Lyle Kasey, Sr., who was born 
October 1, 1796, near Liberty, in Bedford county, Va. He was a 
farmer, raising principally tobacco. He first emigrated to Kentucky, 
and in 1868 to Missouri, where he has since died. His wife was the 
daughter of James Boatright, a farmer on the Cumberland river, Va., 
who also moved to Kentucky. Mr. Kasey' s grandfather, Alexander 
KaSey, Sr., was also a native of Bedford county, Va., while his great- 
grandfather, James Kasev, Sr., was from Ireland. The latter fouffht 
in the Revolutionary War, and was in the battle of Guilford Court 
House, Gate's Depot, and at Yorktown. Mr. Kasey himself was born 
June 8, 1838, in Breckinridge county, Ky. He received a liberal edu- 
cation in the hiofher Eno-lish branches as well as in Latin and French 
at a high school at Big Spring, in Meade county. In 1866 he moved 
to Missouri and settled at Kaseyville, Macon county. He is a farmer 
and also a merchant. Since 1867 he has held the office of postmaster, 
with which he combines the duties of notary public. On the 6th of 
November, 1878, Mr. Kasey married Miss Octavia Stanley Hall, 
dauo-hter of Judo-e William Ausnstus Hall. The Judo^e was born in 
Maine, but was taken when a child to Virginia. He was raised at 
Harper's Ferry and educated at Frederickstown, Harvard [Cam- 
bridge] and Yale. At the latter place he studied law, and moving in 
1835 to Missouri, settled in Randolph county. He was a representa- 
tive in Congress for two terms. For 15 years he, with marked ability, 
graced the office of circuit judge. Mrs. Kasey 's grandparents on both 
sides by her father were from England ; her mother. Miss Octavia 
Stanley Sebree, was one of the fairest flowers of that land of gorgeous 
bloom, Florida ; she was a native of Pensacola, but left it when a girl 
of 16. She was married July 29, 1847. Mrs. Kasey, a lady of fine 
natural gifts and brilliant accomplishments, was educated with unusual 
care. She first attended Mt. Pleasant College, in Randolph, and 
afterwards the Convent of the Visitation, at Frederick Cit}^ Md. 
She took a thorough course, including music and French, and gradu- 
ated with the highest honors. Mr. and Mrs. Kasey have two children, 
a son, James Singleton, aged three years, and a daughter, Sebree 
Preble, aged two. This is one of the most cultivated, polished and in- 
teresting families in the township. Mr. Kasey is jDossessed of fine mind, 
charming address and a boundless stock of information. But few men 
have more influence. He is a member of the A. F. and A. M., and 
in 1877 was a delegate to the grand lodge. Mr. Kasey's grandmother, 
wife of A. Kasey, was Lurana Shaon, of Virfrinia. His^ great-grand- 
mother, wife of James Kasey, Sr., was Mary Kennedy. Mrs. Kasej's 



1088 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

grandmother, mother of Hon. William A. Hall, was Statira Preble, of 
Maine. Her grandmother, wife of Capt. William Sebree, was Miss 
Ann Brickell, of North Carolina. 

CHARLES CURTIS PIERCE. 

(Farmer and Stock-Raiser). 

This young farmer, of brilliant mind and more than ordinary ac- 
quirements, is a native of Marion county, Ky. In that county he 
spent the first nine years of his life, then moving to Daviess county, 
of the same State. Immediately afterwards his father died, and he 
went to live with a cousin also in that county. At the end of a year 
he moved to Muhlenburgh county, and was there educated at the high 
school. He received a thorough training in all the higher English 
branches as well as in Latin. When Mr. Pierce first came to Mis- 
souri, in 1859, he settled in Randolph county, near Huntsville, where 
he was engaged until 1864 in farming and milling with his step-father. 
For the next few years he was agent in Kentucky and Indiana for a 
fan-mill factory. In 1867 Mr. Pierce returned to Missouri and for 
10 years taught in the public school. The quickness of his intellect 
and his varied store of information eminently qualified him to lead 
the impressionable mind of youth into the most fertile fields of knowl- 
edge. Mr. Pierce is now a farmer, in which vocation he distinguishes 
himself no less than in that of preceptor. 

WILLIE VILEY YATES, M. D. 

(Physician and Surgeon) . 

Dr. Yates, a popular young physician of Kaseyville, was born No- 
vember 3, 1839, in Randolph county. Mo. He is on his father's side 
of Scotch-Irish descent, on his mother's, of Welsh. Both branches 
were in the colonies before the Revolutionary War. The head of the 
Yates family came to America and settled in Maryland, having lost 
an arm in the British service before he left his native country. He 
raised two sons, one of whom had 20 sons, who married and scattered 
all over the colonies. The other had two sons, who settled in Vir- 
ginia, and of this branch springs the representative of the family 
of whose life this sketch treats. His father was born in Caroline 
county, Va., on the 29th of August, 1796. He moved to Kentucky 
first, and afterwards in 1833 to Randolph county, Mo., where he died 
in 1872. He was educated for a lawyer in Latin, Greek and English 
literature at a college in his native State. His wife, to whom he was 
married in Kentucky, was also a Virginian. Dr. Willie Yates was 
raised and educated in Randolph county. He was taught principally 
at the public schools, but attended Mt. Pleasant College one term. 
He spent his boyhood chiefly on a farm, where his father raised a 
large number of negroes. The Doctor studied medicine first under 
his brother Paul C. Yates, at Jacksonville, Randolph county, after- 
wards with Dr. Terrell of Darksville. He also attended the Missouri 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1089 

Medical College, from which institution he received his M. D. in 1871. 
He first practiced for five years in Macon county at College Mound, 
but since 1877 has been at Kaseyville. Dr. Yates has been twice 
married, the first time in 1872 to Miss Mary Rebecca "Wright, a 
daughter of John G. Wright of Jacksonville, and a most lovely and 
accomplished lady. But death loves a shining mark, and after three 
years of happy life claimed her for his own. She left one child, a 
little girl now eight years old, called Laura Elma. In 1876 Dr. Yates 
espoused Miss Laura Marston Wright, a sister of his first wife, by 
whom he has one son, John Edward, aged six years. Mrs. Yates is 
a graduate of McGee College. Her grandfather, a Virginian by birth, 
moved to Kentucky before the War of 1812, of which he was a pen- 
sioner ; he took part in the battle of New Orleans. At the time of 
his death six years ago he had reached the advanced age of 93. Her 
mother was born in Tennessee, but was of German parentage. Her 
father was a preacher in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, in the 
movement for the development of which he was conspicuous. It was 
to his (Willie Yates') great grandfather on his mother's side, a Mr. 
Sutton, that a transfer of land between Crab Orchard and George- 
town was made by Patrick Henry. Dr. Yates is one of the most em- 
inent physicians in this section of the county. His winning manner 
brings him a large practice, which his wonderful skill and success 
make it easy for him to keep. For him life v/ears her brightest smile 
and the future beckons him on with rosebud finger. Kaseyville, the 
scene of the Doctor's triumphs, was built in 1867. ^Its post-office 
and lodge-room however were not completed until 1874. Lodge No. 
498, A. F. and A. M. was chartered in 1877. The lodge-room is over 
the church. The present officers are : D. D. G. M., David Baird of 
Kirksville; Past W. M., W. D. Singleton, J. J. Buster and Single- 
ton Kasey. Dr. Yates fought long and well for the lost cause. He 
was at the battle of Dry Wood, Warrensburg, Lexington and Oak 
Hill. At the last-named place he received a severe wound through 
his right lung and was afterwards until the close of the war a hos- 
pital steward. He was in Missouri, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, 
Georgia, Tennessee, and was under Price, McCulloch, A. S. Johnson, 
Beauregard, Polk, J. E. Johnston and Hood. Dr. and Mrs. Yates 
are both member's of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. 



BEYIER TOW:>^SHIP. 



JAMES E. BURGE 

(Farmer) . 

James R. Burge's ftither was a native of England, who emigrated 
to America, marrying a lady from Pennsylvania and begetting five 
boys and five girls, of whom James was born January 3, 1837, in Car- 



1090 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

roll county, O. He remained with his parents on their farm until 1857, 
when he spent a year visiting Iowa, finally locating at Granby, New- 
ton county. Mo., working in the lead mines for two years. There he 
met Mary Harris, a native of Illinois and daughter of Timothy Harris. 
His courtship ripened into a happy marriage, of which came eight 
children: May, George H., Emery E., Thomas H., Charles C, Anna 
R., Louise and Mary. He removed with his wife to the Pacific coast, 
embarking in gold mining on Pistol river, Curry county, Oreg. For 
a year he followed ranching, then left for Nevada Territory, where he 
remained until 1869, when he removed to California for a year, and 
then returned East, mining for eight years at Bevier, Mo. In 1882, 
he purchased 200 acres of excellent land in Liberty township. At 
present he resides on a rented place, having rented his farm. His 
family attend Bevier Congregational Church. 

W. A. CLYMANS 

(Of Watts & Co., General Merchants, Bevier). 

Mr. Clymans is a native of Pennsylvania, born in that State, 
December 22, 1837. He was reared in his native county and educa- 
ted in the common schools. At the age of 21 he began teaching 
school, and followed that occupation in Pennsylvania until coming 
West in 1865 — that is, except while he was in the army. During the 
war he enlisted in Co. K, Two Hundred and Fifth Pennsylvania in- 
fantrj^ and served until the expiration of his term of enlistment, or 
until he was honorably discharged. He was in a number of hard- 
fought battles durino- that long and terrible struo;orle. On comins: 
West, during the last year of the war, Mr. Clymans located in Colon, 
in St. Joseph county, Mich., udiere he followed blacksmithing, a trade 
he had previously learned. Three years afterwards he came to Mis- 
souri, stopping for a short time in Shelby county, and in February, 
1869, located at Bevier. Here he engaged in merchandising with T. 

D. Thomas, under the firm name of Clymans & Thomas. Mr. Cly- 
mans continued merchandising at Bevier for several years, after which 
he was engaged in farming for two years. In 1879 he went to Colo- 
rado, and followed freighting on the plains for al^out 12 months. 
Returning to Macon county, he now resumed farming, which he fol- 
lowed with success up to 1881. Having, however, a controling 
inclination for business pursuits, he re-engaged in merchandising at 
Bevier three years ago, and has since followed it. Messrs. Watts & 
Co. carry a full line of general merchandise, and have an excellent 
trade, which is steadily increasing. Both are gentlemen well known 
in the community, and are justly popular, not less personally than as 
business men. Mr. Clymans has held the office of township clerk, and 
has also occupied the position of school board treasurer. A man of 
good education and business qualifications, he was well fitted for these 
positions, and discharged his official duties with efficiency and entire 
satisfaction to the public. Mr. Clymans is also a member of the M. 

E. Church, and a member of the Bloomino;ton lodsre A. F. and A. M. 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 



1091 



Of course Mr. Clyraer is not unmarried ; he is too true-blooded a man 
to be a maledict. September 18, 1862, he was married to Mrs. Har- 
riet Bland, a widow lady, and a daughter of George and Susan fetrunk, 
of Mifflin county, Pa. Mr. and Mrs. Clymans have had two children : 
Willie, a young man now 19 years of age, and Mattie E., deceased. 
Mrs. Clymans had one child by her first husband, Watson Bland. 
She is also a member of the M. E. Church. 

THOMAS EDWARDS 

(Dealer in General Merchandise, Bevier). 
In 1865 Mr. Edwards took up his location in Macon county, Mo., 
being then 16 years of age. His birthplace was Meigs county, Ohio, 
where he was born in the year 1850, being the son of Robert and 
Catherine Michael Edwards, who owed their nativity to the north of 
Wales. Young Thomas, during his early youth, received good ad- 
vantao-es for acquiring an education, which he did not fail to improve, 
andwiiich have been of no ordinary benefit to him in later years. 
Brouo-ht up to the occupation of coal mining, he followed it untd 16 
vears°old, when, as above stated, he found a home in this county, 
comincr here with his parents. Farming, mining and merchandismg 
each claimed his attention until 1875, at which time he removed to 
Osao-e county, Kansas. Owning a mine there, he of course engaged 
in the coal business, and continued it until 1881, when he returned to 
Macon county. Mr. Edwards soon resumed the business of a general 
merchant, and subsequently became the proprietor of the establish- 
ment which he still conducts. This is filled with an excellent stock of 
o-oods, and as Mr. E. is well and ftivorably known throughout the 
entire vicinity of Bevier, he is in possession of an excellent trade, his 
peculiar fitness for the business and his popular manners adding not a 
little to his success. In 1873 Mr. Edwards was united in marriage with 
Miss Nellie Jones, a native of Vermont. This union has been blessed 
with three children : Lulu Bell, Robert Lindon, and an infant. 

HOPKIN EVANS 

(Post-office, Bevier) . 
Mr. E. is a distinctive coal prospector, operator and miner. In all 
of Northern Missouri it is doubtful whether there is another man 
more widely known and more highly respected than the subject of 
this sketch. He was the first man who opened a coal bank in Bevier 
township, and was thus the magnet that has made Bevier City what it 
is, one of the leading coal towns of Missouri. Mr. Evans is a native 
of South Wales, born at Swansea, Glanmorganshire, April 13, 1822. 
He was educated in South Wales, having the benefit of a comnion- 
school education. He has been engaged in mining and about mines 
all his life, beginning at the age of eight years at his birth-place m 
his native county. He worked there until 1849, then came to Amer- 
ica, and settled in St. Louis county, leasing the mines at Blue Ridge. 



1092 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

In 1855 he was chosen by the great French merchant and specuhitor, 
Mr. Van Phool, of St. Louis, to make a prospecting tour through 
Monroe, Marion, Shelby and Macon counties for coal. He set out, 
foUowino- the ideas elaborated by the geologist. Swallow, in the work 
just then completed on the minerals of Missouri. When he had 
finished this job, Mr. Evans returned to Macon county and began 
operating in coal at Carbon, he being OAvner of the mines and super- 
intendent of the works. In 1860 he moved to Bevier township, open- 
inor the first mine in the township, about three-quarters of a mile from 
the present site of Bevier, on Col. Kobean's farm. Later he organized 
a joint stock company, he being manager, and has ever since engaged 
in operating the coal mines at Bevier. He is now also interested in 
the Oakdale mine, commonl}^ known as " Bevier No. 2." He is 
what is called " pit boss " in the works, which employ about 70 men. 
Mr. Evans is the best known man of Bevier township, and is con- 
sidered the coal miner of the country. He was appointed Railroad 
Brigadier in the late war, but was always in Bevier township. Mr. 
Evans was married in 1845 in his native country, to Miss Mary Ed- 
wards, and two children were born to him, of whom Mary is deceased 
and Anna living. He became a widower in 1874, and the following 
year married Mrs. Leah J. Evans. This marriage is childless. Mr. 
Evans is a member of the Knights of Templars Lodge No. 7, of Macon 
county, Mo., and is also a member of the Blue Lodge, No. 102, of 
Macon City, Mo., and Chapter 22 of the same place. He belongs to 
the Welsh Congregational Church, of Bevier township, in which he 
is one of the trustees. There is no citizen of the township, or of the 
county, who has it in his power more materially to benefit the general 
public than Mr. Evans. His acquaintance is boundless, his popular- 
ity and influence almost without a precedent. Upright, straightfor- 
ward and gifted with a wonderful knowleds-e of men and things, he is 
invaluable to the community. 

SAMUEL EVANS 

(Farmer and Stock -raiser). 

Mr. Evans, a leading farmer and stock-raiser of Bevier township — 
section 2, range 15, — Avas born in Caermartenshire, South Wales, De- 
cember 28, 1826, and lived on his father's farm until he was 20 years 
of age. His educational advantages were poor, his father being in 
rather straightened circumstances, he attended only a weekly school 
held every Sabbath day. His first venture in life was in a rolling mill 
(iron works), in Glanmorganshire, South Wales. He worked there 
in the puddling department for 17 years. In 1858 Mr. Evans came 
to America, but after working for about 18 months in the iron works 
of Phoenixville, Penn., he returned to the Old Country. In 1862, 
however, he tried it once more, this time locating at Pittsburg, Penn. 
He was first engaged in farming, then went to coal mining, in which 
occupation he was employed for 18 years, in different sections of the 
United States. At the end of that time Mr. Evans gave up mining 



I 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1093 

and determined to become a farmer, which he did, first in Osage 
county, Kas., and in April, 1881, in Bevier township. Mo., on his 
present farm. This comprises 60 acres of beautiful land, which he 
has in fine condition, ^Ir. Evans was the son of Thomas and Marga- 
ret Evans, natives of South Wales. His wife, to whom he was mar- 
ried November 16, 1846, was also from his old home. She was Miss 
Ann Thomas, daughter of John and Charlotte Thomas. There were 
born seven children: John, born May 5, 1848, now married to Miss 
Mary Eosser, a native of South Wales, and residing iu Ohio ; Ruth, 
born Jannary 26, 1850, died May 12, 1856 ; Moses, born August 10, 
1852, died March 2, 1882; Aaron, born May 27, 1855; Miriam, 
born January 26, 1857, died May 21, 1864; Abraham, born Feb- 
ruary 2, 1861, died December 6, 1882, and Isaac, born July 11, 
1864. The eldest son, John, was in the late war. He served for 
one year in the heavy artillery, and was stationed at Fort Anderson, 
on the Potomac. Mr. Evans is a worthy citizen and consistent Chris- 
tian. He is a member of the Welsh Congregational Church at 
Bevier. 

S. S. EVANS 

(Superintendent of the Oakclale Coal Company's Works, Bevier). 

Mr. Evans, a young man of superior business qualifications, good 
education and thorough energy and enterprise, is a native of the Em- 
press Isles of the seas, but was partially raised in the United States. 
He was born in Dowlais, South Wales, England, April 31, 1857, 
and when 12 years of age his parents, Roger and Hannah (Williams) 
Evans, came to America, pushing on out directly to Missouri and lo- 
cating at Bevier. Here the father engaged in the hotel business, 
which he followed until his death in 1878. S. S. was one in a family 
©f two brothers and three sisters, all of whom are still at Bevier. 
He was educated in the common schools and also took a course at 
Olathe (Kan.) College, graduating in 1873. In the fall of 1880 Mr. 
Evans was married to Miss Elvira Collins, a daughter of John Collins, 
of Bevier, Mo., but formerly of Canada. Mr. and Mrs. Evans have two 
children : Bertha and Secondus, the younger being only six months 
old. Mr. Evans has served as a member of the town board, and is 
one of the popular young men of Bevier. He makes a most efficient 
and capable superintendent of the coal works of which he has charge, 
and is conducting them with success and with the entire satisfaction 
of the company. 

ISAAC R. GREEN 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 32). 

Mr. G. is the son of Lewis and Nancy (Gross) Green, both natives 
of Kentucky, and was born September 9, 1833, in Chariton township, 
Macon county, Mo. Mr. Green was educated and has long lived in the 
county, and, it is a fact worthy of mention, that he was never in his 
life out of the State. He lived with his parents on the farm until his 
marriage, June 20, 1859, after which event he began farming for him- 



1094 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

self. A large portion of his income is derived from raising and dealing 
in stock, cattle and mules, in which trade he is a proficient. He owns 
200 acres of good land which he keeps in beautiful order, and in 
which he is encouraged by the ftict that the country is steadily im- 
provino; in every way. Mr. Green was for five years constable of the 
township, and is in politics a Democrat. His father was a large slave- 
holder. Mr. G. married Miss Mary Ann Summers, daughter ©f Nevia 
and Jane Summers, and they have one daughter, Nancy Jane Lowry 
Green, a young lady of many charms, who has been for a year the wife 
of James L. Love, son of William Love. Mr. Green is a member of 
Concord Christian Church of Callao township. 

MORDECAI HARP 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 36) . 

Mr. Harp was born March 7, 1823, in Kentucky, of which State 
his mother, Elizabeth Winter, was a native, as also, were her remotest 
forefathers. His father, James Harp, was a Virginian, and thence 
sprang all his ancestors. Up to the age of 25, the date of his mar- 
riage, Mr. Harp lived with his parents on the farm in Kentucky,- hav- 
ing the advantage of a common-school education. After his marriage 
he managed a plantation until 1851 when he moved to Macon county, 
Mo., and has ever since farmed in Bevier township, of which he is also 
road supervisor. Mr. H. is a strong Democrat, and during the war 
served in the State Militia. In February, 1848, he was married to 
Miss Nancy James and she has borne him eight children, viz. : Elijah, 
now married and living in Hudson township ; Deborah, wife of Thomas 
Wright, of Callao township ; Lizzie, wife of Monroe Powell, of Char- 
iton township ; James Thomas, living in Buffalo, New York ; Luella, 
wife of W. W. Bricker, of Callao township ; Alonzo, deceased ; Wil- 
lard and Reggie. Mr. Harp was so unfortunate as to be directly in 
the main path of a cyclone through whose terrible agency his son was 
hurled into eternity in a moment's time, and his own health and prop- 
erty received serious damage. He is one of the leading citizens of 
the township. 

JOHN R. HUGHES 

(Dealer in General Merchandise, Bevier). 

Mr. H. was born December 4, 1837, in Monmouthshire, South 
Wales. He was the son of John and Ruth (Rowland) Hughes. His 
education was partly acquired in his own country, which he left, how- 
ever, at the age of 12. He came to America in 1849, and was for 15 
years a miner in Ohio. In 1865 he gave up mining and went into the 
grocery business near Youngstown, Ohio. Two years later Mr. 
Hughes moved to Bevier township, and accepted a clerkship in Row- 
land's store. Though he had run through with most of his means, his 
reputation was so good that he was offered several positions of trust. 
He continued, however, to act as general manager of Rowland's store 
until 1870, when he launched into business for himself. At the time 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1095 

there was strong competition in Bevier township, and he had at first 
rather a tough struggle with the central store, an establishment then 
doing business there, which attempted to drive him from the field, 
but, in the end, his shrewdness and superior tactics prevailed, and he 
was left master of the field. He used the profits of his trade to en- 
large the same, and finally built the store he now occupies. Durino- 
the panic of 1874 all the houses of this place closed with the excep- 
tion of that of Mr. Hughes. Though deeply in debt, he safely 
weathered the storm. He was never pressed by his creditors, thouo-h 
they voluntarily ofiered him 50 per cent, discount. Mr. H. preferred, 
however, to pay in full, and did so without being forced by the col- 
lecting attorney or sued in court. These facts speak for the character 
of this upright and honorable man more loudly than any words. Mr. 
Hughes has been clerk of the township for about three years. He is 
a member of Eskridge Lodge No. 253, and has filled all its offices. 
He has been, since he was 17 years of age, a devout and con- 
sistent member of the Welsh Congregational Church. Mr. H. 
married in 1863, Miss Elizabeth Reese, of Pomeroy, Ohio. Their 
children have numbered 13 in all, seven of whom are dead; six are 
living: their names are Daniel, Edward, John, Elizabeth, Jane and 
Joseph. 

JOHN P. JONES 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser), 

Mr. Jones*, a prosperous farmer, stock-raiser and stock dealer, of Sec- 
tion 11, was born August 10, 1832, in Wayne county, Ky. His parents, 
George Jones and Gracie Ann (City) Jones, were both natives of 
Kentucky. John P. was raised on the farm and educated at the com- 
mon schools. At the age of 23 he committed matrimony and farmed 
for himself for the five years following, in Clinton county, Ky. In 
1857 he and his father both emigrated to Missouri, the father settlino- 
in Putnam county, the former in Bevier township. John P. rented a 
place for the first few years ; then in 1864 bought the farm he now works 
and resides on. It is one of the finest places in the county, containino- 
100 acres of splendid land, which is beautifully improved. Mr. J. has 
also the genuine satisfaction of feeling that his possessions were obtained 
by his own honest labor, than which nothing can give more satisfac- 
tion. To look over his smiling fields, his neat and tidy buildings, his 
bursting barns, and realize that all this he has earned by diligent in- 
dustry and patient perseverance, it is worth all the years of privation, 
of toil and, sometimes, of dark discouragement. Who has the rio-ht 
thus to feel, has gained the sweetest happiness known to man. Mr. 
Jones was married October 20, 1853, to Miss Minerva, daughter of 
Dennis and Sallie (Davis) Hopkins, of the old and distinguished fam- 
ily of that name, who occupy such a conspicuous place in the history 
of Kentucky. Of this marriage were born nine children, all of whom 
are living. They are : George, who married in 1879 Miss Minerva 
Trenary, daughter of R. C. Trenary ; Dennis H., now living in Mon- 
tana Territory ; Sadie E., at home ; Gracie A., wife of Thomas Jones, 
64 



1096 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

of Pennsylvania; Johnny B., William M., Mary E., Minnie V. and 
James L. Mr. and Mrs. Jones are members of the Cumberland 
Presbyterian Church, in which Mr. J. has been for many years an 
elder. 

LEROY PENTON 

(Deceased). 

This lamented gentleman, late a respected farmer and stock-raiser of 
Bevier township, Macon county, Mo., was born November 13, 1803, 
in Mississippi. His parents, Leroy and Jane (January) Penton, were 
natives of Georgia, but moved to Mississippi before the State was 
divided into counties. At the tender age of three years Leroy, Jr., 
was bound out to a blacksmith of the name of Closson, who lived in 
the neighborhood of Baton Rouge, his mother's home. He lived with 
Mr. Glosson, working at blacksmithing until he was 14 years old. 
He then went in search of his mother, who in the meantime had mar- 
ried Mr. John Moreland, and was living in East Tennessee. Having 
reached her, he supported himself by hiring out on the farms in the 
vicinity until he was 20 years of age, when he and his stepfather moved 
to Monticello, Ky., and went to farm in partnership. In 1823 Mr. 
Penton married Miss Delilah Summers, and after a few years' additional 
residence in Kentucky moved to Randolph county. Mo., still pursuing 
agriculture as a profession. In 1834 he located finally in Macon 
county, Bevier township, and began farming on the Allen Banta farm, 
which he owned. Mr. Penton has eight childen, all of whom are de- 
ceased, except twcT sons. Two children died in infancy. Jane was 
born in Kentucky, December 21, 1826, and died February 8, 1876, 
wife of Jefferson Patrick ; Elizabeth, born January 17, 1831, died 
February 17, 1862, wife of John McGee ; John, born November 30, 
1833, married Miss Ida Tuttle, and died November 9, 1867 ; Allen, 
born March 16, 1834, married Miss Nancy White, died December 31, 
1881 ; Joseph P., born March 30, 1838, married Miss Amelia Blankin- 
ship, and William, born July 5, 1842, married Miss Eliza Williams. 
The two latter are still living. Mr. Penton was a very successful 
farmer, and before his death divided his land between his two sons, 
Joseph and William. On the 14th of January, 1884, Mr. Penton re- 
ceived the dread summons which must some day sound in every mortal 
ear, and serene in the consciousness of a life well spent he tranquilly 
passed away. Of rare religious feelings and governing his conduct by 
the example laid down by his blessed Master, Mr. Penton 's life was one 
of ever opening vistas of beauty. Honest, honorable, kind and gener- 
ous, his memory will be ever kept green in the hearts of his friends. 
He was an earnest and faithful member of Antioch Church, where he 
was buried. 

JOSEPH P. PENTON 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 32). 

Mr. Penton was born March 30, 1838, and is the son of Leroy and 
Delilah (Summers) Penton, of whom previous mention has been made. 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1097 

His mother died September 7, 1865, and his father January 14, 1884. 
Mr. Penton was reared on his father's farm, and now owns 200 acres 
of land in Bevier township. He is supplied with all the latest im- 
provements in farming, and is a well informed, broad-minded man. 
He possesses the esteem and high regard of all his neighbors, and is 
one of the most interesting citizens of the county. Mr. Penton is a 
devoted Christian and is an elder in the Antioch Church, also superin- 
tendent of the Sabbath-school. Mr. Penton was married March 16, 
1865, to Miss Amelia Blankinship, daughter of William Blankinship 
and Chancy Ballinger, his wife. This marriage is one of unusual con- 
geniality and happiness, but to them has been denied that sweetest of 
all moments, when those who love bend together over the cradle of 
their child, that purest of all joys, to watch, as the lily unfolds her 
leaves, the pure, young mind open and expand in the warmth of dawn- 
ing intelligence. But if they knew not the joy of parenthood, neither 
do they experience its terrible disappointments, its griefs that will not 
be comforted. Who shall say which is best? 

S. J. O. TOMPKINS 

(Bevier.) 

Mr. Tompkins is a native of this State, having been born in Pike 
county January 8, 1818. His father, William Tompkins, was born in 
old Virginia, and his mother Martha (Gilbert) Tompkins, was a Ken- 
tuckian. Both are now dead. Mr. Tompkins attended school but one 
year, his parents giving him the rest of his education at home. He 
lived always on the farm, until 1841, when he married Miss Cassandre 
Kizie Clark. There were born four children : Anna M., Virginia died 
at the age of four years ; Kizie and Nancy C. In 1846 Mr. Tompkins 
moved from Pike county, Mo., to Pike county, III., and in 1855 to 
Ralls county. Mo. There he lived for 11 years, farming and mer- 
chandising. He carried on his business in connection with his farm 
until the breaking out of the war. All of Mr. Tompkin's relatives as 
well as his property and other interests were in the South, and he 
naturally sided with that section. Though he took no active part in 
the hostilities, his sympathy with the Southern cause cost him dear. 
Not only was he financially ruined by his property being carried off 
by Federal soldiers, but he was himself taken prisoner, and incarcer- 
ated at Hannibal, and on two occasions was tried for his life before 
Col. Tyler, provost marshal. He was also disfranchised and not 
allowed to vote for 10 years. He cast his first vote in 1871. Mr. T. 
moved in 1866 to Bevier township, Macon county, Mo., and has been 
interested since that time in operating coal mines in Iowa and Mis- 
souri. At present his health being somewhat impaired, he does no 
business worth mentioning, but lives on the interest of his money. He 
is one of the most highly esteemed citizens of the county. Mr. Tomp- 
kins lost his first wife August 12, 1866, and married in May, 1869, 
Miss Sarah Waterbury, by whom he has no children. He is a mem- 



1098 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

ber of Antioch Christian Church in which he is an elder. He also 
belongs to the Masonic lodge of Bloomington, Mo. 

ALLEN J. VICKREY 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser) . 

This valuable citizen was born in Wayne county, Ky., August 18, 
1829. His parents, Abner and Nancy Vickrey, were respectively 
from Virginia and Kentucky, and moved to Missouri the year of his 
birth. They went first to Randolph county, but in 1832 located in 
Macon in what is now known as Bevier township, building a cabin in 
section 34, where the house now stands. Allen J. was educated in 
Callao township, and though his opportunities were limited, managed 
to secure a fair share of learning. In 1859 Mr. Vickrey married Miss 
Mary Gaines, daughter of Jefferson and Emily Gaines, of Randolph 
county. They have nine children: Francis M., John J., Abner, 
Emily C, George, Addie, Nellie M., Wilson S. and Elmer J. Mr. 
V. has been a member of the Grange lodge of Bevier township, 
and was at one time tax collector of that township. He also was in 
the path of the memorable cyclone of May 13, 1883, but, by the 
mercy of God, escaped with comparatively little injury, and is now 
in prosperous circumstances and of great service to the public. Mr. 
Vickrey is a man of liberal views and large mind, and a good example 
to those around him. He is a member of the Christian Church. 

WILLIAM S. WATSON 

(Coal-operator and Merchant). 
Mr. Watson is an influential and wealthy citizen of Bevier town- 
ship. He was born May 2, 1829, at New Castle, England, of William 
and Jane (Scott) Watson. He was educated at the public schools, 
and when a young man was apprenticed to a grindstone maker, 
at the conclusion of which period, being 22 years of age, he set sail 
for America. He went at once to New Haven, Conn., and thence to 
Middletown, working at stone work, a branch of grindstone making. 
In the latter part of 1851 he got work in the coal mines of Coshocton, 
O., but in a few years moved to Knoxville, Marion county, la., and 
until 1861 was engaged in farming and coal operating. He then 
moved to Macon county and locating in Bevier, opened one of the 
first coal mines in the county, known then and now as Shaft No. 3. 
Mr. Watson worked this mine until 1867, doing a profitable business. 
At that time all the mines consolidated into a joint-stock company, 
known as the Central Coal and Mining Company, the capital stock 
being $400,000. In 1868 Mr. W. withdrew from the company, and 
for several years thereafter busied himself with various speculative 
enterprises in Missouri and Iowa, prospecting for coal in both States. 
In 1881 he opened a coal shaft east of Bevier and has ever since con- 
tinued to operate the mine known as Watson's mine. Mr. Watson 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 



1099 



was married in England, in 1849, to Miss Isabella Wardell, and has 
seven children : Isabella, Jane Ann, John W., Mary, Thomas, Edward 
and Anna. His two sons, Edward and Thomas, are interested with 
him in his mercantile house in Bevier. They carry a general stock, 
which they propose enlaro^ing, making it one of the most extensive 
establishments of the kind^in the county. The mine pays from $5,000 
to $8,000 monthly. Mr. Watson is endowed with rare personal and 
mental graces. His manners stamp him as an elegant gentleman, 
while hfs brilliant conversational powers enchain his listeners and 
render his society a valuable addition to every social gathering. 



CALLAO TOWNSHIP. 



HARDIN P. BENNING, M.D. 

(Physician and Surgeon). 
Dr. Benning, one of the largest practitioners in Macon county, has 
been a resident of Callao, Missouri, since 1868, excepting a few years 
spent in Livingston county. His parents, both now dead, were na- 
tives of Virginia. They were John W. and Jane (Forsey) Benning. 
Hardin P. was born October 17, 1826, in Montgomery county, Mo. 
When he was five years of age his parents moved to Pike county, 
and in 1833 his father died. ^He lived on the farm with his mother 
until he was grown and then went to Ralls county, Mo., where he 
studied medicine under Dr. George E. Frazier, an eminent physician 
of that county. Dr. Benning received a fine education at Louisiana, 
Mo., in the Pike County Seminary. When his medical studies were 
completed he began practicing his profession in Monroe county, but 
as has been said before, moved in 1868 to Callao where he is still es- 
tablished in partnership with Dr. Campbell. He has a large and 
lucrative practice and is one of the most skilled physicians in the 
county. The Doctor, knowing that to no man is the tender comfort 
and care of a good wife more necessary than to a physician, chose as 
the sharer of his joys and woes Miss Lucy E. True, their marriage 
taking place in 1856. To them were born seven children, four of 
whom, Mary J., James, Edgar S. and Maggie J., died in infancy; 
those now surviving are John H., Lucy V. and Ruth A. Mrs. Ben- 
nincr died in April, 1872, and in December, 1872, Dr. Benning espoused 
Misl Mary E. Collier, bv whom he has had five children: Olive J., 
Hardin L., Bessie L., Anna S., and an infant who "climbed the 
o-olden stair" ere the little tongue had learned to lisp its mother's 
name. Dr. Benning is very popular in the community. He is a 
member of the Triple Alliance Lodge No. 38. 



1100 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

JOSEPH M. BROWN 

(Post-offlce, Callao). 

Joseph M. Brown is a wealthy farmer and stock-raiser of section 
3. He was born March 22, 1834, in Randolph county, Mo., the 
son of Reuben Brown and Elizabeth Brown, natives of Kentucky. 
He resided on his parents' farm until 13 years of age, when they 
removed to Russell township, Macon county. At 24 he married 
Elizabeth Jones, of Macon, March 6, 1863, by whom he had four 
children: Lenora E., Minnie B., Ada L. and Norah E. His wife 
died January 24, 1870, and in June, 1872, he married Elizabeth Mott, 
daughter of D. O. and Elizabeth Miner, natives of Virginia. Mrs. 
Brown's parents are still living with her. They have been residents 
of this county for the past 36 years. Mrs. B. departed this life, 
without issue, April 30, 1879, and was buried in Callao cemetery. 
Mr. Brown wedded his third wife December 7, 1879. She was a 
widow with one child (Arena) at the time of her marriage, Mrs. 
Martha Julinta by name, daughter of D. O. Spicer. There were no 
children by the last marriage. Mr. Brown was a soldier in the Civil 
War that so lately distracted this American country. He was in Co. 
G, Third regiment of Missouri State Guards, and fought in the bat- 
tles of Lexington and Pea Ridge. He is a prominent Mason of A. F. 
and A. M. Lodge No. 38, of Callao, Mo. Though not an office- 
seeker, Mr. Brown is a man of such correct habits of life, and further- 
more, of that adaptability upon which success so largely depends, that 
his fellow-citizens have a unanimous respect and regard for him. He 
is an industrious and intelligent farmer, and has a place with com- 
fortable buildings and every necessary improvement. He is justly 
regarded as one of the very best men in the community. 

JOHN F. CAMPBELL, M.D. 

(Physician and Surgeon, Callao). 

Dr. Campbell, one of the leading physicians of Macon county, and 
a man of advanced general and professional education, as well as a 
citizen who stands as high in public esteem as any one in this part of 
the county, is a Pennsylvanian by nativity, born in Somerset county 
March 14, 1840. He was reared in Pennsylvania, and was educated 
after taking the course of the common school, at Somerset Normal 
Institute. Subsequently, removing to Iowa, he attended Fairfield 
College, and also McElroy's Academy, the latter of Ottumwa, Iowa. 
Completing his general education, Dr. Campbell then began the study 
of medicine, placing himself under the preceptorate of Drs. Weir and 
Parker, leading physicians of Iowa, located at Agency City. Pre- 
paring himself for the medical college under these physicians, he then 
matriculated at the College of Physicians at Keokuk, Iowa, in which 
he took a thorough course. Dr. Campbell now came to Missouri and 
engaged actively in the practice of his profession in Morrow township. 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1101 

of Macon county. He was successfully engaged in the practice at 
that location for three years, and then came to Callao in order to com- 
mand a wider territory in his i3rofession. Here his career as a physician 
has been one of uninterrupted and steadily increasing success. As the 
years have come and gone, he has grown into an extensive practice, 
which now covers an area of 10 to 20 miles square. He is conceded 
by all to be one of the most capable and skillful physicians, as his 
experience has shown him to be one of the most successful, in the 
treatment of patients throughout this section of North Missouri. 
Personally, he is highly esteemed, and is one of the most influential 
citizens of Callao. January 2, 1873, Dr. Campbell was married to 
Miss Fiedelia Green, a daughter of Hardin Green, Esq., of Macon 
City. They have had three children : Ethel May, now 10 years old ; 
Herbert and Frankie Cecil, both of whom died at tender ages. The 
Doctor is a member of the Presbyterian Church at Callao. He and 
his wife are highly prized in the best circles of society, wherever they 
are known, and are esteemed by all who have the pleasure of being 
acquainted with them. 

MARION CLAYBROOK 

(Merchant). 

Marion Claybrook, a partner in the firm of Claybrook Bros, Callao, 
was born August 2, 1832, in Randolph county. His father, Joseph 
Claybrook, was a native of Kentucky : his mother, Mary Humphreys,' 
of North Carolina. The subject of the sketch, after having received 
the advantage of a common-school education, at the age of 23 left 
home and located in Callao, of which he has ever since been an hon- 
ored citizen. After farming for a time he became a clerk in Samuel 
Kern's store, where he remained for three years, until he accepted a 
more lucrative employment with Jeff. Morrow & Co. Within a 
year he engaged in the dry goods and grocery business on his own 
account, establishing the popular firm of Claybrook & Smith. He 
sold out his interest in this house to embark, in 1860, in the tobacco 
business. He prospered as years succeeded, and in 1875 entered into 
partnership with his brother, Joseph Claybrook, establishing the pres- 
ent firm. They now occupy their own building, and have become one 
of the largest firms in the county, employing two salesmen besides 
the proprietors. He married, December 18, 1864, Margaret Lobban, 
daughter of W. P. Lobban, who is now an extensive farmer and 
stock-raiser. His wife possesses all those graces which make the 
frugal and happy wife. Six children are the result of the happy 
union, of whom Stella died September 13, 1880 : Elba, May, 13, 
1875, those remaining and living being John, Mittie and Joe. Mr. 
Claybrook is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, of 
Callao. 



1102 HISTORY OF IVIACOX COUNIT 



LYMAN L. COLEMAN 

(Section 13). 

Lyman L. Coleman, a prominent stock-raiser and farmer of this 
township, was born in Aurora, 111., June 13, 1846. His parents, Enos 
Coleman and Frances M. Andrews, are living with their son on the 
farm. The one is a native of Massachusetts, the other of New York. 
The}^ have besides three children, a son and two daughters, who are 
still alive. Mr. Coleman was a close student at Clark's Seminary, 
now known as Jennings' Institute, Aurora, 111., from which he removed 
with his parents in 1858 to Hannibal, Mo. ; but owing to dissatisfac- 
tion there during the war they returned to their former home, leaving 
their son successfully engaged in the wood trade. He took the con- 
tract in 1866 to furnish the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad with 
wood, which he continued to do for five ^^ears. Then he became a 
conductor on the same road, removing after two years to Kansas City 
to work for two more years in the machine shops as a machinist. 
Thence he engaged with the Union Pacific road as superintendent of 
the tie cutting force, but afterwards went to Huntsville, Mo., working 
for the Huntsville Coal and Mining Company as engineer. In 1876 
he removed to Bevier township, settling upon a farm of 240 acres 
which he had purchased several years previous. By assiduous toil he 
has converted this property into a fine stock farm, with elegant im- 
provements, his business having become extensive until recently, w^hen 
he reduced the herd hy sale. He was married May 12, 1878, to Miss 
Annie Winn, daughter of J. R. Winn, of Macon county. He has two 
children: Alice and Louisa. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., 
Lodge No. 78, of Macon City, and also of Eskridge Lodge No. 328, 
of Bevier. His family attend the Congregational Church of Bevier. 

NICHOLAS DECKER 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser and Dealer, Section 36). 

Mr. Decker was born in Rensselaer county, N. Y., December 27, 
1822, of Peter P. and Elizabeth (Jacoby) Decker, natives of N. Y. 
Nicholas D. had every advantage of education, attending the finest 
classical schools in New York. When he was 21, however, he learned 
carpentering under Jesse Van Ness, then a noted carpenter and 
builder of New York, and w^as in that and the lumber manufacturing 
business until 1860, when he embarked in the wholesale milling enter- 
prise in Chatham, Columbia county, N. Y. He was thus engaged for 
six years ; then for 10 more at Grand Rapids, Mich., was again in the 
carpenter and building trade. In 1876 Mr. Decker sold his interest 
in the business and also his city property, and bought a farm in Kent 
county, Mich. After three years' residence he again moved. Pur- 
chasing a farm in Callao township, Mo., he took up his abode upon it 
and it is still his home. The farm comprises 210 acres of land in 
fine shape. It is almost all seeded down, which is the best method of 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1103 

farming in Missouri. Mr. Decker married in 1859 Miss Margaret 
Tradenburgh, and has four children : Peter, Ehner, Carrie and 
Emma, all of whom are at home, except Elmer, who is au engineer 
in Michigan on the Grand Rapids and Indiana Eailroad. Mr. D. is 
a member of the Presbyterian Church. He is one of the most valua- 
ble citizens of the township. 

ENOCH HUMPHREYS 

(Post-office, Callao) . 
Enoch Humphreys is a well known farmer and stock-raiser residing 
in section 7, of this township. He was born February 6, 1825, in 
Scott county, 111., of Samuel Humphreys and Margaret Stanfields, 
both of whom died in Callao township between 1861 and 1862. He 
first came to Randolph county, Mo., but shortly afterwards removed 
to Macon. Se^Dtember 21, 1857, he married Mary Harrison, nee 
Crabtree, widow of Benjamin Harrison and daughter of E. Crabtree, 
a native of Kentucky. They have had six children : Charles H. Har- 
rison, a son of Mrs. Humphrej^s ; John W. Humphreys, Maggie, who 
died in 1863 ; Lulu, and two that died in infancy. His farm consists 
of 120 acres of first-class land, well improved. He is a member of 
the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. 

DANIEL W. PILLERS 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser). 

Daniel W. Pillers was born in Carroll county, Ohio, April 24, 1839, 
of Albert Pillars, of Pa., and Sarah Buck. He came west with his 
parents at the age of 18 years and located in Macon county, 16 miles 
north of Callao. After remaining there a short time, he removed to 
the place now occupied by him in Callao township. He w^orked at 
the farm until the spring of 1861, and then went to Iowa, Indiana, 
Ohio and Pennsylvania, being absent about four and one-half years. 
He was in the army four months during this time in Co. I, One Hundred 
and Fifty-seventh regiment, under Col. George W. M. Cook. He 
served most of the time at Fort Delaware, 40 miles below Philadel- 
phia, and was honorably discharged September 2, 1864. After his 
travels, he attended schools at New Hagarstown, Ohio, during a year, 
located for a period in the oil region of Pennsylvania, and fi nally re- 
turned to Missouri in 1865, teaching school in Macon county two 
years. Eliza Osborn, of Bevier township, became his wife October 
8, 1867, by whom he has four promising children: Edith J., born 
September 5, 1868; James H., born December 30, 1870; Elva, born 
October 20, 1873, and Willard E., born November 29, 1877. The 
young couple settled down in Callao township, the husband cultivating 
160 acres of fine farming land, upon which he has placed many valu- 
able improvements and an excellent breed of stock. He is a member 
of the G. A. R., Wright Post No. 52, of Callao, a highly respected at- 
tendant of the Cumberland Presb3^terian Church, and has filled for a 
number of years with honor the office of justice of the peace. 



1104 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 



WILLIAM M. PERRY 

(Post-office, Callao). 

William M. Perry, farmer and stock-raiser, resides on section 1, 
Callao township. He was born September 12, 1831, in North Caro- 
lina, of James Perry and Martha Griffith, natives of North Carolina. 
He possesses the advantages of a common-school education. In 1844 
he removed to Macon county, Mo., with his parents and lived on the 
farm until 21 years of age, at which time he began to work upon farms 
in the neighborhood. When 23 years old he married Eliza Mont- 
gomery, a native of Missouri. The worthy couple have 11 chil- 
dren; George W., Missouri B., Martha L., who died June 3, 1882 ; 
John W., who died August 18, 1869 ; Gallic A., Mary F., who died 
August 18, 1869 ; Mozella, Madie M., Ottie C, who died December 
30,^1880; Thomas L., who died July 12, 1880, and Henry C, who 
died July 6, 1881. He located after his marriage in Callao township 
upon a farm of only 40 acres, which by steady labor and diligence and 
ability he has increased to 150 acres. It is a beautiful place with a 
number of advanced improvements. Mr. Perry is an intelligent citi- 
zen in every sense of the word. He is member of the Cumberland 
Presbyterian Church. 

JAMES M. RANDALL 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 26). 

Mr. Randall is descended, through his mother, nee Jane Putnam, 
from the family of the famous old General of that name, and by his 
father, Ora P. Randall, from the old Randall stock of Vermont, than 
which there was none of more honored standing. He received a good 
education at the common schools of New York and Wisconsin, and 
from the age of 13 worked on a farm and clerked in stores. Oc- 
tober 5, 1861, he entered the U. S. army, as a private of Co. B, Four- 
teenth regiment, Wisconsin infantry. He was afterwards transferred 
to Co. G, Twenty-first regiment, Wisconsin infontry, and at the end 
of six months was promoted to the rank of captain. He served until 
the first of April, 1865, and participated in the following battles : 
Shiloh, Perryville, Stone River, Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Re- 
saca, Kenesaw Mountain, Peach Tree Creek, Jonesboro and Benton- 
ville, at which later engagement he Avas seriously wounded. He 
marched Avith Gen. Sherman to the Sea, and from Savannah, Ga., to 
Goldsboro, N. C. At the close of the war Mr. Randall went to Wal- 
worth county, Wis., but in 1868 moved to Macon county. Mo., and 
settled in Callao township, where he has since been one of the lead- 
ing farmers and stock-raisers. December 25, 1863, he espoused Miss 
Martha M. Pollard. Her father and mother were natives, respectively, 
of New Hampshire and Vermont. Mr. and Mrs. R. have four chil- 
dren : Lena R., aged 17; Linden M., aged 15; Clinton L., aged 10 
years, and Myrtle M., a charming little maid of two years. Mr. 
Randall is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, in which he 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 



1105 



has been a senior vice-commander of the Post No. 52, CaUao. He 
belongs also to the Masonic lodge No. 38 of Callao, Mo., and has been 
succeSjively master of the Lodge, senior and junior warden. He is a 
member of the Concord Christian Church of Callao township. Mr. Kan- 
dall is considered one of the most intelligent men in the county and 
in 1876, when there was an arrangement to do away^with county 
iudo-es and have supervisors instead, he was chosen by Callao as their 
representative. Mr. Randall has one of the largest and finest farms 
in the township, comprising over 400 acres. 

JUDGE P. M. STACY 

(Section 18). 
Judo-e P. M. Stacv, a prominent farmer and stock-raiser, is a na- 
tive of Pulaski county, Ky. He was born February 10, 1814, his 
parents, Simon Stacy and Elizabeth Hull, being from Ohio. At the 
ao-e of 12 he removed with his parents to Wayne county, Ky., re- 
si°ling on the farm and receiving an excellent common-school educa- 
tion.^ When 21 years old he accompanied a brother and sister to 
Saline county, Mo., afterwards removing to the Platte and finally 
settling on section 18 of Callao township. In 1854 he drove a herd 
of cattle across the plains of which he disposed in California, return- 
in^ from a most profitable journey. He has once since visited the 
Golden State. He wedded January 18, 1826, Elizabeth Cofi'en, the 
lovely daughter of Joel Coffen, of Kentucky. She died in 1849, at 
Callao. By her were born : Elizabeth, who died in 1852 ; Mary 
Ann, married to Joseph Glum ; James L., born August 27, 1840, and 
Jackson, Charlie, Union, two babies unnamed, all of whom died. 
Judo-e Stacv re-married, the lady being Elizabeth Powell, daughter 
of Henry A"". Powell, native of North Carolina. The union resulted 
in 12 children : Henry P., who died March 5, 1859 ; Martha, married 
to John Melon ; William F. ; Cornelia, married to John Smith ; John 
A , died in 1873; Thomas S. ; Mittie E., married to John Allison; 
Susan E., Franklin S., Henry L., Perry M., died September 5, 
1873. He was county judge from 1854-55, which position he filled 
with such dignity and justice that he received a re-election in 1866, 
servincy until 1870. He holds a high place in Lodge No. 38, A. F. 
and A°M., of Callao, and is a member of the Cumberland Presby- 
terian Church. During the late war he served in the Confederate 
armv, in Co. F, under Col. Clark for six months, and was a strong 
sympathizer with the South. His farm of 325 acres is in fine condi- 
tion and his residence is among the most elegant of the vicinity.- 

JAMES H. TAYLOR 

(Post-office, Callao). 
James H. Taylor, a business farmer and stock-raiser of section 6, 
was born in Virginia, Februarv 13, 1824. His parents, natives ot 
that State, emigrated in 1838 to Jefferson county, Iowa. There he 



1106 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

received a good common-school education and at the as^e of 24 was 
married December 31, 1847, in Jefferson county, Iowa, to Miss Mar- 
garet Stewart, daughter of Richard and Elizabeth Stewart. They 
have had 12 children : Calvin S., married ; Rachel E., who died May 
20, 1861; Mary, who died February 6, 1860; Sarah R., married; 
Abi, who died November 4, 1863 ; Calista, George W., Alia J., William 
H., who died October 18, 1873; Thomas C, Emma and Eva May. 
He removed to La Plata, Mo., in 1868, and began farming, but in 
1882, having purchased 100 acres of land in Callao township, he 
settled there. He was a worthy member of the Grange movement, 
treasurer for two years of La Plata township and a number of years 
held the position of school director. In politics he is of the Green- 
back party, but was born and reared a Democrat. He belongs to the 
Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Callao. 

CAPT. JOHN VAIL. 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser). 

Capt. John Vail is a well-known and wealthy farmer and stock- 
raiser of section 14, Callao township. Mr. Vail's grandfather on his 
mother's side, James Copus, was one of the seven pioneers who set- 
tled in Ohio, six of whom were killed by the Indians. He was born 
March 8, 1818, in Richland county, Ohio. His father, James Vail, 
was a native of New Jersey, and his mother, Sarah Copus, of Penn- 
sylvania. He has two sisters and one brother living. His father 
died, leaving John at the age of seven and a half years, and Mrs. Vail, 
now 84 years old, still residing in Ohio. After receiving the advan- 
tage of a good common-school education, he remained in Ohio until 
1860, when he removed to Macon county. Mo., locating just north of 
Macon, following the avocation of a farmer and stock-raiser in Lyda 
township. In October, 1882, he came to his present residence in 
Callao township, possessing 120 acres of home farm and 60 acres in 
Jackson township. The improvements in the former are more than 
the average of the county. During the late war he was captain of 
Co. H, Forty-second Missouri infantry volunteers. He is a member 
of the Cumberland Presbj-terian Church, and has, at various times, 
filled a number of important county positions. He married, April 29, 
1840, Miss Fanny Kisling, of Pennsylvania, by whom he has 10 chil- 
dren : Joseph F., Elizabeth, Sarah, Ellen, Samantha, Henry, Cetta, 
John C, William, Fanny and Cyrus, Avho died November 21, 1849. 

C. WRIGHT 

(Section 30) . 

This worthy citizen and experienced farmer and stock-raiser moved 
to Missouri in 1829, from Wayne county, K3^, where he grew up on a 
farm and received his education. Both he and his parents, Evan and 
Rebecca Wright, were natives of Virginia. Young W. was born April 
8, 1800. On coming to Missouri he settled in Randolph county, but in 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. . 1107 

1834 moved to Calluo township, which he has since made his home, 
with the exception of one year spent in Texas in 1854. He owns a 
farm of 260 acres, which presents a most attractive appearance, and 
gives substantial evidence of the care and trouble that has been ex- 
pended upon it. January 11, 1821, Mr. Wright was married to Miss 
Rebecca, daughter of John Vestal. .They had 10 children ; Elizabeth, 
born February 23, 1823, married James White ; Thomas C, born May 
11, 1824 ; he was assassinated by bushwhackers in Callao township, 
on account of his Southern sympathies ; Evans, born December 22, 
1825, died at the age of five, in Kentucky ; Allen, born June 22, 1829, 
married first to Miss Nancy Humphreys, the second time. Miss Patience 
Gilstrap ; Telitha L., born March 12, 1831, died in 1845 ; Sarah, born 
December 29, 1832, married Moses Burnett; Martha E., born Feb- 
ruary 15, 1839, married B. H. Gilstrap; William C, born February 
6, 1841, married Sarah Perkins; and Nancy C, born February 5, 
1845, married E. R. Nichols. The first Mrs. Wright died in March, 
1852, and in 1855 Mr. W. married Miss Martha Trimble, daughter of 
Robert and Elizabeth Trimble, natives of Montgomery county, Ky., 
who moved to Randolph in 1835. By the second marriage there are 
two children: George C, born August 31, 1858, married September 
5, 1852, to Miss Alice Sisson ; and Margaret A., born March 9, 1860, 
now the wife of James Mason. Mr. Wright was, for many years in 
the early history of the county, justice of the peace and constable, 
and also tax collector. He is also a member of Concord Christian 
Church of Callao, as are also all his children, grandchildren and rela- 
tives, of whom he has a goodly host. In his family he has had 20 
marriages, and has 12 children, 55 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchil- 
dren and two great-great-grandchildren. He is spending in peaceful 
repose the closing years of his life, and, amidst his numerous descend- 
ants, the moments glide gently by, until he shall hear the welcome 
words, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant ; rest thou in the 
joy of thy Lord." 

MARTIN WRIGHT 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 30) . 

Mr Wright, like others of the family, was born in Wayne county, 
Ky. The date of his birth was October 22, 1806. He grew up and 
received his education in Kentucky, and moved with his parents to 
Missouri in 1829. He lived a short time in Randolph county, and 
then located in Bevier township, Macon county, in 1832. In 1840 he 
again changed his residence, choosing Callao township as his stopping 
place. He has since that time been engaged in farming and stock- 
raising. Mr. Wright has been a large land owner, but retains only 
about 120 acres. He is a married man, having been first married to 
Miss Elvira Coffee, daughter of Joel Coffee and Mary, his wife, na- 
tives of the Old Dominion. There were born 12 children : Martha 
J., born June 22, 1830, who died September 12, 1849, whilst the wife 
of J. D. Banta, ; James G., born January 2, 1832, who married Miss 
Sarah Palsegrave ; Sarah V., born March 13, who died September 



1108 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

2, 1883, whilst the wife of J. D. Banta ; Henry B., born August 13, 
1836, who married Miss Lucinda Summers; Newton H., born No- 
vember 22, 1839, who married Miss Mary J. Trimble ; Evan C, born 
June 15, 1841, who married twice. Miss Ann Mary Stinson and Miss 
Elizabeth Wright ; Joel, born July 18, 1844, who died in 1845 ; 
Allen L., born July 21, 1847, who married Miss Marinda Music; 
Elvira, born March 28, 1850, who married T. B. Cavanaugh ; George 
F., born December 20, 1854, who married Miss Ella Curry, and 
two children, who died in infancy. Mrs. Wright died September 7, 
1869, and Mr. W. married a widow Mrs. Susan Jessup, with one 
child, Calvin Jessup. Mrs. Wright's first husband was assassinated 
bv bushwhackers durins; the war, while servins; in the Missouri State 
Militia. He was a resident of Chariton county, and a farmer by oc- 
cupation. Mr. Wright took the side of the North in the late struggle, 
and had one son, Evan C, in the Twenty-second Missouri infantry. 
He served faithfully until discharged, in 1863, for disability. Mr. 
W. has a large family, including 24 grandchildren and nine great- 
grandchildren. He is an influential citizen and a devout member of 
the Concord Christian Church, of Callao township, and all of his fam- 
ily are members of Concord Church. 

ALLEN WRIGHT 

(Farmer, Section 30). 

Mr. Wright was born June 22, 1829, in Wayne county, Ky., and 
came with his parents to Randolph county. Mo., in 1829. He lived 
with his parents at home on the farm until he was 22 years of age. 
He then started in life for himself, his first step being to take unto 
himself a wife in the person of Miss Nancy Humphreys. Four 
children were born unto them, of whom one, Dora E., is living, 
and Leutia is dead, as are also Lydia and an infant. Mr. Wright 
has lived since 1854, with the exception of one year, in Macon county, 
and in this township. He tried Texas for one yeaf, but soon re- 
turned. He has a fine farm of 110 acres with good improvements 
of every kind. Losing his first wife in 1866, he married in 1867, 
Miss Patience Gilstrap, by whom he has two children : Willard 
Oscar and Joel I. Mr. Wright being a natural good manager, has 
been eminently successful in farming, and is now as prosperous and 
independent a citizen as the township possesses. 



charito:n' towi^ship. 



REV. JAMES DYSART 

(Pastor in Presbyterian Church) . 
Mr. D., who has been for 40 years an earnest and successful 
preacher in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and whose name 
will be handed down to future ages as the founder of McGee College, 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1109 

is one of tHe most prominent self-made men in this section of Missouri. 
His father, who was the first man to settle in Randolph county, was 
originally from North Carolina. His mother, nee Martha Cowden, 
came of an ancient Irish-Scotch family, and was born in Saulsbury, 
S. C. James Dysart was born in Maury county, Tenn., September 
18, 1807, and came to Missouri in the glowing- month of June, 1818. 
He lived first in Howard county, then in Eandolph, and for six years 
had a stock farm on the Chariton. In 1837 he married Miss Betsy 
James, of Randolph, and moved into College Mound. His wife lived 
but a few months, and Mr. D. married the second time Miss Mary 
Dameron, daughter of George B. Dameron, of Huntsville. By this 
marriage there were 12 children, of whom only four are living, one 
daughter and three sons : Fannie, wife of Richard M. J. Sharp, a 
merchant at College Mound ; F. J. Dysart, owner of a store in 
Moberly ; J. W., also in a store in Moberly, and G. William, a 
preacher at Arrow Rock, Saline county, Mo. All of the children 
were educated at McGee College, of which Mr. D. was regent of the 
board of trustees and founder. In 1879 Mr. D. contracted a third 
alliance with the widow of J. S. Harlan, of Randolph. Her maiden 
name was Mary S. Lockridge, and she was the daughter of Capt. 
William Lockridge, of the Black Hawk War. Her father was from 
Rockridge county, Va., and her mother, Ruth Davis, from the same 
county, her grandparents on her father's side being of Scotch-Irish 
origin. Mrs. D., who is a remarkably attractive woman, was edu- 
cated at the public schools of Roanoke, and married, the first time, 
Mr, E. D. Atterbury, of Randolph. By her second marriage she had 
two children : Minnie D. and Josiah S. Harlan, who are at the McGee 
College. Mr. Dysart belongs to the A. F. and A. M., and has been 
all through the degrees, including the council. He also passed 
through all the degrees of the I. O. O. F. and the encampment. He 
served in the Black Hawk War. Of giant intellect and indomitable 
energy, Mr. D. has made himself what he is — a man of whom the 
State should feel proud. He still labors with unflagro-ino: zeal in the 
cause of Him who " died that Ave might live." 

' STEVEN GIPSON 

(Farmer and St©ck -raiser) . 

Mr. Gipson was born in North Carolina January 22, 1813. He 
moved when a boy to Wayne county, Ky., and after he was grown to 
Missouri. When he came to the State it was filled with Indians, lowas 
and Sacs, among whom he spent the first years of his residence here, oc- 
cupying himself in hunting, farming and taking care of stock. He first 
settled in Randolph county near the present site of Huntsville, though 
at that time the town was not built. Many times he bore arms against 
Ihe Indians, and served in the Black Hawk War under Gen. Clark. 
Mr. Gipson is one of the wealthiest men in Chariton township, and 
much of his money was made as a tiller of the soil. He still owns 
land to the amount of 1,700 acres, though since 1863 he has been en- 



1110 HISTORY or MACON COUNTY. 

gaged principally in the tobacco and dry goods business. A man of 
unflinching integrity, he was yet ambitious to the highest degree, and 
his youthful dreams have become a rapturous reality. In these days 
gold is omnipotent, and with this magician's wand Mr. G. finds every 
door, so hopelessly closed against so many eager ones, fly noiselessly 
back on its hinges. Life pours at his feet her choicest offerings, and 
time floats to strains of sweetest music through the scented air. When 
it is remembered how much of courage, industry, perseverance and 
solid capacity Mr. Gipson's success represents, it cannot be said that 
his reward is greater than, his deserts. " The way of the transgressor 
is hard," then his pathway must blossom thickly with the pure flowers 
of virtue and truth. Mr. Gipson was married in 1837 to Miss Lucinda 
Somers, daughter of Abraham Somers, of Eandolph county, originally 
from Kentucky. By this marriage there were seven children, viz. : 
Jane, wife of Philip Teters, of Macon county ; Daniel, who married 
Miss Catherine Teters ; Columbus, married Miss Gates ; Annie, wife 
of John Vada, of Macon county ; Jasper, who married Miss Jane 
Yorkum ; Elizabeth, wife of Thomas Manning, and Joseph, still at 
home. Losing his first wife, Mr. Gipson married Mrs. Virginia Man- 
ning, daughter of Mr. Province McCormick, formerly of Virginia. 
The second marriag-e was crowned bv three children : Lucinda, Fannie 
and Kichard. Mr. Gipson's family were educated at McGee College. 
He is a member of the A. F. and A. M. Blue Lodge at College Mound, 
and is an exemplary follower of the faith of the Christian Church, to 
which his first wife also belonged. The present Mrs. Gipson is a 
Presbyterian . 

LEWIS GREEN 

(Post-office, College Mound). 

This venerable gentleman comes of mixed Virginia and Tennessee 
parentage, and was himself born in Wayne county, Ky., in April, 
1806. He grew up on a farm, and received a common-school 
education. At the age of 19 he left his boyhood's home and sought 
in Randolph county. Mo., a new field for the gratification of his hopes 
and ambitions. In a few years he removed to Macon, where he still 
lives. He has always been engaged in agricultural pursuits, and now 
owns 110 acres of land, 100 under good fence. He raises grass, corn 
and tobacco. Mr. Green owes his possessions to his own unaided 
efforts, and now enjoys in peaceful tranquilij^y the fruits of his toil. 
He has been presented by the old settlers of Macon county, as a 
token of respect to the oldest housekeeper in the county, with a cane, 
cup and saucer and silver. Mr. Green was married in 1828, to Miss 
Nancy Gross, daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth Gross, of Randolph 
county. Mo. They have had nine children, six of whom are living: 
Isaac, who married Miss Polly Somers, daughter of Nineveh Somers, 
of Macon county, is a well-to-do farmer ; Sarah Elizabeth, wife of 
Isaac Johnson ; Reynolds, married to E. Morrow, daughter of Jesse 
Morrow of Macon ; Christine, wife of Grub Banning; Wilson R., who 
married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of James Kitchen, of Macon, and 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1111 

John, married to Miss Louisa Foster. Those deceased are: George 
W., Celia, wife of Mr. Somers ; Nancy, wife of Albert J. Graife. Mr. 
Green is a member of the Christian Church, as his wife has been for 
45 years. In politics he was a Whig, and is now a Democrat. 

ROBERT CRAIG MITCHELL 

(Farmer). 

Mr. Mitchell, an influential farmer of Chariton township, is of 
Scotch-Irish descent, and was born, as his parents before him, in 
Washington county, W. Va. He had the honor of having the natal 
day, 22d of February, of the great father of his country, George 
Washington. In the year 1811 began the career of Mr. Mitchell. 
He grew up in Virginia where he attended the common schools and 
in time became a farmer. In 1839 he moved to Randolph county, 
Mo., and settled on Dark creek, five miles north-west of Huntsville, 
but in a few years again moved, this time to St. Louis, where he em- 
barked in the steam-mill and lumber business. This he continued 
for 16 years, then went to Mexico, Mo., where he lived until 1869. 
Since that time he has been farming near College Mound, Macon 
county. He owns 52 acres of land, well improved and in a good 
state of cultivation. In 1838 Mr. Mitchell chose for the precious 
partner of his bosom, Miss Elizabeth Wright, who moved from Ken- 
tucky to Missouri with her father, Walter Wright, when she was 
three years of age. There were 10 children born of this marriage, of 
whom seven are living: James Waller, who married Miss Emily 
Turner and lives in Mexico ; Susan Ann, wife of Ben Eli Guthrie, a 
prominent lawyer of Macon City ; Marie Louise, wife of Lloyd Mcin- 
tosh, a farmer in Audrain county ; Robert Craig, a physician of Sue 
City, Macon county, who was educated at College Mound and gradu- 
ated at the Missouri Medical College in St. Louis ; Leonidas Mathias, 
in a store in Macon and married to Miss Lavinia Harris ; Sarah Har- 
riet, wife of L. H. Moss, attorney-at-law at St. Josepli ; and Edmond 
Thomas at home. All of Mr. Mitchell's children were educated at 
McGee College. Mr. Mitchell was formerly in politics a Whig, and is 
now a Democrat. Honest in his convictions and unswerving in his 
adherence to what he knows to be right, Mr. Mitchell's utterances 
are esteemed of the profoundest value by his neighbors, and a word 
from him goes a long way toward forming their opinions. He be- 
longs to the A. F. and A. M., including the Chapter. He is also a 
member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. 

WILLIAM POWELL, SR. 

(Farmer, Section 10). 

Mr. Powell, Sr., an old settler and a farmer widely connected 
throughout the county, is a native of North Carolina. His father was 
a Virginian by birth, but emigrated to North Carolina, married a na- 
65 



1112 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

live of Caswell county and there raised a family. He subsequently 
moved to Chariton county, Mo., and died at College Mound. Mr. 
Powell was born in Caswell county, January 27, 1814, and received 
his education at the common schools of the county. When he ar- 
rived at man's estate he farmed for some years in his native State, 
and then moved to Missouri, lived for two years in Chariton county, 
came to Macon and settled about half a mile from McGee College, and 
in 1857 moved to his present farm three miles north of College 
Mound. He has always Ijeen a farmer. 

" Kemote from towns he runs his race, 
Nor e'er has changed, nor wished to change his place." 

Mr. Powell has 160 acres of land upon which he raises tobacco, 
cattle, grass and timothy. He is successful in his chosen career, and 
no man can do more. He was three years justice of the peace. 
Mr. Powell is a married man, having wedded on the 31st of Decem- 
ber, 1843, Miss Nancy Banning, daughter of Thomas W. Banning, of 
Macon, Mo. There were 10 children born, six still living : Peter Polk, 
who married Miss Mary Stone, of Macon, daughter of Joseph and 
Malinda Stone ; Thomas W. ; William Basley, married to Miss Re- 
becca Kneedler, daughter of Seymour and Sarah Kneedler ; Lou, a 
portrait painter, educated at McGee College and at Kirksville ; James 
Henry, a farmer, married to Miss Isabella Penton, daughter of John 
and Sarah Jane Penton, of Chariton township, and with one daughter, 
Leola ; and John Franklin, a bright youth of 20, still at home. Mr. 
and Mrs. Powell belong to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. 

DR. RUFUS YANCY POWELL 

(Physician and Surgeon). 

Dr. Powell, a physician of large practice in Chariton township, 
was born in Macon, Noxubee county. Miss., April 17, 1839. His 
fjither, John Powell, was born January 12, 1812, near Yanceyville, 
Caswell county, N. C. He was a farmer and died on his farm near 
College Mound, October 5, 1865. His mother was born in Nash 
county, N. C. She was born March 15, 1815, and is still living. 
Many years of her life were spent in her Southern home in Mississippi. 
When the family came to Missouri, in 1843, the boat upon which they 
w'ere passengers was the ill-fated steamer *' Emblem," which struck a 
snag and sunk near Herman, on the Missouri', and they lost all 
their property and narrowly escaped with their lives. They reached 
Glasgow by another boat, the *' West- Wind," and made the rest of 
the journey on returning wagons in which the farmers of Macon 
county had hauled tobacco to that point. They settled near College 
Mound, and R. Y. was educated in McGee College. He graduated 
with the degree of Ph. B. in 1861, and next went out with a class- 
mate, Capt. Ben Eli Guthrie, under Gen. Sterling Price, in the Con- 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1113 

federate army. He was in the battles of Dry Wood, Lexington, etc. 
After his return from the war he entered the medical department of 
the Iowa State University at Keokuk, and graduated in 1864 with the 
degree of M.D. He practiced 12 months in Kansas at Iowa Point, 
and then returned to College Mound. The Doctor owns 240 acres 
of land, 160 acres under fence and principally in grass. He raises 
thoroughbred sheep, cattle and hogs, fine geese and fowls. He has a 
fine young orchard, and his land is rendered more valuable by the 
veins of coal underlying and running through it. Dr. Powell's father 
raised tobacco and one year raised with four hands and hauled 19,740 
pounds and sold it at $5.00 a hundred, at Brunswick, a distance of 45 
miles. Dr. Powell was married June 4, 1867, to Miss Mary G. 
Dawkins, of Darksville, Randolph county. In that county Mrs. 
Powell was born March 13, 1841, and was educated at McGee College. 
She has borne 10 children, four of whom are living: George W., 
Kufus Ernest, Charles A. and Mary Eoxana. The Doctor belongs 
to the A. F. and A. M., and in 1867 was representative to the Grand 
Lodge of Missouri. He was postmaster and conducted the money 
order at College Mound for several years in a business-like manner. 
He has served as notary public for many years, being commissioned 
by the Governor of the State of Missouri. He is a man of universal 
popularity and carries the warm affection of half the county in the 
grasp of his hand. 

JEHU TETER 

(Farmer, Section 26) . 

Mr. Teter, a prosperous farmer of Chariton township, was born in 
Randolph county, now Barbour county, Va., on the 29th day of August, 
1827. His parents were natives of the same State. He left Virginia 
at the age of 10, and coming to Missouri settled in Macon county, on 
the farm adjoining which he now lives. All of his early life was spent 
on a farm, and upon reaching manhood he taught school for some time 
in the county. He then learned the blacksmith's trade, though he has 
continued to farm. He now owns 280 acres of land all fenced, and all 
in grass with the exception of 75 acres. His ftirm is richly veined in 
every direction with coal. Mr. Teter is in politics a Democrat. He 
served in the enrolled State militia. He is possessed of the esteem 
and confidence of the township, as proof of which he filled for many 
years the trustworthy office of postmaster. Mr. Teter belongs to the 
A. F. and A. M., and was a delegate to the ffrand lodge. He has 
been twice married. His first wife, to whom he was united in 1851, 
was Miss Juletta Jackson Kitchen, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth 
Kitchen, natives of North Carolina. There were six children born to 
this union, of whom but two survive: George Lee, attending school 
at Pauline Holiness College, and Minta Berilla at home. Being a 
lonely widower, on the 16th of September, 1877, Mr. Teter married 
Miss Frances Lewis, daughter of James Lewis, of Chariton county. 
This has proved a happy union, and he has two children by this mar- 



1114 HISTORY OF aiACON COUNTY. 

riage. Mr. Teter and wife are members of the Cumberland Presby- 
terian Church. 

ME. AARON TETER 

(Farmer and Stock- raiser). 

Mr. Teter, a well-to-do farmer, is of old and illustrious stock, and 
can look back with pride to a long line of men sajis peur et sans re- 
proache and women virtuous and beautiful as only sangre azul can 
make them. He preserves as priceless treasures a saucer of rare china 
that has been handed down through several generations, and a cup, 
saucer and plate bequeathed to his wife by her ancestors. Mr. Teter' s 
forefathers belonged to the old German aristocracy, than whom no 
prouder grandees ever graced a court. The family came to America 
when the county was first discovered, and Mr. Teter 's father was born 
in Pendleton county, Va., in 1790. He was 47 when he came to Mis- 
souri and settled the farm upon which his son now lives. His wife, 
Amelia Graham, was also a Virginian. Aaron Teter was born Novem- 
ber 11, 1829, in Randolph county, W. Va. He was about eight years 
of age when he came to Missouri, and was educated partly in the latter 
State, partly in Virginia. He lived always on a farm and was by every 
tie of early association wedded to the life. Naturally he chose it as 
his field of operations. He now owns 280 acres of land, all fenced, 
100 in timber and the rest in grass, and under all lies a rich vein of 
coal. His farm is beautifully improved, and he has two acres in apple 
and peach orchard. During the war Mr. Teter served in the Federal 
army, Co. K, Forty-second Missouri volunteers, under Col. Forbes. 
He was in the Department of the East in 1864-65, and was in Ten- 
nessee, Kentucky and Alabama. Mr. Teter was township collector 
and school director under the township organization. In 1854 he 
married Miss Emeline Grimes, daughter of Henry Grimes and Eliz- 
abeth Clark, his wife, of Randolph county. Sugar Creek township. 
Mrs. Teter was born in Virginia, of which State her parents were 
natives, but was brought to Missouri when an infant. Her father and 
mother settled in Moberly and lived there until their demise. Mr. 
and Mrs. Teter have two children : Willard Hall, now farming at 
Moberly on his grandfather's old farm, and Cora, who is now the wife 
of Dr. B. E. Moody, who was educated at home. One child is lying 
in " the quiet earth's breast, her soul at home with God." Mr. Teter 
and his wife are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 
and he belongs to the A. F. and A. M. and G. A. R. He has several 
times been chosen a delegate to the grand lodge. 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1115 



RUSSELL TOWJN'SHIP. 



JOHN W. EVANS 

(Section 36). 

Mr. E., a leading farmer of Russell township, is also a country-man 
of that immortal Paddy who was chosen by one of the ancient poets 
as the theme of his inspired song. Mr. Evans was born August 16, 
1834, in South Wales, the first of the union of William and Mary 
Evans. In 1861 he went to England and a few years later came to 
America. He first located in Pennsylvania and lived successively 
in Pittston, Scranton and Bradford counties. It was in the first 
named place that he wedded, on Christmas day, 1864, Miss Hannah 
Roberts, all of North Wales. This happy couple have two children : 
Sarah Anne and Mary Elizabeth. In 1877 Mr. Evans moved to New 
Cambria, Macon county. Mo,, and has ever since made it his home. 
He owns a snug little farm of 40 acres and has it- well improved and 
pretty as a picture. He is a careful farmer, and fulfils to the best of his 
ability every duty in life. Mr. E. and his wife are members of the 
M. C. Church North, and he belonged formerly to the I. O. O. F. 
Encampment. 

ALAMANDER MENDEHNALL 

(Farmer, Section 27) . 

This noble representative of the State of Indiana was originally 
from Tippecanoe county, of that State, one of several children born 
to Stephen and Jane Mendenhall, the former a native of Tennessee, 
and the latter a Pennsylvanian by birth. Alamander's natal day was 
July 3, 1830. His father was one of the pioneers of Kentucky and a 
respected citizen of that Commonwealth, having gone there with Dan- 
iel Boone and other early settlers of that then new country. The sub- 
ject of this sketch passed his younger days in working upon the farm, 
where were instilled into his youthful mind the habits and principles 
of industry and energy which have characterized his whole life. His 
education was received in the common school. In 1845 he came to Ma- 
con county and ever since then has made his home at or near his present 
place of residence — a period of 39 years. He has been more or less in- 
timately identified with the material interests of the county from that 
early day and has become well acquainted with its progress and develop- 
ment, as well as with its inhabitants. After his removal here, on the 28th 
of February, 1850, Mr. Mendenhall was married, Miss Lena Elizabeth 
Penland, daughter of John and Lydia Penland, of Kentucky, becom- 
ing his wife. Their family consists of 10 children, viz. : John Davis, 
James B., Stephen M., Jefferson, Nancy Jane, Howard Francis, Mary 
Emma, Charlotte F., Annie Ellen and Louisa Josephine. During 



1116 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

the war Mr. Mendeuhall responded to the call for troops, and enlisted 
in the Forty-second Missouri infantry, under Col. Forbes, being mus- 
tered out, after having well discharged his duties as a soldier, at Nash- 
ville, Tenn. Recently he has turned his attention to shaving hoops, in 
which he is meeting with good success, and though he owns 147 acres 
of land, he does but little farming himself. He belongs to the G. A. 
R. Post at New Cambria. For 28 years he has served as justice of 
the peace, by reason of which he is well and favorably known as 
'Squire. Mrs. Mendeuhall is a member of the M. E. Church. 

DAVID D. MORRIS 

(Farmer, Section 36). 

Mr. Morris was born in South Waks, August 12, 1819. His pa- 
rents were Daniel and Dinah Morris. He grew up in his own country 
and was married there in 1838, to Miss Rosamond, daughter of David 
and Mary Hughes James, all natives of South Wales. Mr. Morris 
did not emigrate to America for some years after his marriage. In 
1851 he landed in New York, thence he found his way to Ohio, where 
he lived in different counties until 1876, when he went to the Indian 
Territory, McCalister, Choctaw Nation. After remaining there four 
years he came in 1880 to Macon county. Mo. Until his last move 
Mr. Morris was a shoemaker, but since he has been in Macon has 
turned his attention to farming. He owns 83 acres of land and de- 
votes himself chiefly to the raising of stock. He is a man of much 
energy and go-aheadativeness, and contemplates going extensively into 
the dairy business. Mr. and Mrs. M. have had nine children, of whom 
seven are living ; these are : Mary J., now the wife of Frederick Will- 
iams ; Theotlis J., James, Sarah, now Mrs. Williams; Rosatta, now 
Mrs. Jones; Daniel, and Lizzie, now Mrs. Simmson. David died in 
1851, and Isaac in 1861. Two sons fought in the Union army under 
Gen. Kelley. Mr. and Mrs. Morris are members of the Baptist 
Church, and Mr. M. belongs to the I. O. O. F. Lodge at Rapids 
City, 111. 

EILERT SIEMENS 

(Farmer, Section 36). 

Mr. Siemens is the son of Gird and Maria Siemens, and was born 
in Germany, July 1, 1842. He was raised on a farm and educated at 
the public schools. He came to this country in 1869, and settled first 
in Fond du Lac, Wis. In 1871 Mr. Siemens came to New Cambria, 
and has been a resident up to date. He owns 140 acres of land, prin- 
cipally cultivates grass and raises stock. He is a thrifty, industrious 
citizen, and commands universal respect. Mr. S. was married in his 
native land February 12, 1827, to Miss Sophia Luntkim, a comely 
maiden of Germany. They have six children : Annie Mary, Johanna 
Catherine, Gorna Anna, Seamon Rino, Alea Sophia and Gracie. Mr. 
and Mrs. Siemens are consistent members of the German Lutheran 
Church and live up to the doctrines they profess. 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. IH^ 



MOSES WILLIAMS 

(Farmer, Section 35, Post-office, New Cambria), 
On the 1st day of May, 1814, in Wales, there was bora to David 
and Catherine Williams, natives of the same country, a son, whom we 
now take as the subject of this sketch. He was brought up to learn 
the practical details of farm life, and during his youth received the 
elements of a good education, which have been very materially added 
to since that time, not only by observation but by sell application. 
Becomino- satisfied that in this country better opportunities could be 
had for Advancing one's self in life, he emigrated to America, and 
choosino- Ohio as the site of his future labors, he settled there and 
made it^'his home for 20 years. . In 1864 Macon county. Mo., became 
his place of residence, and here he has since resided, having accumu- 
lated a comfortable homestead of 150 acres, evidences of the improve- 
ment of which denote thrift, prosperity and perseverance in the 
cultivation of the soil. In 1848 Mr. Williams, upon clioosmg a 
partner for life, married Miss Mary Evans, whose parents, Evan and 
Maro-aret Evans, also came originally from Wales. The complement 
of their family circle embraces Evan L., Maria A., Josiah and Harriet. 
Mr and Mrs. Williams have long been members of the Cumberland 
Presbyterian Church, and in this denomination Mr. W. has mimstered 
to the cono-rea-ation at New Cambria in the capacity of a preacher ot 
the o-ospel. During the war he remained entirely neutral, o^t ^^'^^ 
nevertheless subject to no little inconvenience by soldiers of both 
factions. Since locating here, both Mr. and Mrs. Williams have 
enjoyed the highest respect and confidence ot the citizens ot the 
community. 



TEI!^ MILE TOWKSHIP. 



JAMES A. BANT A 

(Post-office, Ten Mile). 
This thrifty farmer of Ten Mile township, who has a neat place of 
140 acres, widely known as '« Maple Grove Farm," is a native Mis- 
sourian, and was born January 21, 1856. His father was AltredBanta, 
and his mother's maiden name was Martha A. Terrill, both trom 
Kentucky. James A. was reared on a farm in Chariton township, 
and when 18 years of age was married to Miss Fannie White, a daughter 
of Mark White, of this county. After his marriage Mr. Banta located in 
Ten Mile township, and has since resided here. Mr. and Mrs. B. have 
had four children : Clara, Mark, Nellie, died in August, 1879, Charles, 
died January 29, 1884. Both parents are members of the Christian 
Church. Mr. Banta, although still a young man, has already shown 



1118 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

by his industry and good management, that he possesses the qualities to 
make a successful farmer and useful citizen. Upright and enterprising, 
he commands the respect of all who know him, and is not only steadily 
coming to the front as a farmer, but is gradually pursuing a position of 
influence in the community. Of agreeable manners and accommo- 
dating disposition, as well as being tvell qualified for ordinary official 
duties, it is not improbable that with the concatenation of years he 
will be called upon to serve the people in some station of public trust. 

BENJAMIN F. COMBS 

(Retired Farmer aud Stock-raiser, Post-office Clarence, Slielby County) . 

This old and highly esteemed citizen of Ten Mile township is the 
only one surviving of the first four settlers of this township, the other 
three, William Griffin, English Richardson and John Silvers, having 
all gone the way of all thiugs earthly. Mr. Combs ate his Christmas 
dinner on the floor of his cabin, which was bare ground, in this town- 
ship in 1839, since which he has been a continuous resident of the 
county. At that time nearly the whole country was in the primitive 
state of nature, and although the Indians had generally disappeared, 
wild game of every kind was perhaps more plentiful than when the 
red men of the forest were here. He relates many interesting stories 
of his early experience in this part of the country, which are fully 
worthy of a place in the history of the county, but which can not be 
given in this connection. One of these, however, should not be 
omitted from this sketch. He says the deer were so plentiful here 
that in the fall of 1840 his wife killed one with an ax in their own 
dooryard. Since then he has seen all the prairies taken up by set- 
tlers and transformed into fine farms, and much of the timbered land 
cleared and put in cultivation, or fenced for pastures. In a word, he 
has seen Macon county come up from a condition of a wilderness to 
that of one of the first counties in the State. His father, Fielding 
Combs, was one of the pioneer settlers of Missouri. He came here 
with his family away back in 1819. Benjamin F. was then a child 
three years of age, having been born in Clark county, Ky., in 1816. 
The mother was a Miss Mary Foreman before her marriage, a daughter 
of Aaron and Rachel (Fry) Foreman, originally of Virginia. The 
family lived in Ralls county for 16 years after they came to this 
State, and then removed to Monroe county, where the father died 
September 4, 1879, at the advanced age of 83. The mother had pre- 
ceded him to the grave hy four years, also at a ripe old age. Benja- 
min F. Combs, however, went to Shelby county in 1834, but the 
following year returned to Ralls county, where he resided for four 
years or until 1839, as stated above. Meanwhile, in 1832, he was 
married to Miss Elizabeth Combs, a daughter of Samuel and Cladora 
(Holder) Combs, and the granddaughter of the well-known Col. 
Holder, of Ky. Mr. Combs has followed farming and stock-raising 
continuously in this county since his first settlement here, for a period 
now of 45 years. He early succeeded in situating himself comforta- 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1119 

bly in life, and has reared a worthy family of children. There were 
nine children originally in their family, namely: Mary T., now the 
wife of Jacob Ford, of Henry county ; Sarah S., the present wife of R. 
F. Briimback; Thomas J., who died whilst a soldier in the Union 
army, at Ft. Donelson, 1864 ; Rachel,, the wife of James M. Combs ; 
Samuel F., married and a resident of this county ; Margaret A., who 
died after she became the wife of F. M. Stowe ; Benjamin C, who is 
married and resides in this county ; Commodore, who died two years 
ago, and Ernest B., who is still unmarried. During the war Mr. 
Combs was a gallant soldier of the Union, enlisting in Co. H, Second 
Missouri State militia, of which company be was a sergeant, and in 
which he served from 1861 to 1865. He is now a member of Paddy 
Shield's post, G. A. R., at Clarence. Mr. C. is a member of 
the Christian Church. Mr. Combs has a fine homestead of 240 
acres, which is carried on by his son-in-law, R. F. Brumback, he 
himself having retired from hard work on the farm, and from the 
duties and responsibilities of conducting the place, though he is quite 
active, and takes a live interest, not only in the affiiirs of the farm, 
but in all matters usually of interest to an intelligent and public- 
spirited citizen. 

WILLIAM H. EAGLE 

(Farmer, Post-office Ten Mile) . 

Mr. Eagle came to Missouri in 1870 and located in Ten Mile town- 
ship of Macon county, where he has since resided. Here he bought 
his present place, which is an excellent ftirm of 200 acres, and which 
he has made one of the choice places of the township. A man of 
enterprise and industry, he is recognized as one of our best farmers, 
and has been quite successful in handling stock, though he is not ex- 
tensively engaged in that business. Mr. Eagle is a native of Ohio, 
born in Ashland county, October 24, 1837. His parents were Ed- 
ward Eagle, also a native of Ohio, and Eliza, nee Everetts, formerly 
of New York. They now reside in Franklin county, Kas., but did 
not remove lo that State until after the war. William H. was reared 
in his native county and brought up to the occupation of farming, 
which he has continued from boyhood. January 18, 1864, he was 
married to Miss Elvira Naylor, of Ashland county, Ohio. Mr. Eagle 
continued farming and handling stock in Ohio until his removal to 
Missouri. During the war he served for some time in the enrolled 
militia, of Holmes county, Ohio, and was first lieutenant of his 
company. Mr. and Mrs. Eagle have three children: Delia A., wife 
of Benjamin F White, of this county ; Lycurgus E. and Naylor. Mr. 
and Mrs. Eagle are members of the M. E. Church. 

ELIJAH ELDER 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 6) . 

Mr. Elder is the son of Jacob and Nancy (Collier) Elder, of Ken- 
tucky ; his maternal grandfather, Charles Collier, being 73 years of 



1120 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

age, and living in Castle county, Ky. Elijah was born July 20, 1811, 
in East Tennessee, and lived there with his parents until they moved 
to Kentucky, at which time he came to Missouri and settled in Macon 
county (in 1842), on the same farm he now occupies. In January, 
1837, Mr. Elder married Miss Jane Craig, daughter of William and 
Mary Cniig, of Kentucky. By this marriage there were seven chil- 
dren : Joseph C, Mary, who died when one year old, in 1840 ; William 
C, died in 1838 in infancy ; Nancy, Margaret, James A., Melissa A. 
His first wife died October 10, 1871, and was buried at Mt. Tabor 
Church, Mo. He was married a second time, April 9, 1873, to Mrs. 
Daniel Walker, widow of Daniel G. Walker. Mrs. Elder's maiden 
name was Mary J. Surber. She was a daughter of Jacob and Nancy 
(Wagoner) Surber, of Virginia, and at the time of her marriage was 
a widow with seven children: John W., George W., Charles G., 
Sarah M., Martha N., Mary E. and Louisa J., all of whom are mar- 
ried. Amanda E. died January, 1879. Mr. Elder has 220 acres of 
extraordinary land in Ten Mile township, and is a model farmer. He 
and his wife are members of the Christian and Baptist Church. 

JOHN W. GREENLEY 

(Physician and Surgeon, Post-office, Ettle). 

Dr. Greenley, a regular graduate of medicine of the allopath school 
of physicians, has been engaged in the active practice of his profes- 
sion for over 33 years and nearly all of this time in Missouri. He is 
a physician of long and enviable standing in this part of the county 
and has a large and eminently respectable practice. Dr. Greenley is a 
native of Maryland, born November 29, 1825. His father, James 
Greenley, was also a native of that State, and his mother, whose maiden 
name was Mary Brady, was of Scotch descent, being of the old and 
well known Brady, or Broedy fiimily of Scotland, as the name is pro- 
nounced in that country. Dr. Greenley received a good general 
education, and, after studying medicine, entered the University of Ken- 
tucky, at Louisville, from which he graduated as a doctor of medicine 
in the medical department of that institution March 2, 1851. He then 
located in Hardin county, Ky., and practiced there for two years, but 
in 1853 came to Missouri and settled at Newark, in Knox county, 
where he practiced for 12 years. This brought him up to the first 
year of the war, and it being suspected that his loyalty was a little 
off in color, he found it safest to decamp and go to Illinois, 
where he could get it ebonized to the requisite sableness. He prac- 
ticed medicine in Adams county, 111., for some years, but came 
back to Missouri in 1872, and located at Clarence, in Shelby county. 
Three years later he purchased a farm in Ten Mile township, Macon 
county, and came to his present location. Dr. Greenley has a good 
farm and comfortable home, and, being well thought of and having a 
large practice, is pleasantly situated. March 21, 1851, he was mar- 
ried to Mrs. Elizabeth J. Able, the widow of Hannibal T. Able, and a 
daughter of Moses Davis, of Kentucky. She died January 17, 1856. 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1121 

Dr. Greenley was married to Miss Mary E. Anderson, a daughter of 
Willis Anderson, November 12, 1856. They have been blessed with 
12 children: John A., Alexander W., deceased; Willis J., Rob- 
ert E. Lee, Joseph E., Ida May, deceased ; Richard G., Mary E.,Kate 
E., Nannie H., Anna E., Thomas W. The Doctor is a member of 
the A. F. and A. M. 

JOHN B. GRIFFIN 

(Retired Farmer and Miller, Post-offlce, Ten Mile). 

Mr. Griffin was born in Pulaski county, Ky., February 1, 1824. 
His parents, Capt. William and Susan (Buster) Griffin, both originally 
of Virginia, came to Missouri in 1828, when John B. was but four 
years of age. They located in Ralls county, but in 1839 came to 
Macon county and settled in Ten Mile township. When John B. was 
16 years of age he went to Howard county to learn the millwright's 
trade, under his uncle, John Griffin, where he worked for two years. 
He then went to Hannibal, where he was engaged in milling until 
1844. From Hannibal he located near Madisonville, and carried on 
the milling business near that place until 1852. In 1850 he was 
married to Miss Elizabeth Gregg, a daughter of Nelson and Mary 
(Hayden) Gregg, formerly of Virginia. In the fall of 1861 he en- 
listed in Co. E, Third Missouri regiment. Southern service, under 
Gen. John B. Clark, and served until the expiration of his term of 
service in 1863. He was in the battle of Lexington, and numerous 
minor engagements and skirmishes. He then removed to Illinois, and 
there his wife died in 1864. Afterwards he returned to Missouri and 
located in Macon county, where he engaged in milling and farming. 
Here he continued to follow these occupations until a short time ago, 
when he retired from all laborious and business pursuits. In 1867 
Mr. Griffin was married to Miss Mary C. Gresham. She, too, how- 
ever, was taken from him by death. She died in 1877. His second 
wife was a daughter of Waller and Sallie (Nelson) Hayden, formerly 
of Kentucky. To his present wife Mr. Griffin was married in 1877. 
She was previously Mrs. Sarah E. Ellis, and sister to Mr. Griffin's 
scQond wife. By his first wife there were eight children: Alice, de- 
ceased; Willie, deceased ; Edgar, deceased ; Mary Nelson, deceased ; 
Ida, Ella and Willie, still living. By his second wife there are five 
children: John A., deceased; Mary E., deceased; Robert E. Lee, 
deceased; Effie Lee and Mutee H., living. Mr. Griffin has been quite 
successful. He is in easy circumstances, owning over 1,600 acres of 
good land in the county, besides a large amount of personal property, 
etc. He is one of the highly respected citizens of the county. Po- 
litically he is a Southern Democrat, not perceiving any difference 
between war Democrats and Republicans only in name ; believing 
States made the Government, not Government the States ; reserving 
all rights to themselves not especially delegated, even to secede, if 
they thought proper. 



1122 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 



JAMES H. HODGIN 

(Post-office, Clarence). 

Mr. H. was a man of a family of his own when the war broke out, 
and was a resident of Holt county, where he was peacefully and indus- 
triously engaged in the pursuit of farming. But when the life of the 
Union was threatened with destruction, the Union which the heroism 
of Washington and his immortal compatriots had founded, he did not 
hesitate as to his duty. He threw by the plow and hoe, and shouldered 
his musket and marched off like a brave and honest man to the war. 
In 1861 he enlisted in the Missouri State militia, under Gen. Prentiss, 
and served in the North Missouri department for a period of six months, 
the term of his enlistment, a service then more dangerous and trying to 
men's courage than in almost any other part of the country, for here 
neighbor was against neighbor, and the country was full of men in 
arms, brave and determined, to crush out every spark of loyalty in 
the State. After the expiration of this term, he enlisted in Co. H, 
Twenty-ninth Missouri, U. S. A., under Gen. Blair, the pioneer 
abolitionist of Missouri, and one of the bravest and most chivalrous 
officers that flashed his sword under the standard of the Union. He 
served through the remainder of the war, and was honorably discharged 
at Washington City, June 24, 1865. He was in many of the great 
battles of the war, and now bears a number of honorable scars, the 
proudest decorations a soldier can wear, to attest the heroic part he 
took in the colossal conflict of modern times, the struggle for the pres- 
ervation of the life of the nation and for the principles of liberty and 
self-government throughout the world. He was in the battles of 
Vicksburg, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, Ringgold (Ga.), 
Rasaca, Dallas, Kenesaw Mountain, Altoona, Atlanta, Sheep's Gap, 
seige of Savannah and numerous others, besides small engagements 
and skirmishes without number. In fact, the rattle of musketry and 
the thunder peals of cannonading became as common with him as the 
moaning of the winds through the pine forests of the sunny South is 
to the languid habitat of that enervating country. Mr. Hodgin was 
born in Washington county, Ind., October 19, 1836, and was a son of 
Nathan and Martha (Richards) Hodgin, the father from the old North 
State and the mother from the land of blue grass lawns, sleek cattle, 
fleet-footed horses, liquid-eyed maids and gallant chevaliers. Mr. 
Hodgin was reared on a farm in Indiana, and came to Missouri when 
21 years of age. He located in Holt county and followed farming 
there until the outbreak of the war. In 1867 he came to Ten Mile 
township and bought his present farm, nearly a quarter-section of land, 
where he has since resided. September 15, 1870, he was married to 
Miss Mary E. James, a daughter of John James, of Shelby county. 
Mo., but formerly of Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Hodgin have had five 
children : John Logan, Martha A., deceased ; Alice, deceased ; Bertie 
Carla, William H. Mr. and Mrs. H. are members of the Christian 
Church. 



-HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1123 



DAWSON B. HODGIN 

(Farmer, Post-office, Clarence) . 

Mr. Hodgin, born and reared in Indiana, one of the loyal States of 
the Union, was 19 years of age when the second year of the war 
opened and, like a true son of his native commonwealth, he went as a 
volunteer to carry the flag of the union in triumph to the South Atlantic 
seaboard and to the sunlit waters of the Mexican gulf. He was a brave 
soldier in the war and did his duty faithfuly until the old flag was unfurled 
in victory throughout the length and breadth of all the revolted States, 
and until for every star that studs its cerulian field there was a State 
restored to the Republic, even f>righter and more glorious than the con- 
stellation that illuminates the meteor-like folds of the irresistible ban- 
ner of the union. Mr. Hodgin enlisted in Co. E, Fifth Indiana 
cavalry and served until the close of the war, carrying his gleamino" 
bayonet bravely in the front ranks through many of the bloodiest 
death-duels of the war. On the 29th of June, 1865, he was honora- 
bly discharged as a soldier who had faithfully and bravely performed 
his duty. Two years afterward he came to Missouri and settled in 
Ten Mile township, of Macon county, where he has since resided. 
Here he has a farm of 160 acres, and is one of the industrious 
farmers and respected citizens of the township. In 1870 he was mar- 
ried to Miss Mary I. Macy, a daughter of Newton D. and Ruth Macy, 
of Indiana. Mrs. Hodgin is a member of the Christian Church, and 
Mr. Hodgin is a member of the G. A. R., No. 26, Paddy Shields' post, 
at Clarence. He was born in Washington county, Ind., February 18, 
1843, and was a son of William Hodgin, formerly of North Carolina, 
and consort, nee Susana Brown, a native of Pennsylvania. He was 
reared on his ftither's farm in Washington county, and, as stated 
above, joined the irresistible army of the Union in 1862. Mr. and 
Mrs. Hodgin have two children : Elvira M. Hodgin, born October 31, 
1873, and'^William N. Hodgin, born November 13, 1877. 

ADOLPHUS R. HUET 

(Farmer, Section 12). 

Among the progressive farmers and enterprising Northern men who 
have made their homes in Macon county since the war, it would be 
an inexcusable omission not to mention the name of the present sketch. 
This being pre-eminently an agricultural country, it is to the ftirming 
classes that we owe the prosperity of the country and its rapid pro- 
gress in material development and civilization. It is, therefore, 
eminently proper that in preparing the present history we should give 
at least short biographical notices of the better class of farmers of the 
county. It will be conceded by all that our Northern farmers who 
have come in here since the war have contributed an important part 
to the improvement of the county. Them, therefore, it is proper to 
sketch, giving them full credit for whatthey have accomplished. Mr. 



1124 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

Huet came to Macon county in 1868 and settled in Ten Mile township. 
Goino- to work at once with that energy and intelligence usually char- 
acteristic of Northern men, he has been entirely successful at his new 
home as a farmer and stock-raiser, and has won an enviable name in 
the community where he resides for neighborly and useful citizenship. 
He has been called to serve as president of the township board of edu- 
cation for a number of years, also as district school director, and has 
shown commendable zeal for the best interests of education in the com- 
munity. He has a good farm of 330 acres, and is in a prosperous 
condition as a farmer. Mr. Huet is a Pennsylvanian by nativity, born in 
Beaver county, September 2, 1838. But when she was quite young(six 
years)his parents, Andrew and Nancy (Heman)Huet, removed toIUinois 
in 1846, Jo Daviess county, moving to Lafayette county, Wis., in 1853, 
where the father died in 1855. The mother died in 1847. Adolphus 
R. was reared on the farm in Wisconsin and remained there engaged 
in farming until his removal to Missouri in 1868. On the 7th of May, 
1857, he was married to Miss Sarah A. Ingersoll, a daughter of Gar- 
rett and Mary (Metts) Ingersoll, formerly of Illinois. Her father 
now lives, however, in Macon county, her mother having died here 
some years ago. Mr. Huet's wife died June 18, 1879. She left him 
eight children : John A., George W., Mary J., William G., Nancy 
M., Ella E., Harry A. and Manly N. The youngest, Irving E., is 
deceased. Mr. Huet is a member of the M. E. Church, having joined 
the church in November, 1854, and is a trustee of the church at Mt. 
Zion, and also class leader and Sunday-school superintendent. 

MORRIS JONES 

(General Merchant and Farmer, La Port). 

Mr. Jones, who has led a life of more than ordinary activity and 
been identified with various industrial and business pursuits, has, 
however, been settled at La Port for nearly 20 years, or since 1866. 
He comes of two old Massachussetts families, both his parents, Amos 
and Roxanna (Brockway) Jones, having been natives of that State 
and of families resident there for generations. They were among 
the pioneers of Trumbull county, Ohio, however, and Morris Jones 
was born there January 10, 1812. From an early day Ohio has had 
good public schools, and young Jones had the benefit of these as 
he grew up in Trumbull county. About the time, or a short time 
before, reaching his majority, he engaged as a traveling salesman of 
goods in something near the same line followed now by those who 
(m11 themselves commercial travelers, which is a hi' falutin' name for 
t he line of business that is a good deal older than the young men now 
(-ngaged in it on the road with log-chain watch chains and ox-yoke 
seal rings. He continued as a traveling salesman until he was 24 
years of age, and on the 24th of January, 1836, was married to Miss 

Elizabeth W. Winters, daughter of and Elizabeth Winters, 

formerly of New Jersey. After his marriage Mr. Jones was engaged 
in various pursuits, including the operation of a tan yard and the 



HISTOKY OF MACON COUNTY. 1125 

manufacture of wagons and other business and industrial enterprises. 
On the 24th of August, 1852, Mr. Jones had the misfortune to lose 
his wife. In the meantime he had resumed selling goods and did 
business at various points in Ohio, having also ran store boats on the 
Ohio river. He also conducted other lines of business in different 
States and finally came to Missouri in 1865. The following May he came 
to Macon county and a year later located at Ten Mile township. Here 
he has since been engao;ed in merchandisins^ and farminsf. Mr. Jones 
was married to his present wife July 29, 1864. She was a Miss Eliza 
C. Reid, a daughter of Joseph and Nancy Reid. By his present wife 
Mr. Jones has one child. There was also one child by his first wife, 
Stewart A., who died January 9, 1874, at the age of 29 and is buried 
at the cemetery in Quincy, 111. Mr. Jones has 160 acres of land, 
which includes a neat and well improved farm. He has done a good, 
substantial business at La Port in the general store line from the be- 
ginning, and is widely and favorably known as a capable and upright 
business man. He and wife are members of the M. E. Church. 

E. S. MADDOX 

(Farmer; Post-office, Beverly). • 

Mr. M., an industrious, respected citizen of Ten Mile township, 
who has a farm of 160 acres, which is substantially and comfortably 
improved, is a native of Missouri, born in Monroe county, February 
4, 1836, but came of Tennessee parents. His father was Jesse Mad- 
dox, and his mother's maiden name was Lucinda Simmons, both of 
whom are now deceased. They were among the early settlors of 
Monroe county, coming there from the Rhomboid State, which has 
13roduced such men as Jackson, Polk and Johnson, three presidents 
of the Republic, as early as 1834. Ezekiel S. was reared on the farm 
in Monroe county and when 23 years of age was married to Miss 
Melissa Wright, daughter of Sumner Wright, formerly of Kentucky, 
who came to Missouri in 1829. Mr. and Mrs. Maddox have been 
blessed with six children. Melissa J., the wife of Mr. Maddox, has 
been a resident of Macon county for many years. He is a man who 
stands high with all who know him, for his life has been such that no 
reproach attaches to his name, but, on the contrary, he has ever 
striven to make himself of some value to the community as a neigh- 
bor and citizen by favoring law and order and bv setting an example 
of industry and faithful discharge of all duties through his own con- 
duct. Mr. Maddox is conceded to be one of the upright and valuable 
citizens of Ten Mile township. 

CHRISTOPHER MEISNER 

(Farmer; Post-office, Ettle). 
Among the thrifty German-American farmers and worthy citizens 
of Ten Mile township, the name of the subject of the present sketch 
is fully entitled to mention, for he is a self-made man and in winning 



1126 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

his own success in life, has contributed his full share to the material 
development of the country and its general prosperity. Mr. Meisner 
was born in Germany on the 6th day of October, 1841, and on both 
sides of his ancestry came of long lines of worthy families in the 
Fatherland. His parents were Lewis and Mary (Thomas) Meisner. 
In 1855, when Christopher was 14 years of age, he came to America 
without his parents, landing in Canada, but soon crossed over into 
the United States, and lived for the next 14 years in Lorain county, 
Ohio, where he followed farming. In 1869, having married the year 
before, he came to Missouri and settled in Ten Mile township, where 
he has since been farming and stock-raising ; here he has 200 acres of 
o-ood land and is one of the substantial agriculturists of the town- 
ship. On the 23d of November, 1868, he was married to Miss Eliza- 
beth Wenig, a daughter of John and Eva (Miller) Wenig, of Lorain 
county, Ohio, but formerly of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Meisner have 
three children: Dora, Morton and Johnny. He and wife are members 
of the M. E. Church. Mr. Meisner's farm is one of the best improved 
places in the township. 

WILLIAM J. MITTS 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Post-office, Clarence, Shelby County) , 
Mr. Mitts has a farm of 240 acres, 40 acres of which are in Shelby 
county, one of the best improved places in the vicinity. He has been 
a resident of this county since 1859, and of Ten Mile Township since 
1860. He has remained here continuously since that time, engaged 
in farming and stock-raising, except for nearly a year during the war, 
whilst he was in the army. He enlisted in Co. H, Forty-second Mis- 
souri Volunteer infantry, in August, 1864, and served with fidelity 
and courage until he was honorably discharged about the close of the 
war. Mr. Mitts is a member of Paddy Shields' Post, G. A. E., at 
Clarence. Mr. Mitts is a native of Illinios, born in Sangamon county, 
August 15, 1832. His parents were both Kentuckians by nativity — 
James and Eachel (Drening) Mitts. They came out to Illinois in an 
early day, and when William was three years of age removed to Iowa, 
settling in Henry county, where they were among the first pioneers 
of the county. There they made their permanent home, and the 
father is still living ther§, though the mother has been dead for some 
years. William grew up and was married in Henry county, la., April 
6, 1842, to Miss Julia A. Hume, a daughter of James and Elizabeth 
(Moore) Hume, of Iowa, but formerly of Virginia. Mrs. Mitts' 
father is deceased, but her mother resides in Macon county, this State. 
Mr. and Mrs. Mitts have had 11 children, namely : Eachel I., the wife 
of John Sackette, now of this county ; Alice E., deceased ; John S., 
who died January 9, 1882; James E., married, and resident of Ma- 
con county; William G., deceased in tender years ; Ella, the wife of 
Henry Scott, of Shelby county; Franklin E., who died in infancy; 
Albert U., also died in infancy ; and Osbert L., who died in boyhood. 
Two, besides, died in infancy. 



I 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1127 



CALVIN PIXLEY. 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser). 

Mr. P., one of the later residents of Ten Mile township, resides in 
Section 5. He is a farmer and stock-raiser, and also works a little 
at the cooper's trade. He was born in Orleans county, July 7, 1834, 
of Calvin and Jennette (Lucas) Pixley, natives of New York and Con- 
necticut. He moved with his parents from New York to Michigan 
when a small child, and was educated at the common schools in the 
latter State. In 1858, Mr. Pixley being 23 years of age, went to 
California, where he was mining and speculating until 1863, making 
a great deal of money. 'After his return he lived a few years in 
Michigan, a short while in Quincy, and finally in 1868, in Ten Mile 
township. He has devoted himself to farming and stock-raising ever 
since. His farm comprises 80 acres, and has good buildings and other 
improvements. Mr. Pixley married September 8, 1864, Miss Delia 
Tinckelpaugh, daughter of Adam and Harriet (Ailing) Tinckelpaugh, 
of New York. There are two children, Alida J. , wife of Elmer Hughes, 
of Ohio, and Charlie, now at school in Macon. Mr. P. is a member of 
the M. E. Church, in which he is a class leader. 

CAPT. JAMES P. POWELL 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Post-office, Beverly) . 

Capt. Powell, now in his seventieth year, and for the past 16 years 
a resident of Ten Mile township, and one of its best citizens, was for 30 
years on '* old ocean's gray and melancholy waste" as a sailor, and 
began as an ordinary shipman, but by his courage, efficiency and 
character, rose to the position of captain and ship owner, and was for 
a long time commander of the "Mary Powell," one of the fleetest 
and handsomest schooners that sailed the waters of the Atlantic. 
Capt. Powell was devotedly attached to seafaring life, but after a long 
service on the sea, having a large family of children growing up, to 
whom he was even more attached, and seeing the shadows of old age 
beginning to approach, he decided to quit the ocean and settle down 
on a farm in order to spend the remainder of his days in the bosom 
of his own family, and in that ease and comfort which a quiet, con- 
tented home life invariably brings. He therefore left the sea in 1865, 
and soon afterwards adopted country life and farming. He came to 
Missouri in 1868 and bought his present place. Here he has a comfort- 
able homestead of 200 acres fairly improved, and is engaged in farm- 
ing and raising stock in a general way. As a farmer, his aspiration 
has not been and is not to accumulate a fortune, but rather to make 
a comfortable support tind to enjoy the retirement and rural scenes 
and surroundings of farm life. Capt. Powell is a native of " Maryland, 
my Maryland," famed the world over for its fair women and brave 
men, and for the culture and refinement of its people. He was bora 
in Worcester county, February 11, 1815, and was a son of John 
66 



1128 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

Powell and consort, nee Hester Purnell. Eeared on the farm, he 
received a limited common-school education, and it is worthy of remark, 
by way of digression, that Maryland had the first free common school 
ever opened on this continent, and at the age of 20 he went upon the 
waters of the sea. He served on various schooners and ships ; first, 
and for a number of years, in coastwise navigation and then in trans- 
Atlantic shipping. During the last half or quarter of his service on 
the sea he had an interest in different vessels, but sold out on quitting 
the ocean in 1865. On the 12th of-December, 1843, Capt. Powell 
was married to Miss Mary J. Gambling, a daughter of Thomas H. 
Gambling, who came originally from England. The Captain and Mrs. 
Powell have had eight children: Joseph T., deceased; James H., 
deceased; John S,, deceased; William G., deceased; Georgia, de- 
ceased; Kobert H., Frank E. and Thomas H. Capt. Powell has 
served as justice of the peace of Ten Mile township, and is a member 
of Mt. Abraham Lodge No. 20, A. F. and A. M., in New York City. 
He is also a member of the I. O. O. F., Knickerbocker Lodge No. 22, 
in New York City. He and wife are members of the Christian Church. 

JOHN B. KICHAEDSON 

(Farmer and Stockman, Post-office, Beverly). 

Mr. Richardson, though born in Kentucky, was principally reared 
in Macon county, and by industry and sterling intelligence has become 
one of the most substantial farmers and stockmen of Ten Mile town- 
ship. He was born in Kentucky, December 29, 1834, and was the 
son of Jesse E. and Sarah (Griffin) Richardson, who came to Missouri 
in 1837 and first located in Ralls county. In 1841, however, they 
settled permanently in what is now known as Ten Mile township, of 
Macon county, where they lived until their deaths. The father died 
in 1866, but the mother preceded him in 1844. John began farming 
on his own account when he reached the age of 21 and continued it up 
to 1859, when Pike's Peak gold excitement having broken out, he 
crossed the plains, bound for the land of gold and silver in the South 
Park country of Colorado. He remained in Colorado for a year, and 
returned home in the summer of 1860. In less than a year afterwards 
the war broke out, and he enlisted in the State guard, under Gov. 
Jackson's call. Soon after the expiration of his six months' service, 
he went to Montana and was in that territory, and Washington and 
Idaho, for about seven years. He was engaged in mining and had 
good success. Returning in 1869, the following January he was 
married to Miss Mary E. AVhite, a daughter of Mark and Sarilda 
(Wright) White, who has blessed him with seven children, three of 
whom, however, aje deceased, namely: George W., Martha, Mark, 
deceased ; Samuel, deceased ; John R., Jr., William E. and an infant 
that died unnamed. Mr. Richardson has followed farminsc and stock- 
raising uninlerruptedly since 1879, and has also traded in stock to a 
considerable extent. He has 400 acres of fine land, which is ex- 
ceptionally well improved, including a handsome residence and other 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1129 

buildings and improvements to correspond. Mr. and Mrs. Richard- 
son are church members. During his service in the Southern army, 
Mr. Richardson participated in numerous engagements, including those 
of Lexington, Dry Wood, Wilson Creek and Silver Creek. 

LESLIE P. RILEY 

(Farmer aud Stock-raiser). 

Mr. Riley is a man well qualitied by education and habits of thought 
to take an enviable position in the most cultured society. He is a 
native of New Jersey, born in Burlington county, October 27, 1827, 
but was reared in Allen county, Ohio, to which his parents removed 
whilst he was in boyhood. His father was Rev. George Riley, a 
minister of the M. E. Church, and a man of profound learning, great 
eloquence and sincere piety. Speaking of this learned and able man, 
his biographer, in Ohio, saj^s : " He was one of the pioneers of this 
(Allen) county, and lived to see three generations of men come and 
go. He saw this country pass victoriously through three wars, and 
this State rise from the cradle to the position of one of the foremost 
States of the Union. He saw all this beautiful land transformed from 
a wilderness into the homes of a prosperous and happy people. Rev. 
George Riley was united with the M. E. Church 67 years ago, and 
was licensed to exhort while yet in New Jersey. He was licensed to 
preach by the Quarterly Conference of Lima circuit, Mt. Vernon dis- 
trict, and by the Michigan Annual Conference, August 24, 1829. He 
was ordained for the office and work of a deacon at the session of the 
Delaware Conference held at Lima, Ohio, in the fall of 1856, at the 
hands of Bishop Waugh. Father Riley was one of nature's noblemen, 
and his face wore the impress of moral excellence. He was a man of 
fine mental qualities. Reasoning was his strongest characteristic. 
The writer (his biographer) visited him over a year ago, and found 
him writing an essay on Mental Philosophy. ^ He was quite familiar 
with the writings in this department of learning, and equally at home 
with the leading theological works of his church. He was especially 
fond of reading the Bible, and loved the Word of God with the devo- 
tion of a true Christian. He was a man of constant prayer ; to pray 
without ceasing was the rule of his life. His Testament is marked 
with his own hand, as having been read through at the family altar 
28 times. He died in 1882, at the age of 91 years. So this good man 
departed in a full age, like a ' shock of corn garnered in its season.' " 
Leslie P. Riley was reared in Allen county, Ohio, and finished his 
education at Lima Hif>h School. He remained on the farm until he 
was 20 years of age — learning, however, in the meantime, *the car- 
penter and joiners' trade. On the 27th of October, 1848, he was 
married to Miss Susana, a daughter of Henry Cupp, of Ohio, but 
formerly of Virginia. After his marriage Mr. Riley went to Delphos, 
Ohio, where he lived until 1865, and taught school at that place for 
some six years. Coming to Missouri during the last year of the war, 
he first located in Clark county, but the following year, in 1866, 



1130 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

came to Macon county and settled in Ten Mile township, where he 
has since resided. Here he engaged in farming and stock-raising, and 
also dealing in stock. Capt. Riley has a farm of 160 acres, well im- 
proved, and he is comfortably situated. He has been quite successful 
in farming and handhng stock, and is steadily accumulating property. 
In 1863 he was commissioned captain of Co. B, First regiment Ohio 
militia. He served a regular term of officers' drill at Camp Chase, 
Toledo, and discharged his duty, wherever sent, until the close of 
the war. He and wife have been members of the M. E. Church since 
1853. He held the office of circuit steward a long time, and was 
chorister for several years. He believes in being progressive in every 
worthy calling, and is willing and always ready to help build up the 
community in which he lives. He has held the offices of township 
clerk and township assessor, and is now district school clerk. Capt. 
and Mrs. Riley have had a family of nine children: Henry F., de- 
ceased ; George W., postmaster at Ettle ; Mary E., wife of Stephen 
P. Hopper, of Chillicothe, Ohio; Charles R,, teaching in Macon 
county ; James S., Martha E., wife of John S. Grisham ; Ida A., de- 
ceased ; Andrew E. and Meribah, music teacher. The children are 
all temperate ; not one of them uses liquor or tobacco. Capt. Riley, 
as has been said, is a man of superior education and wide general in- 
formation, having always been a diligent reader. He also has a taste 
for literature, and, like his ftither, is himself something of a writer. 
He is, now correspondent for several prominent newspapers, and his 
letters are greatly prized both by the proprietors of the paper and by 
the general public. 

HENRY C. SHEETZ 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser; Post-office, Ettle) . 

Mr. Sheetz, one of the progressive and successful agriculturists of 
Ten Mile township, is a native Missourian, born in Shelby county 
May 4, 1849. His parents were Henry T. and Rebecca (Van Dever) 
Sheetz, who immigrated to Missouri in about 1832, settling in Shelby 
county, near Shelbyville. They lived near Shelbyville a short time 
and then moved to the north-west part of the county where the 
father was successfully engaged in farming for about 15 years. He 
then came to the vicinity of Shelbyville again, where he bought a 
farm and carried it on for about five years, at the expiration of which 
time he sold his place and engaged in merchandising in the town of 
Shelbyville. He followed that until his death, which occurred in 
January, 1865. His wife died in April, 1883. They had a family of 
nine children, namely: Walter T., Anna M., Susan T., Sallie E., 
Laura L., Henry C. and Julia J., all of whom, except the subject of 
this sketch, reside in Shelby county. Henry C. Sheetz was reared in 
Shelby county, and, brought up to a farm life, on starting out for 
liimself adopted that as his regular occupation. Three years later, 
however, he engaged in merchandising at Shelbyville, where he con- 
tinued for some time and then removed to Macon county and began 
farming in this county and raising and dealing in stock, which he has 



f 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1131 

since continued. He has a good farm of 135 acres which he has well 
stocked. On the 19th of October, 1872, Mr. Sheetz was married to 
Miss Lillie E. Huston, a daughter of Erastus M. Huston of Shelby- 
county. Mr. and Mrs. Sheetz have had four children : Robert C, 
Leta P. and Edith M., the other, an infant, being deceased. Both 
parents are members of the M. E. Church. Mr. Sheetz is highly es- 
teemed in the township and quite popular. He has held several local 
offices including that of township collector, and also the office of 
township trustee. 

WILLIAM SINCLAIR 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser; Post-office, Ten Mile). 

Among the thorough-going and intelligent agriculturists of the 
eastern part of Macon county is the subject of the present sketch. 
Mr. Sinclair has a fine farm of 280 acres, and his place is well im- 
proved. He is a self-made man, having commenced without means and 
accumulated all he possesses by his own industry and good manage- 
ment. As a farmer and citizen he is highly respected in the commu- 
nity. Mr. Sinclair is a native of New Jersey, born in Hunterdon 
county, December 8, 1820, and was a son of William and Mary (Zear- 
foos) Sinclair, the father born and reared in that State and of German 
ancestry, but the mother a native of Pennsylvania and of German de- 
scent. The father was a farmer and plasterer and stone mason by oc- 
cupation, and William was brought up to these pursuits. He received 
a good common-school education, and after reaching majority took up 
the trades of plastering and mason work aijd followed them continu- 
ally and with good success until he went to Ohio and then to Mis- 
souri. Mr. Sinclair immigrated West in 1854 and settled in Macon 
county in 1865. Here he engaged in farming and raising stock, and 
has since followed these pursuits with excellent success. On the 8th 
of December, 1842, he was married to Miss Margaret Trauger, a 
daughter of Abraham Trauger, of Bucks count3S Pa. After a happy 
married life of 41 years Mr. Sinclair's good wife was taken from him 
by death. She is buried at Mt. Zion cemetery in this township. She 
had borne him eight children: Anna A., wife of A. T. Mood}^ of 
Texas; Mary J., wife of W. F. Townsend, of Ohio; Ferman F., 
who died in the Union army during the late war; Sarah C, wife of 
Seldon Trott, of Missouri; George W., of this county; David R., 
William T., deceased ; and Cora Belle, also deceased, Mr. and Mrs. 
Sinclair are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, at 
Ewing Church in Round Grove township. 

EZEKIEL B. VAN VLEET 

(Attorney at Law) . 

Mr. Van Vleet, a retired attorney living on section 8, Ten Mile town- 
ship, a former member of the bar in Macon county, was born in Yates, 
N. Y., April 17, 1819. He is descended of one of those old Dutch 
families, who comprise the proudest aristocracy of New York^tate. 



1132 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

His parents were Peter P. and Louisa (Swartwoiit) Van Vleet. His 
maternal great-grandfather was born in Holland, and his Grandfather 
Swartwont was one of the first settlers of Seneca county, N. Y. ; he 
was a young man at the time of the War of the Revolution, in which he 
was a soldier. His Great-Grandfather Halsted was one of the pris- 
oners on the Jersey prison ship, during which his only food for some 
time was horse flesh. E. B, Van Vleet was educated in the public 
schools of New York and Michigan, and continued to abide on his 
father's farm until his marriage, which occurred March 31, 1841, the 
fair bride being Miss Matilda Miller, daughter of Oliver Miller, of New 
York. Five children blessed this union: Helen O., wife of C. P. 
Pendall, a lieutenant in the U. S. Army and living in Michigan; 
Sarah L., wife of Mr. Quinn, of Kentucky, now living in Macon 
county; Cass, died August 6, 1850, aged three years and 11 months ; 
Louisiana, died August 9, 1850, aged one year; Mary Eliza, wife of 
Burdine H. Rogers, living in Buffalo county, Neb, The first Mrs. 
Van Vleet passed away on the 18th of July, 1857, and on the 15th of 
March, 1859, Mr. Van V. married Miss Mary F. Steele, daughter of 
David and Eliza (Page) Steele, both natives of Pennsylvania. Miss 
Mary was educated partly in Franklin, Ohio, at Franklin Academy, 
and partly at the Richland Seminary, Mich. Mrs. Van Vleet's 
mother was a Miss Eliza Page, of Philadelphia, and her grandmother 
on the mother's side was of the old family of Bells in Pennsylvania. 
Mrs. Van V. has a number of family heirlooms which she prizes be- 
yond any price ; among these are a large mirror 108 years old, a Bible 
118 years old, a candle-stick 140 years old, a silver sugar tongs 108 
years old and a silver mug 118 years old, beside many other articles 
of great antiquity. Mr. Van Vleet has had five children by his second 
marriage: Byron E., Ella May, Charles W., died October 17, 1866; 
Francis P., died October 29, 1873, and Clara Bell. Mr. Van V. is the 
owner of 120 acres of fine land ; his improvements are first-class; he 
moved to his present farm in 1863. He .was a soldier in the recent 
war between the North and South ; he was a captain in the Cumber- 
land army, Wood being division commander and Harker and Garfieldf 
brigadiers. He was in the following battles : Shiloh, Corinth, the 
chase of Bragg, from August to October ; was over the ground made 
famous by Sherman's raid and in the fight at Perryville. He was 
discharged on the 28th of February, 1863, on account of his health. 
While in Michigan he was township clerk, justice of the peace and su- 
pervisor ; in 1864 was elected county assessor of Macon county. Mo., 
and in 1870 clerk of the circuit court, holding the latter office four 
years. Mr. Van Vleet was .one of the members of the Macon bar. 
The family are members of the M. E. Church. 

WILLIAM YUTZ 

(Farmer; Post-office, Ten Mile) . 

Among the many good citizens which the Fatherland has given to Mis- 
souri, the subject of the present sketch deserves a worthy place. He 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1133 

was born in Germany, January 12^,, 1840, and was a son of George 
and Justinia (Cramer) Yutz, whose ancestors have been settled in the 
land beyond the Rhine from time immemorial. In 1852 the family 
came to America and settled in Easton, Penu., where the father still 
resides and is a carpet weaver. William remained at Easton until 
after the outbreak of the war, and then enlisted in the Union service 
and was honorably discharged June 1, 1865. He was under Gen. 
Sheridan and participated in the celebrated march down the Shenan- 
doah Valley. Mr. Yutz was in numerous engagements during the war. 
March 16, 1863, he was married to Miss Chistiana Heckman, a daugh- 
ter of Conrad Heckman, of Pennsylvania, but formerly of Germany. 
In 1874 he came to Missouri and located in Macon county, where he 
has since resided and followed farming. He has a neat place of 120 
acres and is getting comfortably situated in life. Mr. and Mrs. Yutz 
have had 10 children : George W., Edward H., Charles M., EmmaE., 
John G., Anna S. and Ella S. Mr. Yutz is school director and he and 
wife are members of the M. E. Church. 



LIBERTY T0W:N^SHIP. 



STEPHEN DRINKARD 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser). 

Mr. D., a farmer and stock-raiser, is the son of Stephen and Min- 
erva (Collett) Drinkard, from Kentucky. He was born in Itandolph 
county. Mo., July 13, 1838. When he was three years of age his pa- 
rents moved to Monroe county and there his youth was passed. He 
was educated at the public schools. At the i\ge of 15 he began farm- 
ing for himself, and three years later he embarked in the cement and 
plaster trade, working at this in connection with his farm ever since. 
In 1864 he moved to Randolph county and in 1871 to Macon, and has 
been in business in that section of the county up to the present time. 
Mr. D. was a soldier in the Southern army, serving in Price's forces, 
under Capt. Majors. He was in the battles of Lexington and Dry 
Wood. For several years Mr. D. was justice of the peace of John- 
ston township, being first appointed by the court and afterwards 
elected to the office. He was married October 29, 1858, to Miss 
Amanda E. Halliburton, daughter of John and Elmira Halliburton, 
natives of Kentucky and Tennessee. They have 10 children : Ar- 
milda F., who died at the age of four ; John W., Minerva, Sarah E., 
William Carroll, Nanora, Naomi, Charles A., Minnie and Estella B. 
He is a member of the M. E. Church South, Liberty township. 



1134 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

JOHN J. DYE 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser), 

Mr. Dye, postmaster of Seney post-office, Liberty township, also a 
farmer and stock-raiser, of section 4, is from Ohio. He was born 
September 4, 1834, in Washington county. His parents, Samuel and 
Lucinda Dye, were also natives of Ohio. John J. had excellent edu- 
cational advantages, having attended a first-class high school at Mari- 
etta, Ohio. He lived on the home farm until he was 31 years of age 
and then emigrated to Missouri, settling in Liberty township on the 
farm he still cultivates. He has always been a farmer and stock- 
raiser, and the first seven years of his residence in the county he also 
taught school. In 1878 he was appointed postmaster, and still holds 
the office. On the 6th of October, 1859, Mr. Dye was married to 
Miss Emma A. Brown, daughter of Walter Brown, a native of Vir- 
ginia, but a resident of Ohio at the time of the marriage. There are 
six living children : Hattie A., Mary E., wife of Thomas Hayner, of 
Macon county; Nora E., at present at school in Ohio ; Walter S., 
John J. and George C. ; William W. died in March, 1880, and one 
child in infancy. Mr. Dye was left a widower in 1879, and December 
4, 1881, he led to the altar a new bride in the person of Miss Susan 
Esther Bronson, a native of Iowa, and daughter of David Bronson, 
of Macon county. Mo. Mr. Dye has a fine farm of 120 acres of jorai- 
rie land, and has surrounded himself with every comfort of life. 
Among other improvements he has a splendid orchard of 400 trees. 
He is a substantial farmer, considered one of the best. The family 
attend the M. E. Church. 

JAMES H. FORD 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser) . 

Mr. Ford, a leading farmer and stock-raiser, section 6, is an in- 
stance of what good, sound, common sense, joined to an energetic 
temperament, will do for a man's advancement in life. Mr. Ford was 
born in Benton county. Ark., on September, 4, 1838, and was the son 
of William and Rebecca (Tippitt) Ford, of Tennessee. He was edu- 
cated in Arkansas, at the public schools. He lived on the home farm 
until he became of age, and then moved to Missouri, and settled in 
Walnut Creek township, Macon county, finally purchasing 160 acres 
of land in Liberty, where he has lived ever since, an independent 
farmer. He now owns a farm of 236 acres, lying in four different 
townships. Liberty, Walnut, Valley and Independence. The portion 
in Liberty, 135 acres, is fine farming land in splendid cultivation. 
The farm contains good buildings and comfortable residences. Mr. 
Ford only came to Missouri in 1860, and the progress he has made in 
that time is astonishing. There is no better agriculturalist in the 
county and he owes his present position largely to his shrewd, keen 
sense and observant mind. He would never miss the flood of that 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1135 

tide in the affairs of men that leads onto fortune. Of strong individ- 
uality, tbe high character of his moral worth and the subtle quickness 
of his intelligence entitle Mr. Ford to a front rank among his 
contemporaries, and it is readily conceded him, though he is not a 
man to push himself into notice or rush after office. He was a mem- 
ber of the Grange movement of 1873. Mr. Ford has been twice mar- 
ried. The first time August 12, 1860, to Miss Margaret Munley, 
daughter of Sandford Munley, of Missouri. By this marriage there 
were seven children : Mary Ella, died in August, 1863 ; Olive, wife of 
John King, of Missouri ; Matilda J., William A., John M., Oscar and 
an infant, deceased. The first Mrs. F. died in August, 1879, and the 
following year Mr. Ford wedded a young school-teacher. Miss Addie 
Hayner, daughter of James Hayner, formerly of Scott county, Ky., 
but now a farmer of Independence township, Macon county, Mo. 
Two children, Maggie S. and James Victor have blessed this union. 
The same good judgment that governs Mr. Ford's actions has been 
displayed in the choice of a life partner and the management of his 
family. Like all men of quick perceptions and powers of observa- 
tion, Mr. F. enters with entire understanding into all the feelings 
and thought of those who look to him for guidance, and like a goodly 
ship under the experienced hand of a skilled pilot, they keep a steady 
course amid the perilous shoals and snags of life. 

JACOB V. GliOVE 

(Section 36, Post-office, Blooraington). 

There is no citizen in Macon county who is of more value to the 
welfare of the public than he whose name heads this sketch. Prom- 
inent in politics, deeply interested in the schools of the county, of 
which he has been director in his district for eight years past, he uses 
every means at his command for the advancement and prosperity of 
the county. He is a farmer and stock-raiser by occupation, and 
devotes himself to the making of sorghum, at which he has met with 
marked success, and also a molasses manufactory, which turns out 
annually from 2,000 to 4,000 gallons. Mr. Grove was born Novem- 
ber 8, 1843, in Westminster, Md. His father, Jacob Grove, was 
a Virginian, and his mother, Mary Humboldt, was from Pennsyl- 
vania, and one of the old Humboldt stock who were nearly related to 
William Penn. He attended the Westminster Academy at Westmin- 
ster, Md., and also at the Thad. Stephen's College at Gettysburg, 
Pa. When Jacob V. was 17 vears of ao-e he went to Baltimore, Md., 
arriving just in time for the Baltimore riot, April 19, 1871. His 
youthful heart inflamed with patriotism for the old flag. He straight- 
way, even on the following day, went to Gettysburg and enlisted in 
Co. E, Second Pennsylvania volunteer infantry, in Gen. Patterson's 
command. After four months' service, during which he was in the 
battles of Falling Waters, July 1, 1861, he re-enlisted in Co. A, 
Sixth regiment of Maryland volunteer infantry, his regiment and 
corps forming part of the Potomac army (Third corps). He was in 



1136 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

the following battles : Obegnaii Creek, June 13, 1863 ; Winchester, 
June 14, 15, 1863; Ft. Royal, July 25, 1863; Wapping Heiohts, 
June 25, 1863; Bristow Station, October 14, 1863; Kelly's Ford, 
November 7, 1863; Brandy Station, November 8, 1863; Locust 
Grove, November 27, 1863'; Mine Run, November 28, 1863, and 
Wilderness, May 5-11, 1864. In the latter bitter conflict Mr. G. 
was wounded — disabled by a gunshot wound in his right shoulder. 
He was until July, 1864, in the Patterson Post Hospital in Baltimore, 
then rejoining his regiment, he took i)art in the disastrous battle of 
Monocacy and also the following engagements : Charlestown, August 
21, 1864; Smithfield, August 29, 1864; Winchester, September 19, 
1864; Flint Hill, September 21, 1864; Fisher's Hill, September 21, 
1864; Pebbles' Farm, September 30, 1864; Middletown, October 9, 
1864; Sheridan's great ride at Cedar Creek, October 19, 1864, and 
the siege of Petersburg, April 1, 1865. The color-sergeant of Mr. 
Grove's regiment was the first man who got inside the works and lived in 
the last named siege. Mr. Grove had two brothers in the Southern 
army, one of whom was wounded at this battle. After further par- 
ticipating in the fights at Sailor's Run, April 6, 1865, and Appomat- 
tox, April 9, 1865, Mr. Grove was discharged June 25, 1865, after 
four years of as gallant and faithful performance of duty as any man 
in America can boast of. The war-broken soldier returned to Gettys- 
burg, Pa., and for a year rested from his labors. In 1866, shoulder- 
ing once more the burden of life, he went West, located at Elkhart, 
111., and took up the drug business. Two years later, on account of 
ill health, he discontinued this, and receiving an appointment in the 
Indian Bureau of the Interior Department, he went to Washington 
City. Finding, however, on his arrival, that the position was one he 
did not care to accept, he returned to the West and settled in Macon 
county, which he has ever since made his home, excepting during one 
year when he traveled through Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Mr. 
Grove married, November 8, 1871, Miss Annie M., daughter of Hon. 
George M. Taylor, of Macon county. There are six children by this 
union: Mary Belle, Jennie, Jacob V., Jesse Fremont, Peter Cooper, 
Huldah and Maggie. His tamily belong to the M. E. Church. Mr. 
G. is a member^of the I. O. O. F., No. "184, of Gettysburg, Pa. He 
was secretary of the Grand Lodge of Bloomington. Mr. Grove is of 
unprecedented popularity, as was practically shown when he made a 
canvass for sheriflTof his county. 

JOHN McDUFFEE 

(Farmer and Stock-dealer, Section 26, Post-office, Bloomington) . 

Mr. McDuffee was born in Monroe county, N. C, November 26, 
1813. His parents were Duncan and Nancy (Bine) McDuflee. John 
McD. was educated in Tennessee, whither his father emigrated Avhen 
he was but four years of age. He was partly educated in the common 
schools, but finished his studies at Hoke College, at Mt. Pleasant, 
Maury county, Tenn. At 23 years Mr. McDuflee embarked in va- 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1137 

rious branches of mercimtile life, and in 1839 emigrated to Missouri. 
He located in Cooper county, where he lost his heart to Miss Lucinda 
Harris, a daughter of Thomas Harris, of Missouri. The married 
twain were made one on the 28th of June, 1845, and soon after Mr. 
McD. moved to what was then Jackson, but is now Lj'^da township, 
of Macon county, Mo. Here he and his little wife began to prepare 
a home, he engagins; in fannino; and stock-raisinij. In the latter he 
dipped quite extensively, buying and selling cattle, horses, mules and 
some hogs. This was before there were any railroads, or even any 
settlement ©f any consequence in the county. Mr. McDuffee owns 
160 acres of land at present, though his property at one time amounted 
to at least 600 acres. He has sold off a portion of his land, and has 
also given largely to his children. His farm has every improvement 
that could be desired, and he is considered one of the most exper- 
ienced farmers in the township. Mr. McDuffee is a man of immense 
personal popularity, and several times has been implored to allow his 
name to be brought before the public as a candidate for county treasurer. 
He steadily declines the honor, however, though he has served for two 
years as township collector. He was a member of the Grange move- 
ment, and belongs to the A. F. and A. M. No. 102, of Bloomington, 
Mo. During the war Mr. McD. took no sides, but following the in- 
junction of Holy Scripture, to be at war with no man, treated both 
armies with equal kindness. Mr. and Mrs. McDuffee have seven 
children: Barbara J., who is the wife of J. J. McDaniel, of Bloom- 
ington; William F., who is married to Miss Lucy Garvin, and living 
in Liberty township ; Louisa M., who is the wife of John Taylor, of 
Hudson township; Nancy C, wife of E. P. Goodding, of Eagle town- 
ship; Sarah F., wife of James A. AVright, of Eandolph county; 
Mary E. and George R. The family are members of the Cumberland 
Presbyterian Church, of Bloomington. 

WILLIAM McCULLY 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 19). 

Mr. McCully is an active and energetic farmer and stock-raiser. No 
man reflects more credit on the county than he. He is the son of Sam- 
uel and Mildred (Maho) McCully. His father was born April 15, 1805, 
in Tennessee, and emigrated to Missouri when a young man. His 
mother was also born in Tennessee on the 15th of March, 1805, There 
was a large family of children, consisting of five girls and eight boys ; 
of these four are deceased. The others are all married, and are as 
follows : Mary J., wife of John Osborn, farmer in Randolph county ; 
Mildred F., wife of Thomas, Colly, farmer in Chariton county; 
Ardella, wife of James Ball, farmer in Randolph; Valentine, living 
in South-west Missouri ; John A., in Randolph; Samuel J., Walter 
H., both in Randolph, and Tolman G., in Audrain county. William, 
the subject of this memoir, was born November 17, 1829, in Randolph 
county. Mo. He grew up on the farm, and was educated at the com- 
mon schools. • When he came of age he moved for a year to Howard 



1138 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

county, but returned to Randolph, and there, January 25, 1853, mar- 
ried Miss Margaret A., daughter of Wm. McCully, a farmer. After 
four years farming Mr. McCully moved to Macon county and settled 
in Liberty township, on his present farm. He owns 160 acres, which 
he has converted into a little Paradise by his industry and good man- 
agement. Mr. and Mrs. McCully have had seven children. Arzelia, 
who died January 29, 1860; William S., died January 28, 1860; 
Henderson E., Tyson W., Minnie M., James *T., and Ira, who died 
August 6, 1875. Mr. McC. is a member of the A. F. and A. M. No. 
102, Bloomington, Mo., of which lodge he has been treasurer for six 
years j)ast. He is a thriving farmer, and an enterprising and public- 
spirited citizen. 

DE. BENJAMIN L. MIXON 

(Physician and Surgeon) . 

Dr. M., a physician of extensive practice and wide reputation, sec- 
tion 4, Liberty township, was born in St. Helena parish, Louisiana, 
June 26, 1839. His father, George J. Mixon, was a native of South 
Carolina. His mother, Elizabeth (Barksdale) Mixon, was born in 
Georgia, but belonged to that talented family of the name in Missis- 
sippi, one member of which is in the United States Senate, and one 
of whom recently shot Mr. Dixon, in Yazoo City, in some political 
quarrel. Both were prominent politicians. Benjamin L. was raised 
in Louisiana and educated for a physician. His studies were partly 
conducted in Chicago. He remained at home until 20 years of age, 
and then went to Calhoun, Ala. ; after two years moved to Escambia 
county, Fla., and there enlisted in the Confederate army in 1864, par- 
ticipating in the Battle of Perry ville, Mumfordsville, Ky., George- 
town, Stone River, Chickamauga, Jackson, Miss., and was in all the 
engagements from the beginning of Dalton, Ga., until his capture by 
Sherman at New Hope Church, near Atlanta, on the 28th of May, 
1864. Dr. Mixon was taken to Rock Island prison, and after a close 
incarceration of nine months, in order to regain his freedom, he joined 
the Union army. He was, however, still kept in prison, and after a 
year's service was discharged November 29, 1865, at Ft, Leavenworth. 
After his discharge the Doctor settled in Macon county. Mo., and be- 
gan the practice of his profession in Walnut Creek township. In 
1877 he moved to Liberty township, where he has since lived. His 
success has been most brilliant, his practice extending over five town- 
ships. He is a fine surgeon as well as a physician, and the value of 
his services to his fellow men is incalculable. The'Doctor is a farmer, 
also, and has 300 acres of land, all pasturage, and divided into three 
separate farms. The one on which he lives is an unusually fine place, 
with the best of improvements His residence is one of the finest in 
the county. December 24, 1865, Dr. Mixon was married to Miss 
Martha A., daughter of P. F. Agee, of Missouri. Of this union were 
born five children, three of whom are living: Volta Edwin, Carlisle 
and Freddie. Walter Trent died July 18, 1867, and Roswell Duard 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1139 

died June 10, 1875. Dr. M. has been treasurer of the township for 
two years. He and his wife belong to the Christian Church. 

CRAVEN P. ROSS 

(Farmer aud Stock -raiser, Section 20). 

Mr. Ross was ©ne of that steadily flowing stream of emigrants 
from Kentucky who settled in Missouri in the early days of the coun- 
try. His parents, John and Nancy (Peyton ) Ross, were natives of the 
Blue Grass State, where Craven P. was born, in Madison county, 
December 17, 1816. In 1817 the family removed to Howard county, 
Mo., and there the subject of this sketch reached manhood. He 
had married in the meantime, in Howard county, Mo., December 
17, 1847, Miss Margaret Elizabeth Posey, daughter of Bird and 
Sarah Posey, formerly of Kentucky. She was born September 25, 
1833, in Howard county. After his marriage Mr. Ross emigrated to 
Liberty township, Macon count}', March 20, 1851, and there still 
lives. He has always followed his present pursuit of farming and 
stock-raising, in which he has been eminently successful. His exam- 
ple of frugal toil and upright independence has been of no small value 
to those around him, and he is enjoying the fruits of his labors in a 
life comparatively free from earthly care. His obliging manners and 
truly kind heart have won for him an enviable position in the estima- 
tion of his fellow-citizens. His farm contains 260 acres of as good land 
as there is in the county, the natural value of which has been enhanced 
ten fold by the assiduous care and attention he has bestowed upon it. 
His improvements are first-class, and he is preparing to build a fine 
barn in place of the one recently destroyed. Mr. Ross has been for 
25 years a member of the A. F. and A. M, of Bloomington Lodge 
No. 102. Mrs R.'s father is still living in the beautiful and healthful 
vigor of a green and hale old age. He is now 78 years old. Mr. 
and Mrs. Ross have had five children : George W., was born in How- 
ard county, Mo., May 20, 1849; William B., was born in Macon 
county May 21, 1851, and died August 14, 1853 ; John W., was born 
in Macon county August 28,1853, and died December 4, 1882 ; Alex- 
ander Ross, was born in Macon county on the 1st of April, 1855, and 
married Miss Annie E. Weakly on February 19, 1874 — she is the 
daughter of Absalom Weakly ; Birdrick Ross, was born July 4, 1857, 
and died the 21st of September, 1858. 

GEORGE ALLEN RYALS 

(Teacher) . 

Mr. Ryals, a talented and handsome young school-teacher, of section 
7, south-east corner of Liberty township, was born July 10, 1862, in 
Macon county. Mo. He has attended for the past two years the Kirks- 
ville State Normal school, and proposes to complete the course. He 
has always taught in Macon county, with the exception of one year he 
.had charge of the Brush Creek district, Randolph county. Mr. Ryals, 



1140 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

though only 22 years of tige, has taken a foremost place among those 
of his chosen calling. So pronounced is his genius that should he con- 
tinue to wield the ferule, the professor's chair must ere long claim him 
as an occupant. With manners of most pleasing grace and a physique 
of remarkable beauty, this gifted young man is a general favorite, and 
has within his grasp those coveted joys and honors of life for which 
most men sigh in vain. Mr. .Ryals belongs to the order of Good 
Templars. William Ryals, ftither of George Allen, is a farmer and 
stock-raiser, of section 7. He was born January 26, 1828, in Sangamon 
county. 111., but emigrated with his parents in 1831 to Missouri. 
They lived first in Randolph county, then in Monroe, then in Putnam, 
and finally in 1859 settled in Liberty township, Macon county. Mr. 
Ryal's father was John Ryal, his mother Mary (Sears) Ryals, daugh- 
ter of Harry Sears, a member of the old and prominent f amil}^ of Sears 
in Kentucky. William R. had a good common-school education, and 
has followed the vocation of farmer ever since his residence in Mis- 
souri. He took no part in the late war. He served for a time as road 
overseer of his district, and was also a member of the Grange move- 
ment. He owns now but 60 acr6s of land, but has been a large land 
holder. His farm is pleasantly situated and well improved. Mr. 
Ryals has been three times married. His first wife, to whom he was 
united March 13, 1850, was Miss Lucinda Sears, daughter of Wiley 
Sears, of Kentucky. There were two children : Mary F., wife of W. P. 
Early, merchant and stock dealer of Callao township, and Luther W., 
merchant, of Callao, Mo. Mrs. R. laid down to an eternal rest Decem- 
ber 13, 1856, and was interred in the family burying ground in Ran- 
dolph. November 29, 1857, Mr. Ryals married Miss Martha J. Sears, 
daughter of Hardy Sears, of Kentucky ; but a second time his dreams 
of bliss were destined to a rude awakening, his beloved consort after 
a few brief years being snatched from his clinging arms, leaving two 
children: Isom L. and George A., as pledges of her devotion. One 
child breathed its little life away when an infant. In February, 1866, 
Mr. Ryals a third time entered the marital relation with Mrs. Lucinda 
W. Payne, daughter of Avington Simpson, of Kentucky. Mrs. Payne 
had one daughter, Permelia Payne, who is still unmarried. Mr. Ryal's 
third marriage is childless. He and his wife are members of the Old 
School Baptist Church in Valley township. 

COLUMBUS G. TAYLOR 

(Farmer aud Stock-raiser, Section 35). 

Mr. Taylor is the son of George M. Taylor, who was one of the 
most important citizens of Blooraington. From his earliest youth he 
■was entrusted with positions of responsibility, in which he ever ac- 
quitted himself with the most brilliant credit. He was successively 
surve3''or, sheriff and representative of the county, besides holding 
numerous other ofiices, and at the same time owning a farm where the 
family resided, except when in Bloomington. Columbus G. was born 
February 11, 1844, in Macon county. Mo. He was educated in the 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1141 

public schools, and up to the age of 10 lived in Bloomington. He then 
moved to the farm where he has lived ever since. In 1865 Mr. Taylor 
took a trip across the plains ; he was absent a year, engaged in no 
particular business, hut seeing life generally. After his return he 
lived on the farm with his parents until his marriage, December 7, 
1869. The fair lady of his choice was Miss Emma Cunningham, 
dauo-hter of Francis and Mary Cunningham, natives of Kentucky, 
from which fxict may be guessed, as a matter of course, the beauty of 
the bride, no State in the Union being more noted for her beautiful 
Avoraen than that of Kentucky. After his marriage Mr. Taylor moved 
first to Bevier township, then in 1880 to Liberty, of which township 
he is at present justice of the peace. He was a worthy member of the 
Grange movement of 1873, and belongs to the A. F. and A. M., Lodge 
No. 102, of Bloomington. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor have a family of six 
children : Georgia Anna, born November 24, 1870 ; Francis Markley, 
born July 27, 1872 ; Ida May, born May 8, 1875 : Edgar Russell, born 
March 27, 1827 ; Ora, born April 1, 1880, and Florence, born August 
11, 1882. 



hudso:n^ township. 



EGBERT W. AIKIN 

(Proprietor of the Wabash Hotel). 
Mr. Aikin is a son of Daniel Aikin, farmer, and was born in Co- 
lumbus, Ind., in 1832. Before he came to Macon he was a commer- 
cial traveler. After settling in Macon City he ran the City Hotel for 
three years, and the Mercliants' two years, and then took charge of 
the Wabash, which he now has. Mr. Aikin is a Republican in poli- 
tics, and has twice been elected councilman at large of Macon City. 
He is now city engineer. He has twice been married. His first wife, 
Miss Elizabeth Hendrickson, of Indiana, to whom he was married in 
1856, died in 1863, leaving one daughter, Ida, now the wife of John 
M. Reed, farmer. In 18^78 Mr. AUdn made a second matrimonial 
venture, which has proved a most fortunate one. His present wife 
was Mrs. Mary, widow of John Cook, who died in 1871. Mr. and 
Mrs. A. have two sons, ®ne a telegraph operator in the employ of 
the Hannibal and St. Joe Railroad,"and the other a printer, until two 
years ago foreman in the Repuhlican office in Macon, but now work- 
ing on the Brookfield Gazette. Mr. Aikin is an experienced hotel 
keeper, and has one of the best houses to be found in the country. 
First-class accommodations and assiduous attention are the fate of all 
the traveling -pubhc who favor him with a visit. His wife is a lady 
possessed of many noble qualities of mind and heart, and by her su- 
perior aid and counsel materially assists her husband in the manage- 
ment of his house. 



1142 HtSTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 



WILLIAM F. ANDERSON 

(Merchant Tailor, Macon City) . 

Dr. John J. Anderson, the father of William F., came of one of the 
most respectable untitled families of Scotland. His parents were 
hioiily cultured and in easy circumstances, and gave their children 
advanced educations. Dr. Anderson received a thorough classical 
education, and was graduated from the ancient and famous University 
of Dublin, both in a general educational course and in medicine. 
After this, whilst still a young man, he came to Charleston, S. C, 
then the most strictly aristocratic city on the continent, bringing with 
him the highest recommendations both as to his social standing and 
professional abilities, for the purpose of practicing his profession at 
the metropolis of the Palmetto State. His success at Charleston was 
prompt, and his clientele represented many of the best families of that 
city. After a residence of a few years at Charleston, he was married 
to Miss Isabella McCuUoug^i, of South Carolina, a young lady of the 
hio-hest culture and refinement, and of rare beauty and personal grace. 
William F. was born of this happy union in Charleston, October 8, 
1836, but on account of the great torridity of the climate during the 
summer seasons, and the constant strain of a large practice. Dr. An- 
derson's health failed, and he was advised to seek rest in the mountains. 
Accordingly he decided to remove to the mountains of Tennessee, and 
in 1848 he located in that State ; but becoming thoroughly dissatisfied 
in Tennessee, for the practice amounted to little or nothing there, and 
after the loss of two years and considerable means, practically all he 
had, he located at Helena, Ark. In the meantime (illustrating the 
adage that troubles never come single) death had robbed him of his 
wife. At Helena his success in his profession was as good as could 
have been expected of a place like that in those days, when there was 
a sreat deal more sickness in the country than money. The result 
was that he was unable to educate or bring up his children as he him- 
self had been educated and brought up. His health was never good 
and his means limited, so that William F., who had intended to be- 
come a physician himself, and had studied several years under his 
father with that object in view, was compelled, at the early age of 17, 
to seek some employment that would bring in an immediate income. 
He accordingly went to work to learn the tailor's trade at a small 
salary, and was at work at that when the war broke out ; thereupon 
he and two brothers promptly enlisted in the service of the South, he 
in the Fortieth Tennessee infantry. His two brothers were killed at 
Port Hudson, and he was severely wounded at the bombardment of 
Island No. 10, being struck by two pieces of a bomb, one in his side 
and one on the foot, thus disabling him from further field service. 
After this he was in the quartermaster's department, but was finally 
compelled to leave the service, on account of bad heath, entirely. He 
returned to Memphis and resumed his trade, working there until 1865. 
He then came to St. Louis, and worked a year or two. From St. 



HISTORY ''OF MACON COUNTY. 1143 

Louis- he came to the interior of the State, and was in the drug busi- 
ness at La Plata for about two years. Excepting this, however, he 
continued to work at his trade and following the business of merchant 
tailoring until he came to Macon City, where he has since continued 
in the same lines. He has one of the leading establishments in the 
merchant tailoring business at Macon City, and has a large custom. 
December 2, 1869, he w^as married at Shelbina to Miss Sarah M. 
Green, a daughter of John and Elizabeth E. (Tuttle) Green, of Macon 
county. Mrs. Green's father, Nicholas Tuttle, was one of the early 
settlers of Macon county, and his ftither was a gallant soldier in the 
American army during the Revolutionary War. Mr. and Mrs. An- 
derson have seven children : James W., Joseph S., Lena E., Dr. John 
J. , Eugene, Charley Mark Twain and Francis Marvin. Mrs. Anderson 
and her mother are members of the Christian Church, and he is a 
Knight of Pythias, an L O. O. F. and the Triple Alliance. 

FEANK BATED 

(Cashier of the Exchange Bank, Macon City). 

Mr. Baird may be said to have been bred to the banking business, 
having been brought up from boyhood in the bank with which his 
father is connected at Kirksville, the First National Bank. His father, 
William T. Baird, is a Keutuckian by nativity, from Carroll county, 
and came to Missouri when a young man in 1857, locating in Adair 
county. He taught school there for a short time and was married to 
Miss Mattie C, a daughter of Mathew P. Hannah, one of the first set- 
tlers in Adair county, and an old and respected citizen of that county. 
Engaging in other pursuits subsequent to teaching, he finally became 
identified with the banking business at Kirksville, with which he has 
since been connected, a period now of nearly 26 years. He is one 
of the prominent and highly respected citizens of Kirksville. 

Frank Baird, the eldest in his father's family of children, was born 
at Kirksville July 8, 1859, and as he grew up had the benefit of the 
excellent schools of that place as well as practical experience in the 
banking business. He also took a term at Kemper's School in Boon- 
ville in addition to his course at the State Normal School. It is thus 
seen that his advantages and opportunities have been ample to fit him 
for business life, and particularly for the banking business. Nor has 
his experience since he began life for himself failed to show that he 
fully improved his time when young. At the age of 20, such was the 
proo:ress he had made in learnin2: the l^ankino- business and such his 
efiiciency and the confidence in wdiich he was held, that he w^as made 
assistant cashier of the Exchange Bank of William T. Baird, now the 
First National Bank at Kirksville. The duties of this position he per- 
formed with entire acceptability and he continued assistant cashier of 
that bank until he became identified with the bank with which he is 
now connected at Macon city. He came here in 1883, and since that 
time has been cashier of the present bank — the Exchange Bank of 
Bairds & Wright. His thorough knowledge of the bankins; business 
67 



1144 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

is so well recognized and his character such that the success of this 
bank was assured from the time he first became identified with it. Its 
career has fully justified the expectations of those interested m it, and 
of the community at large. It ranks among the substantial, solid, 
banking houses of this section of the State, being intelligently and 
soberly managed and conducted on sound business principle. Per- 
sonally, Mr. Baird is popular with all who know him. He is aifable, 
courteous and accommodating, and perfectly reliable in business as in 
everything else. On the 1st of September, 1880, he was married to 
Miss Bessie Hunt, a daughter of N. Hunt, a prominent citizen of this 
city. 

ALFRED BANTA 
(Of Banta & Son, Livery and Sale Stables, Macon City) . 

Alfred Banta, pere, was born in Henry county, Ky., July 29, 
1829. His parents, John and Nancy (List) Banta, came to Missouri 
in 1844 and located in what is now Bevier township, three miles south 
of the town of Bevier, where the father entered quite a tract of land, 
and engaged in farming, which he followed until his death, some years 
before the war. Alfred was next to the youngest in the family of 
seven children, and was reared partl}'^ in this county. At the age 
of 20 he was married to Miss Martha A. Terrell, a daughter of 
John Terrell, an early settler of the county. He thereupon located 
on a tract of land near his father, where he continued farming up to 
the fall of 1882, meeting with good success. He grew tobacco quite 
extensively and also raised and bought stock, shipping them to the 
wholesale markets. For four yeavs he ran the Banta mill. He still 
owns his farm in Chariton township which contains some 200 acres, 
and which he superintends. In November, 1882, he came to Macon 
City and in company with his son, Alfred, Jr., established their 
present business. They have the leading livery and sales stables of 
the place and are doing an excellent business. They carry a fine stock 
of buggies and horses, and their rigs are justly popular for their 
appearance and serviceability. Alfred Banta, Sr., and wife have had 
a family of five children, John, Martha J., who died whilst the wife 
of Thomas L. Morrow; James A., Emma, now the wife of Robert 
Gant, and Alfred. Luther died in infancy. Alfred Banta, Jr., was 
born July 2, 1860, and was educated at the Kirksville Normal School. 
He engaged in farming with his father in 1878, and February 3, 1881, 
was maiTied to Mattie E. Ruby, a daughter of Dr. William Ruby. 
They have one child. Evert C. Mrs. Banta is a member of the Cum- 
berland Presbyterian Church. Young Mr. Banta is an industrious 
and energetic man and has all the qualities for a successful business 
career. 

BRIGHT C. BARROW (deceased) 

(Late an attorney-at-law, Macon City) . 
Mr. Banta was an ornament to the bar, which has sustained an 
irreparable loss in his death. He was the son of Daniel Barrow and 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1145 

Jane Gillstrap, natives of Kentucky, and was one of nine children : 

George, Jane, Louise, Melissa, Weltha, James Robert, Marietta and 

Bright G. Daniel D. came to Macon in 1834, and farmed until his 

death, in 1865. His wife survived him but a few 3'ears ; in 1870 the 

ftiithful pilgrim reached her journey's end. Bright G. Barrow was 

born in Lexington, Ky., October 10, 1826; was raised on a farm, 

where he worked and attended school until he was 18, when he 

began teaching, and, at the same tmie, reading law. At the age of 

21 he was admitted to the bar, and soon after married Miss Margaret 

Ferguson, a native of the county, from whom he was lawfully divorced 

in 1860. To them were born eight children, all except two of whom 

died in infancy ; John C. and Daniel B. are still living. In 1863 Mr. 

Barrow married a second time ; the present Mrs. B. was Miss Jennie 

Downing, daughter of Joel and Jerusha (Knapp) Downing, originally 

of Ohio, who came to Macon county in 1861 with his five children : 

Hannah, Riley, Henrietta, Calista and Jennie. Mr. Downing was 

born in 1810, and was a farmer. He is still living in sound health, 

with his daughter. His w^ife died in 1852 in Van Buren county, Iowa. 

By his second marriage Mr. Barrow had seven children, of whom 

three are living: Everett J., Frankie G., and Sueella T. Mr. B. was 

one of the brightest of the legal luminaries of the county and sat on 

the bench as probate and county judge. He had a large and lucrative 

practice and thus upon his death, November 6, 1880, was enabled to 

leave those he loved above the grinding cares which so often fall to the 

lot of the widow and orphan. They have a handsome home in 

the suburbs of Macon City. Mr. B. was a prominent Mason and an 

earnest member and zealous worker in the Christian Church. For 

those who die in Christ, the Bible declares we shall not mourn, but 

joyfully sing — 

Where is thy victory, O grave? 
And vrhere, O death, thy sting? 

JACOB BELL 

(Farmer), 

Jacob Bell was one of the earliest settlers of Macon county. He 
was born in Virginia, March 22, 1809, and is the son of Daniel and 
Catherine (Wiseman) Bell, both natives of Maryland. They had 12 
children, only three of whom survive. Daniel came to the country 
in 1840 and worked at the hatter's trade until his death in 1845. 
His wife lived until 1865. Jacob was educated in his native State 
and was a farmer there until after his marriage in 1839. The next 
year he accompanied his father to Missoiiri, and entered his present 
farm. His first wife, who was Miss Virginia Mc^Yilliams, of Vir- 
ginia, died November 20, 1865, leaving no children, and Mr. Bell 
married September 18, 1866, Miss Virginia Shepherd, who was born in 
Ohio in 1843. By this marriage there were four children : Robert L., 
Mary V., Jacob W. and Ellie Maud. J\lr. Bell has a fine prairie farm 
of 240 acres situated one mile north of Macon City, and is a man of 



k 



1146 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

strictest integrity and steadiest habits. He is noted for the absence 
of those vices most common to the age. He never took a drink in 
a saloon in his life, never treated a person to liquor and never used 
tobacco. It is very interesting to listen to Mr. Bell's account of life 
in the county when he first made it his home. The clothing they 
wore was woven by his wife in a loom which he made for her, and 
they had to market in Hannibal. They went 40 miles to mill, and 
»oing to church Mrs. Bell rode her husband's saddle while he used a 
sack of straw thrown across the horse. At first he wore a coat, but 
finding himself thought proud in consequence, he left his coat at home 
and went in his shirt-sleeves like the rest. Mr. Bell is a fine speci- 
men of vigorous old age and is a consistent member of the Presby- 
terian Church. 

MAJ. SIDNEY G. BROCK 

(Editor and Proprietor of the Macon Bepublican, Macon City). 

Among the prominent citizens of Macon county the subject of the 
present sketch has long occupied an enviable position. A resident of 
the county for the last 18 years, his career here from the beginning 
has been characterized by continuous efibrts to promote the best in- 
terests of the county, material and otherwise. As a citizen no man 
has shown greater public spirit, or evinced a more intelligent appre- 
ciation of the conditions around him and of the requisites to the 
country for advancement in population, wealth and intelligence, than 
he. A man of ability and culture, and trained in the law and an 
accomplished journalist, a close student of public afiairs and thor- 
oughly-conversant with the principles of material progress, every 
quality of his mind and every qualification, every energy that could 
be made of use or value to the people have been generously exerted 
whenever and wherever possible for the common good. As a jour- 
nalist no man has labored more earnestly and disinterestedly for the 
prosperity of his locality, and, indeed, of the State, than he. A 
man of irreproachable character, both for his personal worth and for 
his services as a citizen of the county he is held in the highest esteem. 

Maj. Brock is a native of Ohio, born at Cleveland, April 10, 1837. 
His father was Hon. Eleazer A. Brock, a prominent manufacturer of 
that city and for a number of years a leading member of the city 
council. His mother, before her marriage, was a Miss Margueretta 
Piatt, originally of New York. 

Sidney G. was reared at Cleveland and after completing a course 
in the common schools he entered the high school of that city, from 
which he was o^raduated in 1853. Followino; this he matriculated at 
Alleghany College, of Meadville, Pa., where he took a thorough En- 
glish and classical course, and graduated with the highest honors in 
1859. He carried off' the prizes in both Greek and English literature. 

Young Brock was educated for the bar, and after his graduation at Al- 
leghany he at once entered upon the study of law, placing himself under 
the instruction of Hon. Hiram Griswolcl, one of the ablest lawyers of 
Ohio. Studying under Judge Griswold, he also soon entered the Law 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1147 

College of Cleveland, in which he took a regular course of study. 
In 1861 he was admitted to the bar Avith the highest expressions of 
confidence from the bench in his future. He now entered upon his 
career as a lawyer and opened an office in Cleveland. Soon after his 
admission to the bar, on the 1st of December, 1861, he was married 
to Miss Louisa O. Williams, a lad}' of superior culture and refinement, 
a daughter of Vice-President L. D. AVilliams, of Alleghany College, 
Pennsylvania. 

But by this time it had become evident that the war was to be one 
in which would be required the united eff'orts of the whole people of 
the loyal States to maintain the integrity of the Union, and young 
Brock felt that above every personal consideration stood his duty to 
his country. He, therefore, four days after his marriage, was ordered 
to the front, having previously volunteered and organized a company. 
Taking leave of his young wife, and giving up for the time at least 
all thought of his future at the bar, which had been the dream of his 
life, and for which he had long and faithfully prepared himself, he 
marched ofi" to the perils of the conflict. His enlistment was in Co. 
H, of the Sixty-seventh Ohio infantry, of which he was commissioned 
first lieutenant, and afterwards elected captain. The Sixty-seventh 
served principally in Virginia and South Carolina and participated in 
some of the severest campaigns and battles of the war. By his 
ability as an officer and his conspicuous bravery, Capt. Brock rose to 
the rank of major in which he was honorably mustered out of service 
at the close of the struggle. During the latter part of his service he 
was principally on detached duty. 

Returning to Ohio after his discharge with feelings of just satisfac- 
tion for the honorable part he had borne in the struggle for the 
integrity of the Union, he remained in his native State but a short 
time, for he had already decided to make his future home in Mis- 
souri. Maj. Brock removed to this State in 1866 and located at 
Macon City, where he formed a partnership in the practice of law 
with Gen. F. A. Jones, a sketch of whose life appears elsewhere in 
this work. This partnership continued for five years during which 
they were engaged in cases principally in the United States courts, 
though they also did considerable business in the State courts. 

In 1871 Maj. Brock and Gen. Jones established the Macon Repuh- 
licariy with which he has since been connected. Since the establish- 
ment of theHepublican Maj. Brock has given little attention to the 
law practice, in fact none at all in recent years, the duties of his 
newspaper office requiring his undivided time and attention. Gen. 
Jones continued with him in the Republican until the former's death, 
since which Maj. Brock has conducted it alone. By their ability and 
good management and by their manifest concern for the best interests 
of the public, they made the Republican one of the leading interior 
journals of the State, a rank it has ever since held. 

Maj. Brock possesses many of the stronger qualities for a success- 
ful newspaper man. As all know who are acquainted with him, he is 



1148 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

a man of superior general business qualifications. For intelligent and 
economical, though by no means parsimonious management in jour- 
nalism, he is looked upon by newspaper men as having few equals and 
not a superior ; whilst as a writer his education is such and his general 
mformation and experience in affairs, as well as his habits of thought 
and natural strength of mind, that he has taken a high rank among 
the able and influential editors of North Missouri. 

The Republican, as it name indicates, is Republican in politics, and 
Maj. Brock has always been actively identified with that party, be- 
lieving that its principles and policies are most conducive to the wel- 
fare and prosperity of the whole country and of every section and 
locality of the country. Politically, therefore, he has always labored 
earnestly and zealously for the success of the Republican party, and 
difficult as it is to build up a local [)aper where the party it represents 
is in the minority, such is the ability he has shown as a newspaper 
man that he has succeeded in making the JRepublican one of the val- 
uable pieces of newspaper property — one of the most popular and in- 
fluential journals outside of a large city in the State. Financially 
and in a Ijusiness point of view it is on a solid basis, and as a popular 
journal of the interior it holds a place amongst the first. 

One of the leading influences that have contributed to the success 
of the Repuhlican is the earnestness and fidelity with which it has 
labored for the material and general prosperity of the county and 
surrounding country, regardless of politics. Whilst it has never 
faltered in its devotion to Republicanism, yet, when it came to ques- 
tions involving the business or social interests of the community, it 
has ever shown the good sense to put politics aside and labor for the 
common good. This has given it great popularity with all classes and 
has made it respected and esteemed by all. Republican in politics, 
even as a partisan journal it never goes to undue extremes, but stands 
up for its co-partisans only when it honestly believes they are in the 
right, and never fails to denounce them, when they have incurred 
public censure, in terms quite as bitter as it would use against its op- 
ponents in similar circumstances. In a word, the Republican is a 
broad-gauged, fair-minded Republican newspaper, believing in Re- 
publican principles and policies, but, above everything else, believing 
in and laboring for the general interests of the community in which 
it circulates and of the whole country. 

As a citizen and outside of his newspaper oflice, Maj. Brock takes 
an active interest in every movement for the benefit of Macon City 
and the county, and is especially active in advocating the introduction 
and encouragement of manufacturing industries. He believes with 
Carey, the greatest of American political economists, that, " Wher- 
ever manufactories go, population, wealth and intelligence — advanced 
civilization — soon follow." In railroad enterprises and in all kinds 
of public improvements Maj. Brock contributes his full share for 
their encouragement and promotion. 

Personally, as is the case with most men of culture, he is a man of 
somewhat retiring disposition — perhaps too unassuming for his own 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1149 

advancement. But he is a pleasant, agreeable companion, genial 
and considerate of the feelings of others, an entertaining conversa- 
tionalist — rather instructive, however, than amusing, which perhaps 
comes of the predominence of the serious cast of his mind and of 
his habits of study and his manner of thought. As a neighbor he is 
highly esteemed, accommodating to the last degree and always hos- 
pitable and kind. 

Maj. and Mrs. Brock have three children: Alson W., Sidney L. 
and Benjamin B. He and wife are both members of the M. E. 
Church, and he has been superintendent of the local Sunday-school for 
the last 17 years. In 1876 he was a delegate to the General Confer- 
ence of the M. E. Church at Baltimore, and is also a prominent mem- 
ber of the Masonic order and of the Grand Army of the Republic. 
In 1883 he was one of the two delegates from Missouri to the National 
Encampment at Denver. In 1884 he was presidential elector from 
the First Congressional District on the Republican ticket. 

J. NORTON BROWN 

(Attorney at Law, Macon City). 
Mr. Brown is the oldest living member of the Macon county bar, 
and one of the oldest attorneys in duration of practice in the circuit. 
He was born in Westmoreland, Oneida county, N. Y., February 22, 
1812. He was educated at Hamilton College, and took a course in 
the classics. When 21 years of age he began the study of law in 
Oneida county under Timothy Jinkins, Esq., and was admitted at 
Utica in 1836. After practicing in Oneida county for about four years 
he came West and located at Liberty, in Clay county, but in 1844 re- 
moved to Bloomington, in this county, and began his career here as a 
member of the Macon county bar. For a period of 20 years Mr. 
Brown continued the practice^ in the courts of Macon and adjoining 
counties with uninterrupted success, and built up a large practice. 
He was not only successful in the courts but also in the accumulation 
of property, and became comfortably situated. He was a large stock- 
holder in the bank at Bloomington, and was president of that institu- 
tion. He was also a partner in the mercantile firm of Tobin & Co. at 
that place, and was one of its most public-spirited and influential citi- 
zens. He was one of the leaders against the removal of the county 
seat to Macon City, and contributed both his time and means lil)erally 
and zealously to maintain the right. However, still residing at Bloom- 
inoton during the progress of the war, times became so critical that 
neither life nor property was safe in this section of the State. In 
1864, fearing that the bank at Bloomington would be robbed, he took 
a large part of its funds, about $50,000rto St. Louis for safe keeping ; 
and sure enough three weeks afterwards the bank was robbed, Mr. 
Brown losing $2,600 of his own money. He now decided to remove 
to St. Louis, on account of the unsettled condition of aff'airs in the 
country, and in order not to be idle, having of course no professional 
clientage in that city, he engaged in merchandising there. But he 



1150 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

was unfortunate in his business, and lost about $20,000. In 1868 he 
returned to Macon county and resumed the practice of law, locating 
at Macon City. For about seven years he and B. I. Dysart, Esq., 
were in partnership in the practice. He continued the practice, doing 
a strictly professional business up to about two years ago, since which 
he has been living in retirement. Mr. Brown was once a candidate 
for circuit judge against Judge Henry, now of the Supreme Court, 
but was defeated. Otherwise than this he has had but little to do 
with public affairs, so far as elections are concerned. He has served 
several terms as county attorney, but has filled no other official posi- 
tion to speak of. Before the war he was a Whig in politics, but since 
the demise of that party has acted with the Democrats. October 9, 
1849, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Sheckells, of Randolph county, 
a daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Harris) Sheckells, originally of 
Frederick county, Va., but who came to Missouri in 1836, locating, 
first, at Palmyra, then at Shelbyville, but finally in Randolph county, 
near Huntsville, where the father died in 1849. Mr. Brown and wife 
were married at her father's death-bed a few hours before his demise. 
She was born June 4, 1826. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have reared a 
family of four children : Walter, now engaged in the abstract busi- 
ness at Macon City; Lillie, a teacher at Shelbyville, Ky., and Eddie 
and George, at home. No man in the county is more highly respected 
and esteemed than Mr. Brown. His parents were Jabez and Sophia 
(Babcock) Brown, both natives of New York State. 

RUSSELL W. CASWELL 

(Postmaster, Macon City). 
Mr. Caswell is a native of New York, born at Troy, February 3, 
1842, and was a son of Edmond and Lucy (Goodell) Caswell, both 
also natives of that State. When Russell W. was but 13 years of age 
his father died, and he came out to Illinois to make his home with his 
uncle at Oquawka, where he lived until 1862. During the early part 
of the second year of the war he enlisted in the Eighty-fourth Illinois 
Volunteer infantry, and was made adjutant with the rank of first lieu- 
tenant. He served in the Eighty-fourth Illinois until the close of the 
war, participating with his regiment in all the campaigns and battles 
of the Army of the Cumberland. At Franklin he was wounded in the 
neck with a musket ball and was laid up for two months. After the 
war, in November, 1865, Mr. Caswell came to Missouri and engaged 
in the book and stationery trade at Macon City. In 1873 he was ap- 
pointed postmaster at this place, by President Grant, and he has 
since been re-appointed by Presidents Hayes and Arthur, and still 
holds the office. He has made an efficient and popular postmaster, 
as the above facts show. Under his administration the business of 
the office has greatly increased, and the income from stamps now 
amounts to about $6,000 a year. On the 3d of February, 1866, Mr. 
Caswell was nuirried at Oquawka, 111., to Miss Arvilla Matthews. 
They have three children : Lucy, Charlie and Flora. Mr. and Mrs. 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1151 

C. are members of the Baptist Church, and he is a member of the K. 
of P. and of the A. O. U. W. 

COL. EEUBEN J. EBERMAN 

(Attorney at Law, Macon City). 

Col. Eberman descended from two old and respected Pennsylvania 
families, both of German ancestry — the Ebermans and Schuckers. 
His parents, Jacob M. and Sarah (Schuckers) Eberman, were both 
reared in their native State and were there married. Reuben J. was 
born at Lancaster City, in that State, November 22, 1824. Subse- 
quently the family removed to Wooster, Ohio, where the father fol- 
lowed merchandising. Young Eberman was educated at a private 
school, and at the age of 17 began the study of law under Judge Levi 
Cox. In 1846 he was admitted to the bar, and subsequently prac- 
ticed law at Wooster until 1859. During part of this time Hon. A. 
J. Williams, present State Senator in Ohio, and who nominated Sen- 
ator Payne for the United States Senate, was his partner. From 
Ohio Col.i Eberman came to Missouri and located in Macon City. He 
has since been engaged in the practice of his profession at this place, 
except while in the army during the Civil War. Early in 1862 he 
was appointed colonel of the Sixty-second Enrolled Missouri Militia, 
by Gov. Gamble, a commission he accepted and in which he served 
until the close of the war. Prior to this he had been actively en- 
gaged in enlisting troops for the Union service, and had been mainly 
instrumental in forming the Second and Eleventh regiments. In 1864 
he recruited the Forty-second regiment, which he turned over to the 
command of Col. Forbes. During the war he was stationed at Ma- 
con City much of the time, where he constructed block houses for 
the defense of the place and the protection of the railway. He was 
afterwards detailed provost marshal for North Missouri and master of 
ordinance for his district. In 1864 he was relieved of his commis- 
sion as provost marshal and resumed the active command of his regi- 
ment. From this on he commanded the post at Brookfield, Mo. At 
the close of the war he was honorably mustered out of the service 
and thereupon resumed the practice of his profession at Macon City. 
Col. Eberman is now city attorney of this place, and has previously 
held the same office. He takes no very active part in politics, but 
devotes almost his exclusive attention to legal business. In 1846 he 
was married to Miss Sarah Spencer, a daughter of Rev. Spencer, a 
well known minister of the M. E. Church. They have reared only 
one daughter, Mary A., now Mrs. E. F. Bennett, of Macon City. 
Col. E. is a member of the G. A. R. 

AMOS FIELD 

(Dealer in Drugs, Medicines, Paints, Oils, etc., Macon City). 

Mr. Field, hardly yet a middle-aged man, is at the head of the 
largest drug house, outside of St. Joe, in Northern Missouri, of which 



1152 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

he is the owner and proprietor, and he has risen to his present envi- 
able position in business life by his own energy and intelligence. He 
is a native of Maine, born at Lewiston, September 14, 1842. His 
parents are Isaac G. and Olive Field, both still residents of Lewiston. 
Amos was reared at that place up to the age of 20. In youth he 
entered upon a regular college course, but did not continue in it long, 
being impatient to prepare himself for business life. At the age of 
14 he entered a drug store, and was four years connected with the 
business at Lewiston. He then came West to Henderson county. 111., 
where he was connected with the drug business for two years, coming 
thence to Macon City in 1864. Here he has been in the drug business 
continuously for 20 years. He was first with O. S. Bearce and R. W. 
Caswell, but for the last 10 years has been in business alone. His 
career has been one of uninterrupted success, and he now does a large 
jobbing trade over eight or 10 counties. He deals extensively in 
glass, paints, oils, etc., of which he carries a heavy stock. He is a 
man of extraordinary enterprise and business acumen and makes every 
edge cut to the best advantage, always preserving, however, the con- 
fidence of his customers by fidr and honest dealing. On the 30th of 
November, 1865, he was married to Miss Olive A. Decker, then of 
Henderson county. 111., but originally of New York. They have 
two children : Frank D. and Bessie. Both parents are members of 
the Baptist Church. 

L. G. FOX 
(Of L. G. & G. J. Fox, Jewelers, Macon City). 

Mr. Fox is a native of the old Keystone State, born at the City of 
Brotherly Love, September 21, 1842. His father's name was Samuel 
Fox and his mother's maiden name Susan George. L. G. was reared 
in Philadelphia and there learned the jeweler's trade. In 1861 he en- 
listed in a Pennsylvania infantry regiment and served for four years, 
principally in the Virginia campaigns. Returning home after the war, 
he then came West to Illinois, and finally located at Lewiston, where 
he lived until 1869, coming thence to Macon City. His brother, James 
P. Fox was his partner until the hitter's death and then his other 
brother, George J., succeeded him in the firm. He is now also de- 
ceased, having died December 25, 1883, but the name of the firm has 
not been changed. Mr. Fox carries a large stock of jewelry and is 
doing an extensive and steadily increasing business. He has con- 
tributed his full share to making Macon City the prosperous trade 
center it is, for in his line he has always been liberal and enterprising. 
He sells his goods at the lowest prices the state of the markets will 
allow,* considering their quality. 

MAJOR W. C. B. GILLESPIE. 

(Macon City) . 

No history of Macon county purporting to reflect the more import- 
ant events in its past and an outline of the lives of those of its citizens 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1153 

who have been actively and more or less prominently identified Aviih 
the county, would be complete without including u sketch of the lile 
of Major Gillespie. He is not a man who has accumulated wealth or 
risen to eminence in affairs, but he is a man whose head and heart are 
believed to have ever been right, and whose greatest fault, as the 
world measures men, is that his altruistic qualities bear too large a 
proportion to his egoism, or, in other words, he prizes the common- 
weal more than his own welfare. Every one who knows Will Gilles- 
pie well, knows that he is better to others than to himself. Hence, 
while his life has been one of uninterrupted activity and untiring in- 
dustry, and directed by a mind equal to the general average, he has 
not succeeded in accumulating that which the world prizes most nor 
has he with " unbashed forehead," as Orlando would say, thrust him- 
self forward to the hurt of others, to high station in life. He is one 
of those men, too soulful to be sordid and to regardful of others to 
advance himself. But, if the lives of men are not to be judged by the 
selfish success they have achieved, but by the sincerity and intelli- 
gence of their efforts to make themselves useful to those around 
them, then the name that heads this sketch is entitled to a favorable 
place in the record of those of the county in which he has so long lived. 

William C. B. Gillespie was born in Cumberland county, Pa., Decem- 
ber 3, 1830, and came of one of the worthy and respected families of 
that county. 

In 1835 the family removed to Muskingum county, Ohio, where 
young Gillespie grew to manhood. He received a common school 
education, and by his fondness for study became more than ordinarily 
proficient in the common English branches. A young man of good 
address and popular manners, being led into politics by his public 
spirit and his zeal for his party, for he was reared a Democrat, he at 
once took a prominent position in local political affairs. In 1853 he 
represented his county as a delegate in the Senatorial Convention, and 
in January following was a delegate to the Democratic State Conven- 
tion of Ohio, in which he had the honor to represent the Muskingum 
Congressional district as a member of the Committee on Kesolutions. 

In the meantime Mr. Gillespie had been engaged in the profession of 
teaching, and later along had engaged in business pursuits, having 
taught two years prior to 1850 and been engaged in selling goods after 
that time up to 1854. During that time also he had married on the 
6th of January, 1852. In 1854 he removed to Illinois and located in 
Christian county, where he resumed the profession of teaching and 
continued in that calling in Christian and Sangamon counties most of 
the time up to 1861. He became widely known as a capable and 
popular teacher. However, he united with teaching newspaper work, 
and was for some time a correspondent of the Chicago Times. He 
also took an active interest in local politics and, going up to Spring- 
field in 1857 at the meeting of the Legislature, his letters to the Times 
and his other services to the party had given him such prominence 
thiit he was elected first assistant clerk of the House of Eepresentatives. 



1154 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

At the outbreak of the war, Mr. Gillespie, a Douglas Democrat 
and an ardent Union man, promptly enlisted in the service and became 
a member of Co. G, Forty-first Illinois volunteer infantry. In April, 
1862, he was commissioned first lieutenant and adjutant of his regi- 
ment " for meritorious and efficient services at Shiloh, April 6 and 7, 
1862," as his commission expressed it. Soon afterwards he was de- 
tached and made acting assistant quartermaster of Col. Pugh's 
brigade, in which capacity he served with credit until August, 1864. 
He then returned home to Illinois with the non-veterans, and was hon- 
orably mustered out of the service. After this Mr. Gillespie went to 
Washington City, and on the recommendation of Gov. Yates and 
the generals of the army under whom he had served, he was commis- 
sioned captain and commissary of subsistence by President Lincoln, 
and was ordered to report for duty to Gen. Sheridan, near Winches- 
ter, Va. From there, he was ordered to report to Gen. Custer, and 
he remained in the latter's division of cavahy until the close of the 
war, being in April, 1865, promoted to the rank of major by brevet, 
without his asking or seeking therefor, and was finally mustered out 
of the service in August, 1865, and was then tendered a Government 
position to go South, which he declined to accept. 

Returning to Illinois in September of that year, he immediately 
made arrangements to move to Missouri, and, September 28, 1865, 
landed in Macon City, where, barring a short absence, he has since 
resided. In the fall of 1866 he was appointed U. S. Assistant Asses- 
sor of Internal Revenue, having in his district the counties of Macon, 
Linn, Adair and Schuyler, and he held that office during the remain- 
der of the administration of President Johnson, by whom he was 
appointed and until November, 1869, when he resigned on account of 
not being in accord with Gen. Grant's administration or the party iu 
power. Following this he engaged in the insurance business at 
Macon, becoming the local agent for the ^^tna, Hartford and several 
other leading companies. 

In December, 1870, Maj. Gillespie and Mr. G. C. Lyda, now deputy- 
sheriff of Macon county, bought the office of the Kirksville Tribune, 
which they changed from a Liberal Republican paper to a Democratic 
journal, and the name also they changed to the North Missouri Regis- 
ter. In a short time Maj. Gillespie bought Mr. Lyda's interest in the 
Register, and afterwards conducted the paper alone. In the fall of 
1871 he, with Hez. Purdom and John Howe, bought the office of the 
Macon Times. From this time until January, 1873, he edited both 
the Register at Kirksville and the Times at Macon City, and also con- 
tinued the insurance business. Less than a year after becoming a 
partner in the Times office, he bought Mr. Purdom's interest in that 
paper, which he owned until he disposed of his entire interest in the 
Times, January 1, 1873. 

Miijor Gillespie continued to run the Register at Kirksville, though 
residing, himself, most of the time at Macon City, until the spring 
of 1879, when he sold the Register to Mr. Felix Lane. Shortly 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1155 

afterwards he purchased the Macon Examiner office, or rather what 
was left of it, for a large portion of the office had been destroyed a 
short time before by fire. In the publication of the Examiner he took 
in a partner, Mr. Charles H. Steele, who had a newspaper at Clarence 
and a small job office at Macon, which were consolidated with the Ex- 
aminer, and the paper thus established was called the North Missouri 
Register. They continued to run the Register until February, 1883, 
when they sold the office to Mr. J. A. Hudson, who changed the name 
of the paper to the Macon Times, which it still bears. Since July, 
1883, Major Gillespie has been engaged as a traveling salesman for 
the St. Louis Type Foundry. 

In 1866 he was chosen a delegate to the Democratic State conven- 
tion from Macon county, and was also a delegate in the State conven- 
tions of 1868, 1872, 1878 and 1880. He was also enrolling clerk of 
the Missouri House of Representatives in 1871-72, and in 1872 was 
a delegate to the National Democratic convention at Baltimore, which 
nominated Greeley for the Presidency. From 1878 to 1880, he was a 
member of the State Democratic Central Committee. He has also al- 
ways been an earnest and faithful worker in his party, and consider- 
ino- the services he has performed has received less reward in official 
promotion than any other Democrat of more than local prominence in 
the State. But with him office has never been the price of party 
fealty or public duty, but he has always contributed both his time and 
means, when necessary, to the best interests of his party and, as he 
believes, of the country. As a citizen he has ever been public spir- 
ited, and has striven with generous zeal for the good of Macon and the 
countv as he sees it. 

DR. J. E. GOODSON 

(Of Elder J. E. Goodson & Sou, Editors and Proprietors of the Messenger of Peace, 

Macon City) . 

This old and respected citizen of Macon county, long engaged in 
the ministry of the gospel, for over 30 years in the active practice of 
medicine, and threetimes a member of the Legislature, twice from 
this county and once from Carroll county, came to Macon county 
while yet a youth, away back in the pioneer days of the country — 
indeed, before the county of Macon was organized. The Goodson 
family was originally from Virginia. Dr. Goodson's father, Samuel 
Goodson, a son of William Goodson, was reared in Montgomery 
county, of the Old Dominion, and when a young man, before the be- 
o:innino- of the present century, crossed over into the then wilds of 
East Tennessee. But not satisfied with the Canaan of the Tories, as 
they called East Tennessee after the Revolutionary War, he pushed 
on north-westward, in a few years, to what is known as Clinton 
county, Ky., locating on the head of Indian creek, in that county, in 
about 1799. Of course there were no roads in the country then, and he 
was compelled to make his way over the mountains and throitgh the 
wilderness by pack horses. Subsequently, in Montgomery county, 
Ky., he was married, in 1813, to Miss Elizabeth Beck, of another 



1156 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

pioneer family of the then futnre Blue Grass State of the Union. 
Dr. J. E. Goodson was born of this union at a place in that county 
called Seventy-Six, on the 30th of September, 1819. The father, a 
hatter by trade, followed that occupation in Montgomery county, and 
also farming until 1836, when he became a pioneer settler in Missouri, 
coming with his family in white-covered movers' wagons through 
Western Kentucky and Southern Indiana and Illinois to what was aft- 
erward known as the Bear creek settlement, in the north-eastern part 
of Macon county, being the founder of that settlement. His nearest 
neighbor then was 10 miles to the east, and the nearest one on the 
west was 12 miles distant. His post-office was Paris, 40 miles to the 
south-east. On the north there were no neighbors nearer than the 
North fork of Salt river and there were but few families on the Chari- 
ton river. Joel Maxey came with Dr. Goodson's father's family to 
Bear creek, moving out from Paris, in Monroe county. The next 
spring A. J. Darby moved out to the settlement, but the following year 
pushed on northward. However, in 1838-39, settlers began to come 
into the Bear creek or Goodson settlement, and after awhile a small 
loo; school-house was built, being erected on a site given by James W. 
Stowe. James Griffin taught the first school, consisting principally 
of small children, but he also gave vocal music lessons and the young 
folks attended his music school throughout all the surrounding coun- 
try, for what would now be called a great distance. Dr. Goodson 
says that while they did a great deal of singing at these schools, 
they were not entirely free from expressions of even tenderer sen- 
timents of the heart than music, and he himself has some very 
happy recollections of Prof. Griffin's music school. About this time 
also Elder Archibald Patterson, a Primitive Baptist minister, came 
through the settlement and preached for the neighbors at the house 
of Dr. Goodson's father, and soon afterwards Bro. Chambers, an 
aged and devout minister, of blessed memory, came along and 
preached. Meanwhile, in 1839, Elder Patterson and Elder James 
Eatliff organized a Baptist Church, the meeting place being at the 
house of Dr. Goodson's father, where many interesting meetings 
were held and much good done for the cause of religion in the neigh- 
borhood. But the following year a difference occurred between the 
members on some question of doctrine or church discipline, and two 
parties were formed, one of which organized again and kept up the 
meetings. Dr. Goodson remained with his father's family until the 
winter of 1842-43; but having married the preceding fall, the 9th of 
October, 1842, at which time Miss Mary C. Elsea became his wife, he 
soon afterwards established himself in a home of his own. His wife 
was a daughter of Jonathan Elsea, who came out from Warren 
county, Va., in 1839. In December, 1843, Dr. Goodson removed to 
Buchanan county and settled near the present site of Rushville. 
In February, 1844, he and his wife joined the Primitive Baptist 
Church at El Bethel. In his own experience he soon had an illustra- 
tion of the great truth that every true Christian must bear his cross. 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1157 

His came to him in tlie shape of a destructive flood, in the summer of 
1844. He had worked hard and had put in a good crop, but all was 
swept away by the avalanche of waters that came sweeping down the 
Missouri. He lost everything he had ; but his loss in the end 
proved a benefit to him and to humanity, for he now decided to 
devote himself to the medical profession, at which he subsequently 
made a success, and for over 30 years was instrumental, day in 
and day out and week in and week out, in alleviating the sufi'er- 
ing of his fellow creatures. He began the study of medicine under 
Dr. A. B. Auerum, an able and long experienced physician, formerly 
from Ohio. After a due course of study under Dr. Auerum, and 
upon the hitter's cordial recommendation, Dr. Goodson began the 
practice of mediciue, and in 1847 he removed to Carroll county, where 
he bought a farm. He there followed farming and the practice of his 
profession, and attained to prominence both as a physician and repre- 
sentative citizen. In 1850 he was elected to the Legislature from 
Carroll county and served with marked distinction in that body 
through both the regular and adjourned sessions. There were no 
railroads in those days and, in common with nearly all the members 
of the Legislature, he made his journeys to and from Jefierson City 
on horseback. Meanwhile, Dr. Goodson had come to feel that it was 
his duty to preach the gospel, and before the next election he was 
licensed to preach by the Primitive Baptist Church. Although the 
people of the county wanted him to serve another term in the Legis- 
lature, he was ineligible on account of being a minister, and, indeed, 
preferred to confine himself to the pulpit work and the duties of his 
profession as a physician. He now entirely withdrew from politics 
and in 1857 removed to Linn county, Kas., settling near the present 
town of Pleasanton. While there, entirely without his solicitation or 
desire, he was appointed deputy marshal by the Governor of Kansas, 
and this involved him in the "Kansas troubles." The Territory was 
infested with outlaws, horse thieves, negro thieves, robbers and cut- 
throats, and it was made his duty to arrest them from time to time, as 
warrants were placed in his hands for that purpose. He was with 
U. S. Marshal Russell at the time the latter and posse, consisting of 
100 men, were taken prisoners by a band of Kansas Red-legs, 400 or 
500 strong, and disarmed. Dr. Goodson, for whom they seemed to 
have considerable respect, was the only one not disarmed, but was re- 
tained a prisoner with the rest for about two weeks. About a year 
after this a band of these marauders came to Dr. Goodson's house, in 
Linn county, at about 11 o'clock at night, for the purpose of robbery, 
supposing that he had considerable money. They were headed by a 
notorious robber and murderer, afterwards a prominent officer in the 
United States army and a high dignittiry in the State of Kansas. 
While plundering the house with the courage characteristic of rob- 
bers, they became frightened at the wind slamming the barn-door and 
ran away, taking, however, the Doctor's watch, a gun and a valuable 
suit of clothes, of which each of them was sorely in need. One of 



1158 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

them the Doctor afterwards identified and prosecuted, but upon being 
found guilty he was turned loose by the sheriff, who was in sympathy 
with the thieves and a sort of " captain of the crowd " among them. 
Dr. Goodson then left Kansas in disgust and came back to honest old 
Missouri, but from soon after the Kansas troubles, for some years fol- 
lowing, the "Philanthropists," who couldn't stand to see a negro 
work for a man who reared or bought him, but could murder a peace- 
able, unarmed citizen in the night time, drive his wife and children 
out and burn his house and steal his horses, had everything pretty 
much their own way. Dr. Goodson was again robbed in 1862, his 
personal property carried away and his house burned, inflicting a loss 
of about $15,000. After this, in 1863, he returned to Macon county 
and resided for a year at La Port. He then settled on Chariton Ridge. 
Always a man of liberal, conservative views, and of spotless character, 
as well as of recognized ability, in 1870 he was nominated and elected 
to represent Macon county in the Legislature. Many of the best citi- 
zens of the county were then disfranchised because they had objected 
to having their negroes taken from them without compensation. But 
a few liberal Republicans, who had no sympathy with the disfran- 
chising element in their own party, united with the few Democrats 
who had escaped proscription and thus carried the State for the 
principle for which Washington fought — "Representation with Tax- 
ation." Dr. Goodson was elected on this ticket. He was again 
elected to fill an unexpired term in 1872. In 1874 he established 
the Messenger of Peace at Macon City, which he has since con- 
tinued to publish. This is a religious journal representing the Prim- 
itive Baptist Church, and is one of the ablest conducted papers of 
that denomination. It has a wide circulation and a potent influ- 
ence for good in church matters. In 1876 Dr. Goodson' s wife besan 
to fail in health, and at last, on the 21st of February, 1878, she was 
relieved of her sufferings by death. After this Dr. Goodson made his 
home with bis son in Macon City. During the years 1879 and 1880 
he traveled extensively in Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Texas, Nevada, 
California, Oregon and Washington Territory. In November, 1880, 
he was married to Miss Mary Conger, of Knox county, Ohio. He 
and his excellent wife have a neat home at Macon City and are much 
prized in the church and in the best social circles of this place. Dr. 
Goodson has reared a family of nine children — six sons and three 
daughters — all of whom but two are married and well settled in life. 
On the 24th of January, 1884, Dr. Goodson was a victim of a rail- 
road accident, which produced concussion of the brain, from which he 
is still (in May) a sufferer. Otherwise he is well preserved and would 
be quite active in his business affairs. 

CAPT. BYRON D. GRIFFITH 

(Macou City). 

Mr. GriflSth, who, by industry and good management, succeeded in 
accumulating a comfortable competency, is now and has been for some 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1159 

time past living rather a retired life. He is a man of large general 
information, sterling intelligence and irreproachable character, and is 
highly esteemed in the community. He was for some years after the 
war a successful- railroad contractor and accumulated w^hat he has 
largely in that business. Mr. Griffith is a native Ohioan, born in 
Lorain county October 25, 1837. His parents, Michael and Rachel 
(Greenman) Griffith, came originally from New York, settling in Ohio 
in 1827. When Byron D. was three years of age they removed to 
Hancock county, III., but shortly afterwards went to Wisconsin, and 
from there, in about 1853, to Lee county, Iowa. The father was a 
farmer by occupation and followed that in Iowa from the time of his 
removal to that State until his death, which occurred in 1864. Byron 
D. Griffith also adopted farming as his pursuit when he grew up and 
continued it until the outbreak of the war. In 1861 he enlisted in the 
Second Missouri cavalry, commanded by Col. John McNiel, which 
was a Missouri State militia regiment. After Col. McNiel' s promo- 
tion to a brigadier-generalship, the regiment was commanded by Col. 
Rodgers. In 1862 Mr. Griffith was commissioned Capt. of Co. D, in 
his regiment. He served mainly in South-east Missouri, and was Capt. 
of the provost guard at Cape Girardeau. He participated in the battle 
of Cape Girardeau and served with credit until the expiration of his 
term in 1864, when he was honorably mustered out of the service at 
St. Louis. It is due to the good name of an honest and humane man 
to say that Capt. Griffith took no psLYt in, and did not sympathize 
with the well known murder of non-combatant prisoners at Palmyra, 
known as the Palmyra massacre. In 1865 Capt. Griffith engaged in 
merchandising at St. Francisville in Clark county, but soon afterwards 
became a railroad contractor on the N. & M. road, and later along, on 
the Omaha, the St. Louis and Keokuk and the I., N. & M. He fol- 
lowed this business for about ten years and was quite successful. 
Since then he has been engaged in no active business, though he has 
money invested in various interests and is a stockholder in the First 
National Bank of this city. During the war he contracted a disease 
technically known as locomoto ataxia, which has practically disabled 
him for active pursuit during the past few years. He is now unable 
to walk without assistance. On the 3d of July, 1866, Capt. Griffith 
was married to Miss Nettie Haywood, a daughter of William H. Hay- 
wood, of Clark county, mentioned in the sketch of John Scoveni in 
this volume. The Capt. and Mrs. Griffith have had two children, 
Florence, who died in tender years, and Mable, now 11 years of age. 
Capt. Griffith came to Macon City in 1866, and has since resided here. 
He has been quite active in local politics, being an ardent Republican, 
but has held no office nor has he asked for any. 

JOHN H. GRIFFIN 

(County Recorder, Macon). 

Mr. Griffin is one of the remarkable men of Macon county. When 
but 18 months of age he was stricken with paralysis, and he has never 
68 



1160 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

been able to walk a step in his life, even with crutches. He gets about 
on his hands and knees, and notwithstanding this apparently insur- 
mountable misfortune, he has accomplished more in life than the aver- 
a<ye of men. By his own indomital)le resolution and industry he has 
j)laced himself in comfortable circumstances, has risen to a position 
of enviable prominence in the county, and what seems still more in- 
explicable, he was an accepted and valued soldier of the South during 
the early part of the war and until captured by the enemy. The life 
sketch of such a man as this is well worthy a place in this volume. 
John H. Griffin was born in Ten Mile township of Macon county, Oc- 
tober 31, 1840. His parents, William G. and Anna Griffin, now reside 
at Cairo, in Randolph county. At the early age of 15 John H. began 
teaching school and soon became one of the successful and popular 
teachers of the county. He was engaged in school teaching in Macon 
county almost continuously for a period of 20 years, the whole time 
within three school districts. When the war broke out, though physi- 
cally disabled, he resolved to make himself useful to the cause of the 
South, and he accordingly, early in the spring of 1861, went to Boon- 
ville and joined the Missouri State Guard. Taking part in the battle 
at that ijlace, he afterwards became a member of Gen. Clark's com- 
mand. Coming home on a visit, he subsequently, in company with 
Capt. M. B. Griffin, rejoined Price and took part in the siege of Lex- 
ington. After the battle of Lone Jack he became separated from his 
command and was cut off from rejoining it by the Kansas jayhawkers. 
He was now captured by Maj. Foster's troop and confined at Macon 
City for a short time, but being released on a $5,000 bond not to leave 
the county, he remained at home during the balance of the war, con- 
tinuing in his profession of teaching. In 1874 he removed to Cairo 
and engaged in the general merchandising business with his brother, 
James G., who still resides at that place. Four years later he came 
back to Macon county, and afterwards followed buying and shipping 
stock for several years. In 1882 Mr. Griffin was elected county 
recorder and has since held the office. Considering his physical misfor- 
tune he is a man of wonderful activity, and is one of the most business- 
like, energetic men one could meet. Judging by results he seems to 
have gotten around a good deal more lively than the general average 
of men. He makes an efficient recorder, and throughout the county 
everybody knows and votes for John Griffin. Mr. Griffin has been 
engaged in farming for years, and has an excellent farm near this place 
which he still conducts. February 22, 1862, he was married to Miss 
Mary A. Coiner, of this county. They have no children. 

CAPT. BEN ELI GUTHRIE 

CMacon, Mo). 

The subject of this sketch was born in Chariton county. Mo., 

May 31, 1839, six miles north of Keytesville. He is the oldest son of 

Rev. Allen W. and Elizabeth A. Guthrie. His father was the youngest 

son of Rev. Robert Guthrie, who was born in Maryland, November 3, 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1161 

1773, his parents having come from the North of Ireland. They soon 
removed to North Carolina, where they lived during the Revolution, 
and Robert has told of hearing the cannon during the battle of Guil- 
ford Court House, though at that time too young to be in the army. He 
afterward moved to Middle Tennessee and settled in Sumner county, 
near Gallatin, with his brother James. Robert raised a large family. 
In 1830 his son, Rev. Eli Guthrie, moved to Missouri, settling near 
Keytesville, and his father sent with him young Allen, a boy then of 
17, to prepare for the reception of the family, who came out in 
the following fall and settled in the same neighborhood. He con- 
tinued to reside there until his death, in 1843, which was followed by 
the death of his wife in 1846 — whom he had married in 1790, in North 
Carolina. They were Cumberland Presbyterians and had raised their 
children in strict accordance with Presbyterian usage. Their oldest 
son, James S. Guthrie, was a minister in that church and preached 
for many years in Tennessee, Alabama, Mifsouri and Texas, in which 
latter state he died in 1853. Eli Guthye^' above mentioned, was like- 
wise a minister in that church and was favorably known in his day in 
North Missouri as a preacher, but was drowned in the Missouri river 
at De Witt, in Carroll county, in 1837, in an attempt to rescue some 
parties who had been caught in the floating ice. Another son, Wesley 
Guthrie, lived to a good old age, and died near Gallatin, Tenn. 
Harvey Guthrie, another son, moved to Perry county, Tenn., where 
he died after raising a large family. Two of Robert's daughters 
married Willses in Chariton county, and two married Culbertsons, 
and another married James Caper. These all raised families in that 
county, where many of their children still live. The oldest daughter 
married William Burney and remained in Tennessee, and her oldest 
son, Stanford Guthrie Burney, D.D., is Professor of Theology in 
Cumberland University in that State. Allen W. Guthrie was ordained 
to the gospel ministry in 1838 by McGee Presbytery of the Cumber- 
laud Presbyterian Church, and up to 1848 preached much in Chariton, 
Macon, Monroe, Randolph, Howard, Boone, Audrain and Callaway 
counties. On the 6th day of September, 1838, he was married to 
Elizabeth A. Young, third daughter of Hon. Benjamin Young, an old 
and honored citizen and representative of Calhiway county, and settled 
in Chariton county near his father's. In 1848 he removed to Andrew 
county and lived near Savannah until 1855, when he lost his wife. 
They had 10 children, four of whom only attained their majority, 
to wit : Ben Eli, Robert James, Virginia A. and Lavenia E. Virginia 
graduated at McGee College in Macon county in 1869, and afterward 
married John M. Mitchell of Buchanan county, and died in 1877. 
Lavenia graduated at Union Female College, Oxford, Mississippi, and 
afterward married John A. Fox and resides near Macon City. The 
two brothers in 1851 and 1852 attended school at Savannah under 
the tuition of Rev. Charles Gastun. In 1855 and 1856 Ben Eli 
attended Chapel Hill College in LaFayette county. In 1856 and 1857 
the brothers were students of the late Col. Alonzo W. Slayback in St. 



11G2 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

Joseph, Mo. In 1858 they l)oth entered McGee College, where they 
^vere when Gov. Jackson issued his proclamation for fifty thousand 
volunteers. Ben Eli was in his senior year and within two weeks of 
graduating. Both boys entered the State service and were in Gen. 
Price's fall campaign of 1861, Ben Eli commanding a company, which 
he took over to the Confederate service in December of that year. 
Robert was a sergeant in the Company. The Company became Co. I, 
of the Fifth Missouri infantry, Col. James McCowen, and was part 
of the First Missouri Brigade, commanded at different times by Gens. 
Henry Little, Dabney H. Maury, Martin Green, John S. Bowen, F. 
M. Cockrell and Col. Elijah Gates. Both enjoyed good health in the 
service and lost but little time. Robert received one ugly wound, and 
both had some narrow escapes. They were parol^l at Jackson, Mis- 
sissippi, in May, 1865, and went to teaching school in that State; 
Robert near Oxford, and Ben Eli near Granada. In 1867 Ben Eli was 
elected to the Chair of Languages in McGee College, and here the 
careers of the two boys, which from their earliest recollections had 
run parallel, began to diverge. Afterward Robert graduated from the 
University of Mississipj)i and taught for some time therein, when he 
took charge of the Union Female College at Oxford. He afterward 
married Miss Annie Buntin, and in 1876 was admitted to the bar at 
Oxford. He pursued his profession at Oxford and Cofteeville, Miss., 
until the spring of 1882, when his health failed. He spent the sum- 
mer in traveling for his health, and died near San Antonio, Texas, in 
January, 1883. Capt. Guthrie continued to teach in McGee College 
until the summer of 1874. On the 31st of August, 1873, he married 
Miss Susie A. Mitchell, oldest daughter of Mr.^Robert C. Mitchell, of 
College Mound, Mo. The next year he resigned his professorship, 
and in April, 1875, was elected county school commissioner of Macon 
county, in which office he served for two terms. In September, 1875, 
he was admitted to the Macon bar. In 1878 he was elected prose- 
cuting attorney of the county, which he held for two terms, since 
which time he has pursued his profession. His father after his 
removal to Andrew county continued to pi'each in North-west Missouri 
until the infirmities of age compelled him to stop, and he now lives 
with the Captain at Macon, Mo. 

JOHN GWINNER 

(Farmer aud Stock-raiser). 

This man, one of the prosperous German farmers of Hudson town- 
ship, was born in Germany, June 20, 1820. His parents, Peter and 
Catherine (Herman) Gvvinner, came to America with a family of 
seven children, in 1855, and died in Wisconsin. John grew up in his 
native land, and was a stage driver until 1847. He then contracted 
an alliance with Miss Catherine Puchta, a fair German madchen, and 
daughter of Nicholas and Rachel (Wondirck) Puchta. Her father 
was a farmer, and she was the youngest of six children. Mr. Gwin- 
ner came to this country in 1854, and after spending three years in 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1163 

Wisconsin, came to Missouri and worked by the day until he had 
enough to buy 80 acres of land. He has gradually added to this 
until he now owns 180 acres, and is well-to-do in the world. He 
has a good frame house, and his farm is well improved. Mr. Gwin- 
ner had nothing when he came to Macon county, but being a man of 
strong determination and good business capacity, he has with rapid 
strides advanced his fortunes, and is now prominent among the Ger- 
man citizens of the township. Mr. and Mrs. G. have eight children: 
Eva, wife of Frederick Spellman ; Barbara, wife of Charles Wise- 
man ; John, who married Miss Anna Golman ; Adam, William, at 
home and running the farm ; Lena, George, and Elizabeth, the young- 
est, a girl of 12. 

JESSE HALL 

(Farmer, Post-office, Macon.) 

Mr. Hall, son of Freedom Hall, of Virginia, was born in that State 
October 21, 1806. His father died in Virginia at the advanced age 
of 102. Jesse received a common-school education, and then became 
a farmer. In 1834 he was married to Miss Kesiah Corey, of Virginia, 
whose parents were also very long-lived. Her father was 101 and 
her mother 108 at the time of their death. In 1844 Mr. Hall moved 
to Macon, and entered 80 acres of land, which he has cleared and 
increased to 160 acres. He was a wealthy man until the late war, by 
which he estimates that he lost $16,000. By careful management, 
however, he has again accumulated a comfortable property, and is 
free from care. Mr. and Mrs. Hall have had nine children : David 
R., Walter, Hugh, Catherine, Samuel, William, Virginia, Daniel, 
and a nameless child who died in infancy. 

JUDGE CHARLES P. HESS 

(Attorney at Law, Macon City). 

Originally this country, or the Atlantic seaboard, was settled largely 
by people from the British Islands. But for the last half century and 
more, German immigrants have preponderated over those of any other 
nationality ; and in every section of the country and community we 
see their representatives. Nor is it anything but the plain truth to say 
that they have almost invariably taken a place among our better class 
of people. As farmers, they are intelligent, industrious and thrifty ; 
and as business men they are energetic, clear-headed and successful. 
In the professions, particularly in law and medicine, they have fur- 
nished some of the ablest men we have ever had. In a word, their 
influence in this country is very marked and is for the general good, 
socially, economically, and in public affairs. Their stability of char- 
acter and characteristic conservatism have been, and will continue to 
be, of great value to us — a people too excitable and mercurial, too 
much like the French. Prominent among those of this sturdy, ster- 
ling German race, who have settled among us in this county, is the 
subject of the present sketch. Judge Hess came of a higher class of un- 



1164 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

titled Prussians. His grtindfatlier was an able and successful lawyer of 
Prussia, and his father was one of the promiiient men of Langenlons- 
heini. Judge Hess was born in that place, which is situated near Bin- 
gen, in Prussia, on the 9th of September, 1837. His parents being 
in easy circumstances, and he, himself, at an early age, conceiving a 
marked taste for the legal profession, he was designed for that profes- 
sion, and his education was begun with that object in view. He was 
expected to take a thorough university course, which in Germany 
means more than in any other country under the sun. While at the 
intermediate schools preparing for the university, the spirit of adven- 
ture and " new countries for to see," got the better of him so that he 
shipped, all unknown to his parents, for the distant America beyond 
the blue waters of the Atlantic. He came to this country in his six- 
teenth year, leaving home and friends and parents, and last, but not 
least, the means of personal support, except such as his soft hands 
and unseasoned muscles could obtain him. But here he went to work 
and learned the carriage-maker's trade, working at it at Buffalo, N. 
Y., up until a short time before the war. Meanwhile, determined to 
carry out his design to become a lawyer, he also attended school a 
part of each year, and finally read law. When the war broke out he 
promptly went to the front in the defense of his adopted country, the 
Union, one and indivisable. He enlisted in Co. A, Sixth United States 
(regular) cavalry, and afterwards organized Co. C, of that regiment, 
which was composed of veterans, and in which he became first ser- 
geant. He continued in that regiment until it was almost obliterated 
by the terrible cataclysm of death at Gettysburg. Sergeant Hess was 
then given a position on Sheridan's staff, where he continued until the 
expiration of his term, October 9, 1864. After being honorably dis- 
charged he received a commission as second lieutenant, which he held 
in the quartermaster's department at Alexandria, Va., for three 
months, until the termination of the war. At Williamsport he was 
seriously injured by his horse, which was shot, falling upon him, but 
recovered after a few weeks in the hospital. In 1865 he returned to 
Prussia on a visit, and coming back soon afterwards brought his sister 
with him, who is now the Avife of Fred W. Muff, in Macon county. 
He located in Macon county, Mo., and engaged in farming, but also 
continued the study of law. Soon afterwards he was elected county 
judge, which position he held for five years. In 1868 he was admit- 
ted to the bar, and has since been actively engaged in the practice of 
his profession. He is one of the leading lawyers at the bar, and is 
retained for the defense in most of the criminal cases that come before 
the courts. He is a man of fine al)ility and an eloquent, etlective 
speaker, with just suflicient foreign accent to lend an exquisite and 
indefinable charm to his utterances. He represented the people in 
the celebi-ated bank trial at this place, and conducted that case with 
success and distinguished ability. He is one of the prominent Repub- 
licans of this section of the State, and was a presidential elector on 
the Hayes' ticket in 1876. In 1869 Judge Hess was married to Miss 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1165 

Caroline S. Maffiy. They have six children: Alma, Carrie, Herthe, 
Louisa, Nettie and Baby. The Judge and wife are members of the 
German Lutheran Church, and he is a member of the I. O. O. F., 
the K. of P., the A. O. U. W., and the G. A. R. He has three 
brothers, two of whom are Foresters for King William, and the third, 
and oldest, is living at the homestead in Langenlonsheim, a very 
prosperous and wealthy farmer. 

WILLIAM HOLMAN 

f Section 9). 
This retired farmer, and known as the originator of the first temper- 
ance movement in the county, is the son of William and Elenor 
(Barns) Holman, from Kentucky. His father was a farmer, and 
came to Missouri in 1818. He settled first in Howard county, but 
afterwards bought a farm in Randolph, where he remained until his 
death in 1834. He left a family of 12 children. William H. was 
born in Madison county, Ky., January 14, 1813, and was brought to 
Missouri when a small child. He received a good common-school 
education, and, when a man, became a farmer, remaining in Randolph 
until 1839. During that year he came to Macon county, and bought 
a farm near Old Bloomington. While there he was constable for two 
years, assessor for two years, and was then elected county treasurer, 
the third treasurer in the county. He filled this responsible office for 
five years, and in 1849 moved to his present farm, one mile north of 
Macon City. He owns 280 acres of land in good condition, and has 
all modern improvements. His apple orchard is especially fine. It 
was about the year 1853 that Mr. Holman circulated a petition 
throughout the county for the purpose of preventing the issuance of 
license to liquor dealers, thus identifying himself with the temperance 
movement, for the first time started in the county. In 1858 he was 
again appointed assessor of the county, and in 1861, sherifi". Two years 
after he was dected to this office, and then began a time of much an- 
noyance in returning slaves to their owners. Mr. H. was a Union 
man, but took no part as a soldier in the war. At its close he retired 
to his farm, where he has since remained, his son managing it for him. 
Mr. Holman was married in 1836 to Miss Rebecca, daughter of Philip 
and Fanny Barns, who came from Kentucky to Boone county, Mo., in 
1818. Mr. and Mrs. H. have nine children : Francis, Phillip, 
formerly a merchant in Macon City, but now in the clerk's office ; 
Elizabeth, James M., teaching school; Eliza, William A., Louella, 
Benjamin and John C. Mr. Holman and wife are members of the 
Presbyterian Church. 

HARRY HOWARD 

(Of Howard & Love, Editors and Proprietors of the Macon True Democrat, Macon). 
Mr. Howard has had a life-time experience in the newspaper business, 
having begun as an apprentice at the case when in his sixteenth year 
and been continuously engaged in newspaper life from that time to the 



1166 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

present. With nearly 30 years' experience in the business, and, dur- 
ing most of this time, as an editor and proprietor, that he should 
have attained, as he has, to a position of success and prominence, is 
perhaps not more than what might be justly expected. Mr. Howard is 
well known to the newspaper men of North Missouri as a capable and 
successful manager and a clear, vigorous, intelligent editorial writer. 
He has contributed very materially to give the True Democrat the 
enviable standing it has to-day among the country journals of the 
State. In the field of politics, as an exponent of Democratic opinions 
and principles, and in public affairs generally — relating to the mate- 
rial interests of the people and otherwise — it is conceded to be one 
of the ably-conducted, sober, influential journals of this section of the 
State. He and Mr. Love established the True Democrat in the sum- 
mer of 1883, and, considering the men who founded it and the want 
generally felt in this county for such a paper as they were sure to 
publish, its success was assured from the beginning. Its career has 
exceeded, both in business success and influence, even the expecta- 
tions of its proprietors and friends. Already on a prosperous foot- 
ing, its future bears every promise of a continued career of success. 
Mr. Howard, though a native of Indiana, was reared in Kentucky. 
He was born in Switzerland county of the former State. His father, 
Hon. Samuel Howard, a Kentuckian by nativity, went to Indiana in 
an early day, and was there married to Miss Louisa Livingston, of 
Dearborn county, that State, a daughter of Judge Livingston, a 
prominent jurist of Indiana. Mr. Howard's father, while a resident 
of Indiana, represented his county in the Legislature, and was subse- 
quently a member of the State Senate, and afterwards represented 
Carroll, Gallatin and Boone counties in the Kentucky State Senate. 
He was a man of sterling character, great energy, and indomitable 
will and perseverance. Himself strict in all his business transactions, 
he expected like strictness of others, but was at the same time a man 
of generous impulses, and noted for his benevolence. The hand of 
distress was never withdrawn empty from him. Harry Howard was 
the fifth in his parents' family of nine children, and up to the age of 
16 his life was spent on his father's fsirm, occupied with such work as 
he could do and attending the country schools. He then, in 1855, 
entered the office of the JVeivs, at Vevay, Ind., to learn the 
printer's trade, and after mastering the " art preservative of all arts," 
in 1857, he came to Missouri, and located at La Plata. After a resi- 
dence of about a year, he went to Bloomington, and became the 
partner of Mr. Love in the publication of the Legion, as mentioned 
in the sketch of his partner. Mr. Howard continued identified with 
the Legion until the outbreak of the war. After this he was con- 
nected with the Landmark at Platte City for a short time, and then 
established the Commercial at Weston, in Platte county, which he 
published for the following 11 years, and until he became connected 
with the True Democrat, at Macon City, in the summer of 1883. 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1167 



THOMAS B. HOWE 

(Retired Business man, Macon City) . 

Mr. Howe, now himself advancing in years, being closely approach- 
ing the allotted age of three-score-and-ten, was only a lad in his ninth 
year when his parents removed to Missouri and settled in Callaway 
county. That was away back in 1826, when there were but little more 
than twice as many inhabitants in the whole State of Missouri as there 
are now in the single county of Macon. Both Mr. Howe's father, Isaac 
P. Howe, and his mother, whose maiden name was Jeanetta Boyd, were 
born and reared in Kentucky, but their parental families were each 
from North Carolina. Thomas B. was born in Kentucky (Mont- 
gomery county) November 25, 1817. The family settled in Callaway 
county, near New Bloomtield, where they lived until their deaths. 
The father died in 1857, and the mother some years afterwards. 
Thomas B. grew up on the farm in Callaway county, and when 25 
years of age, September 14, 1842, was married to Zippirah J. Thatcher, 
a daughter of William Thatcher, who settled six miles west of Fulton 
from Bourbon county, Ky., in an early day. Prior to his marriage, 
Mr. Howe had been engaged in school-teaching in Callaway county, 
and in 1843 he "went to Putnam county, but remained there only a 
short time. The same year he located at Kirksville, where he lived 
until 1850. Whilst there he was postmaster for four or five years, 
and was also engaged in business. Returning to Callaway county, he 
ran a carding machine for about three years, and then engaged in mer- 
chandising, which he followed with good success up to 1862. The 
next year Mr. Howe removed to Callao, where he was engaged in 
selling goods for about a year. In 1864 he went to St. Louis on ac- 
count of the unsettled condition of the country, and remained there 
until after the war — indeed until 1869, having become identified with 
interests at that place that made it to his advantage to remain. Re- 
turning to the interior of the State, however, he located at Macon 
City, and for three or four years was engaged in the livery and sale 
stable business, having for a partner Mr. John Howell, now deceased. 
A man of excellent business qualifications and popular manners, in 
1871 Mr. Howe was appointed assistant in the collector's and treasu- 
rer's offices, under Messrs. Sharp and Goodding, a position which he 
held for about seven years, becoming an almost indispensable fixture 
in those offices. Finally he quit work at the court-house in order to 
make a set of abstracts of the titles to the real estate of the county, 
which was then greatly in demand, on account of the activity in land 
transfers. For this work he formed a partnership with Mr. Benjamin 
Stean, and together they made their abstract books, the first set ever 
prepared in the county, and the only one. He and Mr. Stean opened an 
abstract office at Macon City, which they carried on together and with 
excellent success until a short time ago, when Mr. Howe sold his in- 
terest to Mr. John M. London. Since then Mr. Howe has not been 
engaged in any active business. He is still quite active, however, and 



1168 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

full of ambition and energy, one of the stirring old gentlemen of 
Macon City, and takes an intelligent and public-spirited interest in 
every thing calculated to be of advantage to the place or county. It 
is worthy of remark in this connection, that the above, only a brief 
outline of the facts in his career, is, at the same time, by no means a 
complete one, but perhaps suffices to give some idea of the busy life 
he has led. Through all, it is due to say that his name has come 
down to the present without the tarnish of a reproach, and that no 
man stands better in the esteem of those who have known him longest 
and best, than the subject of this sketch. Mr. Howe is a man of 
many estimable qualities of head and heart — one whom those around 
him can not but regard with the kindliest consideration and highest 
respect and esteem. Whilst he lived at Bloomington he was for two 
years editor and proprietor of the Bloomington Journal, a prominent 
and influential Whig organ. This was during the years 1853-54. 
Prior to that, the Journal had been known as the Messenger. Mr. 
Howe is a prominent Mason, having filled all the chairs in the Blue 
Lodge, Chapter and Commander}^ He was for some years district 
deputy from the first Masonic district, and has always taken an active 
interest in the work and advancement of the order. Mr. and Mrs. 
Howe have four children; Mary E., John M., James P. and Mattie 
E. The latter is the wife of John H. Mann, of Indianapolis, Ind. 
James is a clerk in the Pension Office at Topeka. John M. is in 
Sacramento, Cal., and Mary E. is the wife of Benjamin H. Stean, of 
Macon City, one of the leading men of the place. 

JAMES G. HOWE 

(County Clerk, Macou City). 

Mr. Howe was elected to his present position in 1878, and it is but 
the statement of a plain fact to say that he has made one of the most 
capable and efficient county clerks who ever occupied the position in 
this county. The biographer must give facts in the sketches he writes, 
and while we are conscious that what has been said reflects great 
credit upon the present incumbent of the office named, we are sure 
from conversations with those best qualified to judge that this credit 
is not unmerited, and therefore not out of taste. Mr. Howe is gener- 
ally popular throughout the county, both personally and as an officer, 
for while he is recognized as a man of character and man}'' estimable 
qualities, as a business man for office work he is believed to be without 
a superior in the county. Of a gentlemanly, genial, whole-souled 
disposition, he forms acquaintances readily and retains their respect 
and confidence, as well as wins their esteem, the highest prerequisite 
to one's success in official life. Mr. Howe is a native Missourian, born 
near New Bloomfield, in the Kingdom of Callaway, or the South Caro- 
lina of this State, on the 18th of August, 1833. His parents, Isaac 
P. and Jane (Boyd) Howe, were early settlers in that county from 
Kentucky, locating there in 1825. James G. was reared on his 
father's farm near New Bloomfield up to the age of 14, when, having 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1169 

a desire for business life, he went to St. Aubert and began clerking in 
a store at tliat place. He subsequently clerked at New Bloomfield 
and theu went to Fulton, where he clerked until the time of his mar- 
riage, which occurred the 8th of May, 18G6. His wife's maiden uame 
was Miss Mary S. Thatcher, who was reared in Schuyler county, this 
State, Immediately after his marriage Mr. Howe came to Blooming- 
ton, in Macon county, but in a short time went to Lancaster, where 
he sold goods for about a year. Returning to Bloomington, he sold 
goods at this place until 1864. From that time for 18 months he was 
at Plattsmouth, Neb., but came to Macon City in the latter part of 
1865. Here he continued selling goods until 1871, when he accepted 
the position of book-keeper of the North Missouri Insurance Company, 
which he held for three years. In January, 1875, he was appointed 
deputy county clerk under J. M. Love, and served in that capacity for 
four years. He was then elected Mr. Love's successor, and has since 
held the office by re-election. In 1874 Mr. Howe was a partner of 
Mr. S. E. Waggoner in the insurance business. Mr. Howe is a promi- 
nent member of the Masonic order, and has been Eminent Commander 
and District Lecturer of the Blue Lodge and the Chapter. Mr. and 
Mrs. Howe have a family of five children: William P., Belle M., 
Minerva M., Charles G. and Mattie G. Belle M. is the wife of W. H. 
Sipple, and Minerva M. is the wife of C. S. Murray, of Liberty ; 
Charles G. now holds the position his brother formerly held, that of 
deputy county clerk, his brother now being connected with the Hanni- 
bal and St. Joe Railway. 

JAMES A. HUDSON 

(Editor and Proprietor of the Macon Times, Macon City). 

Mr. Hudson, a young newspaper man of this county, who has had 
a career of more than ordinary success in journalism and is one of the 
most public spirited and highly esteemed citizens of the county, is a 
native Missourian, born in Montgomerj'' county, on the farm, near 
Middletown, October 7, 1853. His parents were James M. and Eliz- 
abeth (Thomas) Hudson, the father originallj^ from Virginia, but the 
mother formerly of Kentucky. They were married, however, in Mis- 
souri, in which State they had made their permanent home and reared 
their family of children. James A. was the third in their family, and 
three are living, two besides himself — Joseph H., now of Audrain 
county, and Frances A., now the wife of Arthur Percy, also of Au- 
drain county. The father died when James A. was six years of age 
and the mother subequently married H. C. Anderson. James A. re- 
mained at home with the family until he was 15 j'^ears of age, when, 
having received something of a common school education, he felt that 
he was able to make his own way in the world and left the homestead in 
Audrain county to begin life for himself. In 1872 he came to Macon 
City where he entered the Times office (which had been established 
some years before by Col. Clark H. Green) to learn the printer's 
trade. Though not the founder of this paper, young Hudson was 



1170 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

destined to become its restorer and successful editor and proprietor. 
After workings for some months in tlie Times office he went to Bowling 
Green, Pike county, Mo., but soon returned to Macon City and 
worked here at the printer's trade until 1874. He then engaged in 
the grocery business, but not having been l)rought up to whittling on 
pine boxes and watching " Peck's Bad Boy," while yawning and gaping 
and waiting for a wayfaring customer, he soon became tired of the busi- 
ness and, fumigating himself of the odor of spoilt oysters and third- 
]3roof coal oil, he put on a clean paper collar and returned to journalism. 
In order to have a field of usefulness not less than he could utilize, he 
he went to St. Louis. At the Mound City he became identified with 
the Missouri Hepiiblican, and for a year was employed in setting tyi)e 
on the " Old Reliable." Saving up a little means, he now returned to 
the business in Macon City. In 1877 he secured an interest in the JEx- 
aminer with Hez. Purdom, which they published for a short time. 
But having an opportunity to dispose of his interest in the Examiner 
to good advantage, he sold out and went to Keytesville, where he es- 
tablished the Chariton Courier^ successor to the Herald. The Cour- 
ier venture proved to be a successful enterprise, and he conducted the 
paper for about five years with steadily increasing success and influence. 
Under his management and editorial charge it became one of the most 
valuable pieces of newspaper property, and one of the most popular, 
influential journals in the interior of North Missouri. While at 
Keytesville he was actively and prominently identified with various 
public enterprises, both as adviser and stockholder. Among them he 
was a stockholder in and director of the Farmers' Bank of Keytes- 
ville, and in the Keytesville Building Association. But in 1883 he 
sold the Courier at a good price and returned to Macon City. Here, 
Mr. Hudson at once bought the North Missouri Register^ which had been 
built up on the wreck of the Times. But like a man who tries to wear 
another man's boots, the Register never moved with a steady, natural 
step, and Mr. Hudson thought it the best policy to restore the paper to 
its old possessio jjedes. Renovating the office, aclding new and more ma- 
terial to it, and improving it in every way, he reproduced the Times 
neater, cleaner and better than it ever was, a sprightly, lively newspa- 
per, up to any amount of snuff, and one of the gallant, fearless knight- 
errants of North Missouri journalism. The Times under its new man- 
agement is having a career of gratifying success and is already on a solid 
business basis, while as a molder and representative of public opinion, 
its high standing is already well recognized. As an advertising me- 
dium, it ranks among the Ijest papers in the interior of the State, a fact 
that is conclusively proven by the large patronage it receives from the 
business public. Mr. Hudson, on an exhibition of specimen copies 
of the Times, was awarded by the Missouri Press Association at its 
annual meeting at Carthage, in 1883, a handsome gold medal for pro- 
ducing the best printed paper in the State. October 30, 1873, Mr. 
Hudson was married to Miss Julia Alderman, a daughter of Judge J. 
R. Alderman. Mr. and Mrs. Hudson have two children : Ethel and 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1171 

Alexander. Mr. Hudson is a member of the A. O. U. W., I. O. O. 
F. and Masonic orders. 

CHARLES ITSCHNER 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser) . 

Mr. I., a son of Rudolph and Selina (RifFel) Itschner, was born in 
Switzerland, April 4, 1837. His father was a dealer in flour and 
groceries and was a man of fortune. In 1880 he died suddenly while 
on a pleasure trip in his native mountains. Charles was educated for 
a farmer, and spent two years at an agricultural college. He then 
worked with his father until 1862, when he came to America. He 
went to Iowa and worked for a year as a farm hand, returned to his 
Fatherland, and on July 24, 1864, married Miss Barbery Schulthess. 
He at once brought his Inide to America, and after remaining a few 
years in New Jersey, in 1868 came to Macon county and bought 160 
acres of land. He now has two farms of 160 acres each, both well im- 
proved. He has a large, handsome house, built in 1880, a fine barn and 
all other necessary buildings. Mr. Itschner is a thrifty and successful 
fiirmer and belongs to the best element in the township. He devotes 
most of his time to the raising of stock, sheep and cattle. He has 
an interesting family of seven children: Charles R., Frederick, 
Julius, Emily, Frank, Harry and Werner, a bright little fellow of 
three. Mr. I. and wife are connected with the Lutheran Church. 

THOMAS B. JACKSON, M.D. 

(Physician and Surgeon, Macon City). 

Dr. Jackson, one of the prominent and successful physicians of 
Macon county, was a son of Hon. Hancock Jackson, one of the lead- 
ing men of this section of the State in his day. His father was a 
Kentuckian by nativity, and was there married to Miss Ursley Oldham, 
of Madison county. He was of Laurel county, and had been out to 
Missouri looking at the country two years before his marriage. 
Immediately following his marriage he removed to this State and 
located first in Howard county, but in 1822 settled in Randolph 
county, near the south-east corner of the county. He was prominent 
in public life in that county for nearly a generation, and was a candi- 
date for the office of Governor in 1860, on the Breckinridge ticket, 
his competitors being Gov. Claiborne F. Jackson and Hon. Sample 
Orr. He was the first sherifl" of Randolph county, and represented 
that county for years in the Legislature, first in the House and then 
in the Senate. He was always a prominent figure in State Coventions, 
and was looked upon as one of the able men of the State. His 
principal business was that of agriculture, and he improved a large 
number of farms. He removed to Oregon in 1865, having retired 
from politics after his race for Governor, where he died in 1876 at 
the advanced age of 81. When the war broke out he was United 
States Marshal for the district of Missouri, having been appointed by 
President Buchanan, but he was removed by Mr. Lincoln. Dr. Jackson 



1172 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

was born in Randolph county, September 8, 1837, and was reared on 
the farm in that county. In 1857 he began the study of medicine at 
Independence, Mo., under the preceptorate of Dr. Murray. Early in 
the following year, having taught school before he began the study of 
medicine, he returned to Randolph county and resumed teaching, but 
also continued the study of medicine, having the benefit in that county 
of instruction from Dr. Hall of Milton. In the winter of 1858 he 
entered the St. Louis Medical College, and after a session there began 
the practice of his profession at Salisbury, in Chariton county. His 
next session at medical college he attended at Keokuk, la., and 
graduated in the spring of 1860. Returning to Salisbury, he remained 
there engaged in the practice until the outbreak of the war. However, 
in the spring of 1861 he removed to Cole Camp, in Benton county, 
where he was burned out by Lyon's troops, on their way South, on 
account of his having treated, professionally, some wounded Confederate 
soldiers. In the meantime, on the 20th of October, 1860, he was 
married to Miss Virginia C. Taylor, a daughter of George M. Taylor, 
of Bloomington, Macon county, and after he was burned out at Cole 
Camp he returned to Macon county. But he at once enlisted in the 
Missouri State guard, becoming a member of the Fifth regiment, 
commanded by Col. Poindexter, of Gen. Clark's division, of which 
reo-iment he became surgeon. At the election of Col. Edwin Price to 
a brisiadier-generalship. Dr. Jackson was appointed paymaster of that 
divisfon. Subsequently he was attached to Gen. Parson's staff as 
special surgeon. In a little while, however, he was commissioned by 
the authorities at Richmond to raise a partisan regiment, and he and 
Col. X. J. Pindall came to Macon county on a recruiting expedition. 
He was taken prisoner while in Randolph county by Col. Burckhartt 
and paroled, with liberty to remain within the district of Randolph, 
Macon and Chariton counties. He thereupon resumed the practice of 
medicine at Bloomington, but was soon afterwards arrested by United 
States Marshall Wallace, his father's successor, for treason and con- 
spiracy, and taken to St. Louis, where he was soon released on a bond 
of $8,000. After his release at St. Louis, the}'- went to Oregon, where 
the Doctor was engaged in the practice of his profession until 1869. 
He then returned to Missouri and located in Macon City, where he 
has since resided. Here he has built up a large practice, and is looked 
upon as one of the most capable and popular physicians in the county. 
Dr. Jackson's first wife died soon after returning to Missouri, and in 
December, 1870, he was married to Mrs. Susan M. Eskridge, the 
widow of the late Judge Monroe B. Eskridge. Personally, the Doctor 
is hio-hly esteemed, and he and his family are gladly received in the 
best society of Macon City and vicinity. 

GEN. FIELDER A. JONES , 

(Deceased). 

From the Macon Republican we take the following well-written and 
just obituary notice of the life and death of Gen. Jones, a man whose 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1173 

character and ability and whose services to his country, as well as his 
estimable qualities in the domestic circle and as a neighbor and friend, 
entitle him to lasting remembrance of posterity : — 

A great sorrow has fallen upon us. With a sad heart we record 
that our beloved friend and companion of many years, Gen. F. A. 
Jones, has passed away. We would that it need not have been, and 
that we might have enjoyed a friendship so dear, an association 
so pleasant, for a few years more ; yet, we are called upon to bow in 
grief to a wisdom that is infinitely above all that is earthy. It is 
one of the painful lessons of this life, that the ties of affection and 
friendship are ruthlessly sundered, but there is much consolation in 
the belief that the Providence who creates the good and permits the 
development and growth of the ties that bind the hearts of friends 
in this world will in the great hereafter restore the broken links. One 
week ago our friend and greatly esteemed citizen was with us, and 
thouo-h very feeble in health, his mind was clear and vigorous, and 
he still hoped for some years of a useful life. His friends were fear- 
ful that his stay here at the longest could be very brief. For some 
time he had greatly desired to visit the home of his childhood, hoping 
that in those scenes, in the company of hi? aged mother and his sisters, 
he might receive a new lease of life. 

On "Friday of last week, with his wife, he started for his old home. 
Numerous friends accompanied them to the station, all of whom feared 
that in his frail, feeble condition he would not reach the much desired, 
destination. Saturday encouraging reports were received of his con- 
dition at Quincy, and his many friends expressed a wish that he might 
reach his old home. Sunday morning, the sad and startling intelligence 
was received over the wires that while the train was nearing Toledo, 
Ohio, he had quietly and peacefully passed away while resting in his 
berth in the sleeping car. All that a devoted wife and kind, attentive 
officials could do was done to restore the flickering spark of life, 
but in vain. He was called to his long home, notwithstanding he had 
manfully battled for life to the last. At Toledo many friends and nu- 
merous kind citizens received his remains, giving them careful at- 
tention, and the most profound sympathy was extended to his greatly 
bereaved wife. Members of the Press and of the Grand Army of the 
Republic took his remains in charge and accompanied them to his 
home, and ere this he has been quietly laid away with friends that 
have gone before. 

In many respects, the life of Gen. F. A. Jones has been an 
eventful one. It is a life that demonstrates how much may be ac- 
quired and usefulness accomplished even under most unfavorable cir- 
cumstances. He was born in Potter county, Penn., February 27, 
1834. His parents were plain, substantial people, but in poor cir- 
cumstances. When he was five years old his father was killed 
by a falling tree. When he was 12 years of age his step-father 
died. He was left the eldest of five children and the family quite 
poor. At 13 years of age he assisted his mother in supporting the 



1174 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

family by haulinfij pine logs with an ox team from the mountainside, 
at five dollars per month. He spent his evenings and all his leisure 
time in studying, until at 15 he entered Richburg Academy, where 
he gave special attention to the study of music. Very shortly after 
this he taught music, and with such success that he created great 
enthusiasm in all his immediate neighborhood in this branch, and 
was enabled to procure for himself and one sister a thorough academic 
education. From 1853 to 1855 he was teacher in Water ford Academy, 
Penn. He then entered Alleghany College in the sophomore class, and 
graduated in 1859, receiving some of the highest honors of his class, 
among others the prize of a silver goblet for English composition and 
literature. He then taught one year in Meadville Academy, and 
studied law with Hon. Hiram Richmond ; was admitted to the bar, and 
during this year he was united in marriage to Miss Kate Saeger, a most 
estimable lady, daughter of Edward Saegar,Esq., of Saegertown, Penn. 
He came to Seymour, Ind., where he taught school and commenced 
the practice of his chosen profession. He took an active part in the 
political campaign of 1860, and early in 1861, upon the call for 
troops, he raised the first company in Southern Indiana for the three 
months' service, it being the thirteenth from the State. He was 
mustered in as captain in his company, in the Sixth Regiment Indiana 
volunteers, April 19, 1861. The regiment was immediately ordered 
to Western Virginia, where he served with great bravery under 
Gen. Morris, and took part in the battles of Laurel Hill, Carrick's 
Ford and at St. George. In this last engagement his company cap- 
tured a large wagon train, and he was severely wounded, being shot 
through the right arm, the left leg and through the liver and lower 
lobe of the right lung. He was supposed to be mortally wounded. 
But, to the surprise of his friends, he recovered ; was brought to In- 
dianapolis, where, during his convalesence, he became intimately ac- 
quainted with Gov. Morton, who was ever after his firm friend. As 
soon as he was able to return to the field, he was appointed lieutenant- 
colonel of the Thirty-ninth regiment Indiana volunteers, and served to 
the close of the war and until August 8, 1864. 

He was engaged in the first fight of the Army of the Cumberland 
with John Morgan, and in the last engagement of Sherman's army 26 
miles west of Raleigh, N. C. He took an active part in the battles 
of Pittsburg Landing, Perrysville, Stone River, Chickamauga, Chat- 
tanooga and in all the engagements around Atlanta. After the bat- 
tle of Stone River, he was placed in command of a brigade and was 
hio:hly commended in general orders for his efficiency and bravery. 

In 1863, his regiment, of which he was now the colonel, was 
mounted and became the Eighth Indiana Cavalry. He was with Gen. 
Rosseau in his raid into Alabama. Was placed in command of a 
brjo-ade of cavalry, under Gen. Ed. McCook in his celebrated raid 
around Atlanta ; and when Gen. McCook was surrounded, he cut 
his way through the enemy, and brought the only organized troops 
out of that disastrous expedition. He was placed in command of a 
cavalry division of 14 regiments, in the campaign around Atlanta, un- 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1175 

der Gen. Kilpatrick, and after the battle of Jonesboro was promoted 
bri2:adier-o:eneral for o^allani services. 

He was in all the skirmishes in Sherman's March to the Sea, and 
through the Carolinas, and for the cavalry it was one continued en- 
gagement. During his military career he was wounded five times — 
two of them slight wounds — and had four horses killed from under 
him. When Ave review his career as a patriot soldier, how truly it 
may be said of him, he was a gallant knight, ^^ sans puer, sans re- 
proche.^' 

Soon after the close of the war, in September, 1865, he came to 
Missouri to seek a home, and located at Macon. Although a con- 
stant sufferer from his wounds, he immediately took an active part in 
all public enterprises, as well as an active interest in political, social 
and educational matters. He resumed the practice of law and at once 
stood among the leaders at the bar in the State and U. S. courts. 
One of our judges has remarked, in speaking of his abilities, " He 
makes the clearest statement of a legal proposition of any attorney I 
have ever listened to." 

In July, 1866, after a lingering illness from consumption, his wife 
passed away. 

In 1870 he was married again, to Miss Sallie Clayton, who has 
been a very affectionate and devoted wife during his long years of suf- 
fering, and who has the heartfelt sympathies of all our citizens in her 
great sorrow and lonely journey. 

Gen. Jones was an active politician, careful in forming his convic- 
tions and earnest in the advocacy of them. During several campaigns 
he was a member of the State Executive Committee. In 1872 he was 
an elector for this Congressional district on the Kepublican ticket, and 
in 1874 was nominated as the Republican candidate for the State Sen- 
ate, but was defeated. 

In 1878 he was elected Mayor of the City of Macon, and discharged 
the duties of his office acceptably and faithfully. 

In 1871 he became editor-in-chief of the Macon Bepublican, which 
he has managed with marked ability. All of his life he has been a 
zealous student and constant reader. He was a tine, classical scholar 
and well informed on all subjects. He readily mastered every subject 
and was a very clear and forcible writer. He was a man of tine ana- 
lytical mind, of wonderful memory, and at home in every department 
of law, history and literature. From boyhood his life had been 
one of industry, of thoughtful study and of useful works. He was 
a profound believer in the doctrines of the Bible, and a member of the 
M. E. Church. He would not suffer with any degree of patience in 
his presence the assertions or disputations of skeptics, and, on the 
other hand, he was very careful in speaking of his religious beliefs to 
others and listened to theirs with great tolerance. A few weeks be- 
fore his death he remarked : " My beliefs are fixed ; they can not be 
shaken ; I think my heart is right and I am not afraid to go when I 
am called." One of his prominent characteristics was his great 
69 



1176 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

generosity of heart. He never could refuse an appeal for assist- 
ance in any form. He possessed in a large degree that noble virtue 
which the inspired author pronounced " and of the greatest of all these 
is charity," both in tolerance of opinion and kindness of act." 

He was highly esteemed, honored and respected by his fellow- 
citizens, and beloved by his friends. He was pleasant and calm in his 
demeanor, and cordial to his friends. He bore his sufferings patiently 
for many years uncomplaining and glad that he had made sacrifices 
for his country he loved so well. Truly he was one of Nature's no- 
blemen, a mature scholar, a devoted patriot, a gallant soldier and a 
good citizen. We do not hear his footsteps that have been so famil- 
iar to us for 16 years. His presence that was so agreeable is not 
with us. We turn and behold his books he loved so well are upon the 
shelves, but the eyes that perused them are closed. His chair is there, 
but it is vacant. He is gone, his spirit has flown. Classmate, com- 
panion, beloved friend, farewell ! 

JOHN T. JONES 

(Attorney at Law, Macon City) . 
Among the young lawyers of this section of the State who are rap- 
idly coming to the front in their profession and taking a front rank in 
afi'airs, is the subject of the present sketch. Mr. Jones' early advan- 
tages for fitting himself for the activities of life were good, and he 
has shown that he had not only the industry but the qualities of mind 
to improve them. He obtained a thorough collegiate education, 
which included a classical course, and afterwards followed the profes- 
sion of teaching for awhile which had the effect to make his knowl- 
edge of the college curriculum more ready and enduring. In 1875 
he began a regular and systematic course of study of the law, plac- 
ing himself under the instruction of Col. John F. Williams, then of 
this city, but now of St. Louis. Prior to this he had spent some 
time in the general study of law, but he now devoted himself exclu- 
sively to it. He made such progress in his studies that by the fall of 
1876 he felt qualified to apply for admission to the bar. His exam- 
ination was eminently satisfactory and in granting him license to 
practice in the courts of this State, Judge John W. Henry highly com- 
plimented him for his attainments and spoke assuringly of his future 
at the bar. Mr. Jones at once began the practice of his profession at 
Macon City and practiced with his former preceptor, Col. Williams, 
until the latter removed to St. Louis, which was in 1881. Since then 
Mr. Jones has continued the practice at this place alone, and with 
steadily increasing success and reputation. The large practice which 
Col. Williams had, Mr. Jones succeeded in retaining, and besides that 
he has secured an excellent clientage. For the past three years he 
has been the resident attorney for the Wabash, St. Louis and Pacific 
Railway, a position that is by no means an insignificant evidence of 
his standing at the bar. On the 24th of October, 1878, Mr. Jones 
was married to Miss Ida V. Thompson of Keokuk, Iowa, a daughter 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1177 

of Moses Thompson, now a prominent capitalist of Denver, Col., 
and who is largely interested in mining property. Mr. Jones is a 
member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and his wile is con- 
nected with the Episcopal Church. He is also a member of the 
Knights of Pythias. Mr. Jones takes an active interest in public af- 
fairs, usually being a delegate in district and State conventions, and is 
looked upon as one of the' leading Democrats and soundest, safest 
man in his party in this county. Personally, the official bee 
is not believed to have ever sung any siren songs within vibratory 
reach of his tympanum. At least he has never asked for an office 
and it is very doubtful whether he would accept one unless it were 
sufficiently high to shimmer with more than ordinary brightness. Mr. 
Jones' parents, William T. and Mary S. (Simms) Jones, were both 
natives of Kentucky, but came to Missouri long prior to the war. 
The father was a merchant by occupation and was quite successful. 
He founded the town of Girard and opened the first store established 
at that place. He came to Macon in 1865 and subsequently located 
on a farm about four miles north of Macon City. He died there 
early in 1883. He had for years been one of the prominent and ac- 
tive men of the county and was highly esteemed. John T., born at 
Girard, June 30, 1850, spent his early years mostly at school. At the 
age of 17 he entered McGee College from which he graduated 
with distinction in 1874 in a large class, includinof R. G. Mitchell of 
Kansas City, Rev. William Mitchell, Rev. Samuel H. Mcllvaine and 
others. The following fall he and Dr. John T. Mitchell, now of 
Kansas City, established the St. James Academy, at present known 
as Macon Academy, with which he was connected for about a year. 
He then began the study of law, under Col. Williams. 

JOSEPH L. JUDY 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser). 

Mr. J. is the son of Alexander Judy, of Kentucky, who married in 
1845, Miss Nancy Smaley, a native of the same State, by whom he 
had eight children: Matilda, Mary, Amanda, Sarah, Nannie, Asa, 
Winepark and Joseph. Mr. Alexander Judy was a stock-raiser 
up to the beginning of the late war, in which his experiences were 
most thrilling and romantic. He was with Morgan on his raid through 
Ohio, was captured by the enemy and sent to Camp Douglass, from 
which he finally managed to escape by means of a bribe to the guard. 
In 1865 he came to Macon county, and there died May 25,1882. His 
widow still survives. Joseph was born September 10, 1852, and was 
educated principally at Mt. Pleasant College, subsequent to which he 
taught school for a number of terms. September 17, 1873, he mar- 
ried Miss Frances M. Walker, who bore him two children, Mabel and 
Ernest. June 14, 1880, Mrs. Judy fell a victim to that dread de- 
stroyer, consumption, and on the 17th of July, 1881, Mr. J. brought 
home a new bride, nee Miss Mollie E. Dunn. They have one child. Ves- 
per Lee, born September 25, 1882. Mr. Judy owns a farm of 118 



1178 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

acres, all under cultivation, upon which is a nice residence and all 
necessary buildings, also a fine young orchard. He deals in stock, 
cattle and mules, and is in comfortable circumstances. Mr. J. bears 
an enviable reputation in the township, of which he has been clerk 
and assessor. He is a member of the Friendship Baptist Church. 

AUGUSTUS L. KNIGHT, M.D. 

(Deceased) . 
The Doctor was born in New England, March 29, 1828, and was 
the son of Franklin and Kuth (Johnson) Knight. He was educated 
at Bowdoin College and was a graduate of the New York Medical Uni- 
versity. He went first to Virginia and began practicing medicine in 
Page county, but in 1852 moved to Missouri, and located at Old 
Bloomington, Macon county. He lived here three years and then 
bought a lot in Macon City when the town was laid out, and built the 
first residence in the place. He enjoyed a large practice among the 
best people, and in 1860 went also into the drug business, in which 
he was engaged until his death, April 15, 1880. Dr. Knight was a 
most zealous and devoted church man. He first belonged to the 
Presbyterian Church, and gave largely to that denomination. He was 
instrumental in the building of the First Presbyterian Church in the 
city, which stood upon the present site of the Palace Hotel. After- 
wards he became an Episcopalian, in which faith he died. . He was 
senior warden in St. James' Church, towards the erection of which 
he contributed liberally. His whole mind seemed taken up with 
church matters, and he was ever a liberal and " cheerful giver," both in 
the services of the Lord, and to his representatives, the poor. He 
was generous to a fault. The Doctor was a Mason, being at the time 
of hts death treasurer of the Macon lodge. He was buried with all 
the honors of the order, also with the solemn and impressive services 
of the church. Dr. Knight was married February 28, 1854, at Flor- 
ence, near College Mound, to Miss Anna K., daughter of James and 
Frances E. (McCormack) -Flore, formerly from Virginia. Mrs. K. 
was born and educated in Winchester, Va. Her parents were some 
of the early settlers of Mason county, having moved there in 1842. 
There are three children ; Mrs. Augusta J. Sanford, residing in St. 
Louis, Mo. ; William D., clerking in Macon, a young man of sterling 
worth and correct principles, the pride of his family ; and Ethel, an 
interesting girl of 10 years. Mrs. Knight and her three children are 
members of the Episcopal Church. She has lost five children. Dr. 
Knight left his family in comfortable circumstances. 

A. R. LEMON! 

(Contractor and Builder, Macon City), 

Mr. Lemon, a practical and experienced carpenter, and one of the 
leading mechanics and business men in his line at this place, working 
usually a large number of hands to fill his contracts, is by nativity 
from Maryland, but was reared in Ohio, where he resided until his re- 



HISTORY or MACON COUNTY. 1179 

moval to Missouri after the late war. He was born in Cumberland, 
Alleghany county, Md., February 25, 1838. When but two years of 
age, however, his parents removed to Ohio, where the ftither bought 
a farm 16 miles north of Cincinnati, and where A. R. was reared. 
Young Lemon was educated in the common schools of Ohio and at Glen- 
dale Academy, from the latter of which he graduated in 1858. Subse- 
quently he taught school for a time and then learned the carpenter's 
trade, at which he was at work in Cincinnati with success, when the 
war broke out. Soon after the first shot was fired on Ft. Sumpter he 
enlisted in Battery K, Third United States artillery, and served for 
three years under the banner of the Union. He was twice wounded 
during the war. He served through the Peninsula campaign at Wash- 
ington and in the Eleventh corps. After the expiration of his term 
Mr. Lemon was honorably discharged at Nashville, and the year after 
the war came to Macon City. Having resumed work at his trade, he 
continued it at this place. His career has been entirely successful, 
and as has been said he has taken a place among the leading men in 
his line in Macon City, and indeed throughout the surrounding coun- Cf 

try. November 13, 1860, Mr. Lemon was married to Miss Mary S. 
Ever, originally of Switzerland. Mr. and Mrs. Lemon have five 
children: Olive A., Alfred, Charles, Mamie and William, all of whom 
are at home. Mr. and Mrs. Lemon are both church members, he of 
the Episcopal and she of the Wesley an. He is also a member of the 
I. O. O. F., of the K. of P., and of the G. A. R., and is Adjutant of 
the G. A. R. at this place and Past Chancelor of the K. of P. Mr. 
Lemon has served four years as a member of the Board of Education 
of Macon City, and is the Grand Recorder of the Brothers of Philau- 
throphy of Missouri. 

MAJOR JOHN M. LONDON 

(Of London & Stean, Attorneys and Land Agents, Macon City) . 

Major London's paternal ancestry settled in North Alabama about 
1762 from England. The family owned a large number of slaves, and 
his grandfather, William London, was an extensive planter. He was 
killed there by the Indians in about 1810, at the beginning of the 
Creek War, in the early prosecution of which he took an active and 
prominent part. Major London's father was born and reared in North 
Alabama, and was there married to Miss Martha Townsend. After- 
wards, in about 1819, he immigrated to Missouri, locating for a short 
time in Boone county. From Boone he removed to Jackson county, 
and from there to Schuyler county. But, in 1857, in order to give 
his children the educational advantages afforded by McGee College, 
he settled near that institution, in Macon county. There John M., 
with the others of school age of his father's family, entered the col- 
lege, where he continued as a student until a short time after the out- 
break of the Civil War. In May, 1861, the college was closed on 
account of the war, and but for that young London would have grad- 
uated at the ensuino; commencement in June. 



1180 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

Major London's father was an uncompromising anti-slavery man, 
and was one of the few prominent and outspoken Union men in Macon 
county. In perfect accord with his ftither in sentiments of loyalty to 
the Government, and in opposition to slavery, young London, soon 
after quitting college, although barely past his sixteenth year, offered 
himself as a volunteer for the defense of the old flag and the integrity 
of the Union. He became a member of the Twenty-second Missouri 
infantry, and by his example and encouragement did much to secure 
volunteers for his regiment. Up to the spring of 1862 he was princi- 
pally engaged in scouting in Macon, Randolph, Chariton, Howard, 
Adair and Boone counties, and during the time was in numberless en- 
gagements with bushwackers and recruiting parties of the Confederate 
service. 

Early in 1862 the Twenty-second Missouri was consolidated with 
the Tenth Missouri, and he joined the latter regiment shortly after the 
battle of Shiloh. The Tenth Missouri became noted in the army as 
one of the finest regiments from Missouri, remarked for its superior 
drill and its unfaltering courage on the field of battle. It took part 
in the North Mississippi campaign in 1862, and greatly distinguished 
itself in the sanguinary battles of luka and Corinth. In the latter. 
Major London was severely wounded, being shot through the right 
hip, seriously injuring the hip-joint. On account of this he was fur- 
loughed, but rejoined the army the following May, 1863. The Vicks- 
burg campaign was just then beginning, and he, with his regiment, took 
part in all the engagements that followed, including many of the severest 
conflicts fought in and around Vicksburg during the long and toilsome 
siege of that city. Afterwards the regiment participated in the rapid 
and dangerous march across Tennessee, Mississippi and Alabama, from 
Memphis to Chattanooga. 

Major London was in that terrible hand to hand death-duel of the 
war, the battle of Mission Ridge, and this is remembered as the only 
occasion on which the Tenth Missouri ever wavered in the execution 
of its orders, or faltered for a moment in reaching the point to which 
it was directed to go. The delay, however, was but temporary, and 
would not have occurred at all but for the blunder or misapprehension 
of general officers. Had not this mistake occurred, the regiment 
would have reached the crest of the ridge in the van, in keeping with 
the reputation it had ever borne for leading the way on similar occa- 
sions. During the winter of 1864 Major London had command of a 
body of mounted men detailed for the duty of suppressing bushwackers 
and outlaws in the country about Huntsville, Ala. This, in the coun- 
try of the enemy, was a most perilous duty, but it was fearlessly and 
successfully performed. During the winter he captured over 150 men 
in arms, and among them some of the worst desperados the war pro- 
duced. 

In the spring of 1864 he entered upon the Atlanta campaign, but the 
term of service of his company (E, Tenth Missouri) expiring during the 
following summer, with the company he was ordered to St. Louis, and 
honorably mustered out. Immediately after his discharge, he again 



i 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1181 

offered himself for service, and was commissioned adjntant of the Forty- 
second Missouri, which he took a prominent part in organizing and dis- 
ciplining. At the time of Hood's raid toward Nashville, Major London's 
command was ordered to join Gen. Thomas at the latter place. Sub- 
sequently the command went to the relief of Fort Donelson, and af- 
ter Hood's retreat it was ordered to Tallahoma, Tenn. There Major 
London was made assistant adjutant-general of the district, and until 
the close of the war was engaged in disciplining Missouri and Illinois 
one-year troops, and in scouting service in Southern Tennessee and 
Northern Alabama. He was finally mustered out of the service on the 
3d of July, 186.5. 

After his discharge Major London returned to Macon county, and 
in 1866 he was nominated by the Republican party for the office of 
circuit clerk and ex-officio recorder, being elected at the ensuing No- 
vember election by a majority of 368 votes. Two years hxter he was 
nominated for a second term, but by this time a great many, whose 
zeal for the Union had not been conspicuous, liad returned to the county 
and he was defeated by 125 majority. Li 1872 Major London was 
nominated by the Independents for Representative in the Legislature, 
Hon. A. P. McCall being his opponent on the Democratic ticket. 
Meanwhile the Southern boys had pretty generally returned, and, like 
young partridges, after quiet was restored made themselves quite nu- 
merous, especially around the polls. Major London was defeated by 
about 400 majority. 

In 1876, he was nominated for Congress on the ticket headed by- 
Peter Cooper for President, and, though not elected, received 1,325 
votes. Two years later he was again nominated for Congress by the 
Greenback party, and, if a few short-sighted, so-called " straight Re- 
publicans" (who, like pigs, have to be knocked down and turned 
around while they are blind in order to get them to run in a different 
direction from the one in which they start), had not made a sort of 
side-show, hand-organ campaign, he would have been elected. He 
received 12,000 votes, only 1,300 less than the successful Democratic 
candidate. Col. Hatch, whilst the so-called "straight Republican" 
candidate received 4,300, nine-tenths of which would have been cast 
for the Greenback candidate if no Republican had been in the field, 
»which would have defeated the Democrat by 2,000 or 3,000 majority. 
In 1880 he was a third time nominated, and out of the total vote of 
34,800 was defeated by only 400. 

Major London has been actively engaged in the law practice snice 
a short time after the expiration of his term of service as circuit clerk, 
and such is his character as a man and his ability and success as a 
lawyer, that he commands a lucrative practice and occupies an envia- 
ble position at the bar. Whilst he is considered an able jury lawyer, 
being an earnest, forcible and eloquent speaker, he is at the same time 
an assiduous student and laborious practitioner, exercising great care 
in the preparation of his cases as well as unwearying vigilance ni their 
management and final trial in court. A man of unquestioned integ- 



1182 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

ritj and of the most honorable and gentlemanly instincts, he always 
has the confidence of the court and the public, no inconsiderable ad- 
vantage in the practice of law. 

In 1883 Mr. Ben. H. Stean became his partner, since which they 
have been engaged in the practice together. They also do a laro-e real 
estate business, buying, selling, etc., and have on hand some of the 
best lands, both improved and unimproved, and some of the choicest 
town property to be had in the county. Thoroughly posted as to the 
quality and value of property in the county and throughout this part 
of the country, and being men of strictly honorable business methods, 
they afford both to purchasers and buyers superior advantages for 
effecting sales and transfers of property. 

Major London is now 39 years of age and is in the very meridian of 
manhood, physical and intellectual, and to all appearances has many 
years of usefulness before him, to himself, to his family, and to the 
public. He was married April 27, 1867, to Miss Minnie Fletcher, a 
daughter of G. Fletcher, of Tennessee. Mr. and Mrs. London have 
six children, namely : Harold, Kate E., Lee, Daisy, Ruth and Nellie. 
Mrs. London is a member of the M. E. Church, and he is a member 
of the I. O. O. F. and G. A. E. orders. 

JAMES M. LOVE 

(Of Love & Howard, Editors and Proprietors of the Macon True Democrat, Macon 

City). 

James Madison Love was born in Lynchburg, Va., September 8, 
1825, an'd was the eldest son in the family of nine children of Daniel 
W. and Harriet (Hawkins) Love, both of old and respected Virginia 
families, the former originally of Stafford county, but the latter of 
Bedford county. Daniel W. Love, however, was reared in Pittsyl- 
vania county and after his marriage made his home at Lynchburo;. 
He died in 1863, in the sixty-seventh year of his age. His wife pre- 
ceeded him to the grave in 1846. At the age of fs, the son, James 
M. Love, whose boyhood up to that time had been spent principally 
at school, entered a newspaper office to learn the printer's trade, 
which he acquired in due time and worked at for several years. But 
feeling that his education was not all that he would like to have it 
or could make it, he then took a course in the Botetourt Seminary, an 
institution of considerable repute in Western Virginia. Soon after 
quitting the seminary, in 1847 he established a paper at Jeffersonville, 
in Tazewell county, Va., called the Jeffersonville Democrat, which he 
l)ublished with success for about two years. Meanwhile he had de- 
termined to come West and had fixed his mind on Missouri as the State 
of his future residence. Disposing of his interest, therefore, in the 
Democrat at Jeffersonville, late in the fall of 1849 he came out to this 
State and located at Bloomington, then the county seat of Macon 
county, with the view of publishing a paper at that place. Indeed, 
he at once busied himself with arrangements to establish a paper 
there, and in the spring of the following year the first number of the 



HISTORY or MACON COUNTY. 1183 

Bloomington Gazette was published. Col. Gilstrap was his partner 
in the publication of the Gazette and they continued the publication 
of the paper for something over two years. Mr. Love then sold out 
and for a time was out of the newspaper business. In 1853 he was 
appointed to organize the county into school districts under the then 
new public school law of the State. This was the first school law of 
any real, practical utility enacted in Missouri, and Mr. Love, in full 
sympathy with the spirit and intent of the law, did his work faith- 
fully and well and to the great benefit of the youth of the county, as 
all old citizens very well know. He visited every neighborhood in 
in the county and gave the work his undivided time and attention. 
It was not completed until well along in 1854. After this he pub- 
lished the Macon Republican, which became under his management 
and editorial control one of the influential country papers of the 
State. In 1855 Mr. Love, whose life, up to this time, for the previous 
eight or 10 years, had been one of constant activity in affairs of a 
more or less public nature, having always taken a somewhat leading 
part in the politics of his county, and in other matters of a public 
nature, decided to retire to the country and engage in farming. He 
therefore bought land and improved a farm near Bloomington, his 
place being in section 4, township 58, range 15, of this county. Lo- 
cating on his place, he remained there entirely devoted to his farming 
interests for some four years. But, as is said of the sailor, that once 
wedded to a life on the sea he can never be satisfied off of it, so of a 
newspaper man — once thoroughly initiated into this business he can 
never be happy or contented out of it. This, at least, has proven 
true of Mr. Love. Becoming dissatisfied with the quiet routine, 
though independent and honorable life of a farmer, he resolved to 
embark once more upon the sea of journalism. Accordingly, in 1859, 
he and Mr. Howard, his present partner in business, formed a part- 
nership and established the Macon Legion. The same year Mr. 
Love was appointed postmaster at Bloomington. But in the mean- 
time he had been elected first assistant clerk in the House of Repre- 
sentatives at Jefi'erson City, in the winter of 1858-59, and he held 
this position through the regular session of that winter and also 
through the adjourned session of 1859-60. A man of good address and 
superior business qualifications, he had by this time attained to a position 
of some prominence in public affairs and was frequently mentioned as 
an available and popular candidate for different offices in the county 
and in the State Legislature. When, therefore, in the fall or winter 
of 1861 the office of county clerk became vacant, his appointment to 
that office by the county court was generally urged, and, upon it be- 
ing made, was accepted by the people with every evidence of satis- 
faction and approval. After filling out the unexpired term for which he 
was appointed, in 1862 he was elected to the office. He continued to 
hold it thereafter until January, 1867. While in office, in 1863, the 
county seat was moved from Bloomington to Macon City, and Mr. Love 
superintended the removal of the county court records. Long prior to 



1184 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

his retirement from office be had severed his connection with the Legion 
newspaj3er, and he now engaged in the real estate business at Macon 
City. He continued in this until 1871, when he returned again to 
newspaper life, establishing the Macon Democrat. Subsequently the 
Democrat was consolidated with the Macon Times under the name of 
the Democrat- Times. In 1874 Mr. Love Avas again elected county clerk 
for a term of four years. Thus for over 10 years he filled this re- 
sponsible and important office, and from the information we have 
been able to gather, as well as from our personal acquaintance with 
him, we feel that it would be suppressing the truth not to say (and 
the truth when plainly told is never flattery, however complimentary 
it may be), that he made one of the most capable and efficient county 
clerks who ever occupied the position in this county. After quitting^ 
the office the last time he engaged in farming in Eagle township. 
But in the fall of 1883 he returned to his early love again, the 
newspaper business. He and Mr. Howard formed their present part- 
nership for the publication of the True Democrat. Both old and ex- 
perienced newspaper men, in an unusually short time they have 
succeeded not only in placing the True Democrat on a solid busi- 
ness footing, but have made it one of the influential interior newspa- 
pers of North Missouri. Its editorial department is conducted with 
marked ability, and it maintains an elevated tone at all times and in 
all circumstances. It is one of the sober, ably conducted country 
journals of the State. As its name indicates, it is Democratic in pol- 
itics, but views all political questions from a liberal, enlightened 
standpoint, and never permits itself to be used for any base purpose, 
either in politics or otherwise. Mr. Love was married August 29, 
1850, to Miss Anna M. Smith, a daughter of Judge M. H. Smith, of 
Bloomington. This has proved a long and happy union and has 
been blessed with 12 children, namely: Sarah A., now the wife of 
John McLean; James P., a resident of Caldwell, Kan. ; Flora R., 
the wife of F. W. Jones, a well-to-do business man of Moberly ; 
Howard E., the third child, died in 1866 ; Frank S. is also a resi- 
dent of Caldwell, Kan. ; Thomas J., the fourth son, died in infancy ; 
Madison S., Charles A., Emma L., Claude, Nellie V. and Eugene, 
the last five at home. Mr. Love has been a member of the Inde- 
pendent Order of Odd Fellows since 1854. A resident of Macon 
county for nearly 40 years, since early manhood, he has been identi- 
fied with its affairs, political, material and otherwise, from the begin- 
ning, in a manner that reflects only credit uj^on himself and upon the 
county. Known as well, perhaps, as any man who ever made his 
home within the borders of the county, he is as universally and highly 
respected as he is well known. As an officer his record is without a 
stain and such as to command the indorsement of the people ; 
whilst as a citizen he is justly esteemed one of the useful and influ- 
ential men of the county. As a newspaper man, both as a manager 
and editor, he has an enviable reputation, and is looked upon by 
journalists generally in this part of the State as one of theii* best rep- 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1185 

resentatives. Personally he is kind-hearted and of pleasant, popular 
manners, and is much prized both as a neighbor and as a companion 
in the social circle. Mr. Love we have found to be one of the true 
and worthy men of Macon county. 

WILLIAM D. LOVE 

(Farmer, Section 3-t). 

Mr. Love is a successful farmer of this township, and was born in 
Tennessee June 5, 1828. He was the son of Daniel Love, who, soon 
after the birth of William, moved to Virginia and settled on the James 
river. He made his home there until his final taking oif. William 
D. came to Macon county in 1851, and by thrift, honest industry, and 
indefatigable perseverance, has amassed a nice fortune. He is a good 
man and valuable citizen, and all that know him rejoice at his success. 
He owns 150 acres of land, 130 of which are in good cultivation and 
with nice improvements upon them. Mr. Love early in life wooed 
and won Miss Francis R. Powell, with whom he formed an alliance 
on the 15th day of February, 1852. She has been all that man could 
wish as a wife, and has shared with equal sympathy his joys and woes. 
They have nine children : Harriet, James, Arthur, William W., Cres- 
ton, Edward L., Mary T., Anna B. and Henry P., all of whom are 
jewels worthy a monarch's crown. Mr. and Mrs. Love are earnest 
members of the Baptist Church. 

GIDEON C. LYDA 

(Deputy-Sheriff of Macon county, Macon City). 

Mr. Lyda, though a young man, has had quite an active, and some- 
what extensive, experience in the afitiirs of life, and has shown the 
energy and enterprise Avhich, when directed in a regular and perma- 
nent channel, that ripeness of judgment will do, as age advances, 
cannot fail to place him in a prominent position of success and of use- 
fulness and influence as a citizen. That a young racer has too much 
life and blood to be kept close to the track during his first experience 
on the turf, so far from being considered a fault, is considered the 
most promising sign of a future successful career. It is better to have 
too much life and blood in one's early years than not enough, for age 
usually brings steadiness of mind and singleness of purpose. The 
young man of little fire in his nature becomes stupid as he grows old, 
whilst his lively, animated companion, if he is not too intractible, 
becomes the man of energy and enterprise and of success and promi- 
nence. This is the lesson that the lives of men teach, the world over, 
and to which there are few exceptions. AYith the spirit and ambition 
Mr. Lyda has shown heretofore, and with his qualities of mind, and 
his education and irreproachable character, it is venturing nothing to 
say that he is destined to take an enviable place in any community 
where his lot may be cast. Gideon C. Lyda was born in Macon 
county, February 14, 1852, and was a son of Gideon Lyda, an old 



1186 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

and highly-respected citizen of this county, an outline of whose life 
appears in the sketch of John Lyda of Atlanta, elsewhere in this 
volume. Mr. Lyda's mother was a Miss Miranda De Frees. Her 
brother, B. L. De Frees, was State Treasurer of Louisiana under the 
Confederacy. Gideon C. was the youngest of 14 children, all but 
three of whom are living. He was reared on the old Lyda homestead 
in Eagle township and had good opportunities for an education. After 
attending the common schools he took a course at Macon High School 
in Bloomingtou and then attended McGee College for one term. Sub- 
sequently he entered the State Normal School at Kirksville, but did 
not continue there until his graduation, on account of the death of his 
father, by which he was called home. His first active work on his 
own account was as agent of the Barnes Publishing Company, having 
been employed to introduce their series of school books for adoption 
by the public schools of this county. He then followed teaching with 
success for about two years, and after this united with Major W. C. 
B. Gillespie to establish the North Missouri Register. They succeeded 
in placing the Register on a solid basis of business success and popular 
influence. Under their management the Register became one of the 
most prominent and influential Democratic journals throughout North- 
central Missouri. But cosmopolitan journalism is notoriously not the 
shortest and smoothest road to a fortune, and young Lyda was not 
insensible to the advantages represented by at least a sufficiency of 
this world's goods. After a successful experience of 18 months with 
the Register, he sold out and engaged in the drug business, having 
several years before taken a private course of stud}^ in medicine and 
pharmacy. Aware that the profits on drugs are generally greater 
than the cost-price, he felt assured that, if this business was not so 
interesting as journalism, there was at least money in it, which made 
it endurable. But as a druggist he was disappointed — perhaps for 
the want of an India-rubber conscience to charge 85 cents for six 
powders that cost originally 10 cents a pint. Anyhow, he failed as a 
druggist, and lost all he had. After two years' experience in drugs 
he came back to Macon county, in pretty much the same condition of 
mind that the doctor was in who said that if he had good luck he 
thought he would succeed in pulling the old man through, alive. He 
now resumed teaching, and from this on followed various occupations, 
never failing, however, to vote the straight Democratic ticket at every 
possible opportunity. In 1880 he was appointed deputy-sheriff" of 
Macon county. He was just the man for this place and has made a 
regular ne plus ultra deputy-sherift'. He was first deputy under his 
brother, John S, Lyda, and then, after Mr. Morgan came into office, 
he was retained, having become a sort of vade mecum in that office. 
To make a long story short, he has made one of the most capable and 
efficient deputies who ever discharged the duties of that office or 
enlivened the waning spirits of a hung jury by a good joke. Mr. Lyda 
is very popular throughout the county and will not improbably be 
called to the office of high sheriff" himself, some day. He has been 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1187 

twice married, first, in 1873, to Miss Nannie Burton of Kirksville. 
Stie died about four years ago, and he Avas married to his present 
wife, formerly Miss Sallie Todd, of this county, May 1, 1882. He has 
one child, Myrtle, a little girl, some eight years of age. Mr. and 
Mrs. Lyda are both church members, he of the Baptist and she of the 
Christian denominations. 

WILLIAM McCULLOUGH 

(Of jMcCuUough & Smith, Grocers; and Moore, McCullough & Co., Millers, Macon 

City). 

Mr. McCullough, a leading and active business man of this place, 
came to Macon City in the spring of 1869, and followed market garden- 
ing for about seven years. He had been brought up to this, and under- 
stood it thoroughly, so that his success in the business was assured. 
In 1876 he also engaged in the grocery trade, with Mr. Frank 
Smith as his partner. They have since continued in the business to- 
gether. They built up one of the leading grocery houses of Macon 
City, and carry an extensive stock, which includes every thing to be 
found in a first-class grocery. Their trade is very large, and besides 
a heavy custom in Macon City, they do a large business outside of 
town and throughout the surrounding country. Mr. McCullough also 
engaged in the milling business some years ago, Mr. William Johnson 
then being his partner. Then Mr. Smith also became a partner in 
the milling firm, and a year later Mr. Moore succeeded Johnson, 
the firm thus becoming Moore, McCullough & Co., as it at present 
stands. They have an excellent mill, and manufacture flour and other 
breadstuffs in large quantities. They use the roller system, which 
has proved a complete success, and their flour has attained a wide 
reputation for excellence. They are also quite extensively engaged in 
the grain business. Besides their business in this line at Macon City, 
they have a large grain warehouse at DeWitt, in Carroll county, 
where they handle most of the grain shipped from that vicinity. Mr. 
McCullough devotes his attention generally to the grocery store, mill 
and grain business, whilst Mr. Moore attends particularly to the mill, 
and Mr. Smith especially to the grocery house. Thus every thing 
moves along with harmony, and to the best advantage of all, as well 
as with success. 

EDWIN McKEE 

(Of McKee & Smith, Dealers in Dry Goods, Clothing, Carpets, Boots, Shoes, Etc., 

Etc., Macon). 

This firm was organized in 18 — , and has since been engaged in its 
present line of business at this place. Both gentlemen comiDosing the 
firm are men of business ability and experience. Mr. Smith was an 
old merchant of Howard county, Avell known for his high character 
and personal popularity. He attends princiiDally to the duties of 
making purchases at the wholesale markets and has the reputation 
among wholesale men of being one of the best buyers in the country. 



1188 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

Mr. McKee confines himself principally to managing the store or 
stores, for their house occupies two large sales rooms, and for this he 
is especially well fitted. A thorough business man, he is at the same 
time a man of superior tastes, fine personal appearance, popular man- 
ners and agreeable disposition — such a man as is calculated to keep a 
store in good shape, well arranged and presentable, and to make one 
feel welcome and at ease while examining his stock or making pur- 
chases. They carry an exceptionally large stock of goods and are 
the leading house in their line at Macon City. Mr. McKee is a native 
of New York, born at Hinsdale, February 22, 1832. He was educa- 
ted at Genesee College, now Syracuse University, from which he 
graduated with honor in 1860. He then went to Riissellville, Ky., 
and was engaged in teaching there for nearly a year. Returning to 
New York, he enlisted in the marine service and was out for nearly 
three years. He held the office of corps sergeant and was on the 
war ship Vanderbilt, during its pursuit of the Alabama. The Van- 
derbilt traveled over 25,000 miles in search of the Alabama. In 
1865 Mr. McKee came to Missouri and located at Chillicothe, where 
he was engaged in business for about a year, and then became princi- 
pal of the public schools of that place, a position he held for three 
years. He then engaged in business again and continued three or 
four years, or until he came to Macon City and formed his present 
partnership with Mr. Benjamin Smith, with whom he has since been 
associated. Mr. McKee has been a member of the school board for 
about two years. In July, 1869, he was married to Miss Frank 
Hawley, of New York. They have one child, Lloyd Hawley. Mr. 
McKee is one of the most highly esteemed citizens of Macon City. 

M. B. MARCUM 

(Of the late firm of Tucker & Marcum, Proprietors of the Palace Hotel). 

Mr. M., a native of Tennessee, was born in 1827. He was 
raised as a farmer, receiving a common school education, and 
followed his profession in his native State until 1844, when he moved 
to Iowa, where he married in 1849, Miss Harriet Poston. Remaining 
there until 1858, he then came to Missouri and continued to farm un- 
til 1874. He then took charge of the Marcum House, of Chillicothe, 
Mo., which after running for ten years he gave up for the Wabash 
Hotel in Macon City. He retained this house only a few months, and 
went into the Palace Hotel, where his courteous manners and ac- 
commodating disposition make him universally popular. During the 
war Mr. Marcum enlisted with the twenty-third Missouri, his first ex- 
perience being at the battle of Shiloh. He went with Sherman to the sea. 
At the end of three years of faithful and efficient service he returned 
home without a scratch. Mr. and Mrs. M. have three children : Sa- 
rah, Nancy and Franklin Sherman. 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1189 



J. L. MARTIN, 

(Circuit Clerk, Macon Cit}'). 

Most of the time for the six years preceding his election to the of- 
fice of circuit clerk in 1882, Mr. Martin was engaged in teaching 
school, principally in Macon and Randolph counties. He was quite 
successful as a school teacher and his services were in request wher- 
ever he was known. His popularity as a teacher had not a little to 
do with his election to his present office. He made the race against 
Mr. Barnabas Swarthout, of La Plata, defeating him by a large ma- 
jority. Since then he has devoted his entire time and attention to 
his official duties, and has won the reputation of being one of the 
most faithful and efficient circuit clerks the county ever had. Mr. 
Martin has been a cripple practically since 1880, being compelled to 
use crutches since that time. Five years before he had the misfortune 
to receive a slight injury to his right hip, which continued to grow 
worse until at last, in 1880, he was compelled to resort to crutches. 
A man of resolution and mental activity, however, he neglects no 
duty on account of his physical affliction, but is perhaps more scru- 
pulous to keep everything up in shape than others would be. He is 
a prominent Mason and has filled all the chairs in the Blue Lodge. 
He is also a member ©f the Triple Alliance and is connected with 
the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. 

Josephus L. Martin was born in Randolph county. Mo., and is a son 
of Wm. B. and Sarah M. (Goodding) Martin, the former still living 
at Callao in Macon county. Mo. The mother died in 1865. In 1860 
the family removed to College Mound and there J. L. had the bene- 
fit of the advantages afforded by McGee College, but he did not con- 
tinue in that institution until his graduation. In 1874 he began 
teaching school and continued it, as has been stated, up to 1860. Dur- 
ing this time, however, he spent about a year in Texas and was for 
one session (1881) clerk to the committee on internal improvements 
in the Missouri House of Representatives, of which Hon. L. A. Thomp- 
son was chairman. Mr. Martin is quite popular throughout the 
county and commands the confidence of the public. 

JUDGE RICHARD S. MATTHEWS 

(Attorney at Law, Macon) . 

Judge Matthews, who has held the office of probate judge of Macon 
county for the last six years, and is a successful attorney and re- 
spected citizen of this county, is a native Missourian, born near Milton, 
in Randolph county, July 14, 1847. His father was from Prince 
William county ,Va., and wasi'eared upon a farm that afterwards became 
a part ©f the battle-field of Bull Run. His mother was from Oldham 
county, Ky. Richard N. Matthews, the father, was born in 1812, and 
came to Missouri in 1836, locating in Ralls county. He subsequently 
settled in Monroe county, and lived for a long time in Monroe, but 



1190 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

settled permanently in Randolph where he still resides. He was mar- 
ried in the latter county in 1843, to Miss Minerva G. Phelps, born in 
Kentucky in 1822. They reared but two children: Robert H., now 
livino- at Cairo, in Randolph county, and Richard S. The father's oc- 
cupation was farming and he became comfortably situated in life, 
beino" now in the enjoyment of a competency. Richard S. remained 
at home until he was 19 years of age, assisting on the farm and 
attending the local schools. He then entered McGee College in 
which he studied for the four following years. He took the de- 
cree of B. S. The college during Judge Matthews' course 
was under the presidency of Dr. Mitchell, one of the able 
educators of the State. After his graduation Mr. Matthews 
took charge of the preparatory department of the college, and 
had control of that department for three years. He gave eminent 
satisfaction as a teacher, as we understand from those familiar 
with his record in that position. While conducting the prepara- 
tory department of the college, he also studied law. In 1873 he 
was duly admitted to the bar by Judge George H. Burckbartt, of 
Randolph county, and during the fall of that year located at Macon 
City in the practice of his profession. Here his irreproachable char- 
acter, scholarly attainments and professional qualifications readily rec- 
ommended him to the confidence of the community, and he soon 
began to accumulate a substantial practice. In 1878 he was elected 
on the Democratic ticket judge of the probate court, and in 1882 was 
re-elected. The last time he ran he had no opposition. This carries 
with it its own compliment. So far as probate business is concerned, 
he is of course inhibited from practice, but in the other courts, par- 
ticularly the circuit court, he has kept up his practice. Judge Matthews 
is hio-hly esteemed as a citizen in every relation of life. On the 21st 
of August, 1872, he was married to Miss Armada Gilstrap, a daughter 
of Hon. Abner Lee Gilstrap, a prominent lawyer of Springfield, Mo., 
but formerly of this county. Mrs. M. is also a graduate of McGee 
College of the class of 1872. They have four children: Orlow B., 
Otho^F., Corinne and Richard L. The Judge and wife are members 
of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. 

DR. EMERY A. MERRIFIELD 

(Phygician and Surgeon). 
Dr. M. is the son of Francis and Sarah (Kimball) Merrifield, of 
Vermont. In this family there were 11 children, all of whom are 
livino- and scattered in the Eastern and Western States with their 
child'i-en, numbering about 40, three of whom are ministers in the 
Baptist denomination, and are graduates both in the literary and the- 
ological department of Madiso^n University, New York ; three hold 
the^controlling interest in the Mendota Cottage Organ Factory, with 
a paid up capital of $100,000, and the rest are farmers, working 
about 2,000 acres in their farms, with the exception of Emery, who is a 
retired physician. He was born in Windham county, Vt., August 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1191 

20, 1826, and was educated at Leland Seminary, devoting fully two 
years to the study of languages. He then went to the Albany Med- 
ical College, where he graduated in the spring of 1853. Thus early, 
he showed that tenacity of purpose which has distinguished him 
through life, and in order to accomplish his heart's dearest wish, 
sawed wood at night to help pay for his tuition. His one brother, 
older, was not less independent, and from this fact arose the follow- 
ing distitch : — 

Merrifields, two iu number, 
Saw wood while others slumber. 

Dr. Merrifield practiced medicine until the red banner of Mars 
was unfurled in the land. He then went out with the Fifty-eighth 
Illinois as assistant surgeon. After two years he was raised to the 
rank of first surgeon of the Forty-fourth Illinois, with which he was 
connected until the close of the Avar. A friend says of him, that re- 
ports came home of his great faithfulness with the sick and wpunded, 
of both soldiers and officers, and his enemies, in suffering, were his 
friends to care for ; and many are the pleasant re-unions with Con- 
federates, as well as Federals, because of kindnesses exchanged in his 
army life. Coming out of his four years' service with health com- 
pletely shattered, he gave up his profession and began farming. He 
moved to Macon in 1866, and located where he is now living. On 
the 2d of May, 1855, he was joined in holy wedlock to Miss Martha 
E, Morgan, only daughter of Peter and Anna (Carson) Morgan, of 
Herkimer county, N. Y., and a most intelligent and cultivated lady. 
Her education was conducted at Springfield Seminary. Mrs. M. has 
one brother who is a farmer and cheese factoryman in the State of 
New York. Dr. and Mrs. Merrifield have two children : Charles H. 
and Frank E. The Doctor is now living a retired life. He owns a 
fine farm of 200 acres joining Macon City, and has a handsome sub- 
urban residence as the results of his life's exertions and prudent 
management. Sans peur et sans repj'oclie, his standing in the county 
is unexceptionable. 

BENJAMIN J. MILAM, M.D., and ALFEED B. MILLER, M.D., 
OR MILAM & MILLER 

(Physicians and Surgeons, Macon City). 

Drs. Milam & Miller formed their present partnership in the practice 
of medicine at Macon City in June, 1882, and have since been actively 
engaged in the practice of their profession together. Both are gentle- 
men of thorough general and medical education, and each has had a 
num-ber of years' experience in the practice. Possessed of the natural 
aptitudes necessary to successful physicians to a marked degree, and 
well qualified for the practice by both study and experience, they have 
rapidly advanced, as was expected, to a front rank in their profession. 
Their practice has largely increased and their reputation steadily ex- 
70 



1192 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

tended, and they are now looked upon as leading physicians of the 
county, and indeed throughout the surrounding country. 

Dr. Benjamin Johnson Milam was born in Old Bloomington, of this 
county, July 26, 1849. His parents were Solomon Milam and Matilda 
L., nee Baker. The father was from Tazewell county, Va., and came 
to Missouri in 1837. He met and married Miss Baker, who was from 
Howard county originally, in Eandolph county. They came to Macon 
county in 1840. The father died on his farm at Old Bloomington in 
1880 at the age of 65. The mother died at the same age the folio w- 
iuo- year. They had a numerous family of children. Benjamin J. was 
educated at the Macon High School and at Central College, graduating 
from the latter in 1872, having taken besides the general course the 
classical course. Prior to this he had been teaching, and he after- 
wards followed teaching for two years. Meanwhile he had begun the 
study of medicine under Dr. T. B. Jackson, and he continued the 
study under Dr. Jackson until the fall of 1875, when he entered the 
St. Louis Medical College, in which he took a course of one term. 
Dr. Milam now returned to Macon county and engaged in the practice 
of medicine in partnership with Dr. Jackson. In the fall of 1876 he 
went to Philadelphia and took his second course of lectures at the 
Jeiferson Medical College of that city, graduating in the spring of 1877. 
Coming back to Macon county, he resumed the practice of his profes- 
sion, this time without a partner, and continued it with success and 
increasing reputation for about five years, or until the formation of his 
present partnership with Dr. Miller. October 16, 1878, he was mar- 
ried to Miss Emma B. McCall, a daughter of A. P. McCall, of this 
county. They have three children : Ernest, Mary E. and Lillie M. 
Mrs. Milam is a member of the Christian Church, and the Doctor is 
a member of the M. E. Church South. He has been coroner of the 
county since 1879. He is a member of the County, District aiMState 
Medical Societies, and has been surgeon for the Hannibal arid %,. Joe 
Eailroad for the last three years. Dr. Milam's father was a prominent 
and hio:hly respected citizen of the county and served several terms as 
county^iudge. His grandfather, whose name was also Solomon, came 
to this county from Virginia in 1836, and died here more than 25 
years ago. 

Dr. Alfred Beckett Miller was born in Marion county, Mo., near 
Palmyra, February 1, 1852. His parents were Abdel and Mary 
(Jones) Miller, his mother having been born in Maryland. The 
father was born in Marion county, Mo., in 1818, his father having been 
one of the pioneer settlers of that county. The father died there in 
1869, and the mother in 1872. Abdel Miller was a successful farmer 
and a man of marked intelligence. He gave his children good school 
advantages. Alfred B. had the benefit of a course at Palmyra Semi- 
nary under the then well known educator, Marshall Mcllhany. He 
then entered Central College, where he took a thorough classical and 
scientific course, but did not complete the general course, becoming 
impatient to fit himself for the medical profession. He began the 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1193 

study of medicine under Dr. B. A. Jandon at Palmyra. After a course 
of preparatory reading under tlie Doctor he entered the Jefferson 
Medical College at Philadelphia, graduating with distinction in the 
spring of 1878. He engaged in the practice at Shelbyville, Mo., after 
his graduation and continued there, building up an excellent practice 
for four 3'ears, or until he formed his present partnership with Dr. 
Milam. While Dr. Miller is a physician of superior skill and attain- 
ments in the general practice, he is at the same time a specialist in 
gynaecology, or the diseases of women, in which he has been quite suc- 
cessful. He has recently been elected to fill the chair of Gyiisecology 
at the State University by the board of regents, and he will accord- 
ingly deliver a course of lectures in the medical department in that 
institution during the next term. Dr. Miller was president of the 
District Medical Society last year, and he is also a member of the 
County and State Societies. On the 9th of October, 1879, he was 
married to Miss Lilian, an accomplished daughter of Rev. Lilburn 
Rush, of Missouri Conference M. E. Church South. The Doctor and 
Mrs. Miller are members of the M. E. Church South. 

JOHN F. MITCHELL 

(State Prosecuting Attorney, Macon City). 

Mr. Mitchell is a worthy representative of that class of men who 
almost invariably succeed in life whatever their early circumstances 
may have been. He had no wealth or exceptional school advantages, 
nor any potential ftimily influence to advance him. He came of a good 
family, one well respected, and his parents were remarked for 
their intelligence and personal worth, but they were not wealthy 
people, and the Mitchells, or at least those of the name related to 
him, are noted for their independence of character and self-reliance. 
Each one is disposed to look only to his own resources to make his 
way in the world. John F. Mitchell, the subject of this sketch, was 
born in Lewis countyr Ky., June 10, 1847. His parents were Charles 
G. and Mary J. (Hendrickson) Mitchell, the father of Bourbon county, 
Ky., but the mother a native of Ohio. She was reared in Kentucky, 
however, where she was married, and they came to Missouri in 1858, 
locating at DeWitt, in Carroll county, where Mr. Mitchell, Sr., 
followed the tombstone business for some four years — ■ a business that 
he had previously followed for more than a quarter of a century. In 
1862 they went to Illinois on account of the war, where several of the 
family still reside. At the age of 19, John F., our subject, returned 
to Missouri, having received a good common-school education in the 
meantime, and taught several terms of school. He subsequently 
taught school in Knox county and in Kansas. He began reading law 
in Kansas in 1873, under W. L. Snyder, Esq., and afterwards read at 
McComb, 111., under A. B. Cloe, Esq. He was admitted to the bar 
in 1875 at Palmyra, Mo., by Judge Redd, and after teaching a term 
of school in Knox county, he located at La Plata the same year and 
began the practice of his profession. He continued the practice of 



1194 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

his profession from that place with increasing success and reputation 
until he was elected to the office of prosecuting-attorney in 1882, 
defeating Col. Reuben J. Eberman for that office, a man who is quite as 
much known to fame as his name is euphonious. Mr. Mitchell's 
success in the criminal department of the law as a State prosecutor 
has been eminently successful. He won marked distinction by his 
able prosecution of the celebrated bank cases, and by the ability he 
displaj^ed in the murder cases which have come before the court 
since his incumbency of his present office. On the 8th of September, 
1875, he was married to Miss Eliza C. Kendrick, a daughter of James 
M. Kendrick, of Carroll county. They have one child, Earle. Mr. 
Mitchell is a member of the A. O. U. W. and his wife is a member of 
the Baptist Church. They have resided in Macon City since January, 
1883. 

JOHN H. MORGAN 

(Sheriff, Macon). 

Mr. Morgan is one of those frank, plain men, whole-souled and 
genial, who show at a glance what they are and reveal the qualities 
that never fail to inspire the confidence and respect of those around 
them. He has none of the Rutherford B. Hayes' canting hypocrisy 
al)out him, but is open and candid in everything he says and does. If he 
Avould like to have an office, he has no hesitation in letting it be 
known, boldly and above board, and does not go behind the door to 
whisper in the ears of his friends that they get up an urgent call on 
him to become a candidate and publish it, wording it about this way : 
" The undersigned, who have known you from infancy, recognizing 
your high character and appreciating your distinguished ability and ex- 
alted patriotism, hereby most earnestly and urgently request that you 
will allow us the high honor of using your name for the office of sheriff of 
Macon county," etc., etc., etc. Being a man of good, sober common 
sense, and satisfactory business qualifications, and never having done 
anything in his life which would cause the people to believe that if 
elected he would run off with the funds he collected, he became a 
candidate for the office of sheriff, in 1882, because he wanted the po 
sition and thought he could fill it satisfactorily. The result was that 
people came to think the same way he did and elected him by a hand- 
some majority. He has made a good sheriff, as everybody knows, 
and will be re-elected this fall if he wants the office again and is not 
called to play his harp among the cherubs. Mr. Morgan is a native 
Missourian, born near Hunts ville, August 29, 1839. His parents 
were Alexander Morgan and Nellie (nee) Winkler, both formerly of 
Kentucky. The father died- in Macon county in 1874, but the mother 
is still living. John H. resided with his parents in Randolph county 
until 1847, when he moved to Macon, but only remaining there until 
1854, then taking up his location in Putnam county. He returned 
to Macon in 1856. In the spring of 1861 he enlisted in Col. Bur_ 
brido;e's reo-iment of Clark's division of the State Guard, and subse 
quently participated in numerous fights and battles, including those a 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1195 

Dry Wood, Wilson's Creek, Lexington, etc. At Neosho he was 
taken sick and was compelled to come home, but he furnished a sub- 
stitute, T. D. Tooley. He was shortly afterwards arrested and kept 
in prison for nearly a year ; being released then on bond, he took no 
further part in the war. After the war he followed farming in this 
county until his election, and still has a good farm near Macon City 
which he manages. However, he also worked at the carpenter's 
trade considerably after the war and was for a time township assessor 
of Walnut township. August 30, 1868, he was married to Miss 
Louisa A., a daughter of William Cherry, of this county. She died 
soon after their marriage and he has not since married again. He is 
a member of the M. E. Church South and of the A. F" and A. M. 
For some time he was eno-ao-ed in tradino- in stock with Mr. W. E. 
Attebury and had satisfactory success. 

JUDGE JEFFERSON MORROW, 8R. 

(Treasurer of Macon County, Macon City) . 

Judge Morrow, one of the oldest and most highly respected citizens 
of Macon county, is a representative of one of the pioneer families of 
Missouri. His father, William Morrow, came to this State as early 
as 1818, and located first near Glasgow, in Howard county. After 
several removals (one to Tennessee) he settled permanently about 13 
miles south-west of Macon City, in Macon county, in the spring of 
1831. There he lived until his death, which occurred at the age of 
Q6, in 1834. He was a native of Ireland, and was a blacksmith by 
occupation, and followed that trade, combined with farming, until his 
death. He was twice married : first to Miss Sarah Jay, of Caswell 
county, N. C. His second wife was a Mrs. Rachel Chambers, a 
widow lady. He had 12 children by his first wife, and four by his 
second. Judge Jefferson Morrow was of the first family of children, 
and was born in Clay county, Ky., October 5, 1813, being the youngest 
of the family. Seventeen years of age when his father came to Macon 
county, he has lived in this county ever since, a period of over half a 
century. December 29, 1836, he was married to Miss Minerva Sum- 
mers, a daughter of Johnson Summers, of this county. Coming up in 
that early day, like most young men of this new countrjs he became 
a farmer, and has since followed that occupation, except when occu- 
pied with public duties. In 1837 he located on a farm in what was 
subsequently, and is still. Morrow township, named for himself, and 
lived on that place for a period of 45 years, or until November, 1882. 
He has been abundantly successful as a farmer, and is looked upon as 
one of the wealthy men of the county. A man of far more than aver- 
age ability, and noted for his public spirit and zeal for the best interests 
of the county, he has, for generations, been identified with public life 
in county aff'airs. In 1836, when Macon county was organized, he 
was appointed the first sheriff" of the county by the Governor. The 
county then included the territory now covered by Macon, Adair, 
Shelby and Putnam counties. He was twice re-elected to the office 



1196 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

of sheriff. Judge Morrow has his first quietus, under seal of the 
State, and remembers that the State revenue which he collected in 
1837, throughout this large area, amounted to only $210.69. After 
serving three terms as sheriff, he was elected a judge of the county 
court, in which office he served for a period of four years. From this 
time up to 1860, he was occupied with his farm affairs in Morrow 
township, but held various local township offices, and was, time and 
again, delegate to county conventions and a member of the county 
Democratic committee. The year before the war Judge Morrow was 
appointed county assessor, and made the assesssment of the county 
for 1860. The same year he engaged in mercantile business atCallao, 
and sold goods there for two years, but finally closed out on account 
of the habit the militia had of "pressing" what they needed. In 
1863 he was arrested by the militia without any known cause, and 
thrown in prison at Macon City, where he was kept for a short time. 
Judge Morrow continued on his farm until 1882, when he was elected 
treasurer of the county, a position he has since held. The judge has 
been a member of various conventions, and was a memberof the State 
convention that recommended Senator Vest to the Legislature for 
election to the United States Senate. He is replete with many inter- 
esting incidents in the early history of the county, but space can not 
be given in this connection to relate them. But showing the primi- 
tive conditions in which justice was administered in those early times 
in this part of the State, it is worthy of special mention that^udge 
Morrow conducted the proceedings of the first grand jury of the 
county, he being its foreman, out in the open air, under a large oak 
tree, buildings being too scarce for a jury to obtain a room. That 
was certainly hardly more advanced than the surroundings of the first 
meeting of the Christians, who worshiped in the open air; but as 
Christianity was ]3erhaps purer then than it is now, it is doubtless 
equally true that justice was not less pure in the early days of the 
county than it is in the mortgaged court-houses of our own time, 
and the political methods of the present day, when the men more often 
seek the offices than the offices the men. Judge Morrow, as every 
one who has known him long and well knows, has lived a blameless 
and upright life ; and now, as the shadows of old age begin to fall 
around him, the evening of his earthly career is brightened by the 
confidence and respect of those among whom the years of his useful- 
ness, up to the present, have been spent. He and his good wife have 
had a family of eight children : William, CeHa, Mary, Jefferson, Mi- 
nerva, Johnson, Rebecca and Charles. Celia is the wife of Thomas 
B. Miller, Mary is the wife of AVilliam A. Gleason, Minerva is the 
wife of John W. Banta, and Rebecca is the wife of John W. Neal. 
The Judge and Mrs. Morrow are members of the Christian Church. 
The Judge's farm is situated six miles south of Callao, and contains 
over 1,100 acres of fine land. In 1850 he went to California, and was 
absent 14 months, during nearly half of which time he was engaged in 
mining. He returned by the Panama route, and was 104 days on the 
bosom of the Pacific ocean, being over two months in a dead calm, so 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY 



1197 



that no progress could be made sailing. The crew and passengers en- 
dured many hardships, in which, of course, he was a participant. 

MARTIN MUFF 

(Macou City). 
Mr. Muff was born in Prussia, January 15, 1841, and is the son of 
Christian Muff, a native of Prussia, and still living there. His mother, 
Agnes (Schmidt) Muff, died in 1859. There were four brothers: 
Peter, chief surgeon in the San Francisco Marine Hospital ; Frederick, 
importer of jewelry in Jersey City ; John, still in Prussia, and Mar- 
tin, a rough draught of whose life is here given. He received a com- 
mon-school education and worked on his father's farm until 1863, 
when, a natural geii de guene and "sniffing the battle afar," he 
determined to come to America, then writhing in the agonies of civil 
war. Mr. Muff joined the Fourth Regular Artillery and fought for 
the Union with as much vim as if a son of the soil. He distinguished 
himself by his bravery, being wounded three times. Upon one occa- 
sion he was promoted for gallantry ; he pulled his captain from under 
his fallen horse, put him on his own and brought him safely off, they 
being the last to leave a lost field. After three years of noble service 
Mr. M. was honorably discharged, and after working round in different 
places he finally, October 2, 1871, settled in Macon county, where in the 
suburbs of Macon Citv he has a snug little home and charming family. 
He married, August l,''l872, Miss Docia Foster, from Kentucky. They 
have three child^ren : William C, born February 8, 1874 ; Lewis Hays, 
born April 4, 1877, and Agnes A., born March 5, 1879. Mr. Muff is 
engaged in raising small fruits, bringing his sprouts from his native 
country. He is an industrious, reliable man and a valuable citizen. 
He belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic. 

T. F. O'DANIEL 

(Proprietor of the Macon City Stone and Marble Works) . 
Mr. O'Daniel, who has had over 40 years' experience in his pres- 
ent business, and is perhaps the most skillful and proficient mechanic 
and, indeed, artist in this line, has the only general marble and stone 
works in Macon county, and commands a large custom, not only in 
this county, but throughout the neighboring counties. He carries a 
full line of ijravestones and monuments of all patterns, both in Ameri- 
can and Italian marble, and in granite, Tennessee and Maine, as well 
as in other varieties. Mr. O'Daniel is a native of Philadelphia, 
Pa., born January 5, 1821. His parents were John and Mary 
(Schroder) O'Daniel, his father a native of Ireland, and his mother 
of New Hampshire. T. F. remained at home with his parents until 
he was 16 years of age, and was intended for one of the learned pro- 
fessions, being educated with that object in view. After completing 
a general English course at the college of West Ely, in Missouri, 
from which he Graduated in the spring of 1838, he was sent to Upper 



1198 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

College to take a course in the classics, but became tired of study and 
quit college. In 1840 he came East, to Illinois, and began an appren- 
ticeship at Quincy, under Samuel Hutton, in the stone-cutter's trade. 
He worked there for four years, and then went to St. Louis, where he 
learned the marble-cutting business, under John G. Wilson, which he 
completed in three years, or in 1847. From this time on, he estab- 
lished shops and worked at different points in Illinois, Iowa and Wis- 
consin, until 1877, when he came to Macon City and engaged in the 
business at this place. He has carried on his present line of business 
at Macon City for the last seven years continuously, and has met with 
excellent success. February 22, 1850, Mr. O'Daniel was married to 
Miss Susan A., a daughter of Judge James Inman, of Wisconsin, but 
formerly of Kentucky. She died two years afterwards, leaving one 
child, which is also deceased. February 1, 1855, he was married to 
Miss Amanda W. Knox, a daughter of James D. Knox, of Warsaw, 
111., but from Kentucky to Illinois. They have had seven children: 
Clara B.. William F., Rosalee (deceased), Edward J., Arthur J. 
(deceased), Meda and Bertie. Mrs. O'Daniel is a member of the M. 
E. Church South. Mr. O. served as justice of the peace for some 
time at Warsaw, 111. He is a man of tine business qualifications, full 
of energy, and calculated to make any business successful to which he 
turns his attention. 

J. W. PATTON 

(Dealer iu Books, Stationery and Musical Instruments, Macon City) . 

Mr. Patton, a thriving business man and respected citizen of this 
place, has made his way up to his present position by his own exer- 
tions and business enterprise. He commenced his career in business 
life at blacking stoves in a hardware store and rose from place to 
place, securing a good commercial education as he came up, until now 
he is one of the substantial business men of the community. He is a 
native M^ssourian, born in Randolph county, January 24, 1846. His 
father, N. H. Patton, was one of the oldest residents of the county. 
His mother's maiden name was Rebecca Roush. The family came to 
Macon City in 1861. About this time young Patton had started on a 
college course at McGee College, but the war coming on, he was pre- 
vented from continuing it. He then enlisted in the Forty-second 
Missouri under Col. Forbes, and served principally in Missouri and 
Tennessee until the close of the war. Returning after the expiration 
of his service, he went to St. Louis and began a course at Commercial 
College. After his course at Commercial College, he returned to 
Macon City and began his present business in 1866, which he has since 
carried on. He carries a stock of from $8,000 to $10,000 and does a 
large business. Mr. Patton is also proprietor of Eggles & Patton's 
patent shelving irons which he manufactures and sells throughout all 
of the States and Territories. The shelving irons are sold throughout 
all the States and territories, and Mr. Patton keeps two men on the 
road. These irons are made by Paulfrey, who has 15 or 20 men em- 
ployed all the time on this work. Mr. Patton has been sole proprietor 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 119i> 

since February, 1883, and on the first year's introduction his sah's 
were $20,000, and he is now vigorously pushing the business, which 
has thus far proved very profitable. On the 1st of March, 1870, Mr. 
Patton was married to Miss Emma J. Bearce. They have two chil- 
dren : Mabel and Hall. Mrs. Patton is a member of the Baptist 
Church and he is a member of the I. O. O. F. 

THOMAS W. REED, D.D. S. 

(Maeon City Mo.). 

Dr. Reed, a leading dentist of Macon county, is a native Missour- 
ian, born in Boone county, near Columbia, July 8, 1832. His pa- 
rents were John and Prudence (Waller) Reed, who came to Boone 
county from Union county, Ky., as early as 1825. The father is a 
farmer by occupation and is still living. Thomas W. was reared on 
the farm and remained at home until he was 19 years old. He then 
went to Shelby ville. Mo., and began the study of dentistrj^ which he 
continued at Shelbyville and at other points for about four years. 
However, during this time and after a year or two of study, he be- 
gan the practice of dentistry, following the practice of that profession 
in Boone, Audrain, Howard and Macon counties, locating at Macon 
City in 1865. After coming to Macon City he entered the St. Louis 
Dental College in which he took a thorough course, graduatmg from 
that institution in 1867. Returning to Macon City immediately after 
his graduation, he resumed the practice of his profession and has since 
continued it. His practice has steadily increased and he now em- 
ploys, and for some time past has had an assistant, in order to meet the 
wants of his patrons. As these facts show his career has been quite 
successful. He is a member of the Macon Medical Society and also 
of the State Dental Society. On the 7th of July, 1857, he was married 
to Miss Addie Luckey, a daughter of John Luckey, of Audrain 
county. They have a family of six children: Waller L., now a den- 
tist at Mexico, Mo. ; Frank P., a dentist at La Plata ; Addie, now 
Mrs. J. R. Blackwell ; Frederick M., Leslie and John. Dr. and Mrs. 
Reed are members of the M. E. Church South. Dr. Reed is an 
affable, pleasant gentleman. 

NATHAN S. RICHARDSON, M.D. 

(Physician and Surgeon, Macon). 

Dr. Richardson, a leading physician of North Missouri, and for 
three years prior to the fall of 1880, the Orand Worthy Chief Temp- 
lar of the Grand Lodge of Good Templars for the State of Missouri, 
as well as one of the most gallant men in the ranks of the Union during 
the late war, has been a resident of Macon for nearly 20 years, actively 
and successfully engaged in the practice of his profession, and during 
all this time, as well as previously, his life has been such as to chal- 
lenge the esteem and confidence of all who know him. As a citizen 
he has ever striven for the welfare of the community and for the best 



1200 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

interest, of all, not only locally, but generally, and every movement 
calculated to promote the common good, whether of a material, polit- 
ical, moral or benevolent nature, or otherwise, has received his earnest 
and zealous support. He has been active in school affairs, and is now 
a member of the school board of Macon. He has been a member of 
the city council of Macon four years, and in January, 1883, was 
elected mayor of the city by all but a unanimous vote, receiving 517 
of the 529 votes cast at the election, and was re-elected mayor, Jan- 
uary, 1884. He was elected on the Temperance issue, and being 
recognized as the head and front of the Temperance movement, not 
only in this county, but throughout the State generally, the majority 
by which he was elected speaks a more eloquent eulogy for his influ- 
ence at home and his high character where he is best known than any 
sentiment we could indite. Dr. Richardson is a native of Ohio, 
born in Warren county, August 24, 1830. His father, Nathan Rich- 
ardson, was a prosperous farmer of that county, and highly esteemed 
and respected. His mother, whose maiden name was Rebecca Boosby, 
was a lady of rare strength of mind and character and singular sweet- 
ness of disposition, and was loved by her neighbors for her many 
estimable qualities only less than in her own family. She was a lady of 
culture and refinement with a marked taste for study, and from her young 
Richardson largely inherited that thirst for knowledge which has ever 
been one of his conspicuous characteristics. At the age of six he 
entered the neighborhood district schools, where he continued for 
nine years, and even during these early years of his life he was noted 
for the avidity with which his mind grasped all the learning within 
his reach. From the district school he advanced to Lebanon Acad- 
emy, Ohio, his father apjjreciating his talents and ambition for learning, 
and desiring to give him every opportunity to advance himself in his 
power. Here young Richardson continued an indefatigable student 
for five years, and graduated with honor at the age of 20. A 
graduation from Lebanon Academy at that time was considered, 
as it has ever since been, a great distinction, for it was regarded 
as one of the ablest institutions in the country, and has since become 
a distinguished Normal University of Ohio. Still not satisfied with 
his acquirements, though well qualified for the activities of life, young 
Richardson now entered Bacon's Commercial College of Cincinnati, 
in which he remained until he acquired a thorough business education. 
Returning home from Cincinnati, he remained on the farm with his 
father, assisting in the duties of carrying on the place until 1852, 
thus not only obtaining an excellent practical knowledge, of farm 
affairs, but by the out-door exercise and physical activity incident to 
farm work, greatly improving and strengthening his physical consti- 
tution. Possessed of large humanity and warm sympathies, he had 
come to the conclusion that the medical profession offers the best field 
for the practical and beneficient exercise of these qualities. Certainly 
the life of no one can be more useful than that of one who devotes 
himself intelligently and faithfully to administering to the sick and 
suffering. Accordingly, he began the study of medicine, earnestly 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 



1201 



and zealously, and in due time, in 1853, entered the Medical College 
of Ohio, at Cincinnati, where he remained two years. Dr. Kichard- 
son now came farther West and located at Council Bluffs, Iowa, where 
his attainments as a physician and surgeon, and his culture and high 
character as a man, were at once recognized. He was soon in the 
possession of a large and steadily increasing practice. He continued 
the practice at Council Bluffs for several years. During this time im- 
portant advances had been made in medical science as taught by the 
schools, and Dr. Richardson determined to avail himself of the higher 
instruction they now afforded. In 1859 he re-entered the medical 
college and took a second thorough course, graduating in March, 
1861? This was from the Ohio Medical College. The war was by 
this time close to hand, and having no sentiment with regard to pub- 
lic affairs but that of loyalty to the Constitution and the Union, soon 
after his graduation he promptly offered himself as a volunteer to the 
cause of his country. He was appointed assistant surgeon in the 
Union army, and placed in charge of the field hospital service in the 
West, serving in the Western branch of the army with credit and 
distinction until the fall of Atlanta. He was now transferred to the 
Army of the Potomac, under Grant, and made surgeon of the famous 
Thirteenth Ohio cavalry. Here he quickly gained the confidence and 
respect of the regiment, and won the esteem of every officer in his 
division. No danger deterred him from the performance of his duty, 
and by his fearlessness on the field of battle he won the sobriquet of 
the " Unterrified Doctor." His gallantry on the field of battle is 
mentioned more than once in history. Among the other notices, the 
following is taken from Whitelaw Reid's history: ''Ohio in the 
War:" " The Thirteenth Ohio cavalry was placed on picket duty, 
and in Lee's immediate front. In this position it stood all the night 
through, and until about daybreak, April 9, when Gen. Lee's forces 
made an impetuous dash on the National army. Lieutenant Cooper, 
of the Thirteenth Ohio, fell from his horse, mortally wounded, and 
was about to fall into the hands of the enemy. This danger caught 
the quick eye of Surgeon Nathan S. Richardson, who rode through 
the lines, exposing himself to the fire of the enemy, reached the place 
where the Lieutenant lay bleeding, and, assisted by his orderly, took 
the dying young hero upon his saddle and carried him off the field." 
This was on the morning of Gen. Lee's surrender. During Dr. 
Richardson's service he was noted for his uniform kind and tender 
treatment of all the soldiers placed under his care, whether from the 
Union or the Confederate army. At the close of the war he returned 
to the West, thoroughly imbued with its enterprise and the magnifi- 
cence of his future, "and located at Macon, in Missouri, where he has 
since resided, and quietly and fiiithfully pursued the practice of his 
profession. Such is his recognized ability and learning as a physi- 
cian and surgeon that he has long held the position of one of the 
ablest members of the medical profession in this section of the State. 
Dr. Richardson has been actively identified with every Temperance or- 
ganization since the Washingtonians. He became a Good Templar 



1202 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

in the fall of 1855, and has held an nnbroken membership in that 
order ever since. He never tasted a drop of intoxicating liquor as a 
beverage in his life. In July, 1877, he was elected Great Worthy 
Chief Templar of the Grand Lodge of Missouri, and was twice after- 
wards re-elected. By his ability and zeal in the cause of Temperance, 
he increased the numerical strength of the order from less than 
13,000 to over 28,000 within a period of three years following 1878. 
He has three times represented the Grand Lodge of Missouri in the 
Eight Worthy Grand Lodge of the World. At the last session of the 
Grand Lodge of Missouri he was again re-elected Grand Worthy Chief 
Templar of the State. In 1856 Dr. Richardson was married to Miss 
Rebecca F. McFadden, of Council Bluffs, Iowa. They have but one 
child, Miss Kate, a young lady of rare grace of presence and super- 
ior endowments. 

FRED A. ROSWALL 

(Proprietor of Roswall's Photograph Parlors and Studio, Macon City). 

Mr. Roswall, still a young man, less than 30 years of age, occupies 
a position in his profession, that of photography, among, the first in 
this section of the State. He studied his art in the city of New York, 
where he took a thorough novitiation, both theoretic and practical, 
and became by certification a regular maitre es art in photography. 
After his licenciation in New York, he came West and located at 
Clarence, in Shelby county, where he established a gallery and studio, 
which he conducted with success for three years. From Clarence he 
came to Macon City, and has since been engaged in photography at 
this place continuously, except for a short time during which he was 
connected with Mullett's well known wholesale house in the line of 
photograph materials at Kansas City. Mr. Roswall is the leading 
photographer in Macon county and one of the leading artists in his 
profession in North Missouri. He has his appartments handsomely 
furnished, and has a full supply of all the latest outils es arts in pho- 
tography, so that, being thoroughly educated both by study and ex- 
perience in his profession, he is prepared to do as fine work as can be 
had in the country. In his gallery are to be seen specimens of work 
which would compare favorably with any in the larger cities. As has 
been said, he acquired his art in New York, which, in photography, is 
surpassed by no city on the globe, and he there learned it thoroughly, 
familiarizing himself Avith all the principles as well as the details of 
the practice of his profession, so that he is in fact, as well as in name, 
a master of his art. Mr.. Roswall has $2,000 invested in his parlors, 
gallery and studio, and the presentment they make shows that he is 
an artist in conception as well as in practice. He was born in Got- 
land, Sweden, July 31, 1856, and was a son of J. P. and Gertrude 
(Emgrall) Roswell, of Sweden. In 1873 he immigrated to America, 
and located at the city of New York, where young Roswall learned 
photography, as stated above. On the 2d of July, 1879, he was mar- 
ried to Miss Sarah M. Hall, a daughter of William H. and Elizabeth E. 
Hall, proprietor of the Olive Hotel at Clarence. Mr. Roswall is a 



HISTORY OF IVIACON COUNTY. 1203 

gentleman of education, polished manners and pleasant address, and 
is quite popular personally among those who know him, as he is 
professionally, which is saying not a little. His future in the art d' 
photographique seems one of more than ordinary promise. 

ERNEST HENSY RUHRUP 

(Deceased). 

The subject of this sketch was born in Prussia July 1, 1836. He 
came to this country in 1858, and went at once to Macon City, where 
he established himself in business. He worked up a good trade, and 
after ten years retired to take a farm upon which his family now re- 
side. Mr. Ruhrup was united, on the 5th of October, 1861, to Miss 
Elizabeth Gallner, daughter of John and Barbara Gallner, natives of 
Germany, who came to America in 1854, and located first in Wiscon- 
sin, but in 1859 moved to Macon county, Mo., to the farm now owned 
by Mrs. Ruhrup. There the old couple lived until called home. Mr. 
Ruhrup' s marriage proved a happy one, and six blooming children 
were its fruit. Their names are respectively Henry, Minnie, Charles, 
Albert, Clara and Ida. But happiness in this world is but a gleam 
from a brighter one, and is ever fleeting, and this family are now 
mourning the loss of their protector, their shield, the tender father, 
the loving husband, who, on the 10th of January, 1884, laid down the 
burden and the mystery of this weary and incomprehensible life. He 
left his family well provided for, willing all his property to his wife. 
They were both members of the German Lutheran Church. 

JOHN SALTER 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser; . 
John Salyer was born October 2, 1830, and was the son of James 
und Elizabeth (Arnett) Salyer, natives of South Carolina. James 
emigrated with his parents when in his sixth year to the State of In- 
diana in a one-horse cart, which contained all their goods and chat- 
tels. His wife (Elizabeth) died when 38 years old. He emigrated 
to this country in 1858, and went back to Indiana in December, 1863, 
to finish settling up his business there, and when at Logansport in 
that State he was taken sick, and in the dark went out at a door, which 
was five feet from a pavement, and fell, his head striking first, which 
caused Concussion of the brain, and he died December 6, 1863. John 
was educated mostly at a Quaker school in Indiana, to which he 
walked daily a distance of five miles, and at the age of nineteen he 
became himself a teacher. Coming to Missouri in 1858, he engaged 
in farming, and in 1867 in distilling on his farm, and occasionally 
teaching school during winter. He had previously, in 1852, taken to 
himself a wife in the person of Miss Martha J. Bonham, of Indiana. 
In 1858 he was left a childless widower, and the following year was 
again married to Miss Merica A. Smith, daughter of Jonathan and 
Nancy (Cole) Smith, formerly of Indiana. He came to this county 



1204 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

in 1857. Mr. Smith was a Republican, and the only man in Liberty 
township who voted for Lincoln for President in 1860. He is since 
deceased, but he will ever be remembered as the only Lincoln man in 
the township. Mr. and Mrs. Salyer have three children : Charles, 
who married Mary Fletcher in 1879 ; Annie, who married Charles W. 
Belshe in 1882, and James, who is 11 years of age. During the war 
Mr. Salyer was captain of a company of State militia, and in 1868 he 
was elected to the Legislature, where he assisted in getting a consti- 
tutional amendment through the House permitting disfranchised 
people to vote, and amendments to town charters. Since that time 
he has been occupied in farming and distilling. In 1880 he moved to 
Macon City, and distilled spirits from grain for three years. At 
present he has charge of the county farm. Mr. Salyer was one of 
the 13 in all the county who voted for McClellan for President in 
1864. Three besides himself were all that were in Liberty township, 
and on account of having no printed tickets, he wrote the four voted 
at Bloomington. Mr. Salyer was made a Mason in Indiana, and has 
been a member of Old Bloomington Lodge No. 102, for 26 years, 
and its worshipful master for 13 years. 

JOHN SCOVERN 

(Cashier of the First Natioual Bank, Macon) . 

Mr. Scovern engaged in the banking business at Macon City in 
the spring of 1882, when he became a member of the firm of Scovern, 
Logan & Wilson, of which he became the cashier. This firm carried 
on the banking business with success until March, 1883, when the 
members, at the solicitation of Mr. Scovern, deciding to avail them- 
selves of the advantages of the National banking laws, organized, 
with others, their present bank — the First National Bank of Macon 
City, of which Mr. Scovern is cashier. Before he engaged in the 
banking business, Mr. Scovern had established an enviable reputation 
as a capable and successful business man, and had accumulated con- 
siderable means. Known as a man of character and business ability, 
the banking firm of which he became a member at once commanded 
the confidence, and the business in their line, of Macon City and 
vicinity. The career of the firm of Scovern, Logan & Wilson was 
one of exceptionally gratifying success, and the First National Bank, 
the successor of this firm, has continued the success which the former 
inaugurated. Mr. Scovern is looked upon in banking circles as a 
cashier of more than ordinary ability and efiiciency, and in the com- 
munity at large is highly esteemed for his affable manners, accommo- 
dating disposition and thorough business qualifications. He is a 
native Missourian, born in Clark county, March 7, 1845. His parents 
were Samuel G. and Elizabeth (Gillins) Scovern, both originally of 
England. They were married in Ohio and settled in Clark county, 
Missouri, in 1844. The father is still a resident of that county and 
has been for forty years. He is a farmer by occupation and, a suc- 
cessful one. John Scovern, the subject of this sketch, was reared on 



HISTORY or MACON COUNTY. 1205 

the farm up to the age of twelve when he entered the office of the 
Alexandria Reveille^ the first Free Soil paper ever published in Mis- 
souri, to learn the printer's trade. He remained in the printing office 
for about eight years and learned the printing business thoroughly. 
At the age of twenty, he established the True Flag, which he pub- 
lished for about four years, from 1865 to 1869, having for a partner 
during the last two years, N. L. Prentiss, now of Atchison, Kansas. 
Selling out his interest in the True Flag, he removed to Kirksville 
and engaged in mercantile business. In 1870 he was married to Miss 
Emma Haywood, of Clark county, and the following year he and 
George W. Browning established the North Missouri Register at 
Kirksville, with which Mr. Scovern was connected for about a year. 
He then removed to Glenwood and was successfully engaged in mer- 
cantile pursuits for about ten years, or until he embarked in bankino- 
at Macon City. Mr. and Mrs. Scovern have one child, Lula May, 
born July 20, 1872. He and wife are both members of the Episcopal 
Church. Mr. Scovern is a prominent member of the Masonic order. 
Mr. Scovern' s wife is a daughter of William H. Haywood, who set- 
tled in Clark county as earh' as 1832, and is still living there, one of 
the venerable and highly respected citizens of that county. 

WILLIAM H. SEARS 

(Of Guthrie & Sears, Attorneys at Law, Macon City). 

Mr. Sears, one of the successful and prominent young lawyers of the 
twenty-seventh judicial circuit, and who was for four years prior to 
1876 prosecuting attorney of Macon county, was born and reared in 
this county and was a son of Eev. William Sears, a pioneer settler 
and for many years an Old School Baptist minister, widely known and 
universally esteemed for his sterling character and earnest piety by all 
who knew him. William H., born August 8, 1848, was the eldest son 
by his father's third nnarriage. His mother's maiden name was Dru- 
cilla Ratliff, of the well known and highly respected family of that 
name, long settled in this section of the State. William H. received 
a good common school education as he grew up, and in 1869 began 
the study of law under Col. A. L. Gilstrap, of Macon City. As a 
youth he was remarked not only for close application to his studies, 
but for the rapid progress he made. Possessed of an active, quick 
mind, he seemed to grasp the principles involved in his studies almost 
at a glance, and was thus soon able to master the information afforded 
by the curriculum of common school studies. Practical in ideas and 
going directly to the point of everything with which he had to do, he 
felt that he had no time to lose, even if had the means to spare, neces- 
sary to enable him to take a course in the " upper air and solar walk ';' 
studies, such as Sopho(3les, Quintilian, Abstract Mathematics, etc. 
These he regarded as mere ornamental accompaniments of the average 
thin-haired, dyspeptic, spectacled "professor," who generalljMjelieves 
in spiritualism, than as necessary to a successful Western lawyer, and 
he therefore brushed them aside as Ben Butler did Sunset Cox, on the 



1206 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

" shoo-fly " principle. Anyhow, continuing his legal studies under 
Col. Gilstrap until 1870, he was then admitted to the bar by Judge 
Burckhartt, having passed a most creditable examination. And 
although he did not have a course of college training, he has succeeded 
in his profession much better than many who have had such a course. 
He entered at once into the active practice of his profession. Of a 
vi<^orous mind and industrious almost to a fault, he attended closely 
and faithfully to the business entrusted to him, and was generally suc- 
cessful in his cases. Thus he grew gradually into a good practice, 
and soon won the confidence of the public in his ability and qualifica- 
tions as a lawyer, a confidence that had always been reposed in his 
character as a man. Genial in mind and conversation and agreeable 
and popular in manliers, in 1872, two years after his admission to the 
bar, he had come to be regarded as the proper man for prosecuting 
attorney of the county. Accordingly he was nominated by the Demo- 
cratic party for that oflice, being himself an ardent and active 
Democrat, and at the November election was triumphantly elected. 
The confidence of the public in him, neither professionally nor per- 
sonally, was misplaced. He made a faithful and efficient public 
prosecutor, one of the ablest, as many claim, whom the county ever 
had. In 1874 he was re-nominated and re-elected, and filled the office 
with honor and abihty until 1876. Illustrating the truth of Carlisle's 
saying, that " the ambition of man is as boundless as space," he was 
still not satisfied ; but now his ambition took a nobler and happier 
direction — matrimony. And he was successful in this also. On the 
12th of October, 1876, he was married to Miss Jennie Thatcher, a re- 
fined and accomphshed daughter of W. S. Thatcher, of Atchison, Kan. 
Mr. Sears has been as happy in his domestic life as successful in his 
profession, and has, to add an additional charm to his home, a bright 
little boy, Charley T., now two years of age. After retiring from the 
office of prosecuting attorney he continued the practice of law, and 
has steadily advanced toward the front in his profession. He does a 
general practice and is quite successful with every class of cases, but 
especially so in the trial of criminal causes, the latter being a depart- 
ment of the law for which he is peculiarly well fitted, both by the 
natural qualities of his mind and by his experience and attainments. 
He is justly regarded as one of the best criminal lawyers in the circuit. 
On the 1st of January, 1883, Mr. Sears became associated in the prac- 
tice with Mr. Ben Eli Guthrie, a partnership that has proved entirely 
agreeable to both and to the mutual advantage of each. They have a 
large practice in the courts of this county, and also do considerable 
business in the neighboring circuit courts. Mr. Sears has always taken 
a public-spirited interest in politics, and is regarded as a sound and 
safe leader by his party in the county. He has served as chairman of 
the Democratic Central Committee, and has repeatedly represented his 
party in different conventions. He has served one term as a member 
of the city council, and has held other positions of local prominence. 
Mr. Sears is a prominent member of the Masonic order, and stands 
high in the esteem of a'tl who know him. 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1207 

GEORGE SHERMAN 

(Section 35) . 

Mr. S., a leading farmer and stock-raiser of tlie county, comes of 
one of the most distinguished families of America. He is a descend- 
ant of a family which has gained an enviable reputation by its 
records as soldiers, and was born in Pennsylvania in 1807. He was 
brought to Ohio when an infant, the family having previously decided 
to locate in that State. The father, George Sherman, Sr., was a 
teamster and farmer, and bought provisions and grain for the Ameri- 
can army in 1812. It was while engaged in delivering the same that 
he came to his death by drowning while crossing the Licking river 
in Muskingum county, Ohio. George grew up in Ohio and worked 
for several years at a nominal salary on the Ohio canal, and after- 
wards for a year at Moore's furnace. In 1865 Mr. Sherman moved 
to Macon county. Mo., and settled on the farm where he still resides. 
This comprises 340 acres of good prairie land, all except 80 acres of 
which is under cultivation. He has excellent buildings and other im- 
provements, and is to-day one of the enterprising and progressive 
agriculturists of the township. He is much looked up to by the 
community, and has received unmistakable proofs of the esteem felt 
for him in the positions to which he has been elected. He served for 
some time as justice of the peace and at one time discharged the 
duties pertaining to the office of a judge of the county court. On 
the 26th of April, 1834, Mr. Sherman was married to Miss Matilda 
A. Barick, whose father, Philip Barick, was the first white settler on 
the Licking river. Of this union were born six children : Philip, 
George, James, who fought through the war ; Louise, William and 
Elizabeth. Mr. Sherman is a prominent Mason. Coming of such a 
family as he has, one known the world over for the part they have 
taken in the public affairs of this country, it was not unnatural to 
believe that Mr. George Sherman would distinguish himself if no 
more than in a local way ; and that he has done this, all will be willing 
to admit who are favored with his acquaintance. 

BARTLEY SMITH, M.D., 

(Physician and Surgeon, Macon City.) 

Dr. Smith comes of two old and highly respected Pennsylvania fami- 
lies, but is himself a native of Ohio, where his parents settled in an 
early day. His father, Rev. Walter Smith, was an able Baptist min- 
ister of Ohio, and his grandfather, Rev. Charles B. Smith, is known 
in the early Baptist histories of that State and Kentucky as one of the 
ablest preachers of the Baptist denomination. Mr. Smith's mother 
was a Miss Rachel Whitlatch, and she and his father were married in 
Ohio and came out to Ohio in company with the families of her father 
and father-in-law. Rev. Charles B. Smith. Dr. Smith was reared in 
Ohio, and received a good common school education. At the age of 
71 



1208 HISTORY OF JNIACON COUNTY 

19, he joined the Diiukard Church, and at once began to prepare 
himself for the ministry in that church. Three years afterwards he 
began preaching, being duly elected a minister in the Dunkard de- 
nomination, and continued preaching in the Dunkard Church for 25 
years. However, at the age of 23 he also began the study of medicine, 
and took a thorough course in allopathy, but the ministry occupied 
the principal part of his time up to 1862, when he entered the 
P. M. Medical College of Ohio, at Cincinnati, in which he took a 
complete course. Dr. Smith graduated in 1867. After this he prac- 
ticed medicine in Ohio for about 10 years, and then came to Missouri 
and located at Wellsville, continuing the practice from that point in 
the neighboring vicinities of Montgomery, Audrain and Callaway 
counties. In the meantime he had severed his connection with the 
Dunkard denomination and become a member of the Christian Church. 
He was also licensed to preach in that church, and while at Wells- 
ville filled the pulpit for his denomination. In January, 1882, he 
removed to Macon City, and has since been engaged in the practice 
here and also occasionally preaches for his church at this point as well 
as at adjoining towns. December 31, 1846, Dr. Smith was married to 
Miss Deantha M. Abraham, of Ohio. They have two children, 
Walter, in the drug business at Macon City, and Mary L., now Mrs. 
D. C. Meltner, of DeWitt, Missouri. The Doctor is also a member 
of the I. O. O. F. and of the Triple Alliance. 

FRANK SMITH 

(Of McCulloush & Smith, Grocers, aucl Moore, McCullough & Co., Millers, Macon 

City). 

Mr. Smith, of the above named firms, who is a successful business 
man and respected citizen of Macon City, is a native of the State 
whence the next President of the United States will come, and was 
born in Auburn, Me., October 11, 1853. His parents were John and 
Ruth (Vickery) Smith, and when Frank was 12 years of age, they 
removed to Missouri, bringing their family and settled in Macon City. 
His father is now engaged in the hotel business at Stanberry. Prior 
to engao-ino- in the hotel business, however, he had been in the gro- 
cery trade at Macon City, since his removal to this State. Frank 
Smith o-rew to manhood in Macon, and was educated in the common 
schools of this place. As he grew up he also learned the printer's 
trade, at which he worked for about two years. In 1876 he began in 
the grocery business, and has since been engaged in this line of trade 
with Mr. McCullough. In 1881, as stated in the sketch of Mr. Mc- 
Cullough, he bought an interest in the milling firm of Moore, McCul- 
louo-h & Co., with which he has since been identified. The business 
of their mill and grain trade of the grocery store have already been 
fully spoken of in the sketch of Mr. McCoullough, so that it is un- 
necessary to add anything further in that regard. December 29, 
1875, Mr. Smith was married to Miss Lizzie Titus, formerly a teacher 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1209 

in the public scliook at this phice. They have one child, Waldo F. 
Mr. and Mrs, Smith are members of the Congregational Church. 

ISAAC C. STEPHENS 

(Dealer in Gent's Furnishing Goods, Macon City). 

Mr. Stephens has had many years' experience in his present line of 
business, and now conducts the leading house in his line in Macon 
City. He is a man of thorough business qualifications, irreproachable 
character and popular manners, and is highly esteemed both person- 
ally and in business. Proficiently conversant with the clothing and 
gent's furnishing goods line, he keeps everything in his stock to be 
found in a first-class store, in the branch of business Avith which he is 
identified, and, considering quality, sells at prices which can not be 
cut under by competition. He has thus built up a large trade, a trade 
which is steadily increasing with the progress of population and wealth 
throughout the territory tributary to Macon City. Mr. Stephens is 
a native of the Blue Grass State of Kentucky, born in Wayne county, 
January 8, 1839. His parents were Gordon C. and Sallie (Crockett) 
Stephens, and his father was a successful merchant of Monticello. In 
1844 the family came to Missouri, locating in Macon county, near 
Macon City, on a farm, where the father subsequently^lied. Isaac C. 
was then about 14 years of age, and two years later he took charge of 
the farm and conducted it for about four years, when, his mother 
dying, he crossed the plains and went to Colorado or Pike's Peak. 
Returning, however, soon afterwards, he attended school at Mexico 
and then attended the Macon High School at Bloomiugton. On leav- 
ing the hiffh school he eng-ao-ed in teaching and taught about three 
terms of school. At the expiration of his last term he came to Macon 
City and became a clerk in the store of Goldsberry & McQuie (which 
was about 23 years ago), remaining with them five years. At the ex- 
piration of this time, he commenced in business for himself, which he 
continued for another five years, afterwards forming a co-partnership 
with E. S. Goldsberry, his former employer, under the firm name of 
Goldsberry & Stephens. This relation existed until about 20 months 
ago when the firm dissolved, since which period Mr. S. has been en- 
gaged in dealing in clothing, hats, caps and gents' furnishing goods, 
with the exception of about 10 months, when Mr. Hail was associated 
with him, having charge of the dry goods store. This was sold tO' 
Messrs. Hail and Baker last August (1883). Mr. Stephens took for 
a wife Miss Anna Cravens, of Randolph county, a daughter of Owen 
Cravens. She is a graduate of Mount Pleasant College and is a lady 
of fine intelligence and attainments. They have five children: Ow^en 
Gordon, Mollie Knott, Lulie Pearl, Lethia and Howard Wendall. 
They have lost six : Cora Letitia, dying in 1883, at the age of 12 ; 
Walter Crockett died at about the age of six years. Both parents are 
members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and he is a Master^ 
Mason. 



1210 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY, 



Dr. EDWARD C. STILL 

(Physician and Surgeon, Macou City). 

Dr. Still's father, Abram Still, who was a minister of the Gospel 
and also a physician, was the pioneer of the M. E. Church in this 
county, and of the medical profession. He preached the first sermon 
ever delivered in Macon county from his denomination, and adminis- 
tered the first dose of medicine ever given by prescription from a 
physician in the county. He was from North Carolina, and then came 
to Virginia, and his wife, whose maiden name was Martha P. Moore, 
was a daughter of James Moore, whose name is familiar to every one 
acquainted with the history of the Old Dominion. The Moores were 
early settlers neai' the Natural Bridge (called Rock Bridge), celebrated 
to all our Sabbath school readers of the Old School Presbyterian 
Sal)bath School Library, by the pen of the gifted Dr. Brown, son of 
one of the captives, and not less, but more sadly, noted in Virginia his- 
tory as the scene of the Abb's Valley Indian Massacre. In that massa- 
cre by the Shawnee Indians, young Moore's father, or the greatgrand- 
father of Dr. Still, Capt. James Moore, as he was at that time a military 
officer, 'was murdered. A tradition is that the great-grandmother was 
taken to the present site of the City of Detroit and burned at the stake. 
Young James, himself, when 14 years of age, had been captured and 
taken into captivity by the savages, three years prior to the massacre 
and capture of the family. He remained with the Indians for seven 
years, and having become a universal favorite in the camp, especially 
with the squaws, he was by these protected from any harm which 
might have come to him through the effects of drunken disturbances 
of their lords. Satisfied with his condition, young Moore would prob- 
ably not have returned to the white settlements had it not been on 
account of the ill-treatment of his sister at the time of the capture of 
the family. For her sake, and by the entreaties of friends, he returned 
to the old homestead where his sister Mary, or " Polly," as she was 
generally called, and other captives had gone. Soon after he was 
married to Miss Taylor, who bore him three children, two sons and a 
daughter, Martha, who, upon reaching womanhood, married Rev. 
Dr. A. Still, at that time a member of the Holston M. E. Church 
Conference. They raised a large family of children, all now living 
and themselves the heads of families. The subject of this sketch, Dr. 
E. C. Still, is the oldest one of his father's family. His parents lived 
after their marriage for a time in Tazewell county, Va., where he was 
born, January 15, 1824. Shortly afterwards they removed to Jeffer- 
son county, Tenn., where they resided for some years on what became 
the scene in our late war of the battle of New Market. There young 
Still attended the Holston Seminary, founded by the M. E. Church. 
Rev. Dr. Still, the father, preached in that State for some years and* 
practiced medicine with success, in the vicinity of New Market. In 
1837 the family immigrated to Missouri, settling near Old Blooming- 
ton, in Macon county. The day they entered Bloomington, the com- 



i 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1211 

missioners located the county seat of Macon county at that place, 
which then included tli^ present counties of Macon, Adair, Schuyler 
and Putman. The Commissioners had just driven the first stake 
locating the county seat at Bloomington an hour before the wagons of 
Rev. Dr. Still appeared upon the scene. Some years afterwards he 
removed to Schuyler county, where he resided for five years, return- 
ing thence to Macon. He lived in this county from that time forward 
until about 1850, when he was sent by his church as a missionary to 
the Shawnee Indians, then settled in Kansas. Thus became the 
grandson-iu-law of the ancestor who was massacred by the Shawnees, 
nearly a century before, the messenger of Christ, with the tidings of 
good will and mercy to their descendants. This was perhaps not 
poetic justice, but it was poetic humanity, and it brings out in clearest 
and purest light one of the grandest and most glorious attributes of 
humanity. A code of faith that can produce results like this can 
spring only from the conscience of God and cannot fail to bring about 
the universal brotherhood of man in one sympathy, one faith and one 
hope. Rev. Dr. Still was an active minister and a practicing 
physician during his entire residence in Macon county and he con- 
tinued both callings among the Indians. He died in Kansas about 
the year 1870. His widow, the mother of our subject, still survives, 
a resident of that State at the advanced age of 85 and well preserved, 
with a fair possibility of celebrating her centennial birthday. Dr. 
Still, the son, discovered a decided taste for the medical profession at 
an early age, and for 15 years applied himself to medical study 
almost constantly. In this he had the encouragement and instruction 
of his father, and he made such progress that at the age of 17 his 
father took him out with him in the practice. He was of necessity, 
owing to the condition of the country and surrounding circumstances, 
almost compelled to make medicine and surgery his leading lifetime 
thouo^ht, so that at a very early age it gave him such a knowledge of 
medicine that he readily won the confidence of the public in his skill 
and ability in the practice, and his father often being absent in pulpit 
work, the son was frequently compelled to take upon himself the 
responsibility of managing cases. Thus, at the age of 20, young Dr. 
Still found himself in possession of a good practice with increasing 
reputation and popularity. He soon fell heir to his father's whole 
practice. On the 20th of April, 1848, he was married to Miss Mary 
S. Powell, and he continued the practice, residing on the farm near 
Bloomhigton, until the time of the war. Conscientiously a Union man, 
he was made assistant surgeon of the Eleventh Missouri State militia, 
which was stationed most of the time at Macon City. He therefore 
removed his family to this place and has since resided here. Since 
the war he has been connected as examining surgeon with the pension 
business and is still a member of the examining board of this county. 
Dr. Still has always had a good practice, and by his upright life has 
ever challenged and had the respect and confidence of those among 
whom he has lived. On the 20th of October, 1882, he had the mis- 
fortune to lose his good wife, with whom he had spent nearly 34 years 



1212 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

of happy married life. They reared three children : Sadie, wiio 
became the wife of Dr. E. H. Dunnington, of Atlanta, Macon county, 
Mo., and is now deceased ; Thomas A., of Macon City, and with whom 
the Doctor still resides ; and John J., who is a practicing physician, and 
now resides in the State of Kansas. Dr. Still is a member of the order 
of Royal Arch Masons. 

REV. ETHELBERT TALBOT 

(Rector of the Episcopal Church, Macon City). 

Rev. Mr. Talbot is a native Missourian, born in Howard count}^ 
October 9, 1848. He was a son of Dr. John A. Talbot, of that 
county, for many years one of its leading physicians, and a man of 
marked ability and learning. Dr. Talbot was originally from Erie 
county, Pa., and completed his medical education at the Jefferson 
Medical College, of Philadelphia, from which he graduated with dis- 
tinction. After practicing a short time in Virginia, where he was 
partly reared, he came to Howard county in 1832, and located at Fay- 
ette. He practiced his profession in that county until his death, 
which occurred in 1859. Rev. E. Talbot was the sixth in his family 
of nine children. After taking a preparatory course in the Central 
College, at Fayette, young Talbot matriculated at Dartmouth College, 
New Hampshire, where he spent four years in study, graduating in 
1870. He then entered the General Theological Seminary, at New 
York City, where he received a thorough course of training in theol- 
ogy, graduating in 1873. The same year he was ordained Deacon at 
New York, and in the following November was consecrated to the 
Priesthood. Meanwhile, in July, 1873, he had come to Macon City 
and taken charge of St. James Parish. After he had been rector 
of the parish some two years, he established St. James Academy, 
now one of the leading institutions of learning, under the patronage 
of his church, in this section of the State. On the 5th of November, 
1873, Rev. Mr. Talbot was married to Miss Dora Harvey, of Howard 
county, a daughter of John Harvey, Esq., a well known and highly 
respected citizen of that county. 

CAPT. WILLIAM H. TERRELL 

(Of W. H. Terrell & Bro., Macou City). 

So far as Macon City is concerned, Capt. Terrell can very justly 
claim to be one of its original inhabitants. His father, James A. 
Terrell, came here in 1845, and entered the land on which the town 
is now situated. The town of Macon City was laid off 11 years after- 
wards, and Oftpt. Terrell, then a youth 15 years old, carried the stakes 
for the surveyor, John P. Walker, on the 3d of March, 1856, when the 
place was surveyed. Young Terrell grew up here, and in 18(il, then 
20 years of age, he joined the Confederate army and served until the 
fall of Vicksburg, when he ])ecame a prisoner. He was afterwards 
pardoned by President Lincoln, through the influence of Judge W. A. 

t 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1213 

Hull and Hon. J. S. Rollins, and came home. Capt. Terrell feels 
under lasting obligations to Hon. William A. Hull and Hon J. S. 
Rollins for their many acts of kindness, not only to himself but to 
his father's family. After his return to this place he started the Ma- 
con nursery, and has since been in the business, except for the years 
from 1874 to 1878, when he was serving as sheriff of the county, hay- 
ing been elected in the fall of the first-named year, and re-elected in 
18"76. His brother, Allen H.Terrell, became his partner in business 
in 1878, and they have since conducted the business together. They 
have one of the largest and best nurseries in this part of the State. 
Their trees, plants, etc., occupy 20 acres of ground and embrace 
every variety of samples usually found in a first-class nursery. 
Theirs is the only nursery in the county, except one at La Plata'. In 
1870 Capt. Terrell and Col. London organized a company of militia 
under the State laws. Col. London was the first paptain of the com- 
pany and Capt. Terrell was its lieutenant. After a while the former 
resigned and Capt. Terrell became captain of the company. On the 
21st of September, 1871, Capt. Terrell was married to Miss Caroline 
A. McCall, a daughter of Hon. A. P. McCall, who died in the Legis- 
lature in 1873. The Captain and Mrs. Terrell have two children : ' 
Arlotta and Adolphus. Capt. Terrell's parents were from Kentucky. 
His mother's maiden name was Rebecca J. AVright. His f\ither came 
here in 1828, and they were married in about 1837. They subse- 
quently removed to what is now Adair county. Capt. Terrell was 
born in that county, August 16, 1841. But, as stated above, the 
family came back to Macon in 1845. , 

CAPT. FIELDS TRAMMEL, 'SQUIRE PHILIP TRAMMEL and 
PROF. S. F. TRAMMEL 

(Macon City) . 
The subjects of the present sketch, father, son and grandson, rep- 
resent three of the four generations of this family that have been set- 
tled in North Central Missouri. The founder of the family in this 
section of the State was Philip Trammel, a native of Virginia, but 
who came to Missouri from Kentucky. He settled in Howard county 
among the earliest pioneers of that county, in 1814, and was a friend 
and associate of the Boones, Coopers, and most of the pioneers 
of the Boone's Lick country. Of this family of children was Fields 
Trammel, who was in youth when the family came to Missouri. 
Fields Trammel married Miss Mary Hardin, whose father's family 
were pioneer settlers, from Kentucky, in Boone county, and related 
to the Hardins of Kentucky and this State. Fields Trammel became 
one of the sturdy and brave-hearted frontiersmen of the country, a 
leader of those "^among whom he lived, by reason of his courage, 
character and strong intelligence, — as little afraid of the stealthy, 
murderous savage as he was ready-handed to clear away the forests 
and to assist by his brain and muscle in the establishment of civiliza- 
tion in this then trackless wilderness. He became a noted Indian 



1214 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

fighter and his very name was used in the wigwam to make the pap- 
pooses nestle in fear quietly on their mother's breast. He at last lost 
his life while gallantly leading a company of Howard county volun- 
teers, of which he was captain, in a tight with the Iowa Indians, 
which occurred in what is now Adair county, July 14, 1829. Mor- 
tally wounded in the tight, he died at his home in Howard county, 
shortly afterwards. No braver man ever contributed his life to the 
great cause of carrying civilization across this continent than Capt. 
Fields Trammel. He left a widow and four children, the children be- 
mg Philip, Samuel, Fields and Susan. 

Philip Trammel was born in Howard county, Mo., July 26, 1822. 
Seven yeai's of age at the time of his father's death, he remained 
with his mother on the family homestead in Howard county, until he 
was in his nineteenth year, when he was married to Miss Sirena Blak- 
ley, February 25^ 1841. About this time he removed to Macon 
county and began to establish himself a home. He was one of the 
first settlers of this county, and, as has been pertinently remarked, 
came here Avhen the Avolves were in the country, and the Indians and 
the deer and every variety of animals fer(E natures, indigenous to this 
part of the country. 'Squire Trammel still resides in Macon county 
and has long held the position of one of its most successful farmers 
and highly respected and influential citizens. By sturdy industry and 
broad-gauged, liberal-minded good management, he has accumulated 
a handsome estate, and achieved his success without doing any man a 
wrong, but on the contrary by his own brain and muscle, and the soil 
and seasons which God has given. Without an enemy, and esteemed 
for the many strong and excellent qualities of his character, as well as 
his excellent business intelligence and qualifications, he has frequently 
been called into positions of public trust and service. For many 
years he was justice of the peace of Independence township, and in 
1875 he was appointed public administrator of the county by Gov. 
Hardin. The following year he removed to Macon City, in order to 
be near the situs of his official duties. In 1876 he was elected to that 
office, and two years later he was elected county treasurer, and in 
1880 was re-elected county treasurer. No man in the county stands 
with a name more spotless or is more highly esteemed than he. He 
has reared seven children : John B., James S., Anna M., Bethilda, 
Susan E,, Samuel F, and Sarah E. 

Samuel F. Trammel, the sixth of these, was born in Macon county, 
December, 13, 1854, and was reared on the farm in Independence 
township, where he made his home until he was 20 years of age. 
He studied the hi<xher branches of a o-eneral Eng-lish education at the 
State Normal School, in Kirksville, and at the St. James Academy, 
in Macon City. A faithful and earnest student, and possessed of a 
quick, active mind and a retentive memory, he succeeded in acquir- 
ing a good general education. After his academic course he was en- 
gaged in mercantile pursuits for two years and then adopted teaching 
as a profession. He has since taught with success in Macon, Ran- 
dolph and Howard counties. During the year 1877 he was professor 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 



121i> 



of mathematics in the St. James Academy. In the sprmg of 188.-> 
Prof. Trammel was elected school commissioner of the connty, the 
office he now holds. A young man of irreproachable habits, marked 
intelligence and superior education, his future seems more than ordi- 
narily bright with promise. 

WILLIAM TRISTER 

(Of Trister & Dyson, Retail Dealers in Liquors, Cigars, Etc., Macon). 
Mr. Trister, who commenced for himself when a young man 
without a dollar, and by industry, intelligence and enterprise, is 
rapidly coming to the front as one of the substantial property holders 
of Macon City, is, as it is almost supererogation to say, a native of 
Germany. He was born in the Fatherland January, 27, 1851, and 
was brought to America by his parents, John and Caroline Trister, 
who emio-rated to this country in 1855. They came to Macon City 
four yeai°s afterwards. The father died here in 1862, but the mother 
is still living. William was reared on a farm, and afterwards served 
six years on the police force at this place. He then engaged in his 
present business, which he has since followed. For two years Mi\ 
Dyson has been his partner. They carry a full line of liquors and 
keep constantly on hand good beer and other refreshing beverages 
including wines, etc., etc. They also have a fine assortment of 
cigars and tobacco, and, in fact, everything necessary to enable^ one 
to°spend an hour of leisure with comfort and pleasure. Mr. Trister 
also has charge of the Macon brewery, where they make the best beer 
to be had in this section of the State, and he and partner also own a 
large soda factory at Macon City, where they manufacture the dnnk 
tha^ cools one of a hot summer's day. Hence, they have the drinks 
tliat heat, the drinks that cool and the drinks that come between the 
two, so that by investing a small sum any honest citizen can enjoy 
any degree of temperature that he desires, regardless of wind or 
weathe?, while to cap the climax he can have a smoke fragrant and 
delicious enoucrh to make even a Turk think that he is in his ideal 
heaven of houri and niobes. August 16, 1872, Mr. Trister was 
married to Miss Caroline Kraul, originally of Germany. They have 
two children: John and Eddie. Mr. Trister is a member of the 
PJiilanthrops d' Fraternite. ^ t^ \ e 

Alfred Dyson, is of Trister & Dyson, proprietors of the "Board ot 
Trade," Macon Citv. Mr. Dyson is a native of the Empress Isle of 
the seas, born in Hudderstiekl, Yorkshire, March 11, 1846. Reared 
in his native county, in the tall of 1869 he came to America, coming 
soon afterwards to Macon City. In the spring of the following year 
be besan work in a wholesale liquor house and had charge of the soda 
water^'factory, and continued in the same until January 1, 1883, when 
he and Mr. Trister formed their present partnership. Their business, 
has been spoken of at large in the sketch of Mr. Trister, thus render- 
ing further notice of it in this connection unnecessary. March 29, 
1871, Mr. Dyson was married to Miss Jessie C. Hogen, of this place, 



1216 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

whose parents were formerly of England, and she was the youngest 
of a family of 11 children, all the rest of whom were born in the 
Mother country. Mr. and Mrs. Dyson have three children : John M., 
Fred E. and Horace M. They lost their oldest, a daughter, in 
infancy. Mr. Dyson is a member of the Knights of Pythias. Messrs. 
Tiister & Dyson have $2,000 invested in their saloon, and also over 
$2,000 in their soda water factory. They have two shares of a $1,000 
each in Macon brewery, which has a capital stock of $9,000. Mr. 
Dyson was a member of the city council at the time the city ordi- 
nances were revised. 

FREDEEICK A. TUCKEE 

(Macon City). 

Mr. T., until recently of the firm of Tucker & Marcum, late propri- 
etors of the Palace Hotel, is the son of Geo. L. and Caroline Tucker. 
Mr. Tucker, Sr., was a member of the Eoyal College of Surgeons, 
London. He also practiced his profession in New York previous to 
his death, which occurred in 1872. His wife is still living in New 
York, in which State Frederick was born in July, 1857. He grew up 
in New York and was educated at the common schools. Coming to 
Missouri in 1875, he first clerked in the Browning House, Chillicothe, 
and afterwards in several different places, finally came to Macon City 
and took part in the management of the Palace Hotel until disposing 
of his interest to Mr. Marcum. Mr. Tucker married, March 29, 
1883, Miss Martha E. McMuUin, one of Indiana's fairest and most 
charming daughters. 

Though in this free land 

Kind hearts are more than coronets, 

And simple faith than Norman blood, — 

yet when we can so thoroughly unite both, as does the subject of this 
sketch, the effect is beyond measure pleasing. Mr. Tucker is every 
inch a gentleman, and his obliging disposition, his modest but solid 
worth of character and winning manners lend him a fascination that in 
his profession is invaluable. Mr. T. is a member of the I. O. O. F. 

HENEY VANSICKLE 

(Farmer and Stock-raiser) . 

Mr. V. is the son of Louis Vansickle and his wife, nee Brookey 
McKee, of Ohio. He is one of a family of 10 children : William, 
Euth, John, Henry, Sarah, Charles, Louis, Mary Ann, Anthony and 
Nicholas. His father came to Macon county and farmed for several 
years, but afterwards moved to Kansas, where he died in 1872. His 
wife is still living in Kentucky. Henry Vansickle was born in 1838, 
in Elkhart county, Ind., and was reared on a farm, receiving such 
education as could be obtained at the common schools of the county. 
He began life without any help, but by frugality, economy and 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1217 

unflagging labor, joined to a clear head, natural talent for manage- 
ment, he has now accumulated a beautiful farm finely improved of 
320 acres ; 160 acres he is desirous of selling, $25.00 per acre being 
the exceedingly low figure at which he offers his land. It is equal, if 
not superior, in value to any in the county. Mr. Vansickle deals 
largely in stock, horses and cattle. He has been twice married. His 
first wife to whom he was united, December 17, 1845, was Miss Mary 
A. Shell. By her he had eight children : Ruth, John, Francis, Mary J . , 
Nancy A., Sarah M., Andrew and Elisha. He was left a widower in 
1866, and the following year married Mrs. Mary Stoops, widow of 
Tervis Stoops, of Kent county, Md. Of this latter union wei^e 
born six children: Brookie D., Etha M., Maudie M., Mattie L., 
Grantie A. and Henry B. Mrs. Vansickle had four children by her 
first marriage : William J., Jessie B., E. E. and Alpha O. In all, the 
children of the family number 18. This good man has faith- 
fully discharged his duty to his family, and of him it may truly be 
said that "His children rise up and call him blessed." 

JOHN VANSICKLE 

(Tarraer and Dealer in Stocky. 

Mr. Vansickle is the brother of Henry Vansickle, a sketch of whose 
life has been already given. He was born in Elkhart, county, Ind., on 
the 1st of March, 1826. His early youth was passed in Indiana, 
and when about 14 years of age he came to this county, thereafter 
farming with his father until his mairiage in 1848. The fair lady of 
his love was Miss Nancy Murphy, daughter of Gabriel Murphy and 
Mehitable, his wife, whose father was John Fletcher, of South Carolina. 
Gabriel Murphy rode pack horses for the British in the Revolutionary 
War. Mr. V. now has a beautiful farm of 290 acres of tillable 
land, upon which is a handsome brick house and other substantial 
buildings, and also a fine orchard. Mr. V. deals extensively in stock 
and devotes all his time and attention to his business. He never was 
an office-seeker, but has always found it sufficient pleasure and honor 
to be the guide and counselor of his interesting family. He has 
three children : Brookey, born September 5, 1849 ; William, born 
March 13, 1851 ; and Louetta, born October 22, 1861. In this little 
world, cheerful, self-possessed, independent, he conducts his life with 
sound judgment : 

A narrow compass ! and yet there 
Dwells all that's good and all that's fair. 

Mr. and Mrs. Vansickle are members of the Baptist Church. 
THOMAS WARDELL 

(Coal Exploiter and Dealer, Macon City) . 
Mr. Wardell, a native of England, now has $100,000 invested in 
the coal business in Macon county, and mines and ships about 48,000 



1218 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

tons, or 3,000 car loads a year. His coal lands number 2,500 acres, 
250 acres of which are now being worked. He has three different 
shafts, and employs regularly during the coal season about 160 men, 
and during the summer season over 100 men. He has been identified 
with coal mining ever since he was 10 years of age, and has achieved 
his whole success in this industry, coming up from pennilessness to 
comparative wealth by his own industry and good business manage- 
ment. Such a record is not to be blushed at except for the credit it 
reflects, and is well worth}'' a place in this volume. 

Thomas Wardell was born in County of Durham, England, near 
New Castle, July 4, 1835, and went to work in the coal mines when 
10 years of age. Seven years later, while still a youth, he braved 
the buffetings of the stormy Atlantic, and took passage for America. 
Landing in this country, he came direct to Coshocton county, Ohio, 
and soon afterwards pushed on out to Kewanee, Illinois, where he 
shortly became interested in coal raining. In 1861 Mr. Wardell 
came to Missouri and began operations in Macon county. He opened 
the second coal mine ever worked in the county, John Clifton having 
worked one previously from 1855 to 1860. He came to this county 
at the instance of the Hannibal and St. Joe Railway Company, and 
afterwards supplied that company with coal. He came to Macon City 
in 1879, where he has since resided. 

WILLIAM B. WEBBER and WALTER SMITH 

(Or Webber & Smith, Manufacturing Druggists, Macon City). 

These gentlemen, besides having one of the best drug stores in Macon 
City, are largely engaged in the manufacture of Dr. Kessler's family 
medicines. The following are the medicines which they manufacture 
and of which they are the proprietors : Dr. Kessler's German Cough 
Balm ; Dr. Kessler's Comp. Syr. Blackberry ; Dr. Kessler's Malarial 
Antidote; Dr. Kessler's German Worm Treatment; Dr. Kessler's 
German Corn Cure ; Dr. Kessler's Toothache Drops ; Hoffman's 
Canadian Condition Powders; Swan's Peruvian Elixir; Swan's In- 
stant Hair Dye ; and Anderson's Sure Death to Rats. Both gentle- 
men are practical pharmacists of long experience and understand their 
business thoroughly. They have been engaged in the manufacture 
of these medicines less than a year and their business has grown with 
wonderful rapidity. They now have a large, laboratory and have 
already established a large and growing trade for their goods. Their 
medicines are intrinsically valuable and their use is their best recom- 
mendation. 

ADOLPH WILL 

(Section 10) . 

Mr. W. is a leading farmer in the county, and was born in Bavaria, 
August 13, 1823. His father, Guenther Will, was a military officer. 
Adolph was educated as a civil engineer and painter, but dissatisfied with 
the monotony of the life in his native country, he came to seek his fortune 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1219 

in America. On the vessel in which he crossed the ocean, he met a 
Miss Helena Seebich, to whom, on Christmas Day of the same year, 
1851, he was married. For several years in Baltimore, Pittsburg, and 
South Bend, Indiana, he followed the painter's trade. In 1857 he 
started in a wagon to Kansas, but the team giving out when he got as 
far -as Macon County, he concluded to stay there. He settled and im- 
proved two farms, and then sold them, always realizing some profit, 
until finally he located where he now lives, on 80 acres of land, to 
which he has added from time to time. He now owns 560 acres of as 
fine land as there is in the county, and has the best improvements in 
his neighborhood. He has a vineyard and orchard (and also raises 
stock, horses and cattle, etc.). Mr. Will takes much pride in his 
lovely home, which can be seen from Macon City, lying as it does, 
about two miles to the north-east. He brought the first cooking stove 
and bushel measure to the county. Mr. Will and his wife are mem- 
bers of the Lutheran Church. They have six children : Solomon, 
Henry, Louis, Otto, John and Hugo. Mr. Will is a citizen of whom 
any community may feel justly proud. 

JUDGE DANIEL E. WILSON 

(Of Wilson &Co., Dealers in Groceries, Macon City). 

Judge Wilson was born at Salona, Centre county. Pa., Febru- 
ary 27, 1880. His father was Mark Wilson, and his mother's 
maiden name was Harriet Hartman. In 1836 they removed to Ohio, 
and settled in Wayne county, where the father bought a farm. Daniel 
E. was reared in Wayne county, and received a good district education 
as he grew up. In young manhood he engaged in teaching school, 
and' taught several terms with success. He then turned his attention 
to farming, and followed it Avith energy and enterprise until his re- 
moval to Missouri three years before the now not very "late" war. 
September 30, 1856, he was married at Berea, Ohio, to Miss Abbie M. 
Bevans, and two years later he came to Missouri, locating at Macon 
City. Here he took charge of the public school, which he conducted 
Avith satisfaction to all concerned until 1869. He now retired from 
the schools to engage in the tombstone business, which he carried on 
at Macon City until the war put a stop, practically, to all business in 
this section of the State. He was a staunch Union man during the 
war and became a Lieutenant in the Sixty-second E. M. M. Later 
along, however, he was elected to the office of justice of the peace, 
and in 1863 he was elected mayor of Macon City, a position which he 
held until 1806. After the war in 1867-68 he was general assignee 
in bankruptcy for several counties. He was also a Division Assessor 
of Internal Kevenue from 1869 until that office was abolished or 
rather the law creating it was changed, and was the U. S. Ganger 
for several counties. These offices, however, he did not hold simul- 
taneously, but rather in the order named. The office of U. S. 
Gauger he held from 1876 to 1879, prior to this he was appointed pro- 
bate judge, and filled the position with marked ability and efficiency. 



1220 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 

Since 1879 he has been engaged in various lines of business, and es- 
tablished his present business in the summer of 1882. The firm of 
which he is a member, carries a well-selected stock of groceries, and 
quite a large one, and is building up a good trade. November 13, 
1880, Judge Wilson had the misfortune to lose his beloved wife, who 
died, leaving him two children: Ada E. and Harry B. 

MAJOR SAMUEL J. WILSON 

(General Insurance, Macon City). 

Major Wilson came by descent from two States famous in history 
for the gallantry of their sons — Virginia and Kentucky. His father, 
Samuel Wilson, was a native of the Old Dominion, and his mother, 
whose maiden name was Sarah McCrosky, of the Blue Grass State. 
Her family, however, was also originally from Virginia, as, indeed, 
Kentucky herself is a daughter of the old Mother of Presidents. 
Judge Wilson's parents settled in Illinois as early as 1836. His 
father was an able Presbyterian minister, and died at Monmouth, 
111., in 1847. The mother survived to 1878. Samuel James, 
their third son, was born at Rushville, in Illinois, November 27, 1838, 
and was principally educated at Monmouth. He graduated from 
Monmouth College, including a thorough classical course in 1860. 
He thereupon began school-teaching, but in the spring of 1861 en- 
tered the Tenth Illinois infantry for the three months' service. 
After the expiration of this term he enlisted for three years. In 
the three months' service he was second lieutenant, but in the three 
years' service he was made first lieutenant of Co. E, of the 
Tenth Illinois infantry. For meritorious service he was commis- 
sioned captain, and was afterwards promoted to the position of Major. 
After the expiration of his three years' term he enlisted in the veteran 
service, and continued until the Old Flag floated in triumph from the 
Lakes to the Gulf and from the Atlantic to the Pacific. He led his 
company at the battles of New Madrid, Island No. 10, Corinth, on 
the Nashville campaign, at the battle of Chattanooga, on the march to 
Atlanta, and at the battle of Peach Tree Creek. At Peach Tree 
Creek he commanded his regiment, but was severely wounded in the 
thigh and carried off" the field in a critical condition. As soon as he 
was able to travel he was furloughed for a visit home and accordingly 
returned to Illinois, and was discharged. After his recovery he be- 
gan the study of law at Oquawka, 111. In 1865 he came to Mis- 
souri and engaged in mercantile pursuits, which he continued until 
1870, when he began the practice of law at Macon City, being ad- 
mitted by Judge Burckhartt. Meanwhile he had baen appointed 
clerk of the common pleas court, a position he filled until his admis- 
sion to the bar at this place. In 1877 he engaged in the insurance 
business, which he has since followed. He represents many of the 
leading companies of the country — life, fire, etc., — and does a large 
business. Judge Wilson has also served in the office of county 



HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1221 

judge with ability and satisfaction since coming to this county, and 
has been a member of the school board since locating at Macon City. 
He was also city treasurer for about 15 years, and has ever been 
looked upon as one of the public-spirited, highly esteemed citizens of 
the place. November 27, 1866, he was married to Miss Stella M. 
Buffington, of Port Huron, Mich. They have four children: 
Fred, Jessie, Nellie and Charlie. The Judge and wife are members 
of the Presbyterian Church, and he is a member of the K. T. 

fkan:^<: e. williams 

(Of Downing & Williams, Dealers in Boots and Shoes, Macon City). 

Mr. Williams, of the above-named firm, is a son of Col. John F. 
Williams, well known by all Missonrians as one of the prominent men 
of this State, and was born in Howard county, September 16, 1860. 
In 1865 the family removed to Macon City, and Frank E. was reared 
at this place. He was given a liberal general English education, and 
early deciding to devote himself to business pursuits, he took a course 
at business college. In 1878 he entered the Gem Cit}'' Business 
College, of Quincy, 111., where he completed his business education. 
Returning to Macon City in 1879, he began clerking with Goldsberry 
& Stephens, and the following year he clerked with Kem & Downing. 
He continued with that house until the fall of 1882, although it under- 
went different changes of partnership, when he bought an interest in 
the firm, which was then the Long, Gooding & Kem Mercantile Com- 
pany, Mr. Williams buying Mr. Long's interest, and the name of the 
company was changed to the Macon Mercantile Company. This com- 
pany continued in business until June, 1883, when they closed out. 
Until the following January Mr. Williams was engaged in clerking 
and then formed his present partnership with Mr. H. H. Downing. 
Mr. Downing was from Scotland county. Mo., and came to Macon 
City a number of years ago. He was clerking here for some time and 
was also in business for himself some six or eisfht v^ars, most of the 
time in partnership with others. He is now a traveling salesman for 
a wholesale boot and shoe house of Chicago, and Mr. Williams gives 
his special attention to the business at Macon City. They carry one 
of the best and most complete stocks of boots and shoes to be seen in 
Macon City or at any other point even much larger than this in North- 
central Missouri. Both being comparatively young men and full of 
life and enterprise, and being business men of long experience and 
superior taste and judgment in buying goods, they are able to meet 
the wants of customers in every instance, and at prices in which they 
have but little or no rivalry. Their business at Macon City thus far 
has been one of gratifying success, and they have built up a large 
custom which insures them a prosperous future in the boot and shoe 
trade. Both gentlemen are well known in and around Macon City 
and are highly popular with the public. 



1222 HISTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 



CHAELES FKEDERICK WRIGHT 

(Deceased). 
The subject of this sketch, an old citizen of Macon City, died at his 
residence in this place on the Ist of September, 1882, at the age of 
74, having been born March 3, 1808. He was a native of New Haven, 
Conn., and Avas a son of William Wright, originally of England, a 
sailor by occupation. Charles F. went to sea when a boy and lost his 
leo-, off Cape Hatteras. It was amputated three times before he 
recovered. He then came ashore and learned the tailor's trade, locat- 
ino- at Richmond, Va., where he worked for some time. He there met 
mTss Zelean Dean, to whom he was married in 1837. From Richmond 
they went to Galveston, but came to St. Louis in 1838, removing the 
same year to Glasgow, settling soon afterward at Roanoke, where Mr. 
Wright followed his trade for 30 years. From there he came to 
Macon City, where he followed merchant tailoring for some 14 years 
and until his death. For many years before the war he was a slave 
auctioneer and was known far and wide as such, being regarded as 
the best auctioneer who ever knocked a coon from the block. He 
sold and hired negroes under the hammer throughout Howard, Chari- 
ton, Macon and other counties. His widow still survives him, a 
venerable silver-haired old lady, respected by all who know her. Her 
father dying when she was quite young, she was reared by her uncle, 
Isum Puckett, who ran the Eagle tavern at Richmond, Va., and was 
proprietor of the Broad Rock Race Course, a four-mile track. Mr. 
and Mrs. Wright had a family of four children : Christopher, Rucker, 
a merchant-tailor at Ft. Scott ; Adelia, now Mrs. Willis Worner ; and 
Martha, now Mrs. Evan C. Wright. The mother with her eldest son 
and youngest daughter reside at the old Palmer homestead in Macon. 
Christopher Wright was born at Roanoke, Howard county. May 19, 
1840, and as he grew up he learned the mason's and plasterer's trade, 
which he now follows. In 1861 he enlisted in Company H, Four- 
teenth Illinois inlantry, under Col. John M. Palmer. He participated in 
Fremont's campaign in this State and the Mississippi River campaign. 
He was also in the North Georgia campaign and was honorably dis- 
charo-ed in 1864. In 1865 he became first lieutenant of Co. F, in 
Pharo Denny's regiment of Missouri State Militia, and served until 
disbanded by the Government. He is a member of the G. A. R 

GEORGE YUNCKER 

(Township and City Collector and Dealer in Boots and Shoes, Macon) . 
Mr. Yuncker, one of the popular citizens of Macon City, and who 
was one of the bravest of the brave men who fought to uphold the 
Union and the old flag during the late war, is of Teutonic-French 
stock, and was himself born in the Land of Vines, in the province of 
Alsace, July 13, 1833. His parents were Nicholas and Christine 
Yuncker, and his father through several generations was originally 



ftlSTORY OF MACON COUNTY. 1223 

from the other side of the Rhine. The mother died when George was 
a lad about 10 years of age and soon afterwards the father, bringing 
his children, came to America, landing at New Orleans, but thence 
proceeded up the river into Ohio. George grew up in Ohio and learned 
the shoemaker's trade at Freemont. Subseqnently he worked as 
journeyman in Ohio, Michigan and Illinois, including the city of Chi- 
cago. In 1859 he engaged in business at Kankakee, Ills., and was 
there when the war broke out. Early in 1861 he enlisted in Co. G, 
Fifty-first Illinois volunteer infantry, and served until honorably dis- 
charged, a period of two years and nine months. He Avas sergeant of 
his company and participated in many of the hardest-fought battles of 
the war. At the battle of Chickamauga, but seven of his company 
escaped unhurt, the balance being either killed or wounded, and he, 
himself, was wounded no less than seven times, being as he was though 
shot all but to pieces. But he was placed in the hospital and in due 
time recovered. Following this he received his discharge. Returning 
to Kankakee, he came from there to Missouri in the fall of 1865, and 
to Macon City the year following. Here he worked for some time at 
his trade and then established his present business, which he has since 
continued. He is now serving his third year as city collector and his 
second as township collector. He is quartermaster of the G. A. R. 
at this place, and votes the way he shot, the Republican ticket, though 
in local afiairs he votes for the man, a sort of go-as-you-please ballot. 
His first vote was cast for John C. Fremont. January 2, 1872, he 
was married to Miss Libbie Trew, a native of Ohio. They have three 
children : Marion, Minnie and Lizzie. He and wife are both members 
of the Presbyterian Church. 

72 




A 



Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process. 
Neutralizing Agent: Magnesium Oxide 
Treatment Date: 



iBBKKEEPER 

PRESERVATION TECHNOLOGIES. L.P. 
1 1 1 Thomson Park Drive 
Cranberry Township. PA 16066 
(724) 779-21 1 1 




